Home accessories that add personality to a rented apartment
It’s looking increasingly unlikely for many people to be able to ever afford to own their own home, and in busy cities renting is becoming more common than ever. On top of that, limited square footage and awkward floorplans make radical changes that much more difficult to implement. But even with all its imperfections, your rented apartment is still your home, so making it feel like yours is just as vital as if you were in a position to buy. We’ve put together a list of home accessories that add personality to a rented apartment, because having a room of your own has never been more important.
1. Interesting vases
Fresh flowers can instantly lift a room, so it’s worth considering what you put them in too. Choosing an unusual vase will make a real statement in an otherwise dull room. If buying fresh flowers every week is kind of a big ask, there are plenty of lovely artificial options available—try placing just a few stems in the vase for maximum impact.
Pols Potten
medium Boolb vase - unisex - Stone - One Size - Blue
$215.00
FARFETCH
Georg Jensen
Urkiola Vase, Tall
$275.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Pols Potten
Steps large vase - women - glass - One Size - Green
$270.00
FARFETCH
Pols Potten
stacked glass vase - unisex - glass - One Size - Green
$205.00
FARFETCH
Serax
large Cactus vase - unisex - Porcelain - One Size - Green
$205.00
FARFETCH
2. Luxurious Cushions
If you’re more likely to be found Netflix binging than venturing outside, respect your sacred space with some cozy cushions. Some decorative pillows will add comfort and back support for your chill nights in and much-needed colour and texture to your living room. These designs would bring even the plainest sofa to life!
3. Baskets
We can’t stress how great and versatile baskets are—they’re good for hiding clutter, they’re affordable and they’re pretty. What’s not to love? Classic rattan baskets are perfect if you’re looking for that Anthropologie boho vibe, while metal or leather ones add a sophisticated look.
Top tip: Place a potted plant in a basket for ultra-chic home vibes.
-34%
Terrain
Coco Fiber Hanging Basket Liner
$15.95
$24.00
Anthropologie
-62%
Manhattan Comfort
Amber 53.7In Tv Stand Orange
$229.99
$599.98
Rue La La
Anthropologie
Woven Lidded Seagrass Hamper with Handles
$218.00
Anthropologie
-62%
Manhattan Comfort
Amber 53.7In Tv Stand White
$229.99
$599.98
Rue La La
Anthropologie
Tulip Scalloped Hamper
$248.00
Anthropologie
Terrain
Waxed Canvas Log Carrier Beige
$78.00
Anthropologie
-60%
Manhattan Comfort
Amber 53.7In Tv Stand Orange
$239.99
$599.98
Rue La La
4. Dramatic rugs
Rugs can be more of an investment, but if you see a piece you really love it will always be easy to take with you. If you can’t add decorations to your wall or simply prefer more neutral furniture, a rug is the perfect way to add colour to and tie together your space. A bright Persian rug will become the focal point of your space without looking chaotic, as the colours are all concentrated on the floor. Lastly, if you have a narrow, hard-to-decorate space, a hallway runner will do the trick.
Petite Plume
Imperial Tartan Plaid Wreath Bow in Red at Nordstrom
$32.00
Nordstrom
-25%
Frontgate
Holly Leaf Door Mat - 36 x 72 - Frontgate
$194.25
$259.00
Frontgate
-18%
Tag
Snowflake Christmas Rug Door Mat Red Multi Cotton Washable at Nordstrom, Size Medium
$30.99
$37.99
Nordstrom
-31%
Jonathan Y Designs
Jonathan Y Korsa Geometric Medallion Machine-Washable Rug Red
$285.99
$416.00
Rue La La
-30%
Ballard Designs
Brianna Performance Rug - Ivory, 27 x 82 Runner - Ballard Designs White
$230.30
$329.00
Ballard Designs
Frontgate
Hydrangea Door Mat - 30 x 48 - Frontgate
$229.00
Frontgate
-30%
Ballard Designs
Signature Bath Rug - White, Medium - Ballard Designs
$69.30
$99.00
Ballard Designs
Anthropologie
String Lights Tufted Bath Mat
$48.00
Anthropologie
5. Throws
Another easy-to-reuse piece, throw blankets are one of those apartment decor pieces that every adult needs. A good throw can be used as a blanket, over a tattered sofa, or at the end of your bed for some bonus interior design points. Go for a throw made of natural materials, like cotton, wool or linen, to ensure it’s long-lasting and, most importantly, comfy.
-67%
Superior
Metro Zig-Zag Chevron Cotton Blanket by Superior
$57.00
$171.50
ShopSimon
-45%
Soho Home
Harlyn check-pattern blanket - unisex - Mohair/Nylon/Wool - One Size - Orange
$245.00
$443.00
FARFETCH
-30%
Ballard Designs
Lola Scalloped Quilt - Sage, Full/Queen - Ballard Designs
$230.30
$329.00
Ballard Designs
Herschel
Heritage Hardshell Large Carry-On Luggage
$250.00
Anthropologie
-20%
Ballard Designs
Rhye Block Print Quilted Sham - Standard - Ballard Designs
$71.20
$89.00
Ballard Designs
-52%
Vera Wang
Chenille Jacquard Bonded Plush Blanket
$59.99
$125.00
Rue La La
-30%
Ballard Designs
Audree Pom Pom Quilt - Sage, Queen - Ballard Designs
$244.30
$349.00
Ballard Designs
-20%
Frontgate
Cotton Basketweave Blanket - Light Dune, Queen - Frontgate
$175.20
$219.00
Frontgate
6. Wall art
Beautiful, well-chosen artwork can say a lot about your home. Creating a gallery wall is one of the most common—and most effective—ways to spruce up your apartment and truly make it your own. From illustration to nature photography, abstract paintings to portraits, a few framed pieces will go a long way. For a little extra kick, textile artwork is another great way to add texture to a room. It goes best when paired with couches or seats, where guests may risk bumping their heads on framed pieces.
Trust us— at the end of the day, a few little holes in the wall will be easy enough to fill when you leave again.
Fornasetti
Tema e Variazioni n.350 Wall Plate
$190.00
Neiman Marcus
Ballard Designs
Edmonton Wallpaper - Ballard Designs
$144.00
Ballard Designs
-25%
Frontgate
Magnolia Wreath - 24 - Frontgate Purple
$149.25
$199.00
Frontgate
Ballard Designs
Bobby Plaid Wallpaper - Evergreen/Brick - Ballard Designs Red
$148.00
Ballard Designs
-14%
Anthropologie
Haven Marble & Brass Door Knocker
$49.95
$58.00
Anthropologie
-20%
Ballard Designs
Set of 3 Ceramic Blooms Wall Decor - Ballard Designs
$67.20
$84.00
Ballard Designs
Anthropologie
Aslan Solid Brass Rabbit Door Knocker
$98.00
Anthropologie
Ballard Designs
Sweet Gingham Wallpaper - Light Blue - Ballard Designs
$164.00
Ballard Designs
7. Curtains
You might not be able to paint, but who said you couldn’t hang colour from your windows instead? Curtains are a somewhat forgotten apartment accessory, but they can really come in clutch. These curtains will not only provide the obvious practical element, but they’re a no-hassle way to bring blocks of brilliant shades to a room—and you just whip them down when you’re moving on. Simple.
-15%
Frontgate
Sunbrella Declan Curtain Panel - Mineral Blue, 50 x 84 - Frontgate
$194.65
$229.00
Frontgate
-30%
Ballard Designs
Essentials Drapery Panel - Burlap Natural, 50W x 108L - Ballard Designs
$69.30
$99.00
Ballard Designs
-15%
Frontgate
Outdoor Curtain Stripe Panel - Resort Stripe Air Blue, 96 x 50 - Frontgate Resort Collection
$203.15
$239.00
Frontgate
Anthropologie
Ida Peacock Tieback Blue
$48.00
Anthropologie
-20%
Ballard Designs
Winthrop Drapery Panel - 50 x 108 - Ballard Designs
$199.20
$249.00
Ballard Designs
-48%
Lush Décor
Lush Decor Fashion Farmhouse Textured Sheer With Peva Lining Shower Curtain Beige
$39.00
$75.00
Rue La La
-20%
Ballard Designs
Murphy Striped Drapery Panel - Green, 50 x 108 - Ballard Designs
$223.20
$279.00
Ballard Designs
-4%
Superior
Solid Insulated Thermal Blackout Grommet Curtain Panel Set Dark Blue
$24.99
$26.00
Rue La La
8. Mirrors
Mirrors are a necessity for most people, but can also become a key accessory for your space. Whether you live in a small apartment or lack natural light, one—or more—mirrors can give the illusion of a bigger space and bounce the light around. Bonus points if you go for unique, organic shapes that are sure to catch the attention along with the sunlight.
Neiman Marcus
Organic Shape Small Mirror Cream
$220.00
Neiman Marcus
Surya
Aamnah 36 Free-Form Wall Mirror, Gold
$570.00
Neiman Marcus
-55%
Frontgate
Greer Wall Sconce - Frontgate
$102.58
$229.00
Frontgate
-20%
Ballard Designs
Sabrina Scalloped Mirror - Ballard Designs
$255.20
$319.00
Ballard Designs
-30%
Frontgate
Set of 4 Birch Wood Charger - Frontgate
$230.30
$329.00
Frontgate
-30%
Ballard Designs
Hayli Scallop Mirror - Cornflower - Ballard Designs Blue
$209.30
$299.00
Ballard Designs
