Rental apartments are often a great affordable way to get your own place, but the one downside is that you can’t always customize the interior. This can make your apartment feel like a generic place, not somewhere you want to enjoy living in.
But there are a few ways you can get around this. If you’re looking for some interesting ideas to make your rental apartment feel like home, check out the tips below.
Get Handcrafted Furniture
One way to help make your rental apartment feel like home is to invest in custom-made furniture. Besides getting personalized designs, you’ll find that custom furniture is also much more durable and will last you for decades. So, while it can be a little expensive at first, the investment will pay off.
It’s also pretty eco-friendly because it doesn’t always require toxic chemicals to make. Rather than being constructed in a massive factory, these pieces are handmade with simple tools that don’t emit excessive air pollutants.
According to a local dealer providing custom amish furniture in Spring, TX they often have a showroom where you can walk around to get an idea of what you might like. You can then chat with their designer, who can guide you toward styles that fit your preferences. Apart from the style, you’ll usually be able to pick the wood, stain, and upholstery type – you’ll have a complete say in your order.
Many dealers will also transport the piece, ensuring that it doesn’t get damaged on the way over. Most custom furniture pieces also come with a warranty, so they can be quickly repaired if necessary.
Add More Lights
Lighting plays a major role in creating an ideal ambiance. It sets the mood and can enhance the room’s decor and angles.
In most rental apartments, you can change out the lighting as long as you replace it with the original piece before moving out. However, it’s best to double-check your contract to make sure this is the case. If you can, consider incorporating a unique chandelier or sconce.
Keep in mind that too much lighting can have the opposite effect. For instance, having three lamps in one room will make the space too unnaturally bright. So you’ll want to go easy on the lighting and also consider how much lumens it emits.
Hang Curtains
This might seem like a small aspect, but curtains can make a positive impact in your rental apartment. They not only add privacy but can make the space feel homey.
Curtains also let you adjust how much light comes into the room and serve as a decor piece in several styles, patterns, and textures. Thanks to this, you can find options that match your design preferences.
Remember that figuring out the right curtains isn’t always as easy as it sounds. You’ll want to make sure they match the room’s mood (e.g. sheer fabric is ideal for minimalist spaces), are the right length and width, and meet your maintenance needs.
Incorporate Art and Personal Items
A good option for making your apartment feel more like home is to add items that mean something to you. This could be a stack of books, a special painting, or a family heirloom. This adds coziness and can be a great talking point if you have guests over.
If you’re not sure what to add, contemplate the room’s theme. If it’s more traditional, opt for paintings and flowers. You’ll likely want to include geometric items and abstract art if it’s modern.
You could also base it around a focal point. For instance, if you love a certain vase, add colors, textures, and patterns that match it.
Over time, you can continue adding things you find and adjust the room’s mood as you see fit. Just make sure not to crowd it up too much.
Use a Rug
Rugs can surprisingly bring a room together. Thanks to their vast designs, you’ll easily find something that matches the space’s ambiance. Adding a rug will also help make the room feel snug, especially if it’s open and lacks character.
You’ll want to gather the room’s dimensions to figure out the right rug size. For instance, an entryway will usually need a thin but long rug. In a sitting area, you’ll want to make sure that the rug is big enough to be placed under couches and tables but not so large as to be rolled up against the wall. It’s a tricky task, but one that will ensure your room feels cozier and well put together.
Making your rental apartment feel like a home might seem like a daunting task, but it’s easier than it might seem. With these ideas, you can transform the space into a cozy area.
