Renting a home often comes with a number of restrictions, from putting nails in the walls to restrictions on painting or remodeling. However, restrictions on making permanent changes do not mean the space cannot reflect your personal style. With creative planning and cost-effective materials, renters can transform their living space into a warm, inviting, and stylish home.
Below are a few renter-friendly home decor ideas that are simple to implement, affordable, and entirely reversible. This ensures comfort and does not jeopardise your rental agreement or security deposit.
Renter-Friendly Home Decor Ideas
Here are a few ideas to add a layer of style and personal touch to transform your rented home into a beautiful place.
Removable Wallpaper
Wallpaper continues to be a popular design choice, and removable options allow renters to experiment without risking permanent damage. Using temporary wallpaper or murals in small spaces can elevate the space. Modern removable wallpaper is easy to install and remove, often using double-sided tape or putty to prevent wall damage.
When applied behind a bed and extended onto the ceiling, wallpaper can create a dramatic focal point and even give the illusion of higher ceilings.
Peel-and-Stick Tiles
They are an excellent way to add a much-needed pop of color and style to kitchens or bathrooms. If your rental agreement doesn't allow for the patterned tiles in the bathroom you've been dreaming of, these temporary options can bring in that flair. They are simple to apply and remove without any hassle! These self-adhesive tiles are especially effective in small areas such as the backsplash above a sink or the wall behind a stove. They can deliver a clean, updated look without major expense.
However, the adhesive on some tiles can be quite strong, potentially damaging the wall or original surface beneath. To avoid this, it is recommended to apply a layer of removable contact paper or shelf liner first. This creates a protective barrier, making removal damage-free.
Layer Rugs to Disguise Floors
If you are not a fan of your rental's neutral carpet or wooden floor, rugs are an easy way to cover them up and add style. Using jute squares can help you cover wall-to-wall areas, especially in spaces where the flooring does not align with your style. While layering rugs beneath furniture, start with a neutral rug and layer a statement piece on top. This may completely refresh the room!
Add a Hallway Runner
Placing a luxe-looking runner in a hallway or in front of closets is a simple yet effective way to elevate your space without stretching your budget. A hallway runner not only enhances visual appeal but also brings comfort underfoot!
Stained Glass to Avoid Unwanted View
Stained glass is a simple way to hide an unwanted view while still letting sunlight in. You can create a DIY ombre look with coloured tissue paper and a water-based decoupage mix. Cut colored tissue paper into 2-inch squares and brush them onto glass using a mix of 9 parts water to 1 part decoupage medium. This temporary method adds colour and charm, and a quick spray of water makes the cleanup easy.
For a quicker option, try stained glass decals. They add colour and privacy to windows, doors, or skylights without blocking the light or causing damage.
Wall Decor Without Any Damage
Command hooks can be renters' best friend since it is easy to use, damage-free, and available in different sizes to support various wall decor. They are perfect for hanging lightweight fabric pieces like macramé, tapestries, vintage scarves, or sports flags, instantly adding personality to the space.
However, there have been instances where removing them takes away several layers of paint, causing more damage than a small nail or screw. Use with care, especially on delicate or older paint surfaces.
Add More Mirrors for Light and Space
Mirrors are indeed a timeless decorating tool! They are especially effective in small spaces. They reflect light and instantly make the room feel larger and brighter. Positioning a large mirror across from a window can further maximize the natural light.
Vintage finds with unique frames or crackled glass can double as artwork, thereby adding charm and character! To create depth, use a large leaning mirror and group small mirrors to create a statement wall.
Update Your Lighting
Lighting can completely change the mood of a room! Start by replacing harsh or outdated bulbs with cooler daylight bulbs in kitchens and bathrooms. Warm-toned lights in bedrooms or living spaces can create a cozier, more inviting atmosphere.
To enhance the atmosphere further, consider adding string lights, LED strips, plug-in sconces, or projector lights. All these can bring warmth and personality without any permanent changes.
If you're dealing with an unattractive ceiling light fixture, try a simple DIY fix. Cover it with a round basket (with the bottom removed) to instantly transform it into a chic, high-end-looking piece with minimal effort.
Replace the Old Hardware
If your cabinets or drawers have an obsolete look, give them a facelift by swapping out doorknobs, cabinet pulls, towel racks, dresser knobs, or switch plates. All you need is a screwdriver and the hardware of your choice!
Use Tension Rods Creatively
Tension rods are not just for showers; they are one such renter-friendly tool that can be used to hang curtains anywhere without any drilling. Use them to hide cluttered closets, block off open storage, or add privacy in kitchens and bathrooms with cafe curtains.
Skirted Table Trick
Skirted table tricks can help elevate the room's aesthetics. Drape bold or patterned fabric over a table to stash away shoes, bags, or cables underneath. They help you create stylish partitions and also serve as a decorative tool by adding color and personality to your space. All this without leaving a trace when it's time to move!
Incorporate Greenery in the House
Plants bring life, freshness, and personality to any room without needing to drill or paint. One trending interior style loved by homeowners is vertical gardens. These lush displays don't need much floor space and can be set up with minimal damage. Use Macramé hangers for a relaxed, earthy vibe. Air plants in geometric terrariums also add a stylish, low-maintenance touch.
Add a Faux Houseplant to the Space
Suppose it all feels like too much to maintain the real plant, then invest in a faux houseplant. You can admire this without the pressure of watering or care, while still adding beauty to the space.
Elevate Your Furniture Without Replacing It
Even if your rental comes with basic white walls and plain furniture, you can still make the space feel like home with a few simple decor tricks.
Play With Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are one of the easiest ways to add personality to your living space. Mix and match patterns and colours for a bold statement, or stick to a neutral palette for a calm look!
Upgrade With a Faux-Sheepskin Rug
Transform an ordinary armchair into a visually appealing statement piece by draping a faux-sheepskin rug over it. It will offer both comfort and sophistication!
Organize the Space
A well-organized space not only looks better but also functions more efficiently! The key is to use everyday areas creatively while avoiding visual clutter.
For instance, a DIY utensil holder wrapped in marble-print contact paper adds both style and practicality to your kitchen. For papers and magazines, consider a magnetic holder on the refrigerator to keep things tidy without taking up counter space.
Efficiently using the existing storage is also the smartest approach. Bathroom vanities, for example, can be optimized with stackable or pull-out storage that makes full use of vertical space. This eliminates the need for extra cabinets, which avoids making rooms feel cramped.
Conclusion
With a bit of creativity and the right tools, decorating a rental home can be both stylish and damage-free. From mirrors and lighting to plants and smart storage, these renter-friendly ideas help you personalize your space without losing your security deposit. These tricks might add personality to your space, making it feel truly like home!
