Effortless College Apartment Decor In Indianapolis

March 19, 2026
A decorated apartment bedroom

Effortless College Apartment Decor In Indianapolis

You’ve locked in the lease on your college apartment. You have your move-in date and asked friends to help move your furniture and other possessions. Now comes the part you really like: making it your own! Your apartment won’t seem like home until it reflects your personal style. However, decorating your college apartment is different than usual home decor. It’s for a short time, and you likely don’t have a large budget, but you can still fashion a look you appreciate. Use these simple tips for college apartment decor in Indianapolis.

How To Find College Apartment Decor In Indianapolis

An empty apartment living room

You can always bring your favorite decor from home, but you might feel like trying something different or want to be respectful of your roommates’ tastes. If you’re on the hunt for college apartment decor in Indianapolis, you can purchase it brand new from a shop or find it secondhand. As summer gets underway, big box stores offer back-to-school specials with discounts on things for student life. This is a smart place to start if you need inspiration. Stores will carry the latest items in popular colors. You can browse whole collections to find matching items.

You can still spend a bunch, even when going to sales. If you have a limited decor budget, try second-hand options. Social platforms, garage sales, and thrift shops are a treasure trove of cheap decor. If you have a unique or eclectic style or enjoy bargain hunting, thrifting is a fantastic way to decorate your college apartment on the cheap.

Ways To Style Your College Apartment

Black and white decor in an apartment living room

Once moving day is in the rear view, it's time to spruce things up with the decor you picked up! Consider these tips and watch your apartment decor fall into place for a fabulous look: 

  • Layer in texture to make rooms feel cozy. Plush pillows, a knitted throw blanket, and a soft rug make your living area a nice spot to unwind after class. 
  • Stay with basic color palettes implementing up to three colors.
  • Balance function and appeal. Get kitchen accessories in coordinating colors, add a comfy ottoman for extra seating, or go with matching bathroom storage bins.
  • Arrange things in odd numbers for the most visual appeal
  • Introduce color with a vibrant bathmat and shower curtain, linens, and bedding.

How To Add Decor Without Damaging Walls

Studio apartment with colorful rug and a mirror on the wall

You have certain limitations when styling an apartment. Most communities don’t permit you to paint, drill into walls, or change fixtures. This doesn’t suggest you can’t put decor on the walls. You simply have to do it in non-permanent ways that won’t do any damage. Many products exist for this purpose. You might use adhesive strips, Velcro hooks, or damage-free putty. Before picking a product, review its weight capacity and read reviews to see if others have had success with it. Some options may very well be strong enough to hold a picture, but then strip off the paint when you pull it off later.

Other apartment-safe decor options include

  • Removable wall decals that stick to flat surfaces
  • Tension rods for curtains
  • Colored bulbs or strings of lights

Style Your College Apartment At Penrose on Mass Apartments!

Think of Penrose on Mass Apartments as your blank canvas! We look forward to being your home for the school year and giving you an outstanding college apartment living experience. But don’t take our word for it. Call 317-661-4399 or schedule a tour to discover more about our desirable apartment floor plans and amenities for college students. Our leasing specialists are always happy to answer any questions you have and show you the property.