How to Make Your Room Feel Like Home in a Shared Apartment

Personalize Your Space: How to Make Your Room Feel Like Home

Moving into a new city and sharing an apartment with roommates can be exciting, but also a little unsettling—especially when your room is the only private space you have. Whether you're in Madrid, Lisbon, or Berlin, creating a cozy and personal atmosphere in your bedroom is key to feeling settled.

Here are practical, low-cost ways to make your room feel like home, even when living in a shared flat.

1. Start with Your Bed

Your bed is often the largest and most central piece in the room, so make it a comfortable focal point.

✔ Invest in soft bedding and pillows
✔ Add a throw blanket or two for texture
✔ Use colors and patterns that reflect your personality

A cozy bed can make even a small or sparsely furnished room feel comforting.

2. Use Lighting to Create Atmosphere

Rental flats often come with harsh overhead lighting—swap that vibe for something softer.

✔ Use string lights or fairy lights for a warm glow
✔ Add a bedside lamp with adjustable brightness
✔ Consider a small desk lamp for reading or work

Lighting can dramatically shift the mood of your room from “temporary” to “cozy retreat.”

3. Add Personal Touches to the Walls

Blank walls are a missed opportunity. Add a bit of you to the space with:

✔ Printed photos of friends, family, and travel memories
✔ Posters, postcards, or a vision board
✔ Wall-safe tape or removable hooks to avoid damage

Creating a visual story on your walls helps your room feel more personal.

4. Bring in Some Green

Even a small plant can add life and warmth to your space.

✔ Start with low-maintenance options like snake plants or succulents
✔ Use recycled jars, mugs, or thrifted planters for style
✔ Mix real and faux plants if you’re not confident in your green thumb

A touch of greenery goes a long way in transforming your room into a calm oasis.

5. Organize with Style

Storage doesn’t have to be boring. Choose stylish bins, crates, or boxes to store items like clothes, books, or tech gear.

✔ Opt for stackable storage under the bed
✔ Use vertical shelves to save space
✔ Keep your desk or dresser tidy with trays and baskets

Clean, stylish organization helps your room feel functional and put-together.

6. Choose a Room That Feels Right From the Start

If you’re still on the hunt for a room, platforms like BeRoomie let you filter listings based on furnishing, decor, and roommate lifestyle preferences. That way, you start off with a space that already feels more “you”—or at least a canvas you’ll enjoy decorating.

Explore options that match your style and move-in needs at BeRoomie.app.

Final Thoughts

Your room is more than just where you sleep—it’s your space to recharge, express yourself, and feel grounded. With a few personal touches, you can make even a temporary room feel like a long-term home.

And if you’re still in search of your perfect space, BeRoomie can help you find a room and roommates that make that transition a whole lot easier.