The 8 Most Underrated Items at Target for Renters

While there are some definite upsides to being a renter (you’re free to move when you get bored with your space!)—there are some definite bummers, too. High on the list: Boring white walls, ugly lighting, not enough storage, and hideous finishes. But not to worry. That standard rental can feel a bit more glam with a quick Target shopping spree. I asked some trusted designers for favorite products from the store that also solve renter’s common decorating problems. Here’s what they recommend:

Solution: Maximize your vertical space

“Glam up your walls by adding floating shelves or tall bookcases,” saysShandra Ward,基于室内设计师在休斯顿,德克萨斯州。“These can provide more storage and make your space more personal and interesting. Use unexpected areas—like a hallway!”

Solution: Use temporary wallpaper to create a jaw-dropping accent wall

“You can quickly transform boring white walls using self-adhesive wallpaper,” adds Ward. “It’s easy to install and, when you get tired of it or just [want to] try something different, it removes cleanly with no damage to your walls. This is a great option for apartment living and for those who may not want to be committed to wallpaper. There are so many design options, you may have a hard time choosing!”

Tip:You can even create akitchen tile backsplashusing peel-and-stick wallpaper.

Solution: Use floor lamps to light from below

“As a renter, I’m stuck with ugly ceiling lights,” says Jenny Gericke, an interior designer and owner ofGather Home and Designin Stone Mountain, Georgia. “Adding some floor lamps helps to add style as well as increase the lighting in the space so it feels more open.”

Tip:Another option: Remove the glass and/or shade on your ceiling fixtures and swap out boring bulbs for decorative ones. Bonus points if you can add a dimmer.

Solution: Disguise it with a rug pile

“In San Francisco we call this type of carpet ‘San Fran Tan’ and if you have it, too, throw a rug on top,” says Kyra Williams, interior decorator atBungalow, the largest co-living company in the U.S. “This will distract your eye from the ugly carpet and bring you a little joy every time you walk into the space.”

Tip:Don’t skimp on size and make sure your rug gives you a 12- to 16-inch perimeter around the room.

Solution: Roll in a bar cart

“Target’s bar carts can double as a kitchen island or extra serving space for entertaining,” Gericke says. “I like one that doesn’t look too much like a wine cart or one that looks too kitchen-y so I can use it as my needs (or rental space!) changes.”

Solution: All hail oversized mirrors

“Mirrors reflect the space to make it seem bigger they also reflect light,” Williams says. “Hang one on the wall opposite a window and your space will instantly feel bigger and brighter—basically adding another window sans construction!”

Solution: Opt for multi-functional furniture

“When you’re limited on space you’ve got to be very strategic about the furniture you select and how it functions,” Williams says. “That’s why I always suggest storage coffee tables and ottomans that can be used as a coffee table or an extra place to sit.”

Solution: Invest in fun curtains

“The most important thing about drapes is to be sure to hang them as close to the ceiling as possible over the window,” Williams says. “This will give the illusion of taller ceilings and will elevate your space to make it feel more luxe.”

• The Best Bedroom Paint Colors, According to Real Estate Agents
• Look Inside: A Blue Beauty (with a Screened-In Porch) in Houston for $420K
• 7 Cheap Tiny Houses to Rent, Starting at $39/Night
• 3 Things Ridiculously Organized People Do Before They Move
• 6 Things Homeowners Regret Not Knowing Before Building a Custom Home