18 DIY Small Space Decor Ideas for Apartments | Affordable Modern Home Decor
Discover 18 DIY small space decor ideas perfect for apartments. Easy, affordable, and stylish DIY home decor solutions designed for modern apartment living.
Why DIY Decor Works So Well in Small Apartments
Living in an apartment often means working with limited square footage, rental restrictions, and a tight budget—but that’s exactly where DIY small space decor shines.
As a professional interior design blogger, I’ve seen a major shift in how people approach decorating apartments. Instead of expensive furniture or permanent renovations, renters and homeowners alike are turning to DIY home decor ideas that are:
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Affordable and customizable
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Easy to install and remove
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Perfect for modern, minimalist lifestyles
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Pinterest-worthy and highly personal
DIY decor allows you to add character without clutter, maximize functionality, and create a home that feels curated—not temporary. These 18 DIY small space decor ideas are designed specifically for apartments and focus on smart styling, renter-friendly solutions, and modern interior design principles.
Let’s get inspired.
1. DIY Removable Accent Wall (Paint or Fabric Panels)
An accent wall instantly transforms a small apartment without overwhelming it.
Why it works
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Adds depth and interest
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Creates a focal point
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Can be removed or updated easily
DIY ideas
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Fabric panels with starch
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Painted geometric shapes
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Removable wall decals
2. Floating Shelf Styling Using Basic Wood Planks
Floating shelves are a classic small space decor solution—and surprisingly easy to DIY.
Best uses
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Living rooms
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Bedrooms
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Kitchens
Styling tip: Keep decor light and minimal to avoid visual clutter.
3. DIY Gallery Wall with Printable Art
Gallery walls allow you to personalize your apartment without damaging walls permanently.
How to keep it modern
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Use matching frames
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Stick to a limited color palette
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Mix photography with abstract art
4. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Projects
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a renter’s dream DIY.
Perfect for
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Bedroom headboards
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Entryways
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Kitchen backsplashes
5. DIY Mirror Wall for Light and Space
Mirrors visually expand small apartments and reflect natural light beautifully.
DIY idea
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Thrifted mirrors
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Uniform frames
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Symmetrical arrangement
6. Handmade Cushion Covers for Instant Refresh
Textiles are one of the easiest affordable home decor upgrades.
DIY fabric ideas
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Linen blends
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Neutral cottons
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Subtle textures
7. Wall-Mounted DIY Desk for Small Apartments
A wall-mounted desk saves floor space and looks sleek.
Why it’s popular
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Ideal for work-from-home
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Minimal footprint
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Easy to customize
8. DIY Headboard Using Plywood or Fabric Panels
No headboard? No problem.
DIY options
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Upholstered panels
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Painted wood
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Fabric-wrapped boards
9. DIY Entryway Organizer Using Hooks and Shelves
Apartments often lack proper entryways—DIY fixes that.
Include
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Wall hooks
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Small shelf
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Decorative tray
10. Handmade Planters for Indoor Greenery
Plants bring life to small spaces, and DIY planters add personality.
Materials to try
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Clay pots
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Concrete molds
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Painted ceramics
11. DIY Under-Bed Storage with Fabric Boxes
Hidden storage is essential in small apartments.
Why it works
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Keeps clutter out of sight
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Maximizes unused space
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Affordable and practical
12. DIY Wall Sconces (Plug-In or Battery-Powered)
Lighting changes everything in interior design.
DIY lighting ideas
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Plug-in sconces
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Battery-powered lights
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DIY shades
13. Decorative DIY Storage Baskets
Storage can be stylish too.
Use them for
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Blankets
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Magazines
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Everyday items
14. DIY Coffee Table Makeover
Instead of buying new, update what you have.
Easy upgrades
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Paint
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New legs
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Peel-and-stick wood veneer
15. DIY Kitchen Open Shelving
Open shelves make small kitchens feel larger.
DIY tip: Use sturdy brackets and keep styling minimal.
16. Handmade Wall Clocks or Sculptural Decor
Functional decor adds interest without clutter.
DIY materials
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Wood
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Clay
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Metal accents
17. DIY Fabric Curtains Hung High
Curtains are an underrated small space decor trick.
Why it works
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Makes ceilings appear taller
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Softens the room
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Adds warmth
18. DIY Declutter + Styling Reset
The most impactful DIY project costs almost nothing.
Simple rule
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Remove what you don’t love
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Style what remains intentionally
Home Decor FAQ
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Are DIY decor ideas good for small apartments?
Yes. DIY decor allows customization while saving space, money, and avoiding permanent changes.
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What DIY projects are renter-friendly?
Peel-and-stick wallpaper, removable shelves, fabric decor, and wall hooks are all renter-safe options.
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How do I make DIY decor look professional?
Stick to a cohesive color palette, quality materials, and minimalist styling.
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Can DIY decor still look modern and luxurious?
Absolutely. Clean lines, neutral tones, and thoughtful lighting create a high-end look.
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What tools do I need for apartment DIY projects?
Basic tools like a drill, level, measuring tape, and adhesive strips cover most projects.
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How can DIY decor help with small space organization?
Custom storage solutions maximize vertical and hidden spaces efficiently.
