7 Surprising Essentials That Should Be in Every Apartment Home

This article originally appeared on the Springs "You're Home Blog."

When you consider must-haves for your Springs luxury apartment home, your mind probably goes toward items such as a bed, a set of cookware and a television. We've discovered several items that are not quite as obvious, but they go a long way toward boosting the comfort level of your home.

Here are some ingenious additions we've made to our must-have list. Each one makes your apartment just a little bit nicer, whether it's by saving time or space or simply providing a touch of style.

Do you think of lighting as nothing more than a practical accessory? Lighting actually serves as a decor element, creating ambiance and eliminating dreary shadows. Include at least three light sources in each room, incorporating different styles such as floor lamps, table lamps and even string lights. Today you can find a number of battery-powered temporary fixtures for spots like underneath kitchen counters, as well as table-top dimmers that let you adjust the light to your mood.

When it comes to decorating, floors are another often-ignored spot. Area rugs add an instant splash of visual interest as well as a comfy surface for bare feet.

Even if your idea of cooking is calling your favorite Chinese take-out joint, cloth napkins can make any meal feel special. They're also more eco-friendly than paper napkins and less expensive in the long run.

Greenery is good for the environment and even better for the soul. Whether you keep a vase filled with fresh flowers or place some beautiful house plants around your apartment, these pieces of nature are guaranteed day-brighteners. If you have a green thumb, why not start a container garden on your balcony or patio?

It can get pretty expensive if you toss out a piece of clothing due to missing buttons. Reattaching them yourself is not as difficult as you might think, and in time you will get practiced enough to repair a torn hem or seam.

How frustrating is it when you waste food because it lurks out of sight in the back of the cabinet until just past its date? Accessories like sliding cabinet drawers and spice racks are an inexpensive way to keep contents in order and easily accessible.

On a cold winter's night, there's nothing more comforting than crawling into a bed made with soft, warm, cozy flannel sheets.

Do you have a favorite indispensable item that started as an afterthought? Share it with us in the comments!