How to Make Your NYC Furnished Apartment Experience Instagram-Worthy
Capture the Magic of Your Furnished Apartment in New York City
In today’s content-driven world, it’s no secret that Instagram and TikTok play a massive role in how we express creativity and build personal or professional brands. Whether you’re a content creator, aspiring influencer, or simply want to make your time in a furnished apartment in New York City unforgettable, your space can become the perfect backdrop for visual storytelling.
With a few styling tips and creative touches, your NYC rental can go from everyday living to Instagram-worthy in no time.
Step 1: Set the Scene Inside Your Furnished Apartment
Before you start snapping pictures or recording Reels, take time to understand the space you’re working with.
✔️ Assess the Layout
Get familiar with the placement of furniture, décor, and windows. Knowing where the best natural light hits during the day is essential for ideal photo conditions.
✔️ Identify Aesthetic Elements
Start by choosing a few key details in your furnished apartment to highlight—houseplants, throw pillows, artwork, or textures that pop. These can serve as visual anchors in your shots.
✔️ Use Natural Light
Golden hour (early morning or just before sunset) provides the most flattering lighting. Open up your windows and avoid harsh overhead lights unless you’re going for a specific mood.
Step 2: Feature the NYC Skyline or Street View (If You Have It)
If your apartment has a city view, use it. Position your camera to frame both the apartment interior and the backdrop of NYC for high-impact posts. These shots often perform best on Instagram due to their mix of indoor charm and iconic urban energy.
💡 Pro Tip: Set your subject (you or your product) near the window or balcony with the skyline behind you. This instantly adds context and aspirational appeal.
Step 3: Align with Your Instagram Aesthetic
Your content should reflect your personal brand. Think about:
- Color palette (cool tones vs. warm tones)
- Texture balance (minimalist vs. cozy layering)
- Content type (still photos, video Reels, Stories)
Create a consistent vibe throughout the apartment and match it with your Instagram feed or brand guidelines.
Step 4: Show the “Before & After”
Highlighting how you’ve customized or styled your furnished apartment adds narrative depth. Consider:
- A Reel showing how you transformed the space with small decorative tweaks
- A carousel of “blank canvas” vs. “your style”
- Time-lapse videos of you styling the space for a shoot
Even if you can’t make permanent changes, little upgrades—like bringing in your own books, candles, or accessories—can go a long way.
Step 5: Document the Neighborhood Vibe
Your Instagram presence isn’t just about interiors—it’s also about the lifestyle around your furnished apartment in NYC.
Capture:
- Local coffee shops or brunch spots
- Street views with city landmarks or brownstones
- Morning walks to the subway or hidden gems nearby
- The energy of NYC in the spring, summer, or at night
This gives followers a fuller picture of what it’s like to live where you are, and makes your content more dynamic and relatable.
Step 6: What to Photograph Inside the Apartment
Once you’ve styled the space and nailed the lighting, here’s what to focus your lens on:
🌿 Houseplants
Many NYC furnished apartments include plants like:
- ZZ Plants (Zanzibar Gems) – Photograph in diffused indoor light; avoid direct sun.
- Snake Plants – Use a plain white or neutral wall as background for strong contrast.
- Pothos or Spider Plants – Let them hang freely or drape across a shelf for natural movement in your shot.
Get creative with angles, close-ups, and color contrasts to highlight the natural beauty.
🛋 Cozy Corners
Document areas that reflect comfort and style:
- Throw blankets + accent pillows
- Reading nooks
- Desk setups with a city view
- Coffee tables with candles, books, or fresh flowers
These make for great lifestyle content and can be reused in multiple formats—Reels, photo posts, and Stories.
Bonus: Use Instagram to Inspire Your Style
If you’re unsure how to get started, check out these hashtags for inspiration:
- #nycapartment
- #furnishedapartment
- #nycliving
- #apartmentdecor
- #citylivingstyle
Engaging with others in your niche also boosts your visibility and can spark collab opportunities.
Final Thoughts: Create, Capture, and Connect
Renting a furnished apartment in New York City isn’t just about having a place to stay—it’s an opportunity to document a unique, personal experience in one of the most iconic cities in the world.
Whether you’re growing a brand, launching your influencer journey, or just want to remember this chapter in style, styling and photographing your apartment—and the lifestyle around it—can be incredibly rewarding.
So go ahead: rearrange the furniture, chase the light, and make magic in your NYC home away from home. 🌇📸
📍Looking for the Perfect Instagram-Worthy Apartment?
Urban Furnished offers beautifully curated, move-in-ready apartments across New York City—ideal for creators, travelers, and remote professionals.

