My Top Tips for Decorating a Rental
Because living in a rental doesn’t mean it’s got to look ugly…
Lee and I have been living in our current rental for about a year and a half and are absolutely love it. After living for about five years in a flat it’s nice to be in an actual house. Since day one we’ve been pretty much in decorating mode, making the place our own. We’re so lucky that we have a landlord that’s pretty lenient when it comes to letting us decorate. I also get some lovely comments about our place on Instagram, I’m very lucky to have such supportive followers. Decorating a rental is something that is everyone’s capacity. Whilst we’ve done quite a few big things to the rooms, there are small things that you can do to turn your temporary place into feeling like home. We’ve only got two more rooms to do and then that’s it.
If you’re wanting to spruce up your rental, here are my top tips for decorating it…
How to decorate your rental…
PAINT THE WALLS.
This one is a difficult one but the one that I find makes a huge impact. Paint can change completely how a room looks, just look at our hallway makeover if you need proof! There are two ways you can go about this- ask your landlord or do it. I personally would just ask your landlord for permission. If you explain what you are doing, promise to be careful and will reverse it if they want you to, landlords tend to be on board with it. I also find that if you’re going to paint it a neutral colour and your planning to stick around for a while, that buys in the landlord’s willingness to let you do it.
If you’re not allowed to paint, then think about temporary wallpaper. It will add something to your rooms without marking when you remove it once your lease is up.
CHANGING UP YOUR LIGHTING.
Lighting makes a difference in a room, and I’m not just saying that because I work for a lighting company! Even changing up the light shade will have an impact in your room. When we swapped out the old light shades in with the one we have currently, it made such a difference to the feel of the room. Simply save the landlords one in a box until you love and you’re all set.
Light bulbs also make such a difference. Invest in good bulbs that provide a natural light option will help make the room feel lighter and fresher. We love our Hive ones and have them in almost every room of the house.
SOFT FURNISHINGS.
Soft homewares make a world of difference to any home. Curtains are another thing that you can instantly change up in a rental that will make the place instantly feel like your home. Again, save the landlords in a box ready for when you move out.
Other soft furnishings like pillows, rugs, towels and bedding can change up a room. These are all things you can also take with you to your next home, making them an investment rather than a temporary thing.
HANG SOME PICTURES ON THE WALL.
I love hanging up artwork in every room in our house. Whether it be art prints or photographs of your travels and loved ones, placing a few prints together in a gallery wall formation or even a single print on its own dresses up a wall and gives the room character. If you’re decorating a rental, you have to consider hanging some artwork in your home. You can use nails and cover the holes once you leave, however, command strips are an excellent non-permanent option. You know that I love Desenio, it’s my favourite place to get prints. It’s affordable with amazing options, perfect for every interior style.
DECORATIVE STORAGE.
Every single rental property I have been in has had a lack of storage. It’s like a requirement along with those disgusting wall mirrors (you know which ones I mean). So combinding function with style is one of the best tips I can give for decorating a rental. Shelves are a great way to provide storage that you can style and they are easy to remove once your tennancy is up.
Other pratical, stylish storage can be something simple as upcycling the current furniture in the rental property. Changing the knobs on cabinets or chest of drawers makes such a difference. I done this across our home and it instantly makes the room feel ten times better. A little change can go a long way.
What are your top tips for decorating a rental?
