Apartment accessories are what make your living space cozy and completely you. Whether you’re packing for college or planning your first apartment in the “real world,” figuring out the basics is easy. A toaster, a mattress, a couch… but what about the apartment accessories that make living not only more convenient but fun too? Here are our top ten favorite items that will take your apartment to the next level!
Curtain lights have been such a hit in both my apartments last year, and this year. Here’s the hint- don’t use them with a curtain. Find your most sad and boring wall space and bring it to life with these bright, glittery lights. They’re perfect for a common space or bedroom, hang them up behind your TV, couch, or next to your bed, and forget about needing a tapestry. Your kitchen will become the perfect pregame spot, as these lights are an adorable backdrop for your Insta pics. They’re not only super cheap- but come in just two days thanks to Amazon Prime.
This is the most recent addition to my apartment, and I’m not sure how I lived without it. “Alexa, Good Morning.” Every day starts off this way, and Alexa tells me the date, forecast, and any notifications I missed while I was asleep. Not to mention she automatically starts playing my shower playlist as I’m getting ready to hop in. Amazon Echo’s are perfect for any room of the apartment. In the kitchen, you can ask her to set timers for your cooking- or even ask “Alexa, what temperature do I set the oven to for chicken thighs?” when you’re trying out meals you’ve never made before. Put her in the living room in case you’re bored and want to play Trivia, or want to know more about that extremely hot actor in your newest Netflix series. I’m still figuring out all the tips and tricks Alexa can provide, but I seriously can not get enough of her. “Alexa, where can I get an Amazon Echo?”
Peel ‘n’ stick wallpaper has become extremely popular recently, but what about peel ‘n’ stick chalkboards? Growing up, I was the girl with a chalkboard-paint wall in her room. I absolutely loved being able to draw cute little designs and jot down a quick to-do list right on my wall. Years later I’m still doing it thanks to chalk paper. It comes in a roll, and you can choose to either roll full strips of chalk paper onto the wall, or cut out shapes to put up. I made a 5×5 chalk square on my kitchen wall, where all my friends can sign their names or leave a quick note. I also put a smaller chalk rectangle up right outside my bedroom door, where I can write reminders and to-do lists to stay on track during a busy college week. This wallpaper is super fun and affordable and essential to any apartment.
Get the Look
Your mirror selfie would look a whole lot better with one of these. When picking out the perfect outfit for an interview, a date, or even just checking to make sure you look somewhat presentable for class, a nice full-length mirror is a huge necessity. Though the flimsy hang-on-the-door mirrors are fine, my absolute favorite is large wooden stand-alone mirrors. They might take up more space but work with that area. Turn it into a cute comfy corner complete with string lights and a bean bag chair. Not only will this spice up your bedroom but will be the perfect corner to take those Insta-worthy selfies.
Get the Look
If you’re like me and you live in freezing temperatures, one of these blankets will be your lifesaver. You will literally come running home from class, or from anywhere other than your bed, to curl up in this throw. Besides having one on my bed, I also have one for my living room couch- clearly, I can’t function without it. After this purchase, the best purchase you’ll probably ever make, you will find yourself attached to your new blanket. Eating breakfast at the kitchen counter? You’re wrapped in your blanket. Doing homework at your desk? You’re wrapped in your blanket. Walking to the neighbor’s apartment? You’re wrapped in your blanket. I recommend not just one of these apartment accessories, but one for basically each room. Luckily, it comes in multiple color choices.
Get the Look
This is one accessory that I am ecstatic about. Fill that empty wall space with your favorite alcohol brands, and do it in style. I especially love this option because no two bar shelves are the same. Since it’s a DIY project, feel free to make it unique to you by flaring it up with your own style choices. Use the top shelf for decor, whether this is fake plants, letter blocks, or cute tabletop decorations. The second shelf is the drink shelf- line up you and your roommate’s favorite drink choices along this shelf. The lowest shelf is there to hold wine glasses, cocktail glasses, straws, or even your fancy new martini mixer. Feel free to put your creative spin on these shelves or use them to hold other apartment accessories!
Get the Look
If you’re anything like me, you’re obsessed with your planner. I’m not sure where I’d be without keeping track of every assignment, as well as writing three to four to-do lists a week. Thanks to the giant whiteboard planner above my desk, I’m able to make quick adjustments to my weekly schedule just by swiping my eraser over it. Not only is it pleasing to look at, it feels pretty good knowing you’re not wasting pages and pages of paper just to stay organized.
Get the Look
These candles are key to staying calm, cool and collected during a busy week. Whether you’ve spent all day at the library or the office, nothing feels better than coming home to the sweet smell of your favorite volcano candle. Maybe they’ll even convince you to work from home more often. Grab a warm coffee, light up your candle, and get to work. You won’t even remember the below-freezing temps outside with one, or five, of these apartment accessories lit up.
Get the Look
It’s your apartment, so make it unique to you! Wooden signs are trendy, unique and completely adorable. Put that paintbrush down. You can place custom orders on Pinterest or Etsy to add a personal touch to your kitchen, bath, etc. Have a sign remind you of home, using your hometown name or zip code. Make guests in the kitchen laugh with a sign saying “Alexa, make me a drink.” If you’re a coffee addict like myself, you’ll love the “But first, coffee” sign. Luckily, my favorite sign can be purchased below, with no custom order needed.
Get the Look
I’m not sure how these started trending, but I’m sure happy they did. Bathroom decorations can be hard, and you don’t want to get stuck with a beach theme like every bathroom you’ve ever been in. My favorite is the all-white scheme- though it’s extremely difficult to keep white. Shower curtains with absurd requests like “Get Naked” or “Nudity Required Beyond This Point” make showering well, that much more fun.
Get the Look
Are you thinking about sorority recruitment at Penn State University? As an incoming freshman, I had no interest in rushing…
2016 has been quite the year. I’m sure the majority of us began the year with high hopes and excitement.…
The architecture, the people, the spirit. Those are only three of the millions of reasons why being a Seminole is…
Whether it's exam week or you're just having a bad day, these corgi puppies are cute enough to make it all…
Whether you live on campus or just commute for classes, being a part of the UNH community – at least…
OK, this may seem like another one of those common sense health articles, but with the harsh winter weather approaching, and layer…
