Decorating as a renter can be like navigating a minefield, as you don’t often know what is permitted and what is not. Some landlords are pretty strict about making changes, even minor ones, and you will be liable for reversing and repairing any changes you make to the home.
However, there are some options available that will help you create the perfect home without annoying the landlord! From placing rugs to communication, here are some suggestions.
Fake It ‘Til You Make It
You can’t really commit to long-term changes when renting a home. Painting, drilling, and even looking after plants are often out of the question. However, as a renter, you can still raise the visual appeal of a property and help it feel like home with plants. You can choose between a live plant or a realistic artificial version, which can be the better option for short-term leases or when you don’t have the right amount of natural sunlight or even space to care for a real plant.
Rugs for Decorating as a Renter
A 2023 survey in the UK found that 14% of renters are living in properties that don’t meet the government’s Decent Homes Standard. If you are being taken advantage of, then contact local authorities. However, you can somewhat spruce up a home and hide trouble spots with rugs:
- Choose rugs that complement the decor the owner has already completed,
- Go with layered rugs to add some warmth and texture to bland rooms.
- If the hard flooring or carpets are less than ideal, cover up issues with area rugs.
Drapery and Curtains
When landlords show off homes, they typically choose neutral colours, textures and everything else, really. While a landlord might not like you making some changes, most will be fine with minor ones, such as adding your own curtains or blinds. Of course, retain the originals for when you leave. In the meantime, you can refresh a room and add a little bit of personal flair with your own curtains, helping a room or space feel a little more like your own and the feeling of home.
Update the Bedding
Bedding doesn’t typically come with a rented home, but it isn’t unheard of. Like curtains, though, it’s unlikely that any bedding supplied will dazzle you. Then, there are the obvious hygiene concerns. To make your bedroom your own, how about some fresh bedding that is more to your liking? No landlord will have an issue with this, and if they do, it’s probably best to find somewhere else. Your favourite colours, patterns and textures will help you catch those Zs!
Decorating as a Renter with Removables
Most households redecorate every 3 to 5 years, but it can be tricky decorating as a renter. You may also want to refresh your space each season, but alas, the property isn’t yours to do with as you please. Fortunately there are some easy ways to decorate with removable products.
Hang it up and peel it down
One of the more infuriating options of decor is pasting and hanging wallpaper. It’s a nightmare to put up, and even worse to remove. However, adhesive wallpaper is a breeze to take down.
Defy gravity with wicked hooks
You may or may not be a witch, but you don’t need to be to get one over on the laws of physics. Adhesive hooks are a life and space saver for artwork, storage and, of course, bathrobes.
No hassle hanging strips
For the DIY-inept, the seemingly simplest of tasks can be a living hell, even hanging a picture. However, adhesive strips make it much easier and don’t do any damage to the walls either.
Don’t Forget Personal Touches
A house or flat isn’t really a home without the small personal touches. Of course, houseplants, mirrors and a bit of artwork immediately spring to mind, and these can help a space feel more inviting. However, personal additions can make the place feel more homey. Family photographs or some treasured images of the dog are always a great place to start! You can also add sentimental items on shelves and in your immediate space to remind you of happy times.
Go Wild with Plug-In Lighting
Lighting is a core part of modern decor. However, it often requires some rewiring and fitting for the best experience. Of course, this is out of the question with a rental property. But don’t worry; there are many lighting products today that you can simply plug in. Plug-in lighting such as free-standing lamps, sconces and even LED strips can make a huge difference to beloved areas of the home, such as the living room, dining area and the kitchen and bathroom.
Communicate when Decorating as a Renter
There are around 970,000 private renters in the UK, and most enjoy their leased homes. On the flip side, most tenants also get along well with their landlords. There are some things that can ruin that relationship, such as making changes, so always communicate with your landlord:
- Always ask your landlord’s permission before making any major changes to a home.
- Check if you are allowed to hang large items like mirrors or even paint a wall.
- Inquire if you will need to revert any changes, such as filling in holes or repainting walls.
Invest in Storage Solutions
Okay, so it’s not really decor, but we can all agree that storage is a lifesaver in any home. Walk-in closets and built-in wardrobes are a popular choice these days when a house is being renovated. As a renter you don’t have that freedom. But you do have other options. Free-standing wardrobes can be assembled and taken down even quicker when you leave. This means no structural changes will have to be made, but you still benefit from tons of extra space!
Summary
Artificial house plants are a great addition to a home when decorating as a renter with limited options. You can also use removable products that don’t impact the property, such as hanging strips and free-standing wardrobes, which means you don’t have to make structural changes.
