Living in a rental can feel a bit frustrating when you want to make it look nice. You see beautiful rooms online and want to copy them. But then you remember your security deposit. Your landlord probably does not want you painting the walls black or putting up heavy shelves. The good news is that you can still have a beautiful space with clever renter friendly home decor choices.
You do not need to make permanent changes to create a space you love. With the right temporary fixes, you can make your apartment feel cozy and personal. Here are some of the best ways to style your rental without losing your deposit.
Dress Up Your Walls Without Paint
White walls can feel cold and boring. Most landlords do not let you paint, or they make you paint it back before you move out. That is a lot of work. Instead, you can use peel and stick wallpaper. This product has changed the way we think about temporary style. It goes on easily and pulls off without leaving sticky glue behind.
If wallpaper feels like too much work, try large art prints instead. You can hang them with damage-free adhesive strips. These strips hold a lot of weight if you use them correctly. Just make sure to pull them off straight down when you move out so you do not rip the drywall. Another option is to lean a large mirror against the wall. It makes the room look bigger and requires zero nails.
Change Your Lighting to Warm Up the Space
Rental lighting is often bright and cold. Those basic ceiling fixtures do not do any favors for your mood. You do not have to live in that harsh light. You can easily swap out basic bulbs for warm LED bulbs. This simple change instantly makes your living room feel more inviting.
You can also use plug-in wall sconces. You do not need an electrician to wire them into the wall. Just mount them with small screws and let the cord hang down. You can even hide the cord with a neat cover that matches your wall color. Put lamps on side tables and bookshelves to create layers of soft light around the room.
Use Large Rugs to Hide Ugly Flooring
Maybe your rental has old brown carpet or scratched wood floors. You cannot replace the flooring, but you can cover it. Large area rugs are your best friend here. A big rug can define a seating area and hide any stains from past tenants. It also adds color and texture to a plain room.
Do not be afraid to lay a rug directly over carpet. It works well if the rug is thick enough. If you have a small entry space, a bright runner rug can make a huge difference. For some great tips on this, look at these Small Hallway Decor Ideas to Brighten Your Entryway. A good rug makes your entry feel welcoming the moment you walk through the door.
Swap out the Standard Hardware
Old plastic knobs on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities can make a home look dated. Swapping them out is a quick project that costs very little. Buy some modern brass or matte black pulls to replace the old ones. It takes about ten minutes with a screwdriver.
Keep the original knobs in a labeled plastic bag. When it is time to move, just screw the old ones back on. You can take your nice new hardware with you to your next home. This is one of the easiest ways to make a kitchen feel customized.
Add Easy Plants and Greenery
Plants are a great way to bring life into a quiet rental. They do not require any wall holes or structural changes. You can place them on window sills, plant stands, or the tops of bookshelves. If you do not have a green thumb, high-quality fake plants work too.
Adding green leaves helps soften the hard lines of rental furniture. Try a tall snake plant in a corner or a trailing pothos on a high shelf. The natural colors make any space feel fresh and clean. Plus, taking care of them can be a very relaxing hobby.
Focus on Cozy Textiles and Smart Furniture
Since you cannot change the walls, focus on what you can bring into the room. Your furniture and textiles should do the heavy lifting. Invest in a comfortable sofa and dress it up with soft pillows. Throw blankets add color and make the space feel lived in.
You can find many great ideas for cozy spaces on the urban cozy living blog. Focus on buying furniture that has storage inside, like an ottoman that opens up. This keeps clutter out of sight, which is especially helpful in smaller rental homes. You can also use temporary curtains to add height to your windows.
Make Your Space Feel Like Home
Decorating a rental is all about thinking outside the box. You do not need to own the property to make it feel like home. With some peel and stick paper, warm lights, and soft rugs, you can create a beautiful space. Best of all, you will get your full security deposit back when your lease is up. Which room are you going to style first?
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