Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you can’t have a space that feels totally you. Forget boring beige walls and standard-issue blinds!
I’m sharing some of my absolute favorite, completely damage-free ways to transform your rental into a home you’ll love coming back to.
1. Try removable wallpaper
Okay, if you haven’t heard about this home decorating innovation, get ready, because this is a total game-changer for renters.
Removable wallpaper is exactly what it sounds like, it’s super easy to install, and it peels right off without leaving any damage behind. You can even reuse it!
I really think this could start a wallpaper revival, and it’s definitely making renters happy. It is always a good idea, however, to have a quick chat with your Landlord before putting it up.
2. Fancy entertaining with a bar cart
Have you been dreaming of a fancy bar for your home but can’t install one because you’re in a rental? You should try a bar cart!
This little piece is an absolute showstopper when you have friends over. It’s the perfect spot to store your wines, liqueurs, and glasses, and you can wheel it right to where the party is.
You can’t get that with a built-in bar! They can be quirky or classy, which makes them fun and practical all in one gorgeous package.
3. Don’t be afraid to put up your artwork
Your personal art or photos can completely transform a blank wall. Giving your living room so much personality with your favorite pieces is one of the best ways to make a space feel like yours.
Are you worried about damaging the walls? Don’t even think about using nails; you should try adhesive hooks instead.
These are designed to hold a significant amount of weight, plus they’re easy to remove without causing any damage.
4. Add Rugs
For a super fast floor transformation, add a rug. For centuries, rugs have been bringing personality and style to any room they’re in.
They are also just perfect for hiding those not-so-great floors you aren’t allowed to replace. When you combine a great rug with furniture that compliments it, you have completely changed the look of the entire room.
5. Create a vignette
If you want to take your accessorizing one step further, you can create a vignette.
What’s a vignette? It’s a thoughtful collection of objects, usually combining homewares like vases and bowls with flowers, natural elements, mementos, and arts and crafts.
It’s a small, themed collection that you can display to bring a pop of color and personality to any space. You should give it a go!
6. Plants are your best friend
You can turn your rental home into a living paradise by bringing in some plants. It doesn’t matter if they’re fake or real, they bring in bright colors that will liven up any space.
For those with a green thumb, you could even start a little veggie patch. Or, if space is tight, herbs in small planters work beautifully too.
Either way, they are sure to breathe some life into your home.
7. Transform your walls with a tapestry
Let’s bring this classic back with a modern twist. I love how tapestries can effortlessly add so much personality to a room.
If you’ve run out of art or just don’t feel like hanging a bunch of paintings, this could be the perfect solution you’ve been searching for. As a bonus, it will cover up any marks and scrapes left by the people who lived there before.
8. Add more lighting
Some rental homes have truly terrible lighting that can leave rooms feeling dull at night. If this sounds like your place, don’t worry, there are a lot of clever things you can do.
One option is to talk to your Landlord about updating the fixtures. They might install brighter bulbs or new fixtures that could illuminate those shadowy corners. Or, you could add a few lamps or even some fairy lights.
Lamps not only brighten the room but are also super stylish, adding some chic decor that livens things up during the day.
Fairy lights, on the other hand, can turn your home into a whimsical paradise and chase the shadows away. You won’t have to deal with dark rooms any longer.
9. Line your cabinets and drawers
It’s time to turn those dusty, dirty cabinets into something fresh with liners. Unfortunately, with many older houses and apartments, the cabinetry has been very… well loved.
To bring back that clean feeling, try adding liners to the bottom of your cabinets and drawers.
10. Get some clever storage
It’s no secret that rental places can be notorious for their lack of storage. This gets even worse since you can’t add custom cabinetry.
So, what’s the solution? Look for furniture that comes with clever storage options. Think about a coffee table that opens up into a storage bin, or maybe a bed with built-in drawers underneath.
You could also find a TV cabinet that has shelving to create extra space for clutter and decorations.
11. Accessorise everything
Here’s where your personality comes in. Things like throw pillows, blankets, and clocks are perfect for making your rental house feel like a home.
Don’t forget that weird British bulldog sculpture you picked up on holiday in London!
All of it is ideal for this. It’s a great way to showcase your travels, your quirky style, and all of your hobbies.
12. Dress it up with curtains
It’s time to say goodbye to those boring vertical blinds and hello to colorful curtains with your favorite pattern. You can add new Venetians, cordless blinds, or curtains.
Just be sure to keep the old blinds so you can reinstall them when you move out. It’s also important to make sure you don’t make any new holes when you install the new ones.
