Make The Most Of Your Space
Some people love apartment living, others see it as a stepping stone to home ownership. Regardless of your stance on small-scale life, you've likely had to deal with the landlord special: cheap flooring, outdated fixtures, and flat white paint over everything. Luckily, ingenuity knows no bounds, so there are plenty of renter-friendly apartment hacks that will help turn a second-hand space into one you love.
1. Use Peel & Stick Wallpaper
Painting is generally the biggest no-no when it comes to renting, but what's a tenant to do when those flat white walls are closing in on them? Invest in peel & stick wallpaper, of course! There are a ton of companies that sell adhesive wallpaper by the strip in every pattern under the sun.
2. Maximize Your Space
Mirrors create the illusion of space when they catch the light, so, the bigger the mirror, the bigger your tiny space seems. Placing mirrors across from windows or in dim corners will have an immediate affect on your space.
3. Swap Out The Curtains
If you apartment comes with curtains, they're probably going to be pretty cheap. Luckily, curtains are one of the easiest things to swap out. Go for something light and airy to make rooms feel bigger than they are, or invest in good blackout curtains to get the best sleep of your life.
4. Update The Light Fixtures
You'll likely want to call a professional for this one (or a friend who has experience). Light fixtures are easy to customize to every personality and can be easily swapped back to the originals when you move out. If you don't want to make that big of a commitment, a series of accent lamps will do the trick with mood lighting.
5. Customize Your Hardware
Give your kitchen a facelift with some new hardware. This is super easy to do with just a screwdriver and some know-how, and makes a huge difference. Don't feel confined to the kitchen either; switch plates and towel racks can also be swapped out (unless they've been painted over of course).
6. Build A Gallery Wall
Wallpaper isn't for everyone, but if you still want to cover up those blank walls, building a gallery wall is one of the best alternatives. Gallery walls can be based around memories or certain aesthetic, and are a great way to inject your personality into a space. While nails are generally a no-no, adhesive hooks will give your frames a home.
7. Install A Temporary Backsplash
Subway tile backsplashes are super popular for adding a pop of color and texture to otherwise lifeless rooms. Little spaces can make a big difference in aesthetics, so don't forgo adding backsplashes under cabinets. Peel and stick tile is where it's at.
8. Remove The Cabinet Doors
This hack isn't for everyone, but some people much prefer the look of open shelving to closed cabinets. Cabinet doors are easy to remove if you want to display your dishes or simply open up a space. Adding peel and stick wallpaper or tile to the backs of your cabinets will make them even more attractive.
9. Try Vinyl Flooring
if there's one thing to take from this article it's that vinyl is a renter's best friend. Adding vinyl flooring to an apartment is basically putting stickers down. It does no damage to the floor underneath and provides an immediate change in atmosphere.
10. Upgrade Your Mirror
We've already talked about the importance of mirrors in apartments, but choosing the right mirror is important. If you don't want to shell out for fancy frames, you DIY the mirror of your dreams with Mod Podge, air-dry clay, or spray-paint.
11. Divide Your Space
Room dividers aren't just a thing of the past, and they can make all the difference when you're living in a shoebox. A good room divider will keep your spaces separate while doubling as a work of art.
12. Go Green
Do you have a green thumb? Why not put it to good use? Plants purify the air and add an immediate pop of color. This can be especially helpful if you live in a cold climate and forget what the sun feels like for half a year.
13. Create A Canopy
In addition to providing some extra privacy (and hopefully warding off those bad dreams), a canopy makes any bed feel ten times more luxurious. In addition to a small hook, all you need is a hula hoop and some gauzy fabric. All in all this is an excellent way to make your bedroom into a space you love cuddling up in.
14. Add A Headboard
If you have leftover wallpaper or fabric from another project, you can make the most of it by DIYing your own headboard. Of course, some stores do sell detachable headboards, but making your own allows you complete creative control. All you need is a friend with some woodworking experience and imagination.
15. Be Clever With Your Storage
Clutter automatically makes a space seem smaller than it is, so hide things you aren't using. Under-bed storage is great for extra linens; moveable clothes racks are made for capsule wardrobes. Even adding a few well-placed baskets or vintage trays can make things look purposeful.
16. Update Your Shower Curtain
If your shower comes with a curtain, it should be one of the first things you replace. Not only do you not know where it's been or how long it's been there, but it's also so easy.
17. Invest In Quality Pieces
Cheap furniture will make even spacious apartments feel tacky. We're not saying that you need to shell out big bucks for every cabinet, but choosing personal pieces that you can see lasting awhile will help make the space feel intentional. You don't want anything falling apart.
18. Get Cozy
If you don't want to invest in vinyl flooring, cover up those laminate gray floors with some cozy throw rugs. They'll help make your rooms seem more put together and keep your feet nice and cozy on cold winter mornings. They'll also keep the floor from getting scratched, ensuring you get your deposit back.
19. Cover Up Your Furniture
If your apartment came fully furnished (lucky you) or you managed to inherit an old sofa, you can make it feel new again with fabric covers. We're not talking that unbearable plastic your grandparents used to cover their furniture in, but, rather funky slipcovers and cushions!
20. Add Your Personality
This should go without saying, but we think it's important to say it anyway: the easiest way to make a space feel like it's yours is to put a touch of yourself in it. Decorate the walls with family photos. Display your thrift market hauls. An apartment isn't going to feel like a home if you don't put the work into it.
