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
mini Sphere Shisen square vase - Neutrals
£79.00
FARFETCH
XLBoom
large Kuro Prism vase - Green
£94.00
FARFETCH
Pols Potten
Steps large vase - Green
£153.00
FARFETCH
XLBoom
large Dim Stripe vase - Green
£100.00
FARFETCH
101 Copenhagen
Sunao vase - Black
£135.00
FARFETCH
Pols Potten
large Steps glass vase - Pink
£153.00
FARFETCH
Pols Potten
Steps small vase - Orange
£79.00
FARFETCH
Jonathan Adler
Eden round vase - Red
£243.00
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!
Missoni Home
geometric-pattern pillow - Green
£230.00
FARFETCH
-17%
Etro
paisley-pattern cushion (60cm x 60cm) - Purple
£216.00
£260.00
FARFETCH
-30%
Missoni Home
zigzag pattern cushion - Orange
£179.00
£255.00
FARFETCH
Les-Ottomans
eye-motif jacquard velvet cushion - Pink
£136.00
FARFETCH
Lisa Corti
Indonesian cotton cushion cover (45cm x 45cm) - Pink
£110.00
FARFETCH
Soho Home
Margeaux fringed square cushion (50cm x 50cm) - Red
£145.00
FARFETCH
-30%
Missoni Home
Humbert zig-zag cushion - Black
£132.00
£189.00
FARFETCH
Missoni Home
logo-tag cushion - Neutrals
£217.00
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.
RugsX
Runner anti-slip jena maroon 80cm red 80x450 cm
€76.99
ManoMano
F. Hammann
Woven Leather Playing Cards Set
£158.00
ABASK
F. Hammann
Woven Leather Playing Cards Set
£158.00
ABASK
-39%
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.
Soho Home
Geometric Intarsia Blanket - Unisex - Cotton Green
£210.00
Browns
Emma
Hug Weighted Blanket Bamboo Cover
£40.00
Emma Sleep
HAY
Mono Throw wool blanket - Purple
£117.00
FARFETCH
-50%
Magniberg
Yellow Tartan Wool Blanket - Unisex - Alpaca
£170.00
£340.00
Browns
Lyria
Boscaglia Hand-Dyed Wool Throw (73in/1.9m)
£235.00
ABASK
-50%
Magniberg
Blue Tartan Wool Blanket - Unisex - Alpaca
£170.00
£340.00
Browns
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
Decor Walther
Cut Crystal Lidded Jar
£220.00
ABASK
Rabitti 1969
Passepartout Leather Playing Cards Set
£215.00
ABASK
Rabitti 1969
Passepartout Leather Playing Cards Set
£215.00
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
£150.00
FARFETCH
Giobagnara
Ready Leather Tissue Box
£235.00
ABASK
Seletti
Gold Lipsticks Mirror - Unisex - Glass/Wood
£305.00
Browns
Giobagnara
Ready Leather Tissue Box
£235.00
ABASK
Seletti
Liberty Woman frame mirror - Gold
£136.00
FARFETCH
Giobagnara
Ready Leather Tissue Box
£235.00
ABASK
-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
Giobagnara
Ready Leather Tissue Box
£235.00
ABASK
