The Best Apartment Upgrades That Will Make Your Apartment Look Unrecognizable
Want to know how to upgrade your basic apartment to make it feel luxurious? Here are 23 genius apartment upgrades that will make you never want to leave.
One of the hardest parts about moving into an apartment is making it feel homey and luxurious all at the same time, especially when you don’t know where to start.
No worries, as someone who has taken pride in making her apartment feel like a professionally designed high-end apartment (while sticking to a budget :)), I’m going to share the biggest secrets so that you can make your apartment feel elevated!
Because let’s be honest, we all want our apartments to feel super nice and homey. And there are some tips, tricks, and quick fixes that will help you create the apartment of your dreams.
You’re going to learn all of the best apartment upgrades from apartment upgrades for renters, apartment upgrades DIY, apartment upgrades on a budget, and more.
Here are all of the best apartment upgrades you need to know to make your apartment look and feel like a million bucks! No frills, no fluff, just easy upgrades that actually make a difference.
The Best Apartment Upgrades:
1. Decorate Your Entryway (Even if It’s Small)
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Your entryway is the first thing you’re going to see when you come home everyday and have friends and family over. So it should feel welcoming and inviting.
And if you’re thinking, “Well, I don’t have a lot of space to work with so I can’t do much”, that’s not at all true! Even with a super small entryway space, you can still jazz it up a little.
One of the best things to include in your entryway is a good console table that will give you a little bit of storage and a place to decorate your apartment.
2. Use Mirrors to Open Up the Space
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Mirrors are your best friend when you’re in a small space! So naturally, having mirrors throughout your apartment will make it feel so much bigger and brighter!
You would be surprised what a few mirrors here and there will do for your apartment. It makes such a big difference and they’re super easy to incorporate!
Some good places for mirrors in your apartment:
Living Room
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Behind the couch: Adds depth and will reflect light from windows and lamps.
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Opposite a window: Maximizes natural light and gives the illusion of a larger space.
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Above a console or sideboard: Creates a focal point and balances wall decor.
Bedroom
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Above the dresser: Classic and functional—great for getting ready.
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Leaning full-length mirror in a corner: Adds sophistication and utility.
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On the closet door: Saves space while staying functional (especially in small rooms).
Dining Area / Kitchen
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On a wall near the table: Makes meals feel more elevated and intimate.
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Backsplash or bar cart area: Reflects glassware and bottles for a glam vibe.
Entryway / Hallway
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Above a small console table: Perfect for quick checks before heading out.
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Full-length mirror near the door: Ideal for outfit checks in tight spaces.
Bathroom
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Layered mirrors (one functional, one decorative): Adds dimension.
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On the back of the door or cabinet: Great for renters or tiny bathrooms.
Bonus Tips
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Group small mirrors as wall art: Adds interest and texture.
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Avoid mirrors facing clutter: They’ll double the mess visually.
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Use adhesive or over-the-door options if you’re renting.
3. Upgrade Soft Furnishings
If there is one thing you should invest in for your apartment, it’s soft furnishings. Items like your couch and bed frame will be pieces you use for years – especially if they’re good quality!
It can be tempting to hustle order some furniture off of Amazon of go to IKEA and pick out a cheaper option, but they won’t last and you’ll just have to end up replacing them anyways.
So invest in the one or two soft furnishings pieces you know you’ll use the most. And try to keep these pieces as neutral as possible so when you want to re-decorate, they will easily fit in with your new decor theme.
You’re better off spending a little bit more on nicer pieces that you know will be with you for several years, rather than cheap furniture that you’ll get maybe a couple of years out of before you need to replace it because it’s super worn down.
4. Add Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
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Peel-and-stick wallpaper is every apartment owner’s best friend! It makes such a huge difference and will give your walls so much more character, without ruining them or leaving damage behind.
It’s basically a big sticky note that glams up your wall. You might not want to cover your entire apartment or all four walls of a room in peel-and-stick wallpaper, unless you’re up for a project (it can be a little time consuming), but an accent wall is a great way to incorporate a fun pattern or color into your apartment without too much commitment.
5. Create a Curated Gallery Wall
Gallery walls are something that never go out of style! And there are so many different ways to create a gallery wall in your apartment. It’s also super easy to customize and put together.
They also look good almost anywhere in your apartment. You can create one in the entryway, above the couch, in your bedroom above the dresser, etc.
You can also do a mix and match of photos you buy and ones you’ve taken yourself over the years. You really just have to play around with the layout and the different photos you want to use until it feels right!
Pro tip: Use painters tape to outline the different frames and layout of your collage wall to give you a good idea of the layout.
6. Incorporate Greenery
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Greenery is so underrated! If your apartment is feeling dull or stale, try adding in some plants. This could be smell trees, floor plants, hanging plants, etc.
Anywhere in your apartment that could use a little extra color and life, add a plant! You can do real or faux, though faux plants tend to be a little bit easier to take care of in an apartment and you won’t have to worry about them dying on you. Being a plant mom is a lot harder than you think (speaking from personal experience lol)!
Just be careful when choosing your faux plants and make sure to read the reviews – some faux plants look super real and authentic, and others look like they’re just plastic. And obviously, we’re going for the healthy plant look.
7. Style Surfaces Like a Designer
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The truth is, you don’t need a lot of space to make your apartment look luxurious. It’s all in the small details! How you decorate your apartment will determine how homey and luxurious it feels.
There are so many genius ways to decorate small spaces, that are actually really easy to do yourself! Pinterest is my holy grail for finding home and apartment decor inspiration – and it never disappoints!
At the least, you’ll have some inspiration to get you started.
Pro tip: Combining storage/functionality and decor will give you the best of both worlds.
8. Add a Bathroom Shower Lamp for Ambience
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If you’re wondering why you would want a small lamp in your shower when you have an overhead light, you clearly haven’t given it a try.
It feels so cozy and comforting and is a lot more spa-like to have a cute lamp in your shower rather than a bright overhead light.
A shower should feel relaxing and calming, so a small waterproof lamp will help channel that environment. Trust me, this one is so worth it!
9. Use Consistent Color Palettes
A big part of making your apartment feel intentional is sticking to a color palette and decor theme. This doesn’t mean only pick three colors and everything in your apartment has to stick to those three colors.
This just means, where you can, try to tie in similar color schemes and accents so it’s not just a mish mosh (100% a real phrase lol) of different furniture pieces and decorations.
If you look at professionally designed spaces, they will always have some kind of theme that you can see just from looking at them. Take notes of what styles and themes you like when you’re looking on Pinterest or in interior design magazines.
It’s a good starting point and little by little, you can transform your apartment into your dream space that feels purposeful and luxurious.
10. Add Texture with Rugs
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Rugs are such an important accent piece in your apartment! They will make your apartment feel wayyy more cozy, especially with the hardwood floors.
A rug is also your opportunity to add in a different texture to your living space.
Yes, plain white and cream rugs look super clean, but if you’re going for a more sophisticated look, you’re going to want to add in different textures where you can.
And you can still stick to your theme/color palette while adding in different textures.
11. Decorate With Flowers
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Flowers are one of the best decorations you could add to your home or apartment!
And if you don’t want to worry about replacing them every couple of weeks when they die, Affloral and Amazon are two places where you can find good faux flower bunches that look SO real (and they’ll always look perfect!).
Just like plants, anywhere in your apartment that could use a little sprucing up, might just need some flowers. Your entryway, coffee table, and kitchen island are great places to add flowers that will really make a difference.
12. Match All of the Finishes in Your Apartment
People often forget about how important it is to match the finishes in their apartment (this goes for homes too). The finishes are things like your cupboard handles, sink fixtures, door handles, etc.
So whatever comes with your apartment, you’re probably going to want to stick to throughout the entire place. Things like light fixtures, curtain rods, and even shower caddies should follow the same finish.
For example, if your kitchen cabinets have a gold finish, try to stick with gold accent pieces, and so forth. This will tie in everything in your apartment and make it feel so much more complete!
13. Use Statement Hanging Light Fixtures
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Light fixtures catch everyone’s eyes when they walk into a room. It’s a statement piece for your ceiling. And the type of light fixture you choose will determine how your apartment feels.
You want something chic that catches your eye and stands out in your living space. But not something that takes away from the rest of the decor in your apartment. There’s a fine line.
And you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a cute and high-end looking light fixture. Amazon, Lowes, and Wayfair all have great options that won’t break the bank.
14. Choose Baskets Over Plastic Organizers
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Yes, plastic organizers are cheap and convenient storage. But if you want your apartment to look more luxurious, you’re going to have to spend a little more money on some things.
And items like baskets will never go out of style and are things you can use literally forever! Wherever you move and whatever your decor theme is, baskets will always fit in to your space.
Plus, besides looking a lot better, they will also last you a lot longer since they’re super sturdy.
15. Add Candles for Mood Lighting
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Candles will do so much for the ambience in your apartment. Even if they’re not real, because let’s be honest, having 20 different lit candles in your apartment is not only a lot of work, but also a fire hazard.
But a mix of taper and real candles with LED candles, is the perfect combo to make your apartment feel so much more cozy and welcoming. Any source of warm light is definitely the way to go!
16. Add Luxury With Wall Sconces
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Wall sconces are something that have become very popular lately! And it’s clear that they are here to stay. There’s something about wall sconces that add an antique luxury feeling to a space.
You can really put them anywhere in your apartment, but if you want a little guidance, they’re great for framing furniture. So on either side of your bed, couch, entryway table, etc. will add a lot to the space.
17. Take Advantage of Floating Shelves
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Floating shelves are so helpful! Not just for storage, but decorating too. If you have an empty wall space that you don’t know what to do with, floating shelves are always a great option and are super easy to decorate.
They also look super clean and are a lot better than a shelving unit if you’re working with a smaller space. And a natural soft wood color is always a good choice to warm up your space (especially if you have a lot of white and lighter colors).
18. Swap Plastic Organizers for Metal
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I’ll say it once, and I’ll say it again, swap out your plastic organizers! Either use baskets, glass, or metal organizers to take their places. This will do wonders for how your apartment looks.
Even in the small details like shower caddies that you think no one will notice, they do! But more importantly than anyone who comes over to your apartment, you will notice the small details.
It’s not just how your apartment looks, but how it feels that is the difference between achieving that luxury.
19. Use Decorative Trays
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Decorative trays are your best friend when it comes to decorating! Any area in your apartment that feels cluttered with smaller objects and needs to feel more put-together, add a decorative tray.
Your coffee table, kitchen counter, and bar cart could all use a decorative tray. It’s an interior designers secret weapon, and now yours!
20. Choose Timeless Furniture
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Timeless furniture doesn’t necessarily mean more expensive. It just means choosing pieces that won’t go out of style (whether that’s your style or home decor trends).
It’s great to incorporate fun accent pieces with smaller pieces of furniture like a bar cart. But for your bigger pieces of furniture, you’re should stick to pieces that you won’t outgrow.
For example, furniture that’s made out of wood will never go out of style and is super easy to incorporate, no matter your decor theme.
21. Add Finishing Touches
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Finishing touches are everything! Those small details like book ends, candles, and artwork are what is going to really make your apartment feel like home. And not just any home, but a high-end home.
This is something else you can look for inspiration for on Pinterest. The more you look at how people decorate their homes and apartments, the more comfortable you’ll be with decorating your own space like a professional interior designer. It’s easier than it looks!
22. Use a Cart to Display Items
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Carts are such a great furniture piece to style and decorate. A nice cart, whether you turn it into a bar cart, or something to hold dishes and dinnerware, will immediately elevate your apartment.
You also don’t have to have a ton of space for a cart, there are so many smaller options that will fit into corners of your apartment or small spaces you don’t know what to do with.
And it’s definitely a sure way to make your apartment feel more adult-like!
23. Opt for Matching Appliances
I know this is easier said than done, but try to match the appliances in your apartment. I’m not talking about the oven and fridge, but the smaller appliances like a toaster, kettle, coffee machine, etc.
SMEG of course has beautiful appliances, but they are definitely more pricey. So if you’re looking for an alternative that will give you the same feel and look, the Drew Barrymore line at Walmart has some really good options that will also help you stick to your budget.
But no matter what style of appliance you go for, it doesn’t even have to be the same brand, just try to match the color and style, and it will look super cohesive and pretty! 😉
Bonus Tips:
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Hide cords and use cord concealers or woven baskets.
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Swap out knobs on furniture for more elegant ones that match with the finishes in your apartment
- Layer your lighting with floor lamps, table lamps, overhead lighting, etc.
- Incorporate subtle scents so your apartment smells as good as it looks
- Decant everything and get rid of the original packaging so everything is in organizers that match (especially in the kitchen!)
- Hide the ugly stuff by using baskets, contact paper, and small pieces of furniture to hide cords, outlets, and anything that sticks out like a sore thumb
This post was all about the best apartment upgrades that will give your dull apartment a glow-up.
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