Easy Ways to Decorate A Rented House
Easy Ways to Decorate A Rented House
Although many of us can’t afford to own our own house and have to stick with rental properties, and many rental agreements include restrictive clauses when it comes to changes you’re able to make to the property, just because you can’t paint a wall doesn’t mean you can’t put your own stamp on the place!
Below, we’re going to look at some easy ways to decorate a rented house, so you can make the space your own even if you’re not the owner!
Walls
Although most rental contracts will include restrictions on painting the walls, you might find if you have a chat with your landlord about this specifically, they may be willing to allow it as long as you choose an approved color. That, or agree to put it back the way it was before when you leave. Adding a nicer finish to your walls than the standard units or even putting in a feature wall can give an awesome blast of personality to an otherwise boring space.
Floors
Similarly, it’s not likely the landlord is going to be okay with you changing the carpets – and frankly, why would you want to?! It’s a costly and time-consuming task for a property you don’t own! – however, if the carpets are a little dull, getting a nice bright rug can make a huge difference and is one of the easiest ways to decorate a rented house without committing too much of your own energy or making any changes to the property.
Nail/Screw Alternatives
Similarly, if you have pictures or posters that you simply must hang, it could be worth looking into No More Nails strips or similar products. There are loads of options out there these days that allow you to tack something to the wall and remove it without making any mark – no mark, no problem for the landlord! Blu-Tack can even be used without making a mark on most shiny surfaces such as kitchen cupboards, but check an inconspicuous area first!
Shelves
Many landlords don’t link tenants hammering nails into the walls for obvious reasons. However, if you have a lot of pictures or ornaments to display, then you might want to consider installing shelves into your rented house, so you’re only installing two nails rather than multiple.
It’s worth remembering too that shelves don’t necessarily need to be installed on the wall. An attractive bookcase or freestanding unit can work wonders in adding some personality to your space along with plenty of storage and display opportunity, without making any actual changes to the structure of the property.
Plants
An instant uplift to any room, adding plenty of potted plants will not only make your space look great but will also increase the air quality too! Some plants have even been associated with reducing stress, so they’re more than easy ways to decorate a rented house, they can actually make you feel better every day!
Upcycled Furniture
If you can’t paint the walls or screw in nails, then you can still add a splash of color and personality by upcycling your old furniture. You’d be amazed at what difference a splash of paint can do to an old dresser or side table, and there’s loads of inspiration on ways to adapt your furniture on Pinterest and other websites to check out!
Soft Furnishings
If your apartment comes fully furnished, upcycling might not be an option for you, but you can still add plenty of personality with soft furnishings! Think quirky throw-pillows and soft throws to add your stamp to overused sofas in addition to your ornaments and photographs on display.
Magnets
Perfect for displaying that awesome photo of you and your mates on a recent night out, sticking some magnets on the fridge can easily bring a smile to your face any time you step into the kitchen. Try getting magnets that show a bit of personality, whether they’re themed on your favorite TV show or are souvenirs from holidays. We always enjoy letter-themed magnets that allow you to leave notes for your housemates, and you can even get magnetic photos printed – a great housewarming gift!
Lighting
Landlords tend to be focused on one thing when styling a property: attracting tenants. While tenants will quickly spot holes in the carpets or ugly furniture, many don’t ever stop to think about the lighting! A surprisingly easy way to decorate a rented house and make it feel more like a home might be as simple as swapping out the lightbulbs for more friendly hues. This should only take a few minutes, and you’d be amazed at what a difference it can make!
Adding extra lighting options, including side and table lamps, can also help illuminate an otherwise dark room and will allow you to get light exactly where you want it to be.
Scent
This is a bit of a weird one, as it’s not really decoration, but humans are incredibly strongly influenced by scent. Adding scented candles, burning incense, or getting a reed diffuser can help get rid of the un-lived-in smells and make your rented property a home. Another good tip when it comes to scent is to rub a few drops of your favorite essential oils onto lightbulbs and radiators; as they warm up, the smell will be beautifully distributed around the house.
Mirrors
So much more than a vanity item, mirrors are magical when it comes to making a small space look big. They happily throw light around the room from even the most modest source to brighten the room, and their reflective nature gives an illusion of depth. Not to mention it’s always handy to have a few mirrors for on-the-go top-ups to hair and make-up!