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I recently moved into my first solo apartment that, although a dream, does not happen to be one of the few tastefully finished rentals out there. To add fuel to that fire, I’m also not someone who can live happily among indelicate details.
Picture: my bathroom lit by a boob lamp; the kitchen cabinets harshly accented with brushed nickel knobs; every door handle evoking more college dorm than adult home. It’s not like I own the place, so investing in replacement hardware that will inevitably get left behind in a few years’ time feels like a fool’s errand. And although I could save the originals to swap back in before moving, I’d hate to waste even an inch of precious space in my tight 17-by-13-foot apartment. (Not to mention the handyman I’d have to hire again to schlep back and reinstall the original fixtures.) Hence my dilemma until I landed upon a somewhat obvious solution: Replace that ugly cheap hardware with pretty cheap hardware. You know, the affordable goods that are easy enough on the eyes but not so much of a knockout that I’ll cry when we part.
If you, too, have been searching for cheap rental apartment decorating tips, then read on for my shopping guide to the products that will get it done. Starting with these doorknobs that spark joy every time I look at them but are reasonably priced to easily leave behind for the next (lucky) tenant when that day comes.
1. Get a Handle on Those Doorknobs
I found these after searching multiple variations of “cheap doorknobs” on Google (here’s the privacy version), and they seemed too good to be true. Polished chrome is my go-to metal, and the square base gives it a nice traditional look. Below are the runners-up, like this chunky matte black one that leans a little more industrial.
Door Knob Set Closet / Hall / Passage Function
Harney Hardware
Door Knob Set Bed / Bath / Privacy Function
Harney Hardware
Kwikset Matte Black Pismo Door Knob
Amazon
Cirrus Passage Door Knob Set from the New Traditions Collection
Build
2. See Ya Never, Brushed Nickel
Cabinet knobs are the easiest to swap out because you don’t need a handyman or an electrician—just screw them in. I’m considering painting my unfinished wood knobs the same color as the cabinets or something complementary for a pop. I’m super-inspired by this example from a recent Domino story.
Wood Ball Knob
Woodpeckers Crafts
Golden Door Knob (2-pack)
Zara Home
Aspen Matte Black Egg Cabinet Knob by Sumner Street Home Hardware
Home Depot
Small Black Cast-Iron Cabinet Handle
House of Antique Hardware
Tiny Brass Cabinet Knob
House of Antique Hardware
Small Brass Knobs
Etsy
Kela Handle
CB2
Ethan Satin Brass Cabinet Knob by Sumner Street Home Hardware
Home Depot
3. Bye-bye, Boob Lamp
We don’t know what it is about boob lamps that supers can’t get enough of, but we have a feeling it has to do with the price tag. However, spending just a bit more can get you something modern that blends in. Add a dimmer and you’re in business.
Woven Flush Mount Light Fixture by Frideko Home
Amazon
Frihult Flush Mount
IKEA
Globe Electric Oswald Semi-Flush Globe Ceiling Fixture
Build
White Drum Linen Flush Mount Light
Crateu0026kids
4-Light Semi Flush Mount Ceiling Light Fixture
Amazon
Wide Flush Mount Ceiling Fixture by Nuvo Lighting
Build
4. Bring on the Mood Lighting
Speaking of dimmers, installing one in my bathroom changed my life. Essential for relaxing nighttime showers, this quick $18 Amazon buy plus an electrician is my good vibes starter pack.
Toggle Dimmer Switch for Dimmable LED, CFL and Incandescent Light Lamp Bulbs by ELEGRP
Amazon
LED Dimmer Light Switch by Maxxima
Amazon