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7 Decorating Tips for Your Senior-Living Apartment

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Decorating a senior-living apartment can feel very different from what you’re used to in your home. What fits and what doesn’t? What furniture do I need? And where will I store everything?

Before you feel overwhelmed, consider the key aspects outlined below as you plan your move. These seven decorating tips for senior-living apartments can help alleviate the stress, and make what started out as a chore into a joyful experience.

1. Plan Ahead

Like any other change of residence, downsizing to a senior-living apartment takes preparation. Ask for measurements of the space so that you can delineate where you want to place each area for living. Pare down your belongings – think kitchen and clothes closet especially – and remember to donate unnecessary items whenever possible. If something is just too big for your new place, consider gifting it to a loved one and enjoy the feeling of giving!

2. Choose Furniture Wisely

A senior-living apartment is unique not only in size. Of course, one tip is to consider smaller versions of what you may be used to, such as a loveseat in place of a full couch. Another furniture aspect to consider is corners. It is better to avoid sharp edges whenever possible – plus, a round table fits more guests! Finally, consider furniture details such as glass (nix it) and cushion firmness (go firm for easier movement in and out!).

3. Design for Function

Function is truly greater than decor in a senior-living apartment, and staging the space for activities of living can make life in your new place that much easier to adapt to. Make sure walking paths are evident and easy throughout the apartment. Include multi-function furniture where possible, such as a chair that can also recline for resting, or a set of tray tables that can be used for eating and hobbies alike. Another function must-note tip for senior fall prevention is to secure cords away from walking areas, such as behind furniture, or organized in a cable management tool.

Room-by-Room Guide to Senior Home Safety

4. Lighten Up

Fall prevention is additionally achieved by ample lighting. Install nightlights to brighten pathways, especially to the bathroom, in your senior-living apartment. Plenty of lamps with adequate wattage help to light up a space, keeping it safe, warm, and inviting. You might also consider decorative window drapes with some transparency to allow plenty of sunlight in. One last lighting tip is to add a wall mirror to not only brighten the space but make it appear larger, too!

5. Storage Tips

It goes without saying that downsizing causes some storage struggles you may not have previously had to consider. There are so many creative options today for using space wisely, including drawer organizers, seats and ottomans with built-in storage, under-the-bed storage bins, and baskets of all shapes and sizes! Corners can also be utilized with corner shelving to maximize storage space. Think outside the box and find new ways to organize, remembering to put your most-used items within everyday reach.

6. Bring Your Favorites

Though different, your senior-living apartment can absolutely feel like home when you bring pieces of familiarity along with you. Display photos of loved ones and wall-art favorites in your space. Remember to bring your coziest blanket, and choose bedding, pillows, or other accents in your favorite colors. It can even be as simple as keeping out your favorite game or book on the coffee table, ready to use or share with friends.

7. Go Green

One final tip for decorating your senior-living apartment is to bring along some greenery. The pop of color is fun, whether you have a green thumb or prefer artificial plants! Add flowers or potted plants to your dining table, windowsill, or nightstand. If you’re not the type to want to water daily, consider a small succulent that requires very little attention. Any kind of greenery provides real warmth in a new space.

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