As an international student or expat, it can be hard to make your room feel like home. Most rooms in Madrid are passed down from student to student faster than a mint-flavoured vape, which means they’re furnished, but also bland, beige, and soulless. A lot of people leave them that way until they go back home, and honestly? That’s a shame. A cosy, personalised space doesn’t just look better; it helps you settle in faster, sleep better, and enjoy being home (especially when friends come over). And the best part? It doesn’t have to cost much at all.
1. Things to Consider Before Decorating Your Room in Spain
1.1. Know What You’re Working With
Don’t let the excitement and stress of moving make you panic-buy a bunch of stuff that doesn’t fit, isn’t useful, or ends up being a total waste. Start smart, plan realistically and buy what you actually need. So before you go all out on fancy rugs, silk pillows, and standing mirrors, here are a couple of things to consider:
- Check what’s already included: Contact your landlord or flat manager for an inventory before arrival, so you don’t fly over with any unnecessary things taking up space in your suitcase.
- Measure your space: Especially useful for things like rugs, desks, and storage units, and will spare you the time standing around in the store wondering if something will fit!
- Transport limitations: You may not have a car. Plan for how you’ll bring items home or factor in delivery options.
- Think resale: If you buy something big, consider how easy it will be to sell or get rid of later.
- Set a budget: It’s easy to overspend on household items. Set a realistic budget based on your length of stay.
- Don’t forget about roommates: Coordinate to avoid duplicates and split costs when it makes sense.
1.2. Items You’ll Probably Want (That Most People Forget)
Once you’ve got the basics sorted, it’s time to think about the little things; the things you don’t realise you need until you’re standing in your room going “why is there no place to hang my towel?” As we mentioned, before buying any of these, it’s good to check with your landlord whether these things might be available or with your roommates in case they have it to share, but if that is not the case, these things are always good to have:
- Extension cords & power strips: Outlets are never where you want them, and it’s nice to be able to charge your laptop at your desk instead of under your bed!
- Laundry rack (tendedero): Dryers are rare, but luckily, everything dries pretty quickly in Madrid.
- Blankets or throws: Great for winter and hiding ugly old couches.
- Mood lighting: Fairy lights, floor lamps, or LED strips can change everything.
- Storage baskets: Always a good place to store your socks.
- Tupperware: Leftovers = money saved.
- Command strips or Blu Tack: Most landlords won’t allow you to drill into the wall, so this way you can still hang some fun pictures or cool paintings!
- Shower curtain + hooks: Many bathrooms don’t come with them installed, and that’s incredibly annoying when you come to your new room and can’t take a shower without turning the bathroom into a pool
- Clothing Hangers: Otherwise, your clothes will end up stuck in the never-ending loop from chair to bed and back again.
1.3. Other Helpful Tips
You don’t need to spend a fortune or buy everything at once. Sometimes, the smartest moves are the simplest ones. These quick tips will help you save money, avoid stress, and settle in like you’ve lived here forever:
- Split an Uber or rent a car for big IKEA runs. It’s way cheaper (and more fun) if you go with roommates.
- Check Facebook or WhatsApp groups. People who are leaving after their semester are always giving stuff away
- Rearrange what you’ve got. Moving your bed or desk can really help you make the place feel like it’s yours!
- Buy in stages; it’s very tempting to buy a bunch of stuff at once, but try to live in the space for a few days before deciding what else you really need.
- Look out for student discounts. Some stores offer them or run seasonal promotions (especially at the start of the academic year).
- Shop smart for seasons! In winter, think about getting a thick duvet and warm socks. In summer, invest in a good fan.
2. Where to Buy – Home Decor, Accessories, Bedding and More
Now that you know what you want to buy, you need to know where to look. Madrid has more places to shop than you’ll ever have time (or budget) for, so instead of getting lost in a giant IKEA or a vintage market maze, here’s a guide to where to find the best stuff!
2.1. Second-Hand & Sustainable Options
Mirrors, rugs, chairs, appliances, quirky decor, and unique treasures.
Why buy everything new when so many internationals leave their stuff behind all the time? From vintage markets to secondhand apps, you can find unique stuff for way less money, and you can resell it there once you leave as well!
Wallapop
Wallapop is your go-to website and app for bargain hunting. Search your neighbourhood for used clothes, mirrors, plants, desk chairs and basically anything else you can think of! Always meet in public places and inspect before you buy, but the deals can be amazing. Aside from saving money, you’re also preventing something from being thrown out. For more useful apps, check out our article on useful apps to download in Madrid!
Vinted
Vinted is like a goldmine for secondhand home stuff. There’s especially a lot of electronic appliances there, but also stuff like rugs or mirrors and random cute decor that people need to get rid of. Prices are usually low, and it’s sustainable!
Vintage Markets
Madrid’s vintage scene is full of charm, and these markets are perfect for scoring unique pieces with character. Mercado de Motores, held monthly at the Railway Museum, mixes retro finds with indie crafts, food trucks, and live music; a whole day out. El Rastro, open every Sunday, is the city’s iconic flea market where you can dig for hidden gems in the maze of stalls. Bring cash, patience, and an eye for treasure, and you might just find some of the best home decor in Madrid!
2.2. Basics & Everyday Home Items
Towels, bedding, pillows, kitchenware, bathroom accessories, desk items
Not the most exciting part of decorating, but definitely the most necessary. These are the locations where you can get the things you’ll need immediately in order to make your apartment a home. With that said, many of these stores also offer home decor and accessory items in addition to the basic essentials.
IKEA Urban
When thinking of IKEA most people imagine the gigantic warehouse style stores that exist around the world. But in Madrid’ city centre, you’ll find a couple of smaller “urban” IKEA locations – most popular being IKEA Goya. At these locations, you can buy smaller items right off the shelves and order larger items for delivery or pickup – all without having to leave the city centre!
Zara Home
Zara Home brings the clean aesthetic of Zara’s fashion line to your living space. Expect soft neutrals and quality fabrics. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s perfect for treating yourself to something beautiful, and it’s especially worth it when there is a discount or offer. Best for accent pieces rather than full setups, and a great spot to find some quality bedding, pillows or towels!
Lidl, Aldi, big Alcampo – Home Sections
Spanish supermarkets are sneakily good places to score home items, especially Lidl and Aldi, where weekly deals bring surprisingly stylish finds. Alcampo and Carrefour sometimes have home lines too, especially during sales or seasonal changes. It’s not the most curated shopping experience, but you can find great and things if you browse at the right time. They can have everything from candles to trash cans to air fryers!
