You’re finally ready to move out of your parents’ place, and let’s be real—all of the stuffed animals and nightlights in your room just won’t cut it anymore. You’re an adult now, and it’s time for your room to reflect that. If it’s time to start decorating your new space from scratch, that means everything has to be replaced, right?
Except that all of the new decorations and furniture you’re going to have to buy might end up costing you a fortune and a half. How do you do it? Do you give up and stay with your parents? Do you bring over everything from your childhood bedroom, and give up on the new bedroom of your dreams? Of course not! Here are 7 simple ways to decorate like an adult, even if you don’t have the budget of one.
- Invest in what’s important.
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The staple piece of any bedroom is—you guessed it—the bed. It’s where you sleep, where you recharge, and if you’re like me, where you’ll be spending the majority of your time, because leaving it is very difficult. Don’t be afraid to spend a little extra on what’s important! Choose a comfortable mattress, a chic bedding set, and invest in a headboard like a real adult.
This is where your personality can really shine! Besides the actual bed, the headboard is what commands attention. Choose a sophisticated piece that fits your liking, like an elegant wood pattern, a dazzling, quilted pattern, or if you want a cost-efficient-slash-productive alternative, a you could use bookshelves as a headboard, or buy one built as such.
- Pick a color scheme and stick to it.
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Have you noticed how put-together bedrooms look when the curtains match the rugs, or when the headboard matches the wallpaper? They’re just ultimate bedroom goals, and you can achieve it, too!
Your color scheme can be anything. Maybe you like muted reds (with a little bit of off-white), or maybe you like rustic oranges, or even bright blues. Remember, just because you’re an adult, does not mean that you can’t have a pink or bright purple bedroom. The adulting world doesn’t have to be all dreary grays or earth tones if that’s not your thing. As long as it’s part of your color scheme, it’s socially acceptable in the adulting world!
And thank goodness, because I would die if I had to live in a gray bedroom for the rest of my life (no offense to the gray-lovers out there).
- Get some grownup furniture.
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I hate to be bearer of bad news, but it’s time to ditch the beanbag chair (no matter how comfortable it is). Get a different kind of statement piece for your living room! A small loveseat for someplace to sit, and if you really want to go all out, try a chandelier for some exciting lighting. But if you’re not ready for that kind of overhead-lighting commitmnent, here are some lamp ideas.
- Plants, plants, plants.
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Plants are not only aesthetic, but they are also applauded in the adult world. You can find a huge variety of plastic potted plants at thrift stores, so they can be extremely affordable. They’re also super easy to DIY, and can make for a fun girls’ night (or boys’ night) project! If you’re up for it, having a real plant gives you extra brownie points and a little extra oxygen in your apartment.
- Frame some art.
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Framing your art looks so much more adult than just taping some loose prints on the wall, and you don’t have to hunt down an auction in order to buy art. Instead, you can simply visit your local thrift store. They frequently have pieces of art and loose frames, and it’s up to you to decide on which to pair together!
Or, if you want to add your own personal touch, make your own art! Buy a couple of canvases from off of Amazon and get to painting. It’s a serious stress-reliever, and you’ll end up with art that suits your taste.
- Get matching curtains.
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And then actually use them.
- Buy a dresser.
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Clutter is not very adult-like, so unfortunately, you might have to buy a couple of storage containers or drawer systems to place your extra belongings in. Spare clothes, cosmetics, and various miscellaneous items can be stored in them, and make it super easy to find what you’re looking for. Not only are they helpful, but they’re a great outlet for decoration. You can buy ones that match your color scheme, plus they provide an extra surface to decorate!
Dressers are a great, thriftable piece when you’re on a low budget.
Remember that your bedroom is where you’re free to express yourself! It’s an outlet for creativity, and no one will ever judge you for it so decorate it however you want! And if somebody comes over and asks where you bought your gorgeous potted plants, invite them in to DIY some–but not before stuffing all of your clutter underneath the mattress, because that’s what adults do.