Rental Decor Hacks: Make Your Space Feel Like Home

Rental Decor Hacks: Make Your Space Feel Like Home

Welcome to Rental Decor Hacks: Making Your Temporary Space Feel Like Home.

Let’s face it – personalizing a rented space can sometimes feel like carving your name in sand.

You’re there, you’re all in, and then the waves come, and it seems like you were never there at all.

For a lot of us, renting is the interim phase before we find, or decide on, that more permanent place to call home.

However, that doesn’t mean your rental can’t embody your personality and sense of style.

This is your abode, even if it’s temporary, and it should reflect your unique taste.

But how do you strike the balance between infusing your space with personal touches and ensuring that your landlord’s beige walls aren’t permanently changed into your midnight blue dreams?

In this blog post, we’re delving into a world of non-permanent personalization – the kind of upgrades that turn your rental into a haven, and yet are totally reversible.

Let’s dive into these decor hacks that will make your rental the perfect personal sanctuary without dipping into your security deposit.

Wall Wonders: Decals, Tapestries, and Removable Wallpaper

Decals: The Stickers Adults Can Get Behind

You might not be able to paint or hang wallpaper, but you can definitely slap on some chic stickers wherever there’s space. Wall decals have come a long way from their tiny tot origins.

They now cater to the sophisticated adult with abstract shapes, motivational phrases, and intricate designs.

They’re a renter’s best friend – peel them off when you’re ready to go, and your walls will be just as you’ve found them.

Tips for the Best Decal Experience:

• Ensure your walls are clean and dry before application.
• Measure the space and your decals to maintain a balanced look.
• Take the “less is more” approach; you don’t want your decals to overwhelm the room.

Tapestries: Transform with Textiles

If you’re looking for a piece that’s larger than life, opt for a tapestry.

These wall hangings can serve as a focal point, personal statement, or even a room divider.

When you’re moving out, all it takes is a gentle pull, and no one would be the wiser.

Choosing the Right Tapestry:

• Take your time to pick the right design that compliments your existing furniture and colour palette.
• Quality fabric will hang better and last longer.
• Use a curtain rod and hooks to protect both the tapestry and your walls.

Removable Wallpaper: The Best of Both Worlds

Design trends change, and so do our tastes, which is why removable wallpaper is an absolute game-changer.

It’s easy to apply and even easier to take down, offering patterns and colours that mimic the real deal without the permanence.

The Removable Wallpaper Lowdown:

• Sometimes called ‘renter’s wallpaper’, make sure you’re buying the peel-and-stick kind that doesn’t harm your walls.
• Measure your walls properly; you don’t want to run out in the middle of the job.
• Patience is key. It might take some finagling to get the sides of the paper to line up perfectly, but the outcome is worth it.

Rental Decor Hacks – Lighting Love: Ambiance Without Hardwiring

Floor and Table Lamps: Portable Personality

Lighting can completely transform a space, and you don’t always need ceiling fixtures to get the job done.

An inviting floor lamp or a quirky table lamp not only provides necessary illumination but gives the room character.

Tips to Make Your Lamps Shine:

• Vary the height of your lighting sources to create layers of light in the room.
• Use LED bulbs to save on electricity and not add extra heat to your space.
• Incorporate lamps with a variety of styles and shapes for an eclectic look.

String Lights: Fairy Tale Vibes

There’s something magical about string lights – they add a touch of storybook whimsy to any room.

Twine them around window frames, drape them over bookshelves, or use them as an artful backdrop behind a sheer curtain.

They’re inexpensive, energy-efficient, and completely temporary.

String Light Suggestions:

• Opt for lights with a timer, or use smart plugs to automate your fairy tale setting.
• Make sure the string lights are evenly balanced; symmetry can be extremely satisfying.
• Look for string lights made with a clear, flexible wire for a more elegant appearance.

Rental Decor Hacks – Furniture Finesse: The Art of Arrangement

Layering Rugs: Grounded Style

Rugs can anchor a space and create zones in open-plan areas.

Layering a larger neutral rug with a smaller accent rug can not only protect and cover unsightly flooring but also add depth and warmth to your decor.

Layering Rug Rundown:

• Mix textures and patterns to create visual interest.
• Don’t be afraid to layer rugs on carpet — this adds depth, which is excellent in a smaller or boxy room.
• Ensure the bottom rug is larger than the top, for optimal stability and visual appeal.

Statement Furniture: A Centerpiece You Can Move

A bold armchair, an ornate headboard, or a vintage vanity can be the statement pieces of your rental.

They’re large enough to make an impact but not permanent enough to cause any red flags with your lease.

The Secret of Statement Pieces:

• Invest in high-quality statement furniture that can withstand multiple moves.
• If budget or space is a constraint, look for thrifted or second-hand pieces that you can update with a fresh coat of paint or new fabric.
• Ensure that your statement piece doesn’t completely dominate the room; it should coexist with your other furniture in harmony.

Rental Decor Hacks – Accent Accrual: Details That Make the Difference

Soft Furnishings: Pillows and Throws

Changing the look of your living room or bedroom is as simple as switching out your pillows and throws.

They’re a swift and effective way to introduce new colours, patterns, and textures without the permanence of paint or wallpaper.

Pillow Possibilities:

• Purchase pillow inserts and covers separately for easy washing and swapping.
• Choose pillows with various textures like velvet, faux fur, or knits for an added tactile element to your space.
• Play with scale: mix large, medium, and small prints for a dynamic look.

Art Alcove: Gallery Walls and Leaners

Who says your art has to be hung? A gallery wall is just as impressive when the pieces are arranged on shelves or even on the floor. It’s like a love letter to your favourite pieces and to your home.

Crafting the Perfect Gallery:

• Start with your largest piece and build out from there.
• Don’t be afraid of asymmetry — in fact, embrace it.
• Use a mix of mirrors, photography, paintings, and three-dimensional objects to create a gallery that’s uniquely yours.

Investment in Indulgences: When to Squeeze the Wallet for Rental Decor Hacks

Rental Decor Hacks – Customization at a Cost: Temporary Custom Solutions

Sometimes, for the sake of a homely feel, it might be worth investing in custom-made items.

Temporary shelving, built-ins, or window treatments can enhance your living space, and if done right, can be moved from home to home.

Temporary Customization Considerations:

• Look for pre-fabricated shelves or units that can be configured to your space without needing permanent modifications.
• Custom window treatments are a great investment, especially if you pick a neutral, good-quality fabric that can adapt to different window sizes and styles across various homes.
• When in doubt, consult with experts who can advise you on temporary solutions that match your lifestyle and budget.

Environmentally-Friendly Options: The Case for Sustainably Disposability

As we become more conscious of our environmental footprint, it’s worth considering sustainable disposal.

For decor upgrades that are truly intended to be temporary, explore rental services for artwork, furniture, or accent pieces that can be shipped back when you’re ready to move on.

The Benefit of Sustainable Disposal:

• Reduces trash sent to landfills, specifically items that may not be in suitable condition for donation.
• Allows you to update your home decor more frequently without contributing to a ‘throw-away’ culture.
• Engages you with a community of like-minded individuals who care about sustainability and making a positive change through their choices.

Make Your Mark with Rental Decor Hacks

Transforming a rental into a reflection of your lifestyle and aesthetics is not just doable – it’s fun. And the best part? When you leave, you take the magic with you.

These personal touches are not just statements about your living space; they’re statements about embracing change and making anywhere feel like home.

Whether it’s a change in your own tastes or a move to a new address, the mark you leave is more than just personal – it’s entirely you.

Personalizing your rental can be a creative playground, with each wall, nook, and cranny waiting for your inspired touch.

As you embark on these decor hacks, remember the lease agreement isn’t the official document defining your home’s feel – you are.

Take these tips, and let’s get decorating. Your next Instagrammable space is just a few removable accents away!