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
$264.00
FARFETCH
Klimchi
Felicity cracked-effect vase - unisex - glass - OS - White
$154.00
FARFETCH
&k Amsterdam
Patch Dot vase (30.5cm) - unisex - ceramic - OS - Blue
$102.00
FARFETCH
See U Soon
fish-shaped vase - unisex - Porcelain - OS - White
$122.00
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!
HAY
Dot cushion - unisex - Organic Cotton/Linen/Flax - OS - Purple
$129.00
FARFETCH
Incausa
Stoneware incense holder - unisex - Fabric - OS - Neutrals
$121.00
FARFETCH
Peugeot
uSelect pepper mill - unisex - Wood - OS - Grey Gray
$86.00
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.
TOV Furniture
Queen Velvet Storage Ottoman Dark Blue
$159.00
Rue La La
Cyan Design
Ara Pendant
$179.99
Rue La La
Sorbus
Stackable Woven Baskets (Set Of 4) Gray
$24.99
Rue La La
TOV Furniture
Queen Velvet Storage Ottoman Blue
$159.00
Rue La La
Two's Company
Set of 2 Hand-Crafted Oversized Baskets Beige
$149.99
Rue La La
Baxton Studio
Elgon Rattan Counter Stool Brown
$113.99
Rue La La
Baxton Studio
Karina Bohemian Rattan Footstool Brown
$119.99
Rue La La
LR Home
Striped Hand-Braided Jute Red Decorate Storage Basket
$79.99
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.
Safavieh
Arizona Area Rug Green
$75.99
Rue La La
LR Home
Coastal Floral Indoor/Outdoor Performance Area Rug
$114.99
Rue La La
Surya
Eagean Machine Woven Rug
$129.99
Rue La La
Ecarpetgallery
Oregon Bijar Vintage Oriental Rug
$92.00
Rue La La
Ecarpetgallery
Devos Bohemian Moroccan Rug
$129.99
Rue La La
Surya
Eagean Machine Woven Rug
$129.99
Rue La La
Ecarpetgallery
Izmir Traditional Area Rug
$94.99
Rue La La
Ecarpetgallery
Bahama Heriz Vintage Distressed Rug
$89.99
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.
Anne de Solène
Anne de Solène Dahlia Blanc Coverlet
$99.99
Rue La La
Superior
Jacquard Matelasse Basketweave 3pc Cotton Bedspread Set Gray
$149.99
Rue La La
Vera Wang
Crushed Velvet Solid Quilt Set
$129.99
Rue La La
Vera Wang
Diamond Velvet Quilt/Sham Set
$119.99
Rue La La
Vera Wang
Velvet Linear Stitch Reversible Quilt Set
$129.99
Rue La La
Eddie Bauer
Lookout Mountain Solid Tipped Print Sherpa Heating Blanket
$129.99
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.
Global Views
Wall Diver Thai Silver Leaf
$189.99
Rue La La
Bethel International
Wall Sconce
$234.99
Rue La La
Bethel International
Wall Sconce
$224.99
Rue La La
Bethel International
Antique Brass Small Wall Sconce
$244.99
Rue La La
Safavieh
Decorative Wool Wall Hanging Gray
$25.00
Rue La La
Bethel International
Wall Sconce
$204.99
Rue La La
Jonathan Y Designs
Hygge 16in USB Charging Port LED Sconce Black
$130.00
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
Excelsior Window Straight Valance
$89.99
Rue La La
Surya
Ponti Wall Decoration White
$29.99
Rue La La
J. Queen New York
J.Queen New York Krista Window Waterfall Valance
$107.99
Rue La La
Safavieh
Kannon 52x84 Window Panel Gray
$19.00
Rue La La
J. Queen New York
Alaro Window Straight Valance
$99.99
Rue La La
Safavieh
Delancey 52x84 Window Panel Gray
$19.99
Rue La La
J. Queen New York
Excelsior Window Straight Valance
$89.99
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.
Baxton Studio
Vadim Antique Accent Mirror with Seashell Border
$189.99
Rue La La
Safavieh
Melody 24in Mirror
$215.00
Rue La La
Safavieh
Kyna Mirror Gold
$219.99
Rue La La
Safavieh
Orford Mirror
$230.00
Rue La La
Safavieh
Inca Sun Mirror Yellow
$205.00
Rue La La
Ferragamo
Leather AirPods Case Purple
$234.99
Rue La La
Safavieh
Vaxcel 3-Light Ceiling Lamp Transparent
$105.00
Rue La La
Hewson
Aged Wood Frame Mirror
$237.99
Rue La La
