Knock knock! Moving into a new home is exciting, but the prospect of decorating a rented residence is less so. Not to worry, there’s still plenty you can do to personalize your rented home, all without getting in trouble with the landlord. Sound too good to be true? Well, read on, and prepare to decorate!
When living in a rented home, you usually don’t make any big permanent adjustments to the space. Firstly, because you risk upsetting the landlord and losing your deposit, and secondly, if it is only a temporary home for you, then you don’t want to waste your money investing in labor and materials that you will have to leave behind when you eventually move. If you want to put your personal touch on your rented home without any permanent damage or change, here are some handy tips and tricks.
Check Permissions
To begin with, familiarize yourself with the rules and agreements made between you and your landlord. Do some research to make sure you know what parameters you are permitted to work within. After that, you need to decide just how much you want to change in the property.
Walls – Fly on the Wall!
Take a look at the bare skeleton of each room. It’s unlikely that you are in a position to paint the walls, but did you know that there is plenty of stylish and affordable removable wallpaper on the market at the moment? This means you can dress up a particular wall or cover up unsightly paint jobs, and leave no trace of your customization once you remove it! This also works if your landlord hasn’t sprung for a fancy backsplash in the kitchen – a stick-on removable backsplash is perfect for covering up the stains from past tenants and providing an easy-clean solution!
Wall Art – You’ve been Framed!
One of the most common obstacles renters face is not being able to hang up posters and artwork on the walls. Landlords often have rules against nails being hammered haphazardly into walls, as the damage can be difficult to repair. Walls can look pretty sad and bare if you can’t display some of your favorite images, so we have some solutions for you! Firstly, it is much easier to display your posters and photos if they are framed. Framed art also looks much tidier and stylish, so it’s win-win! You can lean framed art or canvas prints against your walls atop a shelf or cabinet. You can also use removable hooks, which don’t leave any residue behind. These tips work really well for securing mirrors too, which are great for making a space appear larger!
Floors – Put in the Groundwork!
Now for the floors! If you have unsightly carpet with some questionable stains, or even just a plain floor that you find boring, invest in rugs. There is such a wide variety of rugs out there to suit any style, and you’ll be able to pack them up and bring them with you to your next home. You can choose from different colors, styles, shapes and textures, but the list goes on! Another great way to use your floor space to express yourself is to create your own personalized doormats & outdoor rugs and bathmats.
Furniture – The Tables Have Turned!
Instantly change the look and atmosphere of a room by rearranging the furniture. It’s a damage-free and cost-free way to put your stamp on your new space! If you have the budget for it, there’s nothing stopping you from purchasing a few extra pieces of furniture to complement what’s already there. Storage space can be limited in rental properties, so keep an eye out for chests, bookshelves or seating that can provide some storage space. Stylish, functional, and easy to take with you when you move!
Lighting – Lighten Up!
Nothing sets the mood better than some thoughtfully placed light fixtures or lamps. You might not be able to alter the main lighting fixtures, but you can get plenty of plug-in lamps and sconces that won’t damage the walls and that you can take with you when you move. These work really well to get rid of the often glaring lighting in rentals, so that you can create your own tailored atmosphere with no hassle from the landlord. Opt for energy-efficient light bulbs to really capitalize on saving power! If the fixtures are fine but the lampshades are a tad outdated, then why not replace them? Just remember to keep the originals so that you can put the original shade back when you move out.
Little Changes – Get a Handle on Things!
There are small design elements of a rented home that you can make changes to with very little effort. The handles or pulls on drawers and cabinets are often overlooked, but they are full of potential. These are usually very easy to unscrew and switch out, which can transform a whole furniture piece or kitchen! Go vintage, classic, modern – the possibilities are endless! Again, make sure to keep the originals so that you can put them back on when you move.
Soft Furnishings – A Cushy Job!
Dress up your space by adding some coordinating soft furnishings that suit your taste, like pillows or blankets. These little accessories are key to tying a whole room together. Depending on the window coverings in your home, you may also be able to switch out the curtains and rods to a set that better suits your style. As ever, retain the originals!
Finishing Touches – Home Sweet Home!
Now that you have the big items dealt with, it’s time for the finishing touches! Why not use some of your prized possessions as design features? That collection of books, those scented candles, even your matching food storage jars can really show off your individual personality.
When decorating, never underestimate the power of nature. Bring the outdoors into your home with potted plants and flowers scattered throughout the space. English Ivy is good for providing oxygen-rich air and is beautiful to look at, so consider placing it in a pot on a high shelf, to gently cascade down a wall. Playing with levels, and decorating the top half of the room as well as the bottom half, can really help you to lay claim to your rented home, while refraining from permanent updates.
So, what’s your favorite room in your current home? Do you have a particular trick that you use to decorate every home you rent? Let us know in the comments, happy decorating, and welcome home!
Zazzle’s Lifestyle Expert is here to help create life’s best & most important moments. Discover unique ideas and endless inspiration to create meaningful memories with family, friends and your community.
These tricks of the trade for decorating a rental apartment so that it does feel like one and always think neutral. Keep up the great work! Thank you so much for sharing great posts.