Decorating a modern living room on a budget in my first apartment
February 10, 2025
Moving into your first apartment is exciting—until you realize you have a completely empty living room and no idea how to furnish it. That was me just a few months ago. I wanted a modern, stylish space, but my budget was tight. After hours of research, comparison shopping, and some trial and error, I figured out exactly how to achieve the look I wanted without breaking the bank.
Here I compile the process I followed on how to decorate a modern living room on a budget. We’ll look at decorating tips and layout ideas – to help you create a stylish and functional space without overspending.
But first, it’s always good to soak in some visual modern living room ideas:
How to Choose Decor & Lighting for a Modern Living Room
Once the main furniture pieces were in place, I had to decide on decor and lighting. Rather than picking random accessories, I followed these principles:
✅ Furniture Picks
After comparing prices, reading reviews, and looking for deals, here’s what I found:
Sofas
Prioritize comfort – Since the sofa is the most used piece, choose one with durable fabric and good cushions.
Go for neutral tones – A gray, beige, or black sofa will blend well with most decor styles.
Consider the size – For small spaces, opt for a compact or sectional sofa to maximize seating.
Tables
Think about functionality – If you need storage, get one with shelves or drawers.
Choose a material that complements your style – Wood for warmth, glass for a minimalist look, or metal for an industrial touch.
TV Stand & Storage Options
Choose based on storage needs – If you want a clean look, go for closed storage. Open shelving works well if you want to display books and decor.
Make sure it fits your space – Measure the width of your TV and ensure the stand is wider for a balanced look.
I went with a stand that had closed storage to hide clutter!
🖼️ How to Choose Wall Art
Go big or keep it minimal – A single oversized piece makes a statement, while a gallery wall with smaller frames can create a personal touch.
Stick to a color palette – If your room is mostly neutral, choose black-and-white prints or subtle earth tones.
Frame it for a polished look – Simple black, white, or wooden frames give a modern and cohesive feel.
💡 How to Pick Lighting
Layer your lighting – Use a combination of overhead lights, floor lamps, and table lamps for a balanced feel.
Opt for warm white bulbs – They create a cozy, inviting ambiance instead of harsh white light.
Consider the lamp design – Choose sleek, geometric designs for a modern aesthetic, or an arc lamp for a statement piece.
🌿 Plants for a Natural Touch
Go for low-maintenance options – If you’re not great with plants, choose snake plants, pothos, or ZZ plants.
Place them strategically – A tall plant in the corner adds height, while small plants on shelves or the coffee table add texture.
👉 Tip: Stick to two or three large pieces of decor (art, plants, vases) instead of cluttering the space with small items.
How to Arrange Your Living Room for a Cohesive Look
A good layout can make your space feel bigger and more functional. Here’s how I figured out the best arrangement:
📌 Sofa placement – The sofa should be against the longest wall or centered in the room if you have an open floor plan.
📌 TV stand positioning – Ideally, place the TV at eye level when sitting. If you’re tight on space, mount it on the wall.
📌 Coffee table spacing – Keep it about 18 inches from the sofa for comfortable legroom.
📌 Accent chairs for balance – If space allows, place one or two accent chairs opposite or adjacent to the sofa to create a conversation area.
📌 Use rugs to define the space – A large rug (at least 8×10 feet) helps anchor the furniture and make the room feel unified.
👉 Tip: Avoid pushing all your furniture against the walls—it makes the space feel empty.
Before buying anything, you need to decide what “modern” actually meant to you. Modern interior design is clean, functional, and minimalistic, typically featuring:
✔ Neutral Colors – Think whites, grays, black, and beige.
✔ Sleek Materials – Glass, metal, and polished wood.
✔ Minimalist Decor – Less clutter, more statement pieces.
To make sure my space felt cohesive, I picked a neutral base (light gray walls and a black TV stand) and added warmth with wood furniture and textured fabrics.
👉 Tip: Save screenshots of modern living rooms you like on Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration.
Living Home Budget Proposal
I knew I couldn’t afford to buy everything at once, so I focused on the biggest-impact items first. Here’s a budget breakdown based on my research:
Item
Budget-Friendly ($1,500 range)
Mid-Range ($2,500+ range)
Sofa
$400–$800 (IKEA, Wayfair)
$1,000–$1,500 (West Elm, Article)
Coffee Table
$100–$250 (Amazon, Target)
$300–$600 (CB2, Room & Board)
TV Stand
$150–$300 (Wayfair, Walmart)
$500–$900 (West Elm, Crate & Barrel)
Rug
$100–$200 (Ruggable, Wayfair)
$300–$600 (Parachute, CB2)
Accent Chairs
$150–$350 each (IKEA, Target)
$400–$800 each (Article, West Elm)
Lighting
$50–$150 (Amazon, IKEA)
$200–$500 (CB2, West Elm)
Wall Art
$50–$150 (Etsy, Target)
$200–$500 (Society6, Minted)
Decor/Plants
$50–$150 (Amazon, HomeGoods)
$200–$400 (West Elm, Crate & Barrel)
I decided to invest more in a quality sofa and rug since they define the space, and save on decor and lighting, which can be upgraded later.
I think this is enough to decorate your modern living room!
