Not all home furnishings are created equal, something apartment dwellers know all too well. Finding furniture and accessories that have dual functions and won’t take up too much space can be a challenge if you don’t know where to look. There are a few great retailers who specialize in just this type of decor, so you can buy with confidence. Here are three websites to shop for apartment-friendly home decor items.

1) Muji
Find simplistic yet functional items at Muji. This home decor website offers something for every detail of decorating, from furniture to cleaning tools.

2) West Elm
This catalog of home furnishings draws inspiration from the mid-century modern aesthetic, giving you stylish options for any sized space.

3) Urban Outfitters
The apartment living section of this hip, youthful retailer has a great selection of home decor items for renters. Find colorful tapestries, rugs, and wall art that will make your apartment feel unique and chic.

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Communication skills are just as important as talent in the workplace, because without them you would never be able to express your ideas to others or work together with a team. No matter how shy or quick-tempered you are, these tips will help you to improve your communication skills and speak more eloquently at work.

1. Speak face-to-face. Although e-mail and phone conversations are the norm in this digital age, nothing has as much impact as speaking to someone in person. If you want to ask for a raise or pitch a great idea, do it face-to-face, not through a device.
2. Plan ahead. There’s nothing wrong with planning what to say ahead of time; in fact, most bosses prefer this method. Planning ahead will help you get to the point faster, making what you’re saying all the more effective.
3. Put a positive spin on things. There will always be occasions where you need to criticize a coworker, but instead of putting them down or ratting them out, attempt to speak positively. Say things like “Your idea was great, but…” or “I know you put a lot of work into this, but…”
4. Take a breather. If you’re prone to saying things you regret in moments of anger, tell yourself to take a minute to consider if what you’re saying is helpful or just plain hurtful.

How You Can be a Better Communicator [LifeHack]
6 Ways to Become a Better Communicator [TIME]
10 Simple Secrets of Great Communicators [About Money]
Becoming a Better Communicator [Berkeley HR]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Rachel Kramer