Holiday Apartment Decorating Hacks: Transform Your Space with Style and Simplicity

Holiday-Apartment-Decorating-Hacks-with Apartment Resource Group

The holiday season is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to add festive flair to your apartment! But when space is tight, and time is short, decorating can feel like a daunting task. That’s why we’ve curated these simple, renter-friendly holiday decorating hacks.

These tips will help you infuse your home with holiday cheer without breaking the bank—or your lease.

1. Deck Out the Doorway

Make a grand entrance with a holiday-themed wreath or garland. Choose one with natural elements like pinecones, berries, and eucalyptus for a sophisticated touch. To avoid damaging the door, use adhesive hooks or over-the-door hangers.

2. Twinkle with String Lights

String lights are versatile and instantly cozy. Drape them across bookshelves, windows, or headboards for a magical glow. Opt for battery-powered lights to minimize cords and prevent electrical issues.

3. Mini Trees, Major Impact

If a full-sized tree isn’t feasible, small tabletop trees are a great alternative. Decorate them with mini ornaments or simple ribbons for a chic, space-saving solution.

4. Festive Tablescapes

Transform your dining table with seasonal flair. Use a runner, candles, and a mix of ornaments or pine branches to create a centerpiece. This doubles as decor and a conversation starter.

5. Holiday Aromas

Nothing says the holidays like the scent of cinnamon, pine, or peppermint. Use scented candles, essential oil diffusers, or stovetop potpourri to create an inviting atmosphere.

6. Creative Window Displays

Windows offer prime real estate for decorations. Hang ornaments, stars, or paper snowflakes using clear fishing line to make them look like they’re floating.

7. Adorn Everyday Items

Incorporate holiday decor into items you already use. Wrap throw pillows with ribbons to mimic gifts or add festive covers. Swap kitchen towels for ones with seasonal patterns.

8. Use Nature’s Bounty

Natural elements like pine branches, cranberries, or oranges can be arranged in bowls or vases for a rustic, seasonal touch.

9. Create a Cozy Corner

Dedicate a corner of your living room to holiday cheer. Add a plush blanket, some festive throw pillows, and a small tree or candles to craft a wintery nook perfect for unwinding.

Happy Holidays from Apartment Resource Group!
With these hacks, you can turn your apartment into a festive retreat with minimal effort and maximum style. Don’t forget to share your decorated space with us on social media—we’d love to see your holiday magic!

10 Ways to Winterize Your Apartment and Save: A Guide for Renters

Winterize Your Apartment and Save Money

Winter is on the way, and with it comes chilly drafts, rising heating costs, and a need for cozy comfort at home. For apartment dwellers, winterizing your living space can be a bit different than for homeowners. Fortunately, there are many renter-friendly ways to keep your apartment warm and comfortable. Here’s how to winterize your apartment and keep the cold at bay!

Apply Weatherstipping to your apartment to save money

1. Seal Windows and Doors

Drafty windows and doors are a common culprit of heat loss. Check for drafts around your windows and doors by holding a lit candle near the frames. If the flame flickers, there’s a draft.

  • Apply Weatherstripping: Adding weatherstripping to your windows and doors can significantly reduce drafts. Look for adhesive-backed foam strips that are easy to apply and remove.
  • Use Window Film: Clear plastic film kits are available at most hardware stores and are easy to install with a hair dryer. The film acts as an extra layer of insulation, helping to keep heat in and cold air out.
  • Add Door Sweeps: If you feel a draft under your door, attach a door sweep to help block the cold.
Insulated Curtains for Winterizing your apartment
Close up shot of slightly opened curtains

2. Add Insulated Curtains

Insulated curtains are a simple and stylish way to keep the warmth in your apartment. Choose thermal or blackout curtains that provide extra insulation by blocking drafts from windows and retaining heat inside.

  • Close Curtains at Night: Draw the curtains at night to keep the cold air out. During the day, open them to let in natural sunlight, which can help warm your space naturally.

3. Adjust Your Ceiling Fans

Many people don’t realize that ceiling fans have a “winter mode.” By switching your fan to rotate clockwise at a low speed, it will push warm air that has risen to the ceiling back down into the room, helping to keep it warmer.

  • Switch Fan Direction: Flip the switch on the base of your ceiling fan to change the direction. Use the fan sparingly, and make sure it’s on a low setting for the best results.

4. Cover Bare Floors with Rugs

Cold floors can make an apartment feel uncomfortable, especially in rooms with tile or hardwood. Adding area rugs not only makes your apartment cozier but also provides an extra layer of insulation.

  • Choose Thick Rugs: Opt for thicker, high-pile rugs or layer rugs for extra warmth. Place them in high-traffic areas like the living room and bedroom for the best effect.

5. Optimize Your Radiators and Vents

For those with radiators or forced-air heating systems, proper maintenance can make a big difference in winter comfort.

  • Bleed Radiators (If Allowed): If your building uses radiators, ask your property manager if they need bleeding. This can help radiators run more efficiently.
  • Clear Vents and Radiators: Ensure that no furniture or curtains block your vents or radiators. This allows heat to circulate effectively, warming your space more efficiently.
Draft Stopper for winterizing your apartments.

6. Add Draft Stoppers

Draft stoppers are a renter’s best friend when it comes to blocking cold air from seeping in under doors and windows. They are affordable and easy to install without damaging the property.

  • Use Door Draft Stoppers: Place draft stoppers at the base of exterior doors to block drafts. These can be DIY (rolled-up towels work well) or store-bought.
Keep the Humidity up to help winterize your apartment.

7. Keep the Humidity Up

Heated indoor air can get dry in winter, which makes it feel colder than it actually is. Using a humidifier helps add moisture back into the air, making it feel warmer and more comfortable.

  • Add a Humidifier: A small humidifier can be effective in a bedroom or living room, and it also benefits your skin, furniture, and indoor plants.

8. Test and Set Your Thermostat

If you have control over your thermostat, setting it properly can help balance comfort and energy efficiency.

  • Set It for Comfort and Savings: The Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 68°F during the day and lower at night. If you’re away during the day, lowering it a few degrees can help reduce heating costs.

9. Use Supplemental Heating (Safely)

While space heaters can be effective, use them carefully and make sure to follow safety guidelines. Check if your apartment complex allows them before purchasing.

  • Choose Energy-Efficient Models: Look for models with safety features like automatic shut-off and only use them when you’re in the room.
  • Place Safely: Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture, curtains, and bedding.

10. Rearrange Your Furniture for Warmth

Believe it or not, where you place your furniture can impact how warm your apartment feels. Large furniture pieces like couches and beds can block heat if placed too close to radiators or vents.

  • Keep Heating Sources Unobstructed: Make sure no furniture is blocking radiators or heating vents, allowing warm air to circulate freely.
  • Create Cozy Zones: Arrange seating areas in warmer spots, like away from drafty windows or exterior doors, to create more comfortable spaces during the winter months.

This small shift can make your apartment feel warmer and more inviting without additional heating costs.

Wrapping Up

Winterizing your apartment doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming, but it does make a big difference in staying comfortable throughout the colder months. By following these tips, you can help keep your apartment cozy and energy-efficient. Enjoy the warmth and stay snug all season long!

15 Renter-Friendly Apartment Hacks to Transform Your Apartment

15 Renter-Friendly Apartment Hacks to Transform Your Apartment

Transforming your apartment doesn’t have to involve major renovations or risking your security deposit. Here are 15 renter-friendly hacks that will help you revamp your space with ease.

1. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a game-changer for renters. It allows you to add a personal touch without damaging walls, and it comes in endless designs.

2. Command Hooks for Vertical Storage

Maximize vertical space by using Command hooks. These can be used to hang items like kitchen utensils, towels, or even artwork.

3. Area Rugs to Define Spaces

Use area rugs to create defined spaces in your home. They help separate living and dining areas and add warmth to the space.

4. Removable Tile Stickers

Removable tile stickers can completely transform a kitchen or bathroom backsplash without requiring permanent changes.

5. Add Plants for a Green Touch

Plants are a simple, yet powerful way to bring life to your apartment. Even small plants like succulents can add a fresh vibe.

6. Creative Storage with Under-Bed Bins

Use under-the-bed storage bins to organize things like out-of-season clothes, shoes, or linens.

7. Change Cabinet Hardware

Switching out old cabinet hardware for sleek, modern knobs and pulls is an easy way to update your kitchen or bathroom.

8. Floating Shelves

Floating shelves give you extra storage without taking up floor space. They’re perfect for displaying books, plants, or decor.

9. Tension Rods for Extra Closet Space

Tension rods are perfect for adding extra hanging space inside closets or under sinks for organizing cleaning supplies.

10. Removable Window Film

Add a decorative touch or privacy with removable window film. It’s ideal for bathrooms or street-facing windows.

11. Over-the-door organizers

If drilling into walls is prohibited, use self-adhesive hooks to hang curtains and add softness and privacy to your rooms.

12. Multi-Functional Furniture

Furniture that serves multiple purposes, like a sofa bed or storage ottoman, helps maximize space in smaller apartments.

13. Washi Tape Wall Art

Bright bedroom with pillows on the bed, knitting wool and needles, armchair and minimalistic coffee table

Washi tape can be used to create temporary wall art, adding color and patterns without damaging paint.

14. Replace Showerheads

Swapping out an old showerhead for a modern one can upgrade your bathroom experience and is easy to replace when moving out.

15. Stick-On LED Lights

Use stick-on LED lights to brighten dark areas like under kitchen cabinets, closets, or even bookshelves.