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 - OS - Blue
$147.00
FARFETCH
Pols Potten
Steps large vase - women - glass - OS - Green
$250.00
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!
-30%
Anke Drechsel
floral-embroidered velvet cushion - unisex - Velvet - OS - Purple
$123.00
$176.00
FARFETCH
Missoni Home
Azul towel set - unisex - Cotton - OS - Brown
$180.00
FARFETCH
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.
-15%
Ballard Designs
Woven Ginger Jar Basket - Large - Ballard Designs
$109.65
$129.00
Ballard Designs
Ferm Living
Fio Steel Basket with Removable Cotton Canvas Bag Blue
$175.00
Anthropologie
-15%
Ballard Designs
Gathering Basket Wall Decor - Ballard Designs
$101.15
$119.00
Ballard Designs
-25%
Anthropologie
Crab Seagrass Woven Basket
$169.95
$228.00
Anthropologie
-86%
Ballard Designs
Woven Tree Basket - 38 - Ballard Designs
$26.99
$199.00
Ballard Designs
Sonix
Beaded Phone Charm Yellow
$19.00
Anthropologie
-40%
Ballard Designs
Woven Scalloped Tree Collar - 32 - Ballard Designs
$118.99
$199.00
Ballard Designs
Anthropologie
Layla Ruffle Slipcover
$98.00
Anthropologie
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.
Ballard Designs
Cushioned Rug Pad for Hard Floors - 10 x 14 - Ballard Designs
$359.00
Ballard Designs
-10%
Ballard Designs
Carrie Indoor/Outdoor Rug - 111 x 76 Runner - Ballard Designs
$296.10
$329.00
Ballard Designs
Ballard Designs
Outdoor Rug Pad - 8 x 10 - Ballard Designs
$139.00
Ballard Designs
Ballard Designs
Signature Bath Rug - Select Styles - Gray, Medium - Ballard Designs
$38.99
Ballard Designs
-30%
Ballard Designs
Warner Natural Fiber Rug - 8 x 10 - Ballard Designs
$509.99
$729.00
Ballard Designs
-25%
Ballard Designs
Signature Bath Rug - Cornflower, Medium - Ballard Designs Blue
$74.25
$99.00
Ballard Designs
-15%
Ballard Designs
Striped Comfort Mat - Medium 22 x 72 - Ballard Designs
$169.15
$199.00
Ballard Designs
-25%
Ballard Designs
Signature Bath Rug - Sandalwood, Medium - Ballard Designs
$74.25
$99.00
Ballard Designs
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.
-34%
Ballard Designs
Rhye Block Print Quilted Sham - Standard - Ballard Designs
$51.75
$79.00
Ballard Designs
-15%
Ballard Designs
Bridgeport Gray Fabric By The Yard - Ballard Designs
$41.65
$49.00
Ballard Designs
-15%
Ballard Designs
Bridgeport Sage Fabric By The Yard - Ballard Designs
$41.65
$49.00
Ballard Designs
-25%
Ballard Designs
Classic Buffalo Check Throw - Navy - Ballard Designs Dark Blue
$126.75
$169.00
Ballard Designs
-15%
Ballard Designs
Bridgeport Taupe Fabric By The Yard - Ballard Designs Gray
$41.65
$49.00
Ballard Designs
-28%
Ballard Designs
Lush Faux Fur Throw - Ballard Designs
$201.75
$279.00
Ballard Designs
-36%
Ballard Designs
Georgie Pom Pom Quilt - Cornflower, Full/Queen - Ballard Designs Blue
$224.25
$349.00
Ballard Designs
-25%
Ballard Designs
Audree Pom Pom Quilt - Woodrose, Queen - Ballard Designs
$246.75
$329.00
Ballard Designs
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.
-20%
Ballard Designs
Fleur de Tole Gold Wall Decor - Plaque III - Ballard Designs
$79.20
$99.00
Ballard Designs
Manhattan Comfort
Wallpaper Green
$34.99
Rue La La
-20%
Ballard Designs
Fleur De Tole Black Wall Decor - Print III - Ballard Designs
$79.20
$99.00
Ballard Designs
Terrain
Watch Your Step Sign
$34.00
Anthropologie
Ballard Designs
Sweet Gingham Wallpaper - Sand - Ballard Designs Beige
$164.00
Ballard Designs
Anthropologie
Aslan Solid Brass Rabbit Door Knocker
$98.00
Anthropologie
Ballard Designs
Willow Peel and Stick Wallpaper - Emerald - Ballard Designs Green
$84.00
Ballard Designs
Ballard Designs
Willow Peel and Stick Wallpaper - Navy - Ballard Designs Dark Blue
$84.00
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.
-25%
Ballard Designs
Nasrin Drapery Panel - 50 x 108 - Ballard Designs
$216.75
$289.00
Ballard Designs
-15%
Ballard Designs
Rowena Greek Key Drapery Panel - 50W x 120L - Ballard Designs
$237.15
$279.00
Ballard Designs
-15%
Ballard Designs
Signature Velvet Drapery Panel - Oasis, 50W x 108L - Ballard Designs
$228.65
$269.00
Ballard Designs
-36%
Ballard Designs
Alder Striped Drapery Panel - Brown - 50W x 108L - Ballard Designs
$134.25
$209.00
Ballard Designs
-15%
Ballard Designs
Rollo Azure InsideOut Performance Fabric by the Yard - Ballard Designs Blue
$57.80
$68.00
Ballard Designs
-4%
Ballard Designs
Custom Cafe Panel - Ballard Designs
$179.00
$186.38
Ballard Designs
-15%
Ballard Designs
Elyse Blue Fabric By The Yard - Ballard Designs
$67.15
$79.00
Ballard Designs
-14%
Ballard Designs
Fenton Drapery Panel - Slate, 50W X 108L - Ballard Designs
$230.99
$269.00
Ballard Designs
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.
-18%
Ballard Designs
Halstad Mirror - Antique Gold - Ballard Designs
$220.15
$269.00
Ballard Designs
Ralph Lauren
Bailey Frame, 5x7 Brown
$325.00
Bergdorf Goodman
-15%
Ballard Designs
Josette Mirror - Ballard Designs
$211.65
$249.00
Ballard Designs
Anthropologie
Lotta Ramekin
$16.00
Anthropologie
-23%
Ballard Designs
Grand Palais 54 Arch Mirror - Champagne - Ballard Designs Cream
$424.15
$549.00
Ballard Designs
Terrain
Stargazer Tendril Vine Lights
$168.00
Anthropologie
-15%
Ballard Designs
Holly Mirror - Ballard Designs
$254.15
$299.00
Ballard Designs
