Decorating Hacks for Renters

Many renters often find themselves in a rut as it can be quite challenging when it comes to finding hacks for renters to decorate their home. After all, if you don’t get decorating your rental home, it’ll feel as if you’re living at a stranger’s house. 

We’ve listed a few of our favourite hacks for renters that’ll help you make it feel like home. 

Walls

Rental property walls are often either ugly, old wallpaper or plain, dull paint. The plain paint might be better, but it can still feel boring, especially if you can’t drill holes to hang pictures or put up shelves. These hacks for renters can help you brighten up your walls without drilling any holes.

Tackle your tiles

Kitchens and bathrooms in rentals can be plain and boring, or worse, stuck with old 1980s tiles. Tile tattoos are a great solution. They can quickly transform a wall and be removed without a trace when you move out. For example, using tile tattoos are perfect for a Saturday afternoon project and are easy decor ideas for renters. In just a few minutes, your kitchen or bathroom can look completely different! These vinyl stickers are easy to apply over 15cm x 15cm white tiles and are completely waterproof once applied.

Make Your Wall a Feature

If your room has plain, boring walls, it’s natural to want to decorate all of them. However, focusing on just one wall can create a striking effect and is easier to undo when you move out. For example, use painting or wallpapering a wall which are great hacks for renters, which can be inexpensive to fix later, use no more nails, whimsical plaques, hanging ornaments, and photo frames of different sizes to create a feature wall.

Temporary Wallpaper

Temporary wallpaper are great hacks for renters to add style to a room without permanent changes. It’s available in many designs and can be easily removed when you move out.

Framing Wallpaper

Temporary wallpaper can be pricey. A cheaper alternative is to frame sheets of wallpaper which are great hacks for renters. Get a large picture frame, put the wallpaper inside, and hang two or three frames next to each other for a dramatic effect.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Rental walls might not be pristine. Here are renter-friendly decorating tips to cover marks or stains, use wall hangings. For example, use wall hangings as they are great for decorating your rental home, an easy and cheap way to hide unsightly marks and brighten up a space. You can find them in markets and online, and they make a statement in minutes.

Paint and Go

If you really want to paint, use paintable paper. It sticks to the wall, allowing you to paint over it. When you move out, you can remove the paper which makes it great hacks for renters and the walls will look like they did before. Try using chalkboard paint for a customizable memo wall.

Smart Hanging

It’s hard to leave walls completely bare. Instead of nails or tape, use command hooks which are great hacks for renters. They are strong, hold various objects securely, and don’t damage the walls when removed. However, avoid using them on wallpaper, as it might rip when removed.

Magnetic Walls

For flexible décor, consider a magnetic wall. Magnetic wallpaper can be easily applied and removed. For example, use magnetic walls which are great hacks for renters. They can hold picture frames, magnet pins, and more, without the need for screws or nails.

Lighting

If there’s one thing that drains the life from a room, it’s poor lighting, especially with just a single ceiling light. Thankfully, lighting is easy to change, doesn’t have to be expensive, and you can take it with you when you move. Here are some hacks for renters:

LED Candles

Candles and tea lights create a warm, relaxing atmosphere. However, many rentals prohibit real candles. LED candles are a great alternative, providing the same ambiance without the fire hazard.

Eye-Level Lights

Combat poor overhead lighting by placing task lights at eye level. This draws the eye away from the ceiling light. For effective lighting, position three lamps around the room.

Light Reflecting Mirrors

Mirrors can bring in light. Use command hooks to temporarily hang lighter mirrors. For maximum reflection, place two mirrors opposite each other. Heavy mirrors can be propped up against a wall or on a sturdy surface.

String Lights

String lights are great for a cosy atmosphere and barely need any fixing. String lights are simple and effective. They don’t damage walls and add a cosy touch to any space.

Here are five great hacks for renters using string lights:

• Attach string lights around your window frame for a stunning effect
• Drape lights around a mirror for a decadent feel.
• Fill a large glass vase with string lights for a striking feature.
• Attach lights along a picture rail for a delicate look.
• Run lights along shelves or inside cabinets with glass doors for a twinkling effect.

Windows

Windows in rentals often have bland blinds or tasteless curtains. Consider removing them to change the room’s atmosphere. Here are some hacks for renters to dress your windows:

Window Film

If your room is overlooked or has an unsightly view, temporary frosted window film can provide privacy without blocking natural light. Window film changes a room’s feel without major alterations and can be easily removed.

Curtains and Blinds

Create the illusion of bigger windows by hanging curtains on a wide pole, allowing them to clear the window completely when open.

And Finally, If You Don’t Ask

Sometimes, landlords can be more flexible than you might think, especially if you have a good relationship with them. While your contract might say no alterations, this is often just a safeguard.

No landlord will agree to extreme changes, but if you want to make neutral improvements that make the property more appealing, why would they say no? Ourvillas suggests that arranging a long tenancy can increase your chances of being able to customise your space.

Frequently Asked Questions