Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Apartment Essentials... My CRIB Favorites
44
items I moved in to a small one-bedroom apartment and must learn to be a minimalist…I accept the challenge…!!
Sections
7
Bedroom
Bathroom
Kitchen/Dining
Livingroom
Office...
Balcony
Bedroom
The bedroom in my new dwelling is 10 x 10…small. Typical bedroom size is 11.5 x 13 or more. I was fortunate to have a decent sized walk-in closet, that is not included in the dimensions. I currently have a full-size bed, a queen would have been a lit...
Some ideas on what I may consider…
900+ Best BEDROOM ideas
If only…I saw this and just had to add this. My motif will be white and gold/cream, but not as ostentatious as this…but it does look like some good sturdy furniture.
Acme Bernadette VANITY DESK Gold Finish
I'm liking the silver, but it's way too big for the space I have for this feature.
Acme Vendome VANITY DESK Beige Synthetic Leather & Antique Silver Finish
This is a possibility for the vanity dressing table. I'm not sure about that gold finish, looks dull, but I could always refinish myself. But not for this price point.
Vanity Set with Lighted Mirror, TZUTOGETHER Girls Vanity Benches, Makeup Dressing Table with Cushioned Stool, 6 Storage Shelves and 2 Drawers, Dresser Desk for Bedroom
It's interesting, but maybe not…it's a bit much…
Wooden Vanity Set with Antique Mirror Details and Storage Drawers, Silver- Saltoro Sherpi
I like this one because of the mirror and how it slides to open up to more storage. The pricing is a bit out of my budget and I would have to swap out the seat. But I like this for the space.
Makeup Vanity Table with Sliding Lighted Mirror, Vanity Desk Makeup Dressing Table with 5 Drawers and Cushioned Stool for Women and Girls,White
1
I like the setup of this one, but would prefer the touch light mirror instead of the standout bulbs, and that seat would need to be replaced.
Yamissi Modern Makeup Vanity Set W/ Stool, Dressing Table with Mirror & 10 LED Lights, Dresser Desk for Girls Bedroom, White
This is cute, but a little too small for what I'm looking for. Not even sure it would hold me up. Plus not feeling the natural wood look for this space.
ELECWISH Makeup Vanity Table Set with Touch Screen Adjustable Lighted Mirror and Cushioning Stool,Dressing table with Free Makeup Organizer (Rectangle Mirror)
This is super cute and would have matched my previous bedroom set. I would have to refinish this is another color, which I wouldn't mind doing at this price point.
Linon Clarisse Metal Vanity Set in Gray
This is another addition I want for my bedroom. I think these jewelry armoires are awesome!! Just gotta find the one that holds everything…!!
Woven Paths 360 Degree Rotatable Jewelry Armoire with Free-Standing Mirror, White
Not sure how I came across this, but I'm loving how this looks. I have some sun hats that I'm thinking about hanging them in this fashion.
HYDERMUS Hat Rack for Wall 31x53 in with 15 Clips
I might do a little Boho corner and place this stylish lighting fixture over my vanity. I'm really loving the look…
Boho Plug in Pendant Light, 15FT Hanging Lights
Another take on how and where to hangs my array of hats. This configuration is simple, but I like that as well.
ZYP Macrame Boho Hat Rack for Wall Display
I like the tassels on this one. I have a lot of hats and still wondering what layout would look good on my wall and what would make overall sense for the look and purpose.
Mkono Hat Rack Boho Caps Storage Display Organizer
This is a no brainer for me…A must have. This is so unique and would be a great addition to my Boho corner.
Mkono Macrame Sunglasses Organizer with 15 Pockets
Bathroom
My bathroom is a decent size. You can maneuver in it with stubbing a toe or bumping a knee. There are sizeable gaps between the shower and the sink and between the sink and the toilet. I can also fit a small shelving unit in the corner opposite the t...
I have some sizeable spaces in my bathroom that could use this storage space filler. The more I can store in other spaces, the more room I have in my bigger closets for other things.
HOMCOM Small Bathroom Corner Floor Cabinet
This slim storage dresser would go great in my bathroom to store some of my hair care products. I'm hoping that the cloth drawers will hold up, but I see quite a few favorable reviews, so that's good.
EKNKOZY Narrow Dresser Storage Tower, 5 Drawers
I really like the look of this unit. This has me thinking of putting this in my bedroom along side my vanity. I have quite a few cosmetics and maybe some haircare that would fit perfectly.
YILQQPER Narrow Dresser, 4 Fabric Drawers, White
I'm loving the look of this item. It will fit perfectly in the small corner opposite my toilet. It looks like it'll hold quote a few things as well as decor.
Haotian BZR34-W White Slim Tall Bathroom Cabinet
Kitchen/Dining
The kitchen/dining area is practically complete except for finding some creative storage options. I sort of want that Pinterest look with everything in its place kind of thing. So my major tackle would be to find the storage trays and hacks for the f...
The foundation of my tea corner... 1.7 liters is plenty for a full pot or back-to-back cups, and it boils fast. White keeps it clean against my minimalist kitchen. At under $15 with 4,000+ reviews at 4.6 stars, this is the rare thing that's both the ...
Mainstays 1.7L Electric Kettle with Auto Shut-Off, White
Glass changes everything... you can actually see your tea brewing, which means no more guessing if it's strong enough. It looks beautiful sitting out, so it doubles as decor for the tea corner. Almost 4,000 reviews at 4.6 stars. This is the one that ...
RIKLIG Teapot - glass 1.6 qt
A good everyday mug for six dollars... sturdy, comfortable handle, holds 13 ounces. This is a bestseller for a reason. Buy three or four so you always have a clean one for the tea corner, and at this price you won't cry if one chips.
GLADELIG Mug - blue 13 oz
Loose tea goes stale fast sitting open in a cabinet... this little tin keeps it fresh and looks tidy on the shelf. Four by four inches, so it disappears into even the smallest cabinet. Under five dollars to protect the tea you're actually investing i...
BLOMNING Tin with lid - off-white for coffee/tea 4x4x4 "
Small kitchen, small drawers, big chaos... this tray is the instant fix. Drop it in and suddenly your flatware and gadgets all have a home instead of sliding around in a pile. 4.9 stars don't lie. Six dollars for the kind of order that makes you feel...
UPPDATERA Utensil tray - white 6x19 ½ "
Livingroom
Livingroom…well, I need new furniture. I have a small couch right now, a coffee table, a TV stand and TV, oh yeah and the matching end table to the one I have in my bedroom. I'm looking to replace the couch with a small L-shape sectional because I lo...
Seventy-two inches... that's the number that matters in a small apartment. The chaise reverses to either side and the ottoman moves wherever you need it, so this works no matter how your living room is shaped. Marked down from $800 to $310. An L-shap...
Wade Logan® Aretina Upholstered Sectional & Reviews
Seating plus hidden storage... in a one-bedroom, every piece has to do double duty. The ottoman opens up for blankets, remotes, whatever needs to disappear when company comes over. Seventy-eight inches wide, solid wood legs, linen upholstery. This is...
Latitude Run® 78" Linen L-Shaped Sectional Sofa with Storage Ottoman & Solid Wood Legs
Modular means you rearrange it however your space demands... L-shape today, separated pieces tomorrow. No assembly required, which in my book is worth at least fifty dollars of the price. The deep seating is genuinely comfortable, not just good-looki...
Ebern Designs Boneless Cloud Modular Sectional Couch with L-Shape Lounge Chair, Deep Seating, No Assembly Required, Living Room and Bedroom Cushioned Sofa & Reviews
Chenille looks expensive... soft, textured, the kind of fabric that photographs well and feels even better. Seventy-six inches with an ottoman, 4.6 stars across 113 reviews. This is the one for when you want the living room to feel like a choice, not...
BedLuxury George 76.8" Upholstered Chenille L Shaped Sectional Loveseat Sofa with Ottoman & Reviews
The splurge of the bunch, but look at it... white chenille, modular design explicitly made for apartments, 311 reviews at 4.4 stars. White furniture in a small space makes the whole room feel bigger and brighter. If the aesthetic matters as much as t...
Mercer41 Joseph-Alexander Upholstered Sectional 82.7" Wide Sectional Sofa with Chaise Chenille Fabric White Modular Design for Living Room & Reviews
Office...
My office will be a small section of the Livingroom, that I will partition off. The space is perfect opposite the balcony door and close to the window. I have to get creative about how to partition the area as natural light will need to come through ...
Twenty-eight inches wide... this is the most compact real desk IKEA makes. It fits in a partitioned corner without eating the living room. White keeps the whole setup feeling light and intentional. Over 4,300 reviews at 4.6 stars. Small desk, big pro...
MICKE Desk - white 28 3/4x19 5/8 "
One step up... forty-one inches gives you room for a laptop, a notebook, and your coffee without playing Tetris. The cable management compartment hides the cord mess. Six thousand reviews at 4.5 stars. If you work from home even part-time, the extra ...
MICKE Desk - white 41 3/8x19 5/8 "
Desk plus drawers in one piece... this is the bestseller for a reason. You get a real workspace and storage without buying a separate filing situation. Forty-seven inches of white, clean surface. For a partitioned office corner, this looks built-in w...
LAGKAPTEN / ALEX Desk - white 47 1/4x23 5/8 "
The cheapest white office chair worth sitting in... 4.6 stars, almost 500 reviews. It's simple, it's comfortable enough for real work sessions, and it keeps the all-white aesthetic unbroken. Sixty dollars for a chair that doesn't look like sixty doll...
LOBERGET / MALSKÄR Swivel chair - white
Higher back, better support... if you're at the desk for hours, your spine will thank you for the extra forty dollars over the basic option. White frame with light gray upholstery, clean and modern. This is the "I take my work seriously but my space ...
ÖRFJÄLL Swivel chair - white/Vissle light gray
Balcony
I'm excited about this space but not sure what to do with it. I know what I'd like to do, but I have to be mindful of where to store everything on those crappy Chicago-weather days.
The whole set folds flat... that's the Chicago winter strategy. Acacia wood and steel handle the summer beautifully, then the whole thing collapses for indoor storage when the snow comes. Nearly 2,000 reviews at 4.6 stars. A hundred dollars for a bal...
TÄRNÖ Table+2 chairs, outdoor - black/light brown stained
Bare concrete is depressing... these snap together with no tools and suddenly your balcony has a wood floor. Acacia is naturally weather-resistant, and you can pull them up for winter. Nine square feet per pack, 3,000+ reviews. Thirty-five dollars fo...
RUNNEN Decking, outdoor - acacia 9 sq feet
A recliner. On your balcony... this is the "morning coffee in the sun" chair. Acacia wood weathers well, the cushions come off for storage, and it reclines for actual lounging. 4.6 stars. One hundred twenty-five dollars for your favorite seat in the ...
NÄMMARÖ Reclining chair, outdoor - light brown stained/Kuddarna light gray-beige
Waterproof with a zip closure... cushions, throws, and balcony supplies survive Chicago rain and snow right out there. Fifty inches wide, so it doubles as a bench. This is what makes the rest of the balcony setup actually sustainable through the seas...
TOSTERÖ Storage box, outdoor - black 50 3/4x17 3/8x31 1/8 "
Closet
I have a sizeable walk-in closet in my bedroom and a slightly smaller one in the hallway which will be mainly storage/linens and towels/pantry. I have some space in my laundry closet as well, just enough to store laundry detergent and fabric softener...
My hats were living in a sad little pile on the dresser...not anymore. This over-the-door rack has 17 hooks plus a basket, so everything is visible and off the furniture. Small space, nothing on the floor, that's the whole goal.
Yociyoga Closet Hanging Organizer - Hat Rack
This is the one that made my closet feel twice as big. Six shelves hanging right off the rod, and it splits into two smaller ones if I need it to. The side pockets catch all the little stuff that usually ends up everywhere.
Fixwal 6-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer Beige
The drawers sold me. Socks, underwear, all the little things that turn a closet into chaos...they finally have a home. And it separates into two 3-shelf units, so half can live in the hallway closet.
Vailando 6-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer
Fifty pounds of holding power in something that folds flat when I don't need it. My sweaters finally have shelves instead of a leaning tower situation. The mesh pockets on the side are perfect for the small stuff.
TOPIA HOME 6-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer, Beige
These are the pretty baskets that make open shelves look intentional. Rope handles, foldable, and they actually hold their shape instead of flopping over. Linens, towels, the random stuff...all tucked away but easy to grab.
TOPIA HOME Closet Organizers, 3-Pack, Beige
The workhorses. Thirty pounds each and they look good enough to leave out on a shelf. I've got them in the hallway closet holding everything from cleaning supplies to the stuff I don't have a better place for yet.
StorageWorks Large Foldable Storage Baskets, 3-Pack