6 things every apartment should have somewhere

Whether you're gearing up to sign a new lease or just looking to refresh your space this spring, chances are you’ve already started mentally ticking off all the essentials your apartment needs — from a cozy bed setup to kitchen must-haves, cleaning supplies, and everything in between.

But beyond the basics, what are the thoughtful additions that really make an apartment feel like home? Ahead, find a half-dozen little things every apartment should have — ones that will make your space cozy, cute, and practical.

1. Smart space-saving hacks 

If you’re living in a small apartment, finding clever ways to maximize your space is a total game-changer. Think: A bed with built-in storage, an ottoman that doubles as a spot to stash extra blankets, or over-the-door shoe organizers that can keep other items, like winter accessories, organized. In the bathroom, a wall-mounted medicine cabinet can free up precious counter space, while end tables with drawers in your living room offer sneaky extra storage. Want more inspiration? Check out these designer-approved space-saving ideas for apartment living.

2. A mirror you love

A full-length mirror isn’t just for ‘fit checks — it’s a small-space essential. Mirrors bounce light around, instantly making your apartment feel bigger and brighter than it actually is. Forget the boring mirrors that you’d find in the dorm aisles of big-box stores. You can find all kinds of fun wall and standing mirrors, from ones with scalloped edges to unique shapes and bold colors. If you don’t want to mount one to your wall and worry about the fuss of patching the drywall when your lease is up, opt for a full-length mirror with a stand that you can prop up. Pro tip: Park it across from a window to reflect natural light and open up your space even more. 

3. Task lighting 

Boob lights and bland builder-grade fixtures are a given in most rentals, providing overhead lighting but leaving you short on task lighting. The fix? Add a renter-friendly Poplight, a must on the list of things every apartment should have. Available in seven stylish colors, Poplights are wireless sconces that can be installed in minutes with no tools required, and, when it’s time to move, they come off without leaving a trace on your walls. You can add one to anywhere you need some extra brightness, whether that’s in your favorite reading nook, above your nightstand, in a dark corner of your bathroom or in an entryway or hallway. 

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4. A signature scent

Have you ever walked into a hotel or a store and instantly loved the way it smelled? You can add a subtle fragrance you love to your own space. Pura diffusers now have a mini version that’s great for apartments. These programmable scent diffusers connect with an app, allowing you to customize the fragrance intensity and set schedules and timers. You can choose from dozens of scents, including Volcano (which is reminiscent of Anthropologie). In fact, a Pura diffuser is one of the things a loungewear company founder does to make her apartment cozier.

Another option? Try a candle warmer. Instead of striking a match and lighting a candle, candle warmers don’t have open flames and they warm candles so that the wax melts and distributes the candle’s fragrance. Many of these design-friendly accents look like mini lamps with a warming plate so you can add a cozy touch to your space.

5. Peel-and-stick wallpaper 

We’re all about stress-free move-outs and getting that full deposit back. So, if the thought of repainting your walls to the neutral hue required by your lease gives you pause, removable wallpaper is a great alternative. Peel-and-stick wallpaper has come a long way, with plenty of brands offering stylish, damage-free designs that add a pop of color or pattern without the hassle. Add a Poplight to create a color-happy vignette and use your wallpapered statement wall as the backdrop for your Zoom calls. 

6. A low-maintenance houseplant

Adding greenery to your apartment brings the outdoors in. Houseplants can also help purify the air and instantly make a space feel more alive. ZZ plants are the epitome of a low-maintenance plant. With glossy green oval-shaped leaves, ZZ plants thrive in low light, need minimal watering, and are incredibly resilient thanks in part to its rhizomes that store water for when you forget.