So you’re renting your first apartment! Congratulations! Before you make your first trip to HomeGoods or Target to buy decor for your first apartment, read this to avoid making the top 5 design mistakes that first-time renters make.
This post is all about the top 5 design mistakes that first-time renters make.
If you deliberately want to make these design choices, then you do you! There is nothing wrong with you if anything on this list is your style. This post is meant to guide first-time renters away from things they may not realize yet are design faux pas. This list is entirely my opinion and is only meant to help steer people in the right direction.
1. Buying an area rug that is not properly scaled and probably too small.
The purpose of an area rug is to define a space. Very popular in homes with open layouts, area rugs can be used to define a living or dining room. Buying an area rug that isn’t properly scaled can make your space look small and cramped. A good rule of thumb to use when picking an area rug is to find one that touches all the furniture in the space that you want to define. For example, if it isn’t big enough to completely cover the entire living room, the area rug should at least touch the couch, end tables, and accent chairs.
2. Leaving cords from electronics exposed.
Nothing adds to the look of clutter more than having cords from electronics exposed. This is a typical issue with TV stands and office desks. Do your best to conceal the wires and cords behind furniture. If you have a mounted TV, consider looking into buying a cord concealer. You will be surprised how something as simple as covering your cords can elevate your space almost instantly.
3. Rushing to buy too much decor that doesn’t fit the space.
We get it — you’re so excited for your new apartment that you absolutely cannot wait to get into. In your excited frenzy, you rush to your nearest Target or HomeGoods, and buy every picture frame, wall art set, and fake plant in sight. But where are you putting all of this once you move in?
I am definitely someone that did this. In my excitement to buy things for my apartment, I collected things from Amazon, Target, Ikea, and HomeGoods that I have no idea what to do with. But have no fear! If you want to feel prepared and buy decor as soon as possible, do your best to stick to a color palette that you envision for your apartment. I went with cool neutral colors, like white, unsaturated grays, and muted beiges. If you want to buy decor early, then go for it! Make sure that you are intentional with what you buy and have a clear idea of where each piece will go in your new place.
4. Buying curtains that are too short.
Having curtains that are the appropriate length will make your space look much more open and inviting.
Buying curtains that are too short will draw the eye down towards the floor, making your space look small and closed off. When buying curtains for your apartment, measure the distance from the curtain rod (if there is one installed, if not, where the hooks for the curtain rod are) to the floor. If the length that you need isn’t available at the store, size up. If your curtains are too long, it is easier to hem them. You can sew them, take them to a tailor, or use iron-on hemming tape. The hemming tape is the easiest option for most people.
5. Only having leather furniture in the living room.
If you’re into leather furniture in your living room, it might be a good idea to consider incorporating a fabric accent chair. Having all leather furniture will weigh down your living room. Unless you’re into having a more serious and somber vibe to your space, I would recommend adding some other textures to balance out your living room. You might find that a chesterfield style couch fits more into your aesthetic as well.