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
$134.00
FARFETCH
Pols Potten
large Steps vase - women - glass - OS - Green
$257.00
FARFETCH
Seletti
Starman Cosmic Diner vase - women - Porcelain - OS - Gold
$101.00
FARFETCH
Audo
Etruscan steel jug - unisex - stainless steel - OS - Silver
$142.00
FARFETCH
Soho Home
Alma marble vase - unisex - marble - OS - Green
$155.00
FARFETCH
LSA International
Chevron vase (14cm) - unisex - glass - OS - White
$112.00
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.
Seville Classics
Pack of 2 Handwoven Baskets
$20.99
Rue La La
Sorbus
3pc Foldable Fabric Storage Organizer Bag
$20.99
Rue La La
Sorbus
Set of 3 Twill Storage Basket Set
$24.00
Rue La La
Sorbus
Set of 6 Foldable Storage Cube Basket Bin
$24.99
Rue La La
Sorbus
Set Of 4 Woven Rope Baskets White
$24.00
Rue La La
National Tree Company
21In Purple Orchid Flower In White Basket
$44.99
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.
Superior
Set of 2 Cotton Lined Bath Mats
$24.00
Rue La La
LR Home
Cottage Floral Performance Area Rug
$129.99
Rue La La
Unique Loom
Henry Rug Red
$139.99
Rue La La
Moda at Home
Amera Bath Mat Gray
$24.00
Rue La La
Ecarpetgallery
Daria Traditional Rug Blue
$54.99
Rue La La
Ecarpetgallery
Hilfiger Coastal Area Rug Beige
$63.99
Rue La La
LR Home
Antiquity Indoor/Outdoor Rug Beige
$139.99
Rue La La
Safavieh
Metro Wool-Blend Rug
$139.99
Rue La La
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.
LR Home
Set of 2 Drew Tartan Throw Pillows White
$59.99
Rue La La
Eddie Bauer
Mountain Valley Ribbed Plush Throw
$79.99
Rue La La
St. James Home
Honeycomb Stitch Down Alt Blanket Gray
$44.99
Rue La La
LR Home
Modern Interwoven Throw Blanket With Fringe Black
$24.00
Rue La La
Nautica
Beach Collage Reversible Lush Plush Throw Blanket White
$24.00
Rue La La
Eddie Bauer
Moose Plaid Pinstripe Patchwork Cotton Quilt Set
$119.99
Rue La La
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.
Manhattan Comfort
Wallpaper Beige
$34.99
Rue La La
Jonathan Y Designs
Hygge 16in USB Charging Port LED Sconce Black
$130.00
Rue La La
Nearly Natural
24in Amaryllis Artificial Wreath White
$89.99
Rue La La
Safavieh
Sedona Woven Wall Art
$34.99
Rue La La
Manhattan Comfort
Wallpaper Yellow
$39.99
Rue La La
Safavieh
Decorative Wool Wall Hanging Gray
$25.00
Rue La La
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.
J. Queen New York
Nancy Window Waterfall Valance
$89.99
Rue La La
National Tree Company
3Ft Inflatable Chase From Paw Patrol Red
$74.99
Rue La La
D&W Silks
5ft Potted Fuddle Leaf Fig Tree Green
$129.99
Rue La La
D&W Silks
Oval Metal Wall Sconce Gray
$99.99
Rue La La
Linon
Rylan Bar Stool
$109.99
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.
Safavieh
Sarada Mirror Gold
$89.99
Rue La La
Safavieh
Izara 23.6in Mirror White
$120.00
Rue La La
Safavieh
Elenin Mirror Gold
$135.00
Rue La La
Hewson
Heavily Antiqued Golden Champagne Mirror
$145.99
Rue La La
Hewson
Silver Finish Plain Mirror
$160.99
Rue La La
Safavieh
Mila 35.75in Mirror Brown
$139.99
Rue La La
Zuo
Bernis Mirror
$54.99
Rue La La
Safavieh
Trinda Mirror
$109.99
Rue La La
