Decorating a Rented Home? 9 Tips to Make Sure You Won’t Make Permanent Changes

Decorating a rented home can be challenging, especially when landlords restrict permanent changes. However, adding personality to your space without risking your deposit is entirely possible. Explore these nine creative and non-permanent ideas to transform your rented space into a personalized haven.

Lively Houseplants:

Adding houseplants to your rental home is a flexible and ephemeral way to add character and life. To add color and improve your general well-being, consider adding a Peace Lily, Rubber Plant, Swiss Cheese Plant, or Kentia Palm to your area. House Beautiful's wellbeing expert, Oliver Heath, suggests creating indoor plant-filled jungles, aligning with the biophilic trend.

Tips: Incorporate tall plants like ficus or rubber trees to add height to bare corners. Flowering plants like the hoya add both beauty and fragrance to your space.

Statement Rugs:

Transform the look of your room without altering the floor permanently by investing in a statement rug. Choose a rug that reflects your favorite patterns and colors to showcase your personality. Ensure the rug size complements the space and furniture layout for a thoughtful final look.

Illuminate with Style:

The lack of natural light can be compensated for by strategically placing lamps. Consider unique light fixtures that stand out as feature pieces. Choose LED bulbs for sustainability and long-lasting illumination, creating a cozy atmosphere in different areas of your home.

Temporary Wall Transformations:

Add a splash of color to your rented home by exploring temporary wall solutions. Check with your landlord about painting and, if not allowed, opt for removable wallpaper. It's damage-free, has stylish designs, and can be easily removed and repositioned.

Tip: Note the original wall color to revert to it before leaving.

Multifunctional Furniture:

Save space and adapt to your needs with multifunctional furniture. Investing in smart, aesthetically pleasing furniture can transform your room, whether it's a dining table that doubles as a work corner or stackable chairs for compact spaces.

Note: Consider furniture rental for flexibility and convenience.

Create Layers for Warmth:

Build layers in your space using color, textiles, patterns, surface treatments, lighting, pictures, plants, and books. This instantly makes a rental feel lived-in and homely. Start with a dominant fabric, such as curtains or a rug, and layer with smaller-scale fabrics like cushions and lampshades.

Stylish Storage Solutions:

Incorporate stylish storage baskets to hide clutter in a visually appealing way. Belly baskets, in particular, are on trend with various patterns and shapes, ideal for any layout. Use them for storing blankets, magazines, and plants.

Hang Artwork Without Nails:

Personalize your space by hanging artwork, photographs, and wall decor. Use damage-free picture hanging strips and easily removable tape to avoid deposit-busting holes in the paintwork.

Maximize Small Outdoor Spaces:

Make the most of your balcony, small terrace, or tiny back garden with tactile furnishings. Outdoor rugs, foldable chairs, and floor cushions can create a comfortable, colorful, and inviting space. For gardening enthusiasts, explore container gardening using pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes.

Outdoor Lighting Tip: Use planter lights and floor-standing lanterns to extend the view from the inside of your apartment onto the terrace, creating pools of light.

With these nine non-permanent decorating ideas, you can turn your rented space into a personalized and stylish home, showcasing your unique taste and creating a comfortable haven.