10 Extremely Cute Versions of Boring Apartment Staples (I’m Obsessed with This Purple Plunger!)

Mia Clancy
Mia Clancy
Mia Clancy is a sophomore at the University of Vermont majoring in Political Science with a minor in Spanish. She is Vice President of Inclusion for Kappa Delta, where she plans sisterhood events and deals with all matters concerning DEI. Additionally, she is a writer and Head…read more
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Colorful striped rug in orange and pink, a pink lamp on a black base, golden satin backdrop, and wooden coasters in a gold holder.
Credit: Urban Outfitters, IKEA, Staff

Furnishing your first apartment is full of plenty of fun Pinterest scrolling and joyful wandering through furniture stores for inspiration, but it also calls for a very humbling essentials shopping trip. That’s when you realize you have to buy a plunger, trash can, and hangers — not just aesthetic throw pillows and candles. 

Especially when you’re living in a small space, these boring items aren’t typically tucked away out of sight. You’ll be looking at them daily, so you want them to fit your aesthetic just as much as your decor does. Finding elevated versions of everyday essentials is the key to a fully decked-out apartment that still matches your vibe. That’s why I’ve searched high and low for some of the cutest household essentials out there.

10 Cute Household Items That’ll Level Up Your Apartment

When you’re moving into your first apartment, not every home essential needs to be the cutest version you can find — especially when you’re balling on a student budget. The most basic version of many must-haves will serve you well for years, but thoughtfully choosing a few fun pieces can instantly elevate your space and make it feel more personal. Here are some eye-catching options to choose from as you shop for your new place! 

1. Bathroom Trash Can
Supteron Bathroom Trash Can
$40$3025% off

Buying a trash can isn’t the most exciting purchase, but this one from Amazon is the perfect example of an elevated essential. The press-to-open lid and slim oval shape make it ideal for the bathroom, and the gold details are adorable. Available in white, black, and green, this trash can is a main character in the best way.

$30 at Amazon
2. Toilet Plunger
The Plunger
$32

A plunger doesn’t have the most glamorous function, but Staff has a stylish take on this bathroom necessity. Its translucent acrylic handle and cute smiley-face decal add a fun pop of personality to your bathroom — and it comes in five cute colors, so you can match it to the rest of your bathroom decor!

$32 at Staff
3. Kitchen Towels
Vegetable Jacquard Dish Towels, Set of 3
$34

Everyone needs towels lying around in the kitchen, making them a prime example of a boring must-have that you can make more exciting with just a little extra effort. Since they’re often on display, opting for a patterned or colored kitchen towel is an easy way to beautify your space. A simple touch of texture or print can make everyday tasks feel a bit more put-together while adding personality to your kitchen.

$34 at Anthropologie
4. Hangers
Amazon Basics Space Saving Slim Velvet Hangers
$20

Organizing your closet can feel more like a tedious task than a fun design moment, but your hangers can actually make a big visual difference. Mismatched plastic hangers can be an eyesore, and velvet is gentler on your clothes anyway. These pink ones from Amazon are the perfect swap to instantly upgrade your closet’s look.

$20 at Amazon
5. Door Mat
VÄGSKYLT Door Mat
$20

Your outdoor doormat is one of the first things people see when coming to your apartment, so it sets the tone right away. Instead of a plain mat, there are plenty of fun options out there. From fun sayings and pretty calligraphy to funky shapes and quirky patterns, it’s an easy way to make your space feel welcoming before you even step inside.

$20 at IKEA
6. Shower Curtain
Allover Fruits Patterned Shower Curtain, Lemons
$29

Your shower curtain is arguably the biggest visual element in your bathroom, so why not let it make a splash? Urban Outfitters has plenty of eye-catching, colorful options — many under $50 — and this lemon design feels bright and energizing. For a slightly bigger splurge, Quiet Town has the coolest translucent curtains in all different colors, which have the bonus of being super easy to clean (just wipe with a spray cleaner).

$29 at Urban Outfitters
7. Table or Desk Lamp
Lenee Table Lamp
$33

A small table lamp can have a big impact on your space. It’s one of those everyday pieces that quietly shapes the look of a room. Instead of going for a purely functional option, try finding something with color, texture, or a fun shape. It’s a simple way to make any desk, nightstand, or table feel more styled.

$33 at Wayfair
8. Coasters
Toaster Coaster, Set Of 4
$29

Coasters are one of those tiny details that often get overlooked — until guests arrive. Swap plain white circles for a funky set, and suddenly you’re a decor icon. This wooden “toaster coaster set from Urban Outfitters is playful and fun, adding personality while protecting your table and effortlessly elevating your living room style.

$29 at Urban Outfitters
9. Bathroom Rug
Parcie Printed Cotton Bath Mat
$38

Decorating your bathroom floor just to drip all over it might feel a bit silly, but it’s a space you visit every day, so why not make it pop? There are plenty of fun options out there that cost just a bit more than a basic solid-color rug. This one from Anthropologie adds pattern and color, instantly making your bathroom feel more intentional and stylish.

$38 at Anthropologie
10. Tool Kit
Home Essential Kit
$30

A tool kit might not be the first thing you think of when moving into your college apartment, but having one is a total lifesaver. It will save you countless times, and it doesn’t have to be ugly. This compact set from TINKR comes in a tidy roll-up canvas case, and has everything you need for simple projects around your apartment (plus, all the tools have cute pale blue accents).

$30 at Tinkr

Mia Clancy

Contributor

Mia Clancy is a sophomore at the University of Vermont majoring in Political Science with a minor in Spanish. She is Vice President of Inclusion for Kappa Delta, where she plans sisterhood events and deals with all matters concerning DEI. Additionally, she is a writer and Head of social media for UVM Her Campus, where she writes articles and posts content about college life and womanhood. Passionate about her studies, she hopes to attend law school or pursue a Ph.D. after graduation. Mia is passionate about wellness and mindfulness. She enjoys going to the gym, getting her nails done, reading, and painting in her free time.

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SchoolUniversity of Vermont '27
MajorPolitical Science, minor in Spanish
FavesLifting weights, music, yoga, the ocean, and tattoos
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