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Top 10 Tips for Decorating in a Rental

Just because you live in a rental place doesn’t mean that you have to live with the existing décor.  There are some simple changes that you can make that can simply be taken with you when you move, leaving no evidence that things were even changed!  Here are our top ten tips.

How to Make Your Rental Place Feel Like Your Own

1. Change the curtains – the existing curtains in a rental place are often best described as “functional”.  It is often possible to remove the old curtains and use the same tracks to put up new curtains that better suit your own style.  Just remember to save the old curtains so that you can put them back before you leave!
2. Add a rug – using rugs can brighten up carpet that may be looking drab, worn or generally tired.  There is a huge range of rugs available in all shapes, sizes and materials to fit any area of the home.
3. Paint – ask the landlord if you are allowed to paint while you are tenanting the place.  Many landlords will allow the tenant to paint as long as the walls are returned to their original colour before the property is vacated.
4. Wall hangings – wall hangings are a great way to add some of your own personality to a room. A wall hanging may be a painting, fabric wall panels or even a huge wall-hung rug.  You could even hang curtains over a wall that has no windows if you have old wallpaper or worn walls to conceal.
5. Use furniture to create interest – don’t live by the maxim that all of your furniture has to coordinate as this can create a sterile, homogenous feeling.  Look for pieces with visual interest such as intricate carvings or delicate glasswork.  This will give your eye something to focus on as well as being useful.
6. Colourful storage boxes – a shortage of storage space is common in many rental properties and one easy way to remedy this is through using colourful storage boxes.  These boxes can store everything from CDs right through to clothing and linen, and come in various shapes, sizes, colours and patterns.  Trying creating stacks of boxes in the corners of your rooms.  Remember to label them so you know what they contain!
7. Backless shelves – use shelves that are open on both sides to display books and knick knacks.  As well as creating extra space, they can also be used a room divider – the openness of the shelves will stop the room from feeling too closed off.
8. Change the light shades – get rid of those boring utilitarian light shades and choose something that has a little more pizzazz.  As with the curtains, remember to save the old light fittings so that you can put them back when you leave and keep the property in the same condition it was in.  Lamps are also a great way to add style and atmosphere to the home.
9. Use accessories – bright, bold accessories that reflect your personal style are a great way to make your personal mark on a home.  Use cushions, throw rugs, candles, flowers, ornaments, etc to brighten up your space and create a feeling of homeliness.
10. House Plants – whether your plants are real or fake, adding a few indoor plants will make the place feel fresher and more relaxing.  If you are using real plants, ensure that they are on a saucer of some sort so that soil or water does not damage the floors. 
    

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