How to Decorate Your Room on a Budget

Make It Yours: Decorating Your Room Without Breaking the Bank

Moving into a new room—especially in a shared apartment—often means starting with a blank canvas. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune to make it feel like home. With a little creativity and a modest budget, you can transform even the most basic room into a cozy, stylish space.

Here’s how to decorate your room on a budget, whether you're a student, young professional, or new expat settling into a city like Barcelona, Madrid, or Berlin.

1. Use Lighting to Set the Mood

Lighting makes a huge impact on the feel of a room.

✔ Add fairy lights or LED strips for a soft, warm glow
✔ Use a desk or floor lamp to create cozy corners
✔ Look for lighting with adjustable tones to shift from work to relaxation mode

Affordable lighting options can be found at stores like IKEA, Primark, or second-hand platforms like Wallapop.

2. Add Personal Touches with Prints and Photos

Blank walls can make a room feel cold and impersonal. Customize your space by:

✔ Printing your own photos and hanging them with string and clips
✔ Using removable wall decals or posters
✔ Framing affordable prints from online artists or thrift stores

Command hooks or washi tape work well for hanging items without damaging rental walls.

3. Go Green with Plants (Real or Faux)

Plants can instantly brighten a room and improve your mood.

✔ Start with easy-care options like succulents or snake plants
✔ Use recycled containers as planters (mugs, jars, baskets)
✔ Mix in a few faux plants if you’re not confident in your green thumb

Check local markets or plant swap groups for budget-friendly options.

4. Invest in Cozy Textiles

Soft furnishings can turn any space into a sanctuary.

✔ Add a throw blanket or cushions to your bed or chair
✔ Use a small area rug to define your space, especially in shared apartments
✔ Look for discounted bedding at stores like H&M Home, Zara Home, or Alcampo

These items not only look nice but help you feel more relaxed and at home.

5. Organize Creatively

Good organization makes even small rooms feel bigger.

✔ Use storage boxes, baskets, or under-bed containers
✔ Stack vintage suitcases or crates as shelves
✔ Hang hooks or over-the-door racks for bags and jackets

Look for items that combine function and aesthetics, especially in shared spaces where clutter can build up.

6. Choose a Furnished Room (When Possible)

If you’re still house hunting, consider using platforms like BeRoomie, where many room listings are already furnished and thoughtfully decorated. This can save you both time and money, especially when moving to a new city or country.

Final Thoughts

Decorating your room doesn’t require a big budget—just a bit of creativity and intention. Small touches can turn any rental room into a warm, welcoming space that reflects your style.

And if you’re starting from scratch, choosing a furnished room through BeRoomie gives you a stylish head start, so you can focus on settling in and enjoying your new city.