I Analyzed Hundreds of Reddit Comments About Apartment Decor: Here Are the 8 Most Recommended Upgrades

I spend a lot of time researching home decor ideas, apartment design trends, and real-world decorating advice on Reddit.

Unlike traditional design blogs, Reddit discussions often reveal what actually works for renters, homeowners, and people decorating on real budgets.

Today, while browsing apartment-related discussions, I came across one of the most active and heavily discussed posts: “New (Starting from Scratch) Apartment, Need Advice.”

After reviewing the entire discussion, clear patterns emerged. While individual recommendations varied, most users agreed on the core improvements: add more plants, introduce artwork, incorporate color, install curtains, improve the bedroom, upgrade the workspace, and avoid clutter.

This article summarizes the most common and practical apartment-decorating advice from the Reddit community and explains how to apply those ideas to your own space.

Quick Answer: What Should You Add to a New Apartment First?

The highest-impact apartment upgrades are:

• Indoor plants
• Wall art
• Floor-to-ceiling curtains
• Bedroom decor
• Color accents
• Soft textures
• Workspace improvements
• Intentional organization

These additions help create a home that feels personal, comfortable, and functional while maintaining a clean aesthetic.

Why Natural Light Is Your Apartment’s Greatest Asset

Natural light is one of the most valuable design features in any apartment. Large windows make rooms appear larger, improve visual balance, enhance furniture finishes, and create ideal growing conditions for indoor plants.

Interior designers frequently treat natural light as the foundation of a room before selecting artwork, rugs, furniture, or accessories.

Instead of covering large windows with heavy treatments, design around them and allow daylight to remain the focal point.

1. Add More Plants for an Instant Upgrade

Why Plants Were the Most Recommended Improvement

Plants were the most frequently suggested apartment upgrade.
Houseplants add color, texture, visual interest, and a sense of life that furniture alone cannot provide. They also help soften modern interiors that rely heavily on neutral colors and hard surfaces.

Best Indoor Plants for Bright Apartments

Popular choices include:

• Monstera Deliciosa
• Fiddle Leaf Fig
• Snake Plant
• Money Tree
• Pothos
• ZZ Plant
• Rubber Plant

These plants complement modern apartment decor while thriving in bright indoor environments.

Where to Place Plants

The best locations include:

• Living room corners
• Near windows
• Besides entertainment centers
• Entryways
• Balcony transition areas

Large statement plants can serve as decor while enhancing the room’s overall atmosphere.

2. Use Wall Art to Make the Apartment Feel Personal

Why Empty Walls Feel Incomplete

Blank walls often make apartments feel unfinished, even when expensive furniture is present.
Artwork introduces personality and creates visual focal points that tie the room together.

Best Types of Apartment Wall Art

Popular options include:

• Framed photography
• Travel prints
• Abstract art
• Landscape photography
• Gallery walls
• Large statement canvases
• Personal photography collections

Original artwork and personal photography often outperform generic mass-produced prints because they tell the homeowner’s story.

Gallery Wall vs Statement Art

A gallery wall works best when showcasing memories, travel experiences, and personal interests.

A large statement piece works better when creating a single focal point in a minimalist space.

3. Add Color Without Overwhelming the Space

Why Small Color Accents Work Best

Many new apartments rely heavily on neutral palettes such as white, gray, beige, black, and natural wood.

While these colors create a clean foundation, too much neutrality can feel sterile. Small color additions often provide better results than major design changes.

Easy Ways to Add Color

• Throw pillows
• Accent blankets
• Artwork
• Decorative books
• Ceramic decor
• Area rugs
• Plant containers

Trending Color Combinations

Popular mixes include:

• Sage green and oak wood
• Warm green and cream
• Terracotta and beige
• Soft blue and natural wood
• Earth tones and charcoal accents

These palettes create warmth without overwhelming the room.

4. Install Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains

Why Designers Recommend Full-Length Curtains

Curtains do more than provide privacy.

They help:

• Frame large windows
• Increase perceived ceiling height
• Improve room proportions
• Control glare
• Reduce heat gain
• Add softness

Interior designers commonly recommend floor-to-ceiling curtains because they make apartments appear larger and more finished.

Curtains vs Blinds

Blinds provide functionality.
Curtains provide functionality and design value.
Many modern apartments benefit from using both.

5. Focus on the Bedroom Before Buying More Living Room Decor

Why Bedrooms Often Feel Unfinished

Many people invest heavily in their living rooms while neglecting their bedrooms. A bedroom should prioritize comfort, functionality, and visual warmth.

Bedroom Essentials

Consider adding:

• Area rugs
• Nightstands
• Dressers
• Wall art
• Accent lighting
• Throw blankets
• Decorative pillows

These additions help transform a basic sleeping area into a complete bedroom.

Create a Hotel-Inspired Bedroom

A hotel-inspired bedroom typically includes:

• Layered bedding
• Balanced lighting
• Minimal clutter
• Coordinated colors
• Soft textures
• Functional furniture

This approach improves both appearance and comfort.

6. Upgrade the Workstation Area

Why the Desk Area Matters

Remote work, hybrid work, and home offices have become standard parts of modern living.

A poorly designed workstation can negatively affect the appearance of an otherwise beautiful apartment.

Workspace Improvements

Focus on:

• Cable management
• Cleaner desk layouts
• Better lighting
• Ergonomic seating
• Matching furniture styles
• Hidden storage

A streamlined workstation improves both productivity and aesthetics.

Signs Your Desk Doesn’t Fit the Room

• It blocks movement
• It visually dominates the space
• It clashes with nearby furniture
• It creates clutter

If several of these issues exist, an upgrade may be worthwhile.

7. Layer Soft Textures for a More Comfortable Home

The Secret to a Cozy Apartment

Many modern apartments look beautiful but feel cold. Texture solves this problem.

Soft Furnishings That Add Warmth

• Throw blankets
• Decorative pillows
• Area rugs
• Fabric curtains
• Upholstered seating
• Bedding layers

Layering textures adds depth and creates a welcoming environment.

Why Texture Matters

Interior designers often use texture to balance hard surfaces, such as:

• Glass
• Concrete
• Metal
• Stone
• Hardwood flooring

The result is a space that feels comfortable rather than sterile.

8. Avoid the Biggest Decorating Mistake: Overcrowding

Why Less Is Often More

One of the strongest themes from apartment owners was avoiding unnecessary clutter. Adding decor to fill space often produces the opposite effect.

Signs You’re Overdecorating

• Every wall is covered
• Surfaces feel crowded
• Furniture blocks movement
• Decorative items lack purpose
• Storage becomes difficult

Follow Intentional Decorating Principles

Before buying anything, ask:

• Does this improve function?
• Does this improve comfort?
• Does this improve appearance?
• Does this reflect my personality?

If the answer is no, skip it.

Minimalist decorating is not about owning less. It is about owning intentionally.

Apartment Decorating Checklist

Living Room

• Large indoor plants
• Artwork
• Accent pillows
• Curtains
• Area rug

Bedroom

• Rug
• Nightstands
• Wall art
• Soft lighting
• Bedding layers

Workspace

• Cable management
• Ergonomic chair
• Organized storage
• Functional lighting

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I buy first when decorating a new apartment?

Start with plants, wall art, curtains, and bedroom essentials. These upgrades provide the highest visual impact.

How many plants should I have in an apartment?

There is no fixed number. Most interior designers recommend a mix of large statement plants and smaller accent plants throughout the home.

Do apartments need curtains if they already have blinds?

Yes. Curtains soften the room, improve proportions, and create a more finished appearance.

What kind of wall art works best in modern apartments?

Personal photography, framed prints, abstract artwork, and oversized statement pieces work particularly well.

How do I make an apartment look expensive on a budget?

Focus on lighting, artwork, curtains, plants, and clutter reduction rather than purchasing excessive furniture.

How can I add personality without creating clutter?

Use meaningful artwork, plants, books, photography, and carefully selected decor instead of filling every available surface.

Final Thoughts

After spending time analyzing the discussion, one thing became clear: creating a great apartment isn’t about filling every empty corner with furniture and decor.

The most recommended improvements were surprisingly simple: plants, artwork, soft textures, thoughtful color accents, and a few personal touches.

What I found most interesting is that many people agreed the apartment already had a strong foundation.

Instead of suggesting major changes, they focused on making the space feel more personal and lived-in while preserving its clean, minimalist aesthetic.

If you’re decorating a new apartment, start small, add pieces that reflect your personality, and let your home evolve naturally over time.

The best spaces aren’t decorated in a weekend; they’re built through experiences, memories, and intentional choices.