While home ownership means you can decorate as you please in your house, renters don’t have to completely give up on that dream. Some landlords will gladly split the cost of major updates you want to do, like flooring, but there are also other less permanent options. For those who are either not planning on being in their home for very long or simply want to update a room without expensive costs, there are several ways to refresh and rejuvenate the space.
Update Your Walls
Your walls are probably the easiest feature to play up in your rented space, yet they are so often neglected. Take advantage of these literally blank canvases and add your own personal (and removable) flare to create a home you will enjoy.
1. Frame Mirrors
It may sound strange, but framing an existing mirror instantly customizes your home. One of the best places to do this is in the bathroom. A stylish frame of any shape and size can take the room from boring to beautiful. The great thing about a frame is that it can be removed and taken with you when you move, so your investment won’t be lost. If you aren’t interested in purchasing a new frame, you can always make a simple frame yourself using molding from your local hardware store.
2. Artwork
The paintings on your walls and the sculptures on your mantle reflect your sense of style and the theme you’ve created for the room. Try to find pieces that have meaning to you and you’ll feel happy wherever you see them. Keep in mind that many landlords require you to spackle and paint the walls before you leave, so review your lease agreement and be aware of how many holes you put in the walls.
3. Removable Wallpaper
Whether you want to cover an entire wall or just place a few decals, removable wallpaper and accents are easy to place and, more importantly, easy to remove.
Removable wallpaper can be placed in more places than just your bare walls. Think of creative places to put wallpaper, like the insides of cabinets and fronts of stairs. These unexpected pops of pattern and color will add a unique flare to your rental.
4. Painter’s Tape
Did you know that painter’s tape comes in a variety of colors? If you don’t want to go to the work of applying removable wallpaper, you can use painter’s tape to create a design that will be just as easy to take down when you leave.
Painters tape is great for temporary decorating because it is designed to be easily removed from your walls without peeling off any paint. Use this cheap and easy design trend to add your personality to your rented apartment or house.
5. Add Paint
While some landlords may not want you to touch the walls, others may be perfectly fine with you repainting. Always be sure to double check with your apartment management to see if it is okay if you repaint, and whether you will need to repaint to the original color when you move out.
Once you have permission, consider the overall theme for the room and whether you want the walls to blend in or stand out. Also, consider painting areas you don’t expect it, such as trim, ceilings and baseboards, or even more obscure areas, like inside cabinets or on the front of your stairs.
Replace Existing Features
Don’t be afraid to upgrade some of your older fixtures and hardware in your dated apartment. Whether it is your mismatching drawer pulls you want to correct or the outdated brass doorknobs you’re sick of looking at, know that these are all easy and quick fixes. Just be sure to keep all of the older fixtures and hardware in case your apartment management wants everything switched back before you move.
6. Replace Faucets
You don’t want to spend too much, but even an inexpensive, unique faucet can instantly update the space. Small details can make a big difference in any room, and the faucets in your bathroom and kitchen are no exception.
7. Upgrade Hardware
New door handles, drawer pulls and cupboard knobs can give a room an entirely different look. You may not want to take the time to unscrew each knob when you leave, so try to stick to affordable options that you wouldn’t mind leaving behind for hardware replacement.
8. Install New Switches
Another small detail that is very cheap to upgrade is the light switch cover. This is a great opportunity to add a pop of color or an intricate design element in your rented space. Store the old ones and put them back on before you move out and you’ll be able to take your new switch covers with you.
9. New Blinds
While these may be slightly more expensive, new blinds are generally simple to install and not too pricey for what they offer. The many styles, including fabric, shutters and woven-wood, mean you can choose the exact style you want and take it with you when you move. While most cheaper rented apartments come equipped with the cheapest metal window blinds available, these are easy enough to take down and store in the back of your closet until you are ready to move out.
10. Light Fixtures
One way to get the most bang for your buck is to find unique, eye-catching chandeliers and other lighting fixtures. The prices on these vary greatly, so take some time to shop around and find exactly what you want within your budget. Just hang on to the replaced fixture so you’ll be able to take your new piece with you when you leave.
11. Remove Cabinet Doors
While you may not be able to afford new cabinets, you can remove the doors and repaint, as long as you have the landlord’s permission to do so. Placing stylish, color-coordinated dishes and glassware in the open cupboard can add a decorative touch. Be sure not to paint over any natural wood unless your landlord approves.
Personalize Your Decor
Choosing your decor may be the most fun you have when updating your rented apartment or house. The biggest piece of advice we can give as far as decor goes is to plan ahead and know the aesthetic you are going for to avoid a mix-matched and cluttered outcome.
12. Add a Rug
If you dislike your flooring, a large area rug can do the trick. Choose carefully when picking out a rug, as these features can completely set the mood of a room. Maybe you are looking for a statement rug with intricate patterns and vivid colors, or maybe you want a monochrome rug to complete the sleek and modern look you are going for. Rugs can be purchased in virtually any color or pattern to complement the rest of the room.
13. Hang Curtains
Hanging curtains from the ceiling to the floor instantly lifts the ceiling and adds elegance. Curtains can also be draped on curtain rods in various ways to reflect your vision for the space and are easily removable when you leave.
Much like rugs, curtains can completely alter the atmosphere of your rented apartment or house. Choose carefully when picking out your curtains, or else go with a cheaper option that you won’t be too upset to replace after a short period of time.
14. Versatile Furniture
Don’t stress about having furniture that fits your spaces exactly since it may not work in the next place you move. Find things you absolutely love and you’ll be able to add other basic pieces to support them, such as throw pillows and blankets or statement chairs and stools. Remember you can always refinish tables and stools as well as reupholster couches and chairs if you want to alter your design aesthetic later on.
15. Dividers
Room dividers are a great option for those who have a large open space, but they can even be used in cramped quarters, such as in studio apartments. Dividers can separate areas or add an artistic touch to a room. Dividers can be made of metal, canvas, wood or a variety of other materials, and can feature mirrors or shelves, be completely dividing or allow for a filtered view between areas. Think about the design aesthetic of your rented apartment or house when choosing the best divider for you, as you can use this as a guideline for the materials you choose.
16. Play up Positives; Cover the Flaws
The space you are in now is most likely not your dream home, so don’t stress about the things you can’t change. Play up the parts you love so that they become a focal point in the room and distract from the less-desirable aspects.
While you may do your best to add to the space, there may be some permanent structures that you just want to hide. Feel free to do this by placing canvas pictures or paintings over anything that doesn’t appeal to your eye. Curtains, plants, throws and carefully positioned furniture can also hide those parts of your home that can’t be removed or altered.
When deciding what to do with your rental, don’t stress about every little detail, but be sure to show your home a little love with personalized customization. Let your style shine through and you’ll love the time in your rented home, no matter how long or short it is.
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