4 Cheap Features That Make a House a Home
No matter how dank and dark of a rathole I lived in, I’ve always been complimented on my ability to turn a dirt-cheap lease into a comfy place where people wanted to spend time. Here are 4 of my personal tried-and-tested shortcuts to friendly-up any small room or apartment, even if you’re poor as hell.
Warm Lighting
There’s nothing that makes your house feel more like the set of a Hostel movie than harsh, cold-white light. For a few bucks each, you can switch out your current lights for warm or natural white bulbs for an instant upgrade that makes a serious difference for almost no money.
Is your overhead light a special bulb? No problem. Choose a few warm bulbs that are 300 lumens or more (bright enough to illuminate the room), and replace the bulbs in any standing or desk lamps you have perched around. Turn off the overhead and voila! Your home radiates the warmth that your heart doesn’t want to.
Pro tip: If you can afford it, go for LEDs. They’re more expensive ($5-$10 each), but use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last for years.
Houseplants
Breathe literal life into your space with some hardy houseplants. Less delicate than their floral counterparts, leafy greens can, when chosen correctly, last for ages with minimal care and give your living space a boost of organic vibrance, assuring your guests that they probably won’t wither and die in your company. If you can only afford one, get the most bang for your buck by putting it in a prominent spot.
Pro tip: Choose plants that work for you by filtering toxins from the air. Just make sure to do your homework — certain filter plants, like variegated snake plants or peace lilies, can be toxic to pets.
Floating Shelves
A floating shelf says “I care enough about my home to have deliberately decorated in three dimensions.” Luckily, the technology exists to mount small shelves without investing in a tool kit or jeopardizing your deposit. Get some double-sided, paint-safe mounting adhesive and attach it to the back of a wide photo frame or shadowbox (with the glass front removed) for a mini floating shelf that can display miniature collectables or keep small essentials within easy and visible reach.
Pro tip: Make sure you choose a shelf shape that has sides and a top instead of a traditional plank-style shelf — mounting adhesive can only do so much.
Cozy Textures
Minimalist decor looks amazing in Architectural Digest, but unless you have the cash to pull it off, the mattress-on-the-floor aesthetic that you’re shooting for can end up looking grim. An essential part of feeling at home is the coziness you get through a mix of soft, welcoming textures, so even if you don’t have much furniture, make sure the hard surfaces of your home are balanced out with a colorful rug (prioritize color over pile, as thick rugs are expensive), a thrift-store throw blanket or two and a couple of cheap decorative pillows that give the impression that you’ve made an effort.
Pro tip: If you can, see if you can land at least two bright, oversized square throw pillows — not only will they look great on your bed or punch up the look of an ugly sofa, but they double as extra seating in a pinch.
You Shouldn’t Need Tons of Money to Feel Comfortable at Home
You might not have the cash for streamlined furniture or expensive decor, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of a cozier home. See how easy it is to warm up the atmosphere of your living space with these four cheap tricks.
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