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!
Pols Potten
Moving Chain ornament - unisex - Metal - OS - Silver
$210.00
FARFETCH
-40%
Space Available
Mycelium incense sculpture - unisex - Recycled Plastic - OS - Yellow
$79.00
$131.00
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.
Terrain
Moth Brass Door Knocker
$48.00
Anthropologie
CosmoLiving by Cosmopolitan
Contemporary Silver Scultptures
$69.99
Rue La La
Terrain
Fillable Basket Door Knocker
$50.00
Anthropologie
Sonix
Beaded Phone Charm Yellow
$19.00
Anthropologie
-25%
Anthropologie
Crab Seagrass Woven Basket
$169.95
$228.00
Anthropologie
Anthropologie
Woven Lidded Seagrass Hamper with Handles
$218.00
Anthropologie
Ferm Living
Fio Steel Basket with Removable Cotton Canvas Bag Blue
$175.00
Anthropologie
Anthropologie
Tulip Scalloped Hamper
$248.00
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.
Maeve
by Anthropologie Scalloped Cotton Bath Mat Blue
$68.00
Anthropologie
Royal Velvet
Classic Cotton Bath Rug
$39.99
Rue La La
Moda at Home
Bently Reversible Cotton Bath Mat
$21.99
Rue La La
J&V Textiles
Non Skid Double Foam Bath Mat
$20.99
Rue La La
Royal Velvet
Classic Cotton Bath Rug
$39.99
Rue La La
Superior
Set of 2 Cotton Lined Bath Mats
$24.00
Rue La La
J&V Textiles
Diatomaceous Quick-Drying Stone Bath Mat
$28.00
Rue La La
Modern Threads
Solid Loop with Non-Slip Backing Bath Mat Set
$20.99
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.
Vera Wang
Waffleweave Blanket
$54.99
Rue La La
Barefoot Dreams
CozyChic Barefoot in the Wild Throw
$180.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Vera Wang
Waffleweave Open Grey Blanket Gray
$49.99
Rue La La
Madison Park
Keaton Quilt Set Blue
$79.99
Rue La La
Laura Ashley
Breezy Floral Reversible Cotton Quilt Set Blue
$119.99
Rue La La
Superior
Diamond Flannel Fleece Plush Ultra-Soft Blanket
$29.99
Rue La La
Superior
Boho Knit Jacquard Fleece Plush Fluffy Blanket
$39.99
Rue La La
Superior
Diamond Flannel Fleece Plush Ultra-Soft Throw
$24.00
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.
Anthropologie
Aslan Solid Brass Rabbit Door Knocker
$98.00
Anthropologie
Fornasetti
Tema e Variazioni n.358 Wall Plate
$190.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Terrain
Watch Your Step Sign
$34.00
Anthropologie
Manhattan Comfort
Wallpaper Green
$34.99
Rue La La
Terrain
Brass Shamrock Door Knocker Green
$48.00
Anthropologie
Graphic Image
Chanel Collections and Creations Leather Bound Book Black
$198.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Ring
Battery Doorbell Satin Nickel Silver
$99.99
Rue La La
MacKenzie-Childs
Small Wallflower Wall Art
$80.00
Neiman Marcus
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.
Anthropologie
Ida Peacock Tieback Blue
$48.00
Anthropologie
Vera Wang
Seersucker Stripe Shower Curtain Blue
$28.00
Rue La La
Bala
2 lb. Weighted Bangle Set
$65.00
Anthropologie
Anthropologie
Verne Bird Tieback Gold
$48.00
Anthropologie
Lipper
International Bamboo 3-Tier Spice Rack Brown
$28.99
Rue La La
-20%
Skin Gym
Cryo Stainless Steel Sculpty Heart Gua Sha Pink
$27.20
$34.00
Anthropologie
Laura Ashley
Elise Blue Valance
$20.99
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.
Anthropologie
Lotta Ramekin
$16.00
Anthropologie
Baxton Studio
Romana Braided Rope Mirror
$199.99
Rue La La
Terrain
Stargazer Tendril Vine Lights
$168.00
Anthropologie
Hewson
Lightly Antiqued Gold Leaf Mirror
$249.99
Rue La La
L'OBJET
2x3 Gold Braid Frame
$125.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Safavieh
Kirina Mirror Black
$95.99
Rue La La
Aerin
Lou Wick Trimmer Gold
$125.00
Bergdorf Goodman
