Today I’m happy to have a guest post by Jennifer Riner of Zillow.
Rentals, although temporary, should exude the same comforting vibes associated with owned homes. Even though property management regulations may forbid painting or renovating, tenants don’t have to sacrifice personal style or interior design dreams to feel content in their abodes.
To transform rental spaces from cold to cozy, consider the following seven, budget-friendly elements.
1. Use Removable Wallpaper
Source: TerraCotta Properties
Apartment leases often outline rules against painting walls. At the very least, landlords require tenants to paint walls back to their original shades before move out, but it’s something worth asking out as you’re signing your lease, especially if you’re moving into a community that likely has already established some guidelines . Removable wallpaper, on the other hand, is easier to apply and doesn’t damage surfaces. Purchase patterned paper for bathrooms and closets, or solid colors to freshen living spaces. Cut wallpaper sheets into thick, symmetrical strips and adhere horizontal or vertical stripes, depending on whether the heights or widths of rooms need accentuating.
2. Repurpose Old Furnishings
Source: Lukas Machnik
One of the best ways to combat unfriendly spaces is by upgrading dated furniture. When budget doesn’t allow for new purchases, consider revamping existing pieces like sofas and chairs. Renters lacking sewing skills should purchase slipcovers in desired styles to fit over upholstery. Consider painting wood or laminate furniture to mask any wear and tear. Don’t be afraid to use bold colors or fabrics to showcase personality – in moderation. Finally, rearrange pieces for a fresh layout and don’t be strict about keeping them in archetypal rooms. Add a dresser to the bathroom or bar cart to the entryway.
3. Hang Artwork
Source: The Green Room Interiors
Gallery walls create visual interest in stark surroundings. Purchase inexpensive paintings, photos and frames at second-hand shops for a polished appearance. Or, consider embarking on the do-it-yourself route with cameras and paintbrushes. Renters may find they prefer their own art over unfamiliar illustrations on living room walls.
4. Lay Throw Rugs
Source: Zillow
Most of the time, apartment flooring can’t be changed. While floors are usually steam cleaned or replaced between tenants, beige wall-to-wall carpets aren’t exactly designer-friendly. Rather than search for new apartments, consider covering boring carpets with colorful knock-off oriental rugs. Cold tile and damaged hardwoods benefit from textured accent rugs as well.
5. Enhance Lighting
Source: Moss Architecture
Dim spaces feel cold and dreary, which does little to enhance the “at home” ambiance. Apartments lacking natural light benefit from multiple lamps. Opt for floor and table lamps to integrate both décor and functionality in new rentals.
6. Add Window Treatments
Source: American Dream Builders
Vinyl mini blinds are tacky eyesores in even the most luxurious apartments and typically don’t last very long. It’s best to invest in long-term solutions for window coverings, such as plantation shutters or faux-wood blinds. While the initial cost is pricey, high-quality window coverings transform rooms without compromising natural light. Remember to always hang curtains at ceiling borders, rather than directly above glass or molding. This tactic elongates shorter windows to ultimately make small spaces appear grander.
7. Incorporate Personal Mementos
Source: Sheila Mayden Interiors
The best way to feel comfortable in short-term habitats is by incorporating reminders of family, friends and places that emanate ease and well-being. It’s difficult to feel isolated in rental units with visual representations of love and happiness constantly surrounding residents.
Get creative with rental spaces, but stick to removable installations. Always ask for landlords’ approval before making permanent upgrades to rental spaces, even when assuming responsibility for associated costs. Otherwise, tenants jeopardize receiving their security deposits back at lease end.
Alexa’s Notes: I love these ideas. These are great, inexpensive ideas for all homes, not just rentals. I have refinished and repurposed a ton of furniture and they are some of my favorite items I own! Also, I must be living under a rock because I had no idea there was removable wallpaper. With that said I’m a little obsessed with the wallpaper in the first pic and might have to hunt some down!
What are some other ways renters can decorate on a budget?
Great tips. I have never heard of removable wallpaper! That sounds promising. 🙂 I think it’s especially true that window fixtures and lighting can change the ambiance of a room. A friend of mine has a huge sliding glass door in her living room, and she chose to hang alternating cream and red curtains across it, with some white Christmas lights along the top. When only those lights are on, it is so relaxing and calm!
This came at a great time, as I am considering moving in the near future and don’t want to rush into buying a home before I’m sure we want to live in the area!
I had never heard of it either but I’m loving the concept. I like wallpaper but I love the idea of being able to easily swap it out! I love window fixtures as well. I’m mildly obsessed with patterned curtains.
Good luck looking for your next place!
Although we’ve only been renting our place for 10 months, the number one thing that has made it feel like home is the fact that we started a garden in the little back patio. Because we claimed and tended a plot that nobody cared about, it truly feels like our property and our home, and the neighbors are impressed as well!
I love my garden and I can imagine that making it feel like home when you are living in a shared space. Definitely a good idea 🙂
Just getting ready to sell my house and move into an apartment until I find that perfect new home. Thanks for the updates. I never thought about removable wallpaper before.
Yes, removable wall paper sounds awesome! Good luck on selling your house 🙂
my husband & I own rental property & some of these I would like to caution against!!!!! removable wallpaper DOES sound cool but what makes it removable & will it damage the paint and/or walls when removed???????????????? also all those pictures????????? who is going to repair the walls when nails removed or the next renters want pictures in a different place???????? window treatments can be added but there again are you damaging walls that are not YOURS???????? just some cautions especially if you want your deposit back!!!!!!!!!!! Its really hard to repair damage walls & floors when the renters are careless!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can definitely understand your worries with the removable wallpaper. I’ve never used it so I’m not sure how it would come off. Although I like the idea not just for rentals but for all houses. Sometimes I get sick of looking at the paint colors I chose and it would be nice to have the option to use removable wallpaper.
As far as the pictures tenants could use command hooks instead of nails. I’ve used command hooks several times and never had paint come off when I took them down. Plus they’re pretty sturdy and can hold quite a bit.
As far as curtains I don’t see those damaging the walls unless you’re adding a new curtain rod. But if there are already curtain rods in the house it would be easy enough to swap out the curtains.
I see your concerns as a landlord and yes, tenants do need to be careful if they want to get their security deposit back.
These are all great tips for anyone on a budget no matter if you are a renter or own your own home. Currently I am revamping an old hutch that my Grandmother gave me. It has seen better days and needs a little TLC but when it’s done it will be a great piece of furniture again.
I did an old hutch not too long ago. It was awful but I borrowed an idea from Bower Power Blog and now it looks pretty much like this http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/2012/03/styling-and-profiling/ only I did the background in dark grey instead of blue.
You can really make a great room if you’re willing to take the time to learn about what you really like, I love these ideas! I try some of these in my condo. Thanks for sharing!