How to decorate your rented property on the cheap
Do you ever feel left out? Like you’re watching your neighbour wallpaper their living room, or paint their outside fence?
I get it, it can be really hard for renters who want to do these things but because it’s not “their house”, they can’t, or don’t want to spend the money.
With the number of households renting in England and Wales more than doubling over the last 20 years, the number of people in this situation is only growing. The good news is that there are several options available if you want to spruce up your rental without getting in trouble from your landlord.
Tatiana Maksimova, Canva.com
Decorate the walls with decal stickers
Perhaps the rental has ghastly coloured walls or maybe you just want to add a bit of a “wow” factor to a bland space. Instead of painting or wallpapering, you can use peel-and-stick decals which easily stick on and come away from painted walls. There are hundreds of designs available and they can look really effective.
You could also look into removable wallpaper, which does exactly what it says. You don’t need glue or traespeople and it can be easily removed when it’s time for you to move out, without leaving any residue behind.
Self-adhesive hooks are a good way of getting around the “no-drill” rule that many rentals have, allowing you to creatively hang works of art as well.
Polina Strelkova, Canva.com
Get some new curtains or blinds
Whether the rental has musty curtains or dated vertical blinds, you can easily modernise the window treatments without upsetting the landlord. Choose between new curtains, Venetian or cordless blinds and install them without leaving any marks.
It’s important to keep the old blinds or curtains somewhere safe and reinstall them when it’s time to leave. If you want to do something more drastic, such as install shutters on the windows, chat with the landlord to see if they would be prepared to split the cost.
Add DIY storage
If the rental property is lacking in storage, you can create your own by adding furniture and accessories that double as storage units. This might be a lidded coffee table or a television cabinet with doors for stashing electronics and cables. A free-standing bookshelf is great for not only storing books but also showcasing treasures and trinkets.
Consider scouring vintage and antique stores for old trunks, chests or suitcases, which not only bring character but also much-needed storage space. Alternatively, find suitable storage solutions that can slide under the bed and stay tucked away when not in use.
Floral Deco, Canva.com
Upgrade the light fixtures
Unless a property has been renovated before hitting the rental market, chances are the lights are outdated. The good news is that upgrading light fixtures doesn’t have to cost the earth and is something that can be reversed (if needed) when the tenancy comes to an end.
If bare bulbs are hanging from the ceiling, consider adding a modern shade that can easily be found at a home improvement store. Alternatively, bring in table and floor lamps to enhance the ambiance of a room and take them with you when you leave.
Add greenery
Indoor plants instantly add life to a space, whether in a home you own or rent. Not only do they boost the mood but they can play a role in helping to remove toxins from the air. Start by adding plants to the rooms you use the most, such as the kitchen, the living room and the bedroom. Then over time, expand your collection, either by trips to the nursery or by propagating plants.
A word of warning. Becoming a “plant parent” can become addictive! Tenants looking for low-maintenance options might want to consider collecting cacti or sprinkling dried flower arrangements throughout their property.
Yuliia Chizhevska, Canva.com
If you’re not sure, ask!
It’s best to check with the landlord before you make any changes to a rental property and carefully read through the tenancy agreement. It should clearly state if renovations or alterations are permitted without the landlord’s consent. Even if the landlord does give you the go-ahead, request it in writing so you have proof if they change their mind down the track.
If you’re not sure, ask! You never know, the landlord might be happy that you’re taking the initiative to improve their property and may even contribute financially.
