Sure, you might have all the “necessary” furniture, but there’s a difference between a livable and lovable apartment. You deserve elevated furniture and design elements that reflect your sense of your style without breaking the bank. These popular tastemakers on Instagram can help you find modern and chic furniture at affordable prices.

Don’t neglect the power of a chic nightstand

Interior design extraordinaire Bobby Berk stresses the importance of finding the perfect nightstand, as the wrong-sized choice can completely throw the entire space off balance. Bobby’s rule of thumb is to find a nightstand that is no more than two to four inches higher than your mattress, and no lower than level with it.

Bobby also recommends scaling your nightstand to the size of your mattress. For smaller beds, a thinner model is appropriate, but for king size mattresses, a wider, heftier nightstand is more optimal. Making sure that all of the design elements of a bedroom set are in sync is crucial for constructing the coziest room possible.

You can find great deals for affordable furniture on websites like Wayfair, including an entire section with Bobby Berk-approved options. 

  • This two-drawer model made of solid walnut is big enough to hold your lamps and bedside necessities, and is still clean enough to compliment any bedroom decor.

  • If brown wood isn’t your style, this black two-drawer metallic copper nightstand creates an excellent color contrast and can make your room pop.

  • Lastly, you can’t go wrong with this one-drawer walnut model, which has a smooth finish and simple design, but is still convenient enough to keep by your bedside.

Image of a chic nightstand in a bright bedroom

Accentuate your rooms with floating shelves and wooden stools

Blank walls can kill the vibe of a room, and cld posters and awkward art collages can turn your living room into a design disaster. 

Bethany of Shiplap Addict is here to help, and she has found a slew of fantastic floating shelves to recommend. Minimalist floating shelves are the perfect addition to any kitchen or living room because of their modern, sleek design and ability to showcase artwork and accessories without distracting from their features or taking up the floorspace of a regular bookcase.

Complete the look with complementary, minimalist bar stools by Jai Wood. This elegant and streamlined option available at allmodern.com is a great choice for any new renter.

Image of floating shelves with frames on top, above the bed

Glass door cabinets are ideal for displaying knick knacks

Glass door cabinets, such as those available at IKEA, are great for showcasing your mementos and collectibles in your living room or bedroom. Keeping your favorite items on display not only enhances your apartment’s visual appeal, it also personalizes it, creating a more unique and interesting living space. Arranging new glass cabinets within reach of your dining table is ideal for conveniently and stylishly storing plates, napkins, and the like. Or, you can use one in your home office for momentos you want to be able to see often. You could even use one as a TV stand.

There are plenty of fantastic options to choose from, and this white, mid-sized model from IKEA might be the perfect addition to your apartment, or maybe one of these:

  • This vertical option saves floor space while still providing you with ample space to show off your favorite pieces.

  • A sleek, black model like this one immediately captures your guests attention.

  • If you are looking for a more minimalist design, this cabinet does a fantastic job accentuating what you store in it without distracting with an overbearing build.

Image of glass door cabinets for storage in the living room

@Fancyfixdecor finds the best deals at World Market

With so many options to choose from, finding the perfect affordable furniture for your living space can become overwhelming. Nicole makes your search easy, highlighting bestsellers that furniture stores like World Market have to offer. Whether you’re looking for a new dining set, accent chair, or sectional, you don’t have to look any further than her perfectly curated feed. One of her recommendations, like this exclusive armless Huxley chair, could be the final touch your modern living room needs.

Not only does she provide enticing recommendations, she also explains the rationale for her selections and how they could work best in your apartment. You’ll love combining your style with her research as you cross things off your wishlist like the perfect wall hanging or dining room table to tie your room together. Following @fancyfixdecor is the next step towards designing your ideal living space.

Image of an open and bright full living room set up.

Mattresses can be pricey, but not with Casper

Everything you add to your bedroom pales in comparison to the importance of your mattress. Do not make the mistake of opting for a cheap and uncomfortable model, despite the daunting prices of most mattress brands out there. Casper makes buying a new mattress easy and affordable, with a plethora of options to choose from. Something as simple as their Original Mattress won’t break your bank account and is a more-than-worthy investment. And don’t forget, Casper has a great selection of headboards and bed frames to ensure your perfect sleep is also a stylish one.

Image of a renter laying on their new Casper mattress.

Furnishing your living space might not be the most important thing on your mind when you begin your apartment search, but once you move in, it is absolutely crucial. Whether you’re still deciding between a loveseat, chaise lounge, or a daybed, make the choice to save money upfront with Rhino so you can achieve the home of your dreams. Get a quote today.

a headshot image featuring kt heins-nagamoto
KT Heins-Nagamoto

KT Heins-Nagamoto is a senior brand writer at Rhino. They advocate for security deposit alternatives and renter rights in everything they write.