Cheap & Easy Decorating Without BS
Cheap and Easy Decorating Without BS is the second installment in the “Shanghai Without BS” series. By reading this guide, you’ll know how to personalize and humanize your Shanghai apartment (even if it’s a rental) without spending much time or money.
Use Plants
Besides adding a natural and refreshing feel to the apartment, plants help to improve indoor air quality by reducing the pollutants in the air. Common indoor pollutants include benzene (from paints and detergents), formaldehyde (from pressed wood and natural gas) and trichloroethylene (from lacquers and varnishes). Aloe, cactus, Chinese evergreen, and orchids absorb toxins well.
The pots you use for your plants can create different moods as well. Glass, metallic, green and light-colored ceramic containers emphasize the greenery and give a cool feeling. Rattan materials conjure up a casual and outdoor feel.
Two of the best places to shop for plants are the flower markets at 123 An Shun Road (near Kai Xuan Road and Huai Hai Road). ( 精盛花市 安顺路123号（近凯旋路和淮海路）) and South Shaan Xi Road (between Fu Xing Road and Yong Jia Road) ( 陕西南路（复兴路和永嘉路当中）).
Using Mirrors to "Create" Space
Although mirrored walls may seem a throwback to the 80's, judicious use of mirrors can tastefully create the impression your apartment is larger than it is. A large mirror on the wall just opposite the entrance can make the living room appear twice as big as it actually is.
Hanging a mirror opposite a room's main window can greatly increase the room's brightness. When the light shines in, the mirror will reflect it throughout the room.
Sometimes, the illusion of space is nothing like the real thing. When you need more space, call Love Box Self Storage at 400-720-LOVE (5683) to "Get Self Storage Without BS"
In Home Storage Spaces
If you want to store things in your home (definitely not recommended…Just Kidding!) while keeping it looking good, there are two approaches you can take. Either hide the storage spaces or proudly show them off.
If you want to hide the spaces, you can do wonders with fabrics. Hanging fabrics or venetian blinds in front of storage spaces will make them less noticeable. Also consider installing a bookcase behind your bed and running a roman shade down it - this way, you also have a new headboard.
There's some hidden storage space behind your bedroom door. Stick plastic hooks on the back of the door to hang belts, ties, purses, scarves and necklaces. A great place to get fabrics is the Fabric Market at 1618 CaoAn Rd (near AnBian Rd) ( 曹安轻纺市场 曹安路1618号（近安边路）).
At Ikea you can buy shoe organizers designed to hang over doors. Ikea's address is 126 Cao Xi Road (near Kai Xuan Road) ( 宜家 漕溪路126号（近凯旋路）).
If you're tired of looking for ways to hide your things, you can display them boldly. By stacking books neatly on a rug in an eye catching place, you not only solve your storage problem, but also create a slightly offbeat, but intellectual, environment.
But if you really want to clean your place up, Love Box's facility is only a 12-minute drive from People's Square. Call us at 400-720-LOVE (5683).
Personalizing Your Apartment
Most rented apartments look the same - white walls and furniture that's either boring or too "interesting". Regardless, somebody else's decoration doesn't give you any sense of belonging.
Head down to a fabric market to get slip covers, curtains and cushions made. This is a simple way to add colors to your apartment. Moreover, it is so cheap that you can order many sets for different settings.
You can also show your style through vases, paintings / pictures, and rugs. A good place to look for knick-knacks is the Dong Tai Road Antique Market (near Liu He Road) ( 东台路古玩市场 东台路（近浏河路）). Our favorite place to buy paintings is 50 Mo Gan Shan Road (near Chang Hua Road) ( M50创意园 莫干山路50号（近昌化路）).
The curved shelf in the last photo looks great, different, but works!
Now for a limited time, sign up for our mailing list and get three months of Love Box Mail Escort service for just 98 RMB per month (that's over 20% off the regular price of 128 RMB per month!).
*Please note that Love Box Mail Escort service is a mail service only (and does NOT include Self Storage service).
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