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
$229.00
FARFETCH
Pols Potten
Steps large vase - women - glass - One Size - Green
$247.00
FARFETCH
Pols Potten
Steps large vase - women - glass - One Size - Green
$247.00
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!
-19%
Anke Drechsel
floral-embroidered velvet cushion - unisex - Velvet - One Size - Purple
$146.00
$181.00
FARFETCH
-30%
Etro Home
Paisley foliage-motif cushion (45cm x 45cm) - unisex - Cotton/Polyester - One Size - Blue
$140.00
$200.00
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.
-40%
Ballard Designs
Wicker Easter Basket with Liner - Cream Scalloped - Ballard Designs
$40.80
$68.00
Ballard Designs
Steele
Corner Bag Caddie Black
$148.00
Anthropologie
-30%
Ballard Designs
Gathering Basket Wall Decor - Ballard Designs
$83.30
$119.00
Ballard Designs
Terrain
Recycled Steel Ash Shovel Gray
$58.00
Anthropologie
-40%
Ballard Designs
Wicker Basket Liner - Pink Gingham - Ballard Designs
$11.40
$19.00
Ballard Designs
Steele
Corner Bag Caddie Pink
$148.00
Anthropologie
-20%
Ballard Designs
Woven Ginger Jar Basket - Large - Ballard Designs
$111.20
$139.00
Ballard Designs
Terrain
Waxed Canvas Log Carrier Beige
$78.00
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.
-20%
Ballard Designs
Lucy Comfort Mat - Medium - Ballard Designs
$159.20
$199.00
Ballard Designs
Safavieh
Adirondack Brindlebrook Power Loomed Rug Black
$199.99
Rue La La
Ballard Designs
Cushioned Rug Pad for Hard Floors - 10 x 14 - Ballard Designs
$359.00
Ballard Designs
Safavieh
Odyssey Area Rug Black
$169.99
Rue La La
-40%
Ballard Designs
Biscayne Indoor/Outdoor Rug - Spa/Ivory, 111 x 76 Runner - Ballard Designs White
$209.40
$349.00
Ballard Designs
Surya
Elaziz Global Rug Black
$149.99
Rue La La
-40%
Ballard Designs
Biscayne Indoor/Outdoor Rug - Navy/Ivory, 111 x 76 Runner - Ballard Designs White
$209.40
$349.00
Ballard Designs
Nicole Miller
New York Patio Country Luna Indoor/Outdoor Rug Black
$114.99
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.
-67%
Superior
Metro Zig-Zag Chevron Cotton Blanket by Superior
$57.00
$171.50
ShopSimon
-20%
Ballard Designs
Rhye Block Print Quilted Sham - Standard - Ballard Designs
$79.20
$99.00
Ballard Designs
Vera Wang
Chenille Jacquard Bonded Plush Blanket
$48.00
Rue La La
-20%
Ballard Designs
Classic Herringbone Throw - Navy - Ballard Designs Dark Blue
$143.20
$179.00
Ballard Designs
Madison Park
Keaton Quilt Set Blue
$79.99
Rue La La
-20%
Ballard Designs
Classic Buffalo Check Throw - Navy - Ballard Designs Dark Blue
$143.20
$179.00
Ballard Designs
Laura Ashley
Breezy Floral Reversible Cotton Quilt Set Blue
$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.
-30%
Ballard Designs
Fleur de Tole Gold Wall Decor - Plaque III - Ballard Designs
$69.30
$99.00
Ballard Designs
Manhattan Comfort
Wallpaper Pink
$34.99
Rue La La
Ballard Designs
Coastal Hemp Wallpaper - Red - Ballard Designs
$142.00
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
Terrain
Watch Your Step Sign
$34.00
Anthropologie
-18%
Ballard Designs
Dudley Wallpaper - Rose - Ballard Designs
$114.99
$140.00
Ballard Designs
Terrain
Brass Shamrock Door Knocker Green
$48.00
Anthropologie
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.
-20%
Ballard Designs
Signature Velvet Drapery Panel - Oasis, 50W x 108L - Ballard Designs
$223.20
$279.00
Ballard Designs
Anthropologie
Ida Peacock Tieback Blue
$48.00
Anthropologie
-14%
Ballard Designs
Fenton Drapery Panel - Slate, 50W X 108L - Ballard Designs
$230.99
$269.00
Ballard Designs
Elrene
Athena Window Curtain & Scarf Set Gold
$39.99
Rue La La
-20%
Ballard Designs
Fontainbleau Multi InsideOut Performance Fabric by the Yard - Ballard Designs
$43.20
$54.00
Ballard Designs
-20%
Ballard Designs
Sunbrella Indoor/Outdoor Drapery Panel - Canvas Fawn Sunbrella, 50W x 108L - Ballard Designs
$183.20
$229.00
Ballard Designs
-20%
Ballard Designs
Sunbrella Indoor/Outdoor Drapery Panel - Canopy Stripe Navy/White Sunbrella, 50W x 108L - Ballard Designs
$183.20
$229.00
Ballard Designs
-14%
Ballard Designs
Custom Cafe Panel - Ballard Designs
$179.00
$207.98
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.
-30%
Ballard Designs
Hayli Scallop Mirror - Cornflower - Ballard Designs Blue
$209.30
$299.00
Ballard Designs
Safavieh
Kirina Mirror Black
$95.99
Rue La La
-26%
Ballard Designs
Andreas Wall Shelf - Ballard Designs
$110.99
$149.00
Ballard Designs
Safavieh
Decorative Wall Mirror White
$169.99
Rue La La
Terrain
Stargazer Twinkling Tendril Vine Lights
$168.00
Anthropologie
-20%
Ballard Designs
Suzanne Kasler Starburst V Mirror - Ballard Designs
$199.20
$249.00
Ballard Designs
