Renting an apartment can be super freeing, but there are plenty of challenges that come with living in this sort of place, too. From awkward spaces to very white walls and therefore zero personality, you've got to get seriously clever with what you bring into your space. Function comes into play in every home but even more so when square footage is limited. Sure, it depends on how visual/interior design-led you are — hey, would you be here if you weren't? — but nailing how your apartment looks can up the chances of you feeling content at home.
Having lived in my fair share of rentals, these decorative apartment essentials have always done my space well visually, and they have helped streamline everything from the daily grind to weekend antics entertaining myself and friends.
Let's start on a sensible note with storage. As a bonafide thrift store clothes and homeware collector, things accumulate, but these canvas bags are mold-proof and perfect for keeping any extra bedding or last summer's clothes smartly under the bed.
In apartments, it's all about enhancing the tiny amount of space you have with the right lighting. Anything remotely reflective can help amplify natural sun coming in through the window. If you love extra light, hang a disco ball in THE perfect spot so morning rays hit it. Honestly, there is no better way to wake up.
Sticking with the shiny theme, hear me out here. Investing in a good trash can will up your apartment game and streamline that gross part of kitchen life that's impossible to avoid. I have this 20L (x2) Eko Ecofly Step Bin which looks smart and charmingly separates bin and recycling items.
When you move into a rental, you will almost always have whiter-than-white light bulbs fitted as standard. Almost as soon as I relocate to any apartment, I'll swap them out for warm white bulbs, so that having the big light on isn’t as much of a problem.
Every space deserves a little greenery, and if you only add one thing to your indoor garden, make it big. I love a ZZ plant. They bring escapism and good green energy to a room. Plus, when strategically arranged, plants can hide badly placed plug sockets, a questionable patch of wallpaper, or anything else you might want to disguise.
If you're short on countertop space, having a tray is always useful to recreate the coffee bar or bistro-feel setup you have in mind. Group trinkets on them or bring yours to bed on a Sunday, filled with coffee and vitamins. Mine is a longstanding apartment favorite.
If you're refraining from an entire bookshelf, at least keep one very cool coffee table book on show. Points for escapism, notes on architecture, design, or whatever else you're into, because sometimes you can judge a book by its cover.
I actually pinched this idea from my sister. I found it to be such a good addition to her bathroom when she moved into her rental a year ago. A fresh dose of color straight from the packet is ideal if you’re moving into a place where the previous tenants weren’t as dedicated to a cute and clean home like you!
Nope, pinboards are not reserved for children's bedrooms. They are actually a total vibe for apartment renters with bland walls who want to hang up pics or collages. No one wants to deal with blu-tack stains or tiny pin holes to fill once your lease is up. Some pinboards are actually self-adhesive, making life even more of a breeze.