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.
101 Copenhagen
Sunao vase - Black
£135.00
FARFETCH
101 Copenhagen
mini Sphere Shisen square vase - Neutrals
£79.00
FARFETCH
Pols Potten
Steps ribbed vase - Green
£90.00
FARFETCH
Pols Potten
Sunset Roman vases (set of 4) - Red
£180.00
FARFETCH
Serax
Wave 03 vase - Green
£89.00
FARFETCH
HAY
paint-splatter glass vase (30cm) - Yellow
£91.00
FARFETCH
Pols Potten
Steps large vase - Green
£180.00
FARFETCH
HAY
Splash glass vase (11cm) - Green
£77.00
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!
Christina Lundsteen
Abigail cushion - Orange
£122.00
FARFETCH
Les-Ottomans
jacquard silk-blend cushion - White
£136.00
FARFETCH
Missoni Home
geometric-pattern pillow - Green
£230.00
FARFETCH
HAY
textured square cushion - Blue
£125.00
FARFETCH
-40%
Anke Drechsel
floral-embroidered velvet cushion - Purple
£81.00
£136.00
FARFETCH
Versace
I Love Baroque pillow cases (set of two) - Black
£160.00
FARFETCH
Christina Lundsteen
Abigail cushion - Purple
£122.00
FARFETCH
Apparis
Jules cushion - Brown
£170.00
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.
TJ Hughes
Bamboo Laundry Rectangular Basket - TJ Hughes
£15.00
TJ Hughes
F. Hammann
Leather Playing Cards Set
£158.00
ABASK
-20%
Ted Baker
Georgey Natural Webbing Bag
£104.00
£130.00
Debenhams
F. Hammann
Leather Playing Cards Set
£158.00
ABASK
F. Hammann
Leather Playing Cards Set
£158.00
ABASK
Red Hamper
Wicker Set of 3 Kitchen Storage Basket Brown
£110.25
Debenhams
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.
&tradition
Framed AP14 Rug textile beige / 90 x 240cm - &tradition Beige
£485.00
Made in design
Bloomingville
Vikka Rug textile blue / 245 x 75 cm - Bloomingville Blue
£315.00
Made in design
Nanimarquina
Tapis Haze 5 bleu / 80 x 240 cm - Nanimarquina Blue
£894.00
Made in design
&tradition
Framed AP14 Rug textile red purple / 90 x 240cm - &tradition Purple
£485.00
Made in design
Ferm Living
Mara Large Rug textile blue / 180 x 120 cm - Ferm Living Blue
£485.00
Made in design
GAN Rugs
Kilim Catania Rug textile red / 240 x 170 cm - Gan Red
£790.00
Made in design
Toulemonde Bochart
Gradian Rug textile yellow beige 170 x 240 cm - Toulemonde Bochart Beige
£663.00
Made in design
Designers Guild
Zanshi Ochre Standard Rug - Size M Multi
£395.00
Fenwick
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.
Dreams & Drapes
Imelda Plain Dyed Jacquard Duvet Cover Set White
£119.99
Debenhams
Lyria
Boscaglia Hand-Dyed Wool Throw (73in/1.9m)
£235.00
ABASK
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.
Pinto
Vieux Kyoto Porcelain Bread Plate (6in/15.5cm)
£135.00
ABASK
-21%
HOMCOM
Small Radiator Cover with Drawer and Vertical Slats 88.5 x 19 x 93cm | TJ Hughes
£56.00
£71.00
TJ Hughes
Metier Cooks Supply
Paper 2023 A5 Diary
£48.00
ABASK
-20%
HOMCOM
Large Radiator Cover with Drawers and Vertical Slats 119 x 19 x 93cm | TJ Hughes
£68.00
£85.00
TJ Hughes
Christofle
Cluny Silver-Plated Teaspoon
£44.00
ABASK
Pinto
Vieux Kyoto Porcelain Dinner Plate (10in/26cm)
£175.00
ABASK
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.
John Lewis
Cotton Slub Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains Pink
£175.00
John Lewis
Laura Ashley
Josette Pair Blackout Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains
£140.00
John Lewis
Harlequin
Polka Made to Measure Curtains or Roman Blind, Mustard/Neutral
£66.00
John Lewis
Clarke & Clarke
Passiflora Pair Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains
£240.00
John Lewis
John Lewis
Cotton Slub Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains Green
£225.00
John Lewis
John Lewis
Dapple Abstract Blackout/Thermal Roller Blind, Multi
£55.00
John Lewis
Morris & Co.
Willow Bough Daylight Roller Blind, Ochre
£65.00
John Lewis
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.
Seletti
Liberty Man frame mirror - Gold
£165.00
FARFETCH
-40%
Living and Home
60cm W x 120cm H Gold Floral Carved Metal Frame Arch Wall Mirror Art Deco Vanity Mirror
£100.00
£166.67
Debenhams
-28%
Melody Maison
Large Black Framed Wall / Leaner Mirror 80cm X 180cm
£174.72
£244.02
Debenhams
-12%
HOMCOM
Oval Bathroom Mirror - Modern Wall Tempered Glass Mirror - 60 x 90cm | TJ Hughes
£36.00
£41.00
TJ Hughes
-16%
-5%
HOMCOM
Metal Wall Art Decorative Mirror Decor Modern Wall Sculpture - Gold | TJ Hughes
£56.00
£59.00
TJ Hughes
