The Single Girl's Guide to Decorating

Being single can come with its set of challenges: You may be going through a breakup or divorce, raising children on your own, or moving to a new city. But with the right mindset, being single can also be pretty great. Single-hood means more time to dedicate to your friendships, more freedom to explore new restaurants, freedom to learn how to cook, and the ability to focus on activities that make you happy. You also have the complete freedom to decorate with no one to put a roadblock in your tracks.

While there are no ultimate rules for decorating when single, there are a few tips that can be helpful whether you're just moving into your first space or living in a temporary rental. Are you ready to make your space your own cozy sanctuary? Here are a few of our best bachelorette pad décor tips to spruce up your space.

Invest in Basics

You might want to have fun with accessories and art, but when it comes to long-term investment pieces, keep it simple and neutral. Invest in quality bedding, purchase furniture that can easily be moved from one space to the next, and keep your color palette simple. You will thank us later.

Ay Illuminate White Cotton and Bamboo Z1 Lantern $1,109

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Create a Space to Unwind

The single life can be stressful—you might be building a career, dating, trying to stay active and healthy, building strong friendships, learning to cook, even raising children—so having a space where you can completely unwind is magical. Whether it’s a lavish soak tub or your bedroom sanctuary, fill this space with your favorite things.

Diptyque Roses Candles $68

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Embrace Studio Living

The big dream house might come later, but for now, learn to love your place—even if it's just a studio apartment, no matter how small or basic it is. Fill it with items you absolutely love and hone your organizational skills with a killer storage system.

Rejuvenation Cylinder Task Wall Light $179 $143

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Do What Makes You Happy

Want to buy a navy sofa? Go for it! Always wanted to paint your front door pink? No one is stopping you. This might be the last time in your life when no one will have a say on the furniture you choose to buy, so do what makes you happy.

Benjamin Moore Pleasant Pink $37

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Set Up a Vanity Station

Facts first: You need a primping station. It can be your bathroom vanity or simply a corner of your bedroom or even your entryway, but make sure you have a mirror with good natural light and plenty of storage space for products, makeup, hair tools, and jewelry. 

CB2 Arched Floor Mirror $499

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Keep Bathroom Clutter at Bay

You may love your beauty products. Between beauty staples and store samples, it wouldn’t be surprising to find more than 100 bottles and jars in your bathroom, but that doesn't mean it has to take over your space. Find an organizational system and stick to it. Install shelving, or invest in a medicine cabinet if needed.

Serena & Lily Banded Border Bath Towel $58

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Test Your Green Thumb

Living with plants is not only healthy (it purifies the air in our homes), it can also make us happier to care for something other than ourselves. The sense of accomplishment that comes with caring for a living thing can boost our confidence, so plants are a great low-maintenance alternative if you don’t have a pet.

Terrain Faux Staghorn Fern Pick $58

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Make it Sexy

Let’s get real: Being single can also be about dating, so give your boudoir a sultry feel. No one wants to see your collection of plush toys and Hello Kitty figurines upon entering your bedroom. Install dimmers, invest in quality bedding and be playful with your artwork.

Laloul Cherry Mirror $1,250

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Start an Art Collection

Art is such a personal purchase, so now is the perfect time to start your collection. Take the opportunity of being single to visit galleries or online art stores, identify your taste in art, and start collecting slowly.

Rebeca Raney Mountain With Handles #20 $230

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Upgrade Your Kitchen

You might not have your dream chef’s kitchen yet, but that’s no reason to neglect it. Swap out hardware, install open shelving, and decorate with pretty accessories, lighting, and art. It might even make you want to cook more!

Food52 Large Marble & Copper Canister $120

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Embrace Your Quirky Side

Love what you love, without being judged or having to compromise. Display a quirky art collection, decorate with worldly accents collected from your travels, cover everything in sheepskin, if you want. No one will be there to rain on your decorating parade.

Anchal Kantha Quilt Throw #190922 $198

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Think Airy and Light

Being single is no time to dwell on your sorrows, so don’t bury yourself in a dark and gloomy space. Pale colors and natural light can do wonders for your mood, so if you feel the need to decorate in all white, do it.

Pelle X-Large Bubble Chandelier $3,400

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Add a Touch of Glam

Channel your inner glamour girl and add a dash of glam to your space. It will give you a boost of confidence when entertaining and give your space a sophisticated air.

1stDibs Antique Giltwood Louis Philippe Mirror $1,895

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Put Your Name on It

There is a misconception that monogramming for the home is reserved for the wedding registry, but we promise you’ll love having your own initials stamped over your own things. Even if it’s just a subtle monogram on guest towels, it’s the little details that will make your space feel tailored.

Hill House Home Waverly Mini Pillowcase $68 $100

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Break the Rules

Ultimately, the lesson here is to break the rules, live freely, and do what makes you happy. By embracing these life rules, you’ll not only have an enviable bachelorette pad, but you might also even come out of singledom happier, more independent, and with a stronger sense of self.

Serena & Lily Turkish Bath Mat $68

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