When I moved into my apartment, I knew right away it was outdated. Old finishes, dull colors, and details that felt stuck in another time made the space feel heavy. I couldn’t renovate, so I had to learn how to decorate an outdated apartment using simple, realistic changes.
These 7 tips to decorate an outdated apartment come straight from my own experience. None of them require tearing walls down or spending a lot of money. They helped me turn an old-looking place into something warm, livable, and truly mine.
1. Refresh the Walls With Soft, Modern Paint
The very first thing I changed was the wall color. The old yellowish tones made the apartment feel tired and dark. Once I switched to soft whites and warm neutrals, everything instantly felt brighter.
If you’re trying to decorate an outdated apartment, paint is one of the most powerful tools. It sets the mood and makes old spaces feel clean and refreshed.
2. Update Lighting to Change the Mood
Outdated lighting was making my apartment feel cold and unwelcoming. I replaced harsh bulbs with warm lighting and added simple lamps.
This small update completely changed the atmosphere and made the space feel cozy instead of outdated.
3. Use Rugs and Textiles to Hide Dated Features
I couldn’t change the floors, so I layered rugs to draw attention away from them. Soft curtains and throws also helped soften sharp, old details.
This is one of my favorite tips to decorate an outdated apartment because it adds warmth while covering what you can’t fix.
4. Mix in Modern Decor for Balance
Instead of replacing everything, I added modern decor with clean lines. Simple art, neutral vases, and minimal accessories helped balance the old features.
Mixing styles made my apartment feel intentional rather than outdated.
5. Change Small Hardware for a Big Impact
Old cabinet handles and knobs made the apartment feel dated. Swapping them out was easy but made a huge visual difference.
If you want to decorate an outdated apartment on a budget, focusing on small details like hardware really pays off.
6. Declutter to Let the Space Feel Lighter
Outdated apartments feel even worse when they’re cluttered. I started letting go of items that no longer served me.
Once I decluttered, the apartment felt calmer, more open, and easier to decorate.
7. Add Personal Touches to Make It Feel Like Home
The final step was adding personal decor like photos, books, and pieces that made me happy.
Out of all the tips to decorate an outdated apartment, this one matters most because it turns an old space into a real home.
