Decorating a home you rent can be tricky to navigate. Landlords are often tentative about the idea of any permanent changes to their investment. They’re also aware that your personal tastes may not necessarily be the same as that of any potential new tenants at the end of your lease.
This is understandable. After all, most landlords want to ensure that their properties remain as neutral as possible, to retain rental appeal. So, with this in mind, you might be thinking that your hopes of decorating your rental home (while also keeping your deposit) might be too much to ask.
This isn’t the case. There are plenty of ways that you can add your own personal touch to decorating your rental home without affecting how much money you get back when your tenancy is over. Here are our picks of the best.
Speak to your landlord first
The best place to start with any decorating plans is to have a friendly conversation with your landlord, explain your intentions to decorate the rental home and understand any rules or guidance that they have. You might find that your landlord is perfectly understanding and is more than happy for you to give your home a fresh coat of paint.
Some landlords will only want painting and decorating to be done by a professional to ensure the best quality, which they’ll likely expect you to pay for. Others may simply see your intention to decorate as a commitment to their property which means they’ll not have to worry about finding new tenants for quite some time.
Most commonly, a landlord will be happy with any non-permanent changes which is what we’ll focus on here.
Furniture makes all the difference
If you’re renting an unfurnished property, you can make a huge difference to the look and feel of your property simply by changing the furniture within it. This can be a costly venture though, so be sure to plan and understand the type of aesthetic you’re looking for before shopping around for the best deals.
Sofas, armchairs, wardrobes, and cabinets can all dramatically impact how a room appears. If you’re fed up with the neutral tones on your walls, try shopping for statement pieces which add a splash of colour to bring out your personality. If you’re not looking to fork out on a new sofa or kitchen table, consider vibrant soft furnishings like cushions, throws or curtains.
Rugs are another statement piece which can lift a room from dull to decadent. You can pay as much or as little for a rug as you like, so shop around. When buying a rug that adds vibrancy to your room, be sure to consider the room, so you purchase a piece that fits with your other furnishings.
Breathe life into your home with houseplants
Houseplants are an underrated interior design tool that can dramatically improve the appeal of your home. Pops of natural colour can invigorate tired rooms while also giving your home a more welcoming feel.
With modern devices and electrical equipment dominating much of our homes, the introduction of plants can do more than just improve the appearance of a room, they can boost our general wellbeing too.
As houseplants grow in popularity, you’ll be able to find some unique and attractive options without having to break the bank. Be sure to do your research though, each plant requires a different level of maintenance, you only want to commit to plants which suit your lifestyle.
Think about lighting
The right lighting can change the entire dynamic of a room. Consider purchasing a statement floor lamp which illuminates the room in a subtle amber ambience. Alternatively, soft hued tabletop lamps can give bedrooms a calming feel ideal for evenings spent reading.
Lampshades, lightbulb colours and fixture designs can all have an impact on the appearance of a room. Think outside of the box and don’t overlook the importance of your lighting choices.
Don’t rule out adding artwork and pictures to your walls
Many tenants shy away from the idea of adding any artwork or pictures to their walls. These touches are often some of the most important for personalising a space, but they fear their landlord’s wrath on inspection day.
Worry not! You don’t need to hammer nail after nail into your landlord’s perfectly painted walls. There are plenty of hanging options out there which are designed just for this purpose. Often these will come as double-sided strips which are designed to hold up your artwork and family pictures without damaging the paintwork. We do recommend avoiding the cheaper options on sale as they may not be as well-equipped to do the job.
There is also the option the speak with your landlord to put more permanent nails in. Landlords may be willing to put a few nails in specific areas they are happy with where you can add your artwork.
Now that you’ve found a solution for hanging your artwork and pictures, we recommend showing your true personality. Find artwork which says something about yourself, suits your décor and makes your property truly feel like your home.
Need a professional?
If you are looking to redecorate your rental property, make sure to get in touch with your property manager or landlord. Your property manager will have access to lots of professionals that will be able to make it happen.