In a rented home or apartment, you may not be allowed to make significant or structural changes to the premises – but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a rented space your own.
Wall colours
Most landlords will let you paint the walls, provided you paint them in a fairly neutral colour or promise to repaint before you leave. Landlords may also be open to covering or sharing the costs of painting.
Wallpaper
Temporary wallpaper can be removed with minimal fuss. You can use this option to add colour and patterns to a room, especially if you’re not allowed to paint.
Plants
Plants can make a big difference to any space. Add an abundance of plants to detract from features you’re not fond of and to freshen up the area.
Art
Pre-printed canvases are relatively inexpensive and can add an instant personal touch to your décor.
Rugs
Rentals often have cheap or outdated flooring. If you’re not a fan of the beige tiles or wall-to-wall carpeting, cover the floor with layered rugs.
Lampshades
Lampshades are relatively easy to change back if you move, so if your new home has lampshades that don’t work for you, buy (or make!) some that are more to your taste.
Mirrors
If your rented home has small or enclosed areas, mirrors can help them feel bigger and brighter.
Doormat
Adding an interesting doormat will make your home feel more welcoming and lived in. You can even create your own!
Blinds and curtains
Adding curtains is a good way to freshen up any room with colour and a personal touch. You can even get a bit creative if you don’t fancy conventional drapery.
Chalkboard
A chalk or whiteboard can be painted directly onto the wall using special paint. You can use foam dado rails for an inexpensive and stylish frame.
Fairy lights
Fairy lights can be used for all sorts of things. Run them along your skirting or ceiling for mood lighting or make shapes on the wall for some unusual, illuminated art.
Lamps
Having the option to turn off the overhead light and use lower lighting can make a room feel cosier in the evenings.
Knobs and handles
Knobs or handles on cupboards are easy to change and can be easily replaced with the old ones if you move.
Wall vinyl
Vinyl wall art can be removed from walls and windows with relative ease so you don’t need to worry about the landlord complaining.
Incense or scented candles
New homes often have an unfamiliar smell. Burn some incense or your favourite scented candle to make the smell more like your own space.
Personal items
Displaying your personal treasures, especially ones that hold fond memories, will make any space feel more like home.
Work with the existing décor
If you’re stuck with bright green kitchen cupboards, try to incorporate them into your décor instead of trying to hide them.
Room dividers
Dividing up a room can give you more nooks and crannies to work with. Using fabric can also be a way to add warmth with colour and texture.
Don’t neglect the outside
If you have a balcony or garden, make sure it’s comfortable and inviting by adding some comfy outdoor chairs and pot plants.
Paint your furniture
If you’re not allowed to paint your walls bright colours, consider painting some of your furniture to introduce more colours into a room.
Books
Adding books, even if they’re not on a bookshelf, gives a personal touch and a cosy or inviting feel to a room.
Open storage
Having your general storage on display, on shelves or in crates and boxes for example, can give your space a more lived in feel.
Repurpose crates as bookshelves
Old crates or boxes on their side can serve as a quick and easy bookshelf. And they’re modular too!
Make your own cushions
Making scatter cushions is easy, even if you don’t have a sewing machine. There are loads of styles and fabrics to choose from.
Photos
There are lots of inexpensive ways you can display personal photos of friends and family around the house.
Cut down on the clutter
Having too much stuff hanging around can make your space feel uninviting. Consider storage for items that you don’t have space for but can’t bear to sell.
At XtraSpace, we offer affordable, secure self-storage units in a wide range of sizes. They’re ideal for storing items you don’t use all the time, or are preparing to give away or sell. Contact us for more information or browse to find a branch near you.