One of the challenges of living in a rental home is personalising your space while adhering to your landlord’s rules. Many rental agreements prohibit permanent changes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your home feel stylish and unique. Let look at how you can decorate a rental property without breaking your lease.
Use Removable Wall Decorations
A fresh coat of paint or wallpaper can dramatically transform a room, but landlords often prohibit permanent changes to walls.
Instead, opt for removable wall decals or peel-and-stick wallpaper, which can be applied without damaging surfaces.
These temporary options allow you to personalise your space with colours, patterns, or even large murals, all while leaving no lasting impact when you move out.
If you want to add art to your walls, consider using Command strips or removable hooks, which are easy to take down and won’t leave behind nail holes or marks. Framed prints, mirrors, or tapestries can add character without altering the structure of the home.
Embrace Soft Furnishings
Soft furnishings are an easy way to add colour, texture, and warmth to your rental home. A stylish rug can make a big difference, especially if you’re trying to cover up worn or outdated flooring.
Look for rugs that reflect your style, whether you prefer bold patterns or subtle neutrals.
Cushions and throws are another budget-friendly way to introduce new colours or patterns into your home. Layering different fabrics on your sofa, chairs, or bed can create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. Plus, they’re easy to switch out whenever you feel like refreshing your decor.
Decorate with Plants
Bringing the outdoors in is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make your rental feel more like home. Houseplants add a natural touch, purify the air, and can brighten up any space.
Whether you opt for large, leafy plants or small succulents, they can help soften the look of a rental without needing any permanent alterations.
If your space has limited natural light, choose plants that thrive in low-light conditions, such as snake plants, ZZ plants, or spider plants.
Lighting Makes a Difference
Many rentals come with standard, uninspiring lighting fixtures. Fortunately, you can easily upgrade your lighting without making permanent changes. Try swapping out lampshades for something more stylish or adding your own floor lamps and table lamps to create warm, ambient lighting.
Fairy lights or LED string lights can also add a soft glow to your space without requiring any rewiring. You can drape them over shelves, headboards, or around windows to create a cosy, inviting feel.
Personalise with Accessories
Accessories are key to putting your own stamp on a rental property. Items like decorative cushions, candles, vases, and photo frames allow you to add personality without making any permanent changes.
You can display your favourite photos or trinkets on shelves or side tables to make the space feel more personal.
Use bookshelves with a mix of books, decorative objects, and small plants to create an eye-catching feature in the room. Accessories are not only easy to move when you leave but also allow you to switch up your decor seasonally or as your tastes change.
Temporary Flooring Solutions
If you’re not a fan of the flooring in your rental, there are temporary solutions to upgrade it.
Large area rugs can cover up unsightly carpets or cold tiles, while peel-and-stick vinyl tiles are a great option for kitchens and bathrooms. These tiles can be easily removed without damaging the floor and offer a quick way to refresh dated or damaged flooring.
With these tips, you can decorate your rental home in a way that reflects your personal style while still adhering to your lease. By focusing on removable and temporary decor, you’ll be able to make the space your own without risking your security deposit.
