So you’ve just moved into a new rental but it doesn’t really feel like ‘home’. We have put together a guide of the best decorating ideas for renters, so your new place can feel like home.
There may be a lot of rules when it comes to redecorating a rental, but don’t let that stop you from making your new house feel like a home.
There are many amazing rental interior design tips so you can decorate your rental on a budget.
Here are our Top 12 tips for How to Decorate a Rental:
1. Create an extra room with a divider
My family and I lived in a rental property that was huge but didn’t have enough bedrooms. There were two living rooms and a lot of unused space so we created our own ‘wall’ using a large IKEA wardrobe.
It was the perfect size and created an additional bedroom in the space without having to build any walls or spend extra money on rent for a bigger property.
A room divider can also be used to section off parts of a room and can be used to hang clothes or blankets. Not only will a gorgeous room divider help you to better utilise the space, it can create extra wall storage for photos or artwork without having to drill a hole in the wall!
2. Update or add lighting
Another great decor hack that can instantly improve a room is to change the lamp shades or add more lighting!
In our previous rental, it was rather outdated so we ventured out one day, picked up some gorgeous lamp shades and replaced them. If you are thinking of doing this, always ask for help if you aren’t sure. And make sure you keep the existing lampshade to put back when your lease is up.
You can also add some floor lamps, bedside table lamps or even some puck lights that are battery operated or just need to be plugged into an outlet.
3. Add flowers and plants
One of our favourite ways to bring some colour and decor to your home is to add a heap of plants and of course, dried flowers!
Our fiddle leaf fig and monstera have come with us from rental to rental over the years and they have gotten so luscious that they have become feature pieces of our living room.
We also believe dried flowers can instantly transform a space. A luxury preserved flower arrangement can become the feature piece of your living room, dining space or bedroom.
We recommend opting for a neutral dried flower arrangement as they suit every room and every decor style.
The best part about decorating with dried flowers is that you don’t have to maintain them like you do with fresh flowers or indoor plants - they are very low maintenance and long lasting.
If you have a style in mind for decor pieces such as flowers, our types of dried flowers article may help you find the perfect stems or flower arrangement.
4. Use rental friendly wallpaper
So you may be wondering, how to decorate walls when renting? It can be quite difficult when you move into your new rental and can’t stand the outdated wallpaper or kitchen splash back.
The good news is there are many ways around ugly wallpaper with these rental decor hacks such as buying some rental friendly removable wallpaper.
Available widely online, or even at stores such as Kmart. This temporary wallpaper has been specially designed to be able to be removed, and not tear off any paint whilst doing so.
If in doubt, always contact your landlord or a professional if you’re needing some help installing wallpaper.
We have used rental friendly wallpaper and removable flooring in our current rental and it has instantly brightened up the space and made it feel more ‘us’.
5. Hang some artwork and photos
You may be wondering how to decorate walls when renting. It can be frustrating not being able to paint walls or hang up 10 pieces of art without going through the process of enquiry and asking for permission first.
Here is where command strips come in handy! They are sticky strips that come in various sizes, all being able to hold different weights.
Command strips are perfect to use when renting as you can hang your art, photos and decor to your walls without having to worry about damaging the paint underneath or patching up holes when your lease is up.
For some bathroom styling or storage, there are some great suction hooks that will stick directly onto your tiles. They can be removed once you vacate so you won’t have to drill into any walls or do a complete bathroom remodel.
6. Cover up ugly flooring
When renting, it's important to remember that you might not be able to change the flooring.
This can be a huge problem if the flooring is ugly or doesn't match your style. Thankfully, there are a few ways to cover up ugly flooring without having to spend a lot of money.
One way is to buy a few cheap rugs that you can move around as needed. Having a couple of large rugs in different sizes and styles will also help to add some personality to your space.
Another way is to get some vinyl tiles or self-adhesive flooring. This is a great option if you want to change up the look of your flooring every few months - simply peel off the old flooring and replace with the new!
Finally, you could also try some creative DIY solutions. There are a lot of tutorials online for how to cover up ugly flooring with materials such as contact paper, fabric or tiles. Be sure to do your research first to make sure the solution will work for your specific rental.
7. Change the cupboard hardware
One of the easiest ways to add some personality to your rental and completely change the look of a room is to change the cupboard hardware. This can be done in a day and is a really affordable way to update your space.
There are so many different types of cupboard hardware available, so take your time to find something that suits your style. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few tips:
- Match the hardware to the other finishes in your room - for example, if you have brass light fixtures, try finding brass hardware for your cupboards
- Choose a style that is unique and different from what is currently in your home - this will help to make your rental feel like yours
- Think about the function of the cupboard - for example, do you need knobs or handles? Are you looking for something sleek and modern, or something more traditional?
As always, be sure to check with your landlord before making any large changes to the property. But with a few of these simple rental decor hacks, you can easily transform your space without breaking the bank!
8. Create more storage
Everyone needs more storage - it's a fact of life. Storage is especially important when you're renting, as you may not be able to change the layout or add any new furniture
There are lots of different ways to create more storage without spending a lot of money. Some easy ways to create more storage are by using baskets, boxes, and shelves
If you're really short on space, try getting creative with your storage solutions like using the space under your bed or installing some shelves on the walls.
Another way to add storage is by using furniture that has hidden storage spaces, such as an ottoman with a lid or a bed with drawers. This is a great way to hide away all of your excess clutter and create a more organised space.
Don't forget about the attic and basement - these can be great places to store extra belongings.
9. Invest in long lasting furniture
When you're renting, it's important to think about pieces of furniture that will last. You don't want to have to replace any furniture every time you move out, as this can get expensive.
Instead, try to find pieces of furniture that are made from solid materials and have a classic style. This way, you'll be able to keep them for many years and they will never go out of style.
We highly recommend investing a little more in pieces that will last for years to come, such as a good quality sofa and dining table.
Another thing to consider is whether the furniture is multifunctional. For example, a coffee table that also has storage space or a bed with built-in drawers. This way, you'll be able to use the same piece of furniture in different rooms and save some money on buying extra pieces.
10. Use temporary outdoor decking
There are a few different ways that you can use removable decking outside your home. One way is to use it on a balcony. This is a great option if you don't have a lot of space in your yard and you want to create an outdoor living area.
Another way to use temporary decking is to create your own deck. A deck is a great way to increase your living space and it's perfect for parties or gatherings. You can also get some astro turf or artificial grass tiles to compliment the decking.
11. Add extra kitchen bench space
If you're short on kitchen bench space, one way to fix this is by adding an extra bench. This can be a really affordable way to get more countertop space and is a great option if you like to cook.
There are a few different ways to add an extra bench, so take your time to find the option that suits your needs best. Some ideas are:
- Adding a breakfast bar
- Buying a kitchen island bench
- Getting a kitchen trolley
Adding in an extra bench is a great way to make your rental feel like home and it's a low cost way to add some more space in minutes!
12. Remove kitchen doors for an open shelf look
If you're looking for a way to open up your kitchen and create a more spacious feel, one option is to remove the cupboard doors. This will give you an open shelf look that is perfect for displaying your stunning plates, bowls, and glasses.
Removing the kitchen doors is a really easy project that can be done in just a few minutes. Plus, it's a great way to show off your personality and style. Just remember to keep all the screws and hinges to pop them back on at the end of your lease!
Summary
Decorating your home when you're renting can be a challenge, but it's definitely not impossible.
With a few simple tips and ideas, you can create a beautiful and functional space that you'll love spending time in, without breaking the bank either.
If you loved this article, we suggest reading our guide on how to decorate a small living room next.