Start With the Light

Natural light makes a big difference, especially in Chicago where winter days are shorter.

Photos with bright windows and sunlight usually mean the apartment will feel more open and comfortable. Rooms that look darker may rely more on artificial lighting. Apartment Therapy often explains how light changes how a home feels.

You can also learn more about how lighting affects mood and comfort from Architectural Digest.

When browsing listings, look for:

• Windows in living rooms and bedrooms
• Consistent brightness across photos
• Clear views of where light is coming from
  

Look for Full Room Views

Good listing photos show how a space is laid out, not just what the finishes look like.

Try to find images that show:

• The entire living room
• The full bedroom
• The kitchen from more than one angle

Zillow has found that listings with clear, high quality photos get more renter interest.

This makes it easier to understand how your furniture will fit and how the apartment will function day to day.

Pay Attention to Flow

Photos can tell you how rooms connect to each other.

Look for:

• How the kitchen opens into the living area
• Whether bedrooms feel private
• How doors and windows are positioned

Redfin often writes about how layout influences how people experience a home.

Floor plan clarity helps renters feel more confident before scheduling a tour.

Empty and Staged Apartments Both Have Value

Some listings show furnished apartments, while others show them empty.

Staged photos help you understand scale and flow. Empty photos help you imagine the space as your own. Houzz explains how staging helps renters visualize living in a space:
https://www.houzz.com/magazine

You can also explore renter and housing tips from the National Apartment Association.

Photos Help You Set Expectations

Good listing photos give you a clear and honest sense of what the apartment looks like.

That way, when you go to a showing, you already know whether the space is likely to work for you.

Using photos to narrow your search saves time, reduces stress, and makes apartment hunting in Chicago much easier.

If you are currently looking, you can view available vacancies and find more renter tips on our blog. To learn more about who we are, visit our About Us page.