Rent Hacks: Design on a Dime (and a Deposit)

Living in rented accommodation comes with many benefits, but making the space your own can be a challenge. Decorating a rental comes with certain limitations, as you can’t do anything permanent for fear of losing your deposit, and you probably don’t want to sink too much money into somewhere you don’t own anyway.

However, just because you need to take care when decorating a rental doesn’t mean you should avoid it altogether! There are plenty of clever hacks and tips that can help you make a rented home cozy and packed full of personality. Here’s how to design your rented home without breaking the bank.

Use Removable Wallpaper and Decals

Wallpaper used to be a permanent commitment…but no more! Removable wallpaper is absolutely perfect for renters, allowing you to completely change the look and feel of a room, add color and personality, and never worry about damaging the walls or losing your deposit.

If you don’t like the idea of committing to a complete style makeover, then think about removable decals. These can add a pop of interest and focus to a wall, using playful designs or interesting motifs to upgrade any space.

Elevate with Lighting

Lighting is one of the finest ways to add ambiance and style to a room, and best of all; it is completely temporary.

However, many rentals don’t have great lighting options and rely on bland, outdated fixtures. Don’t settle for this state of affairs – grab a few floor or table lamps, some warm bulbs, and several interesting light shades, and you’ll have everything you need to change up the personality of your home and elevate any space.

You also don’t have to worry about inconveniently placed electrical sockets – battery-powered LED lights have come a long way in recent years and can now light up the darker and more remote corners of your home with ease.

Get Creative with Furniture Placement

Sometimes, you don’t need to add anything to a space to make it cozier and more attractive; you just need to shift things around. The Chinese concept of feng shui is all about harmony and balance and can be used to great effect when it comes to designing your home. Play around with a few different furniture layouts to see what works best for you, whether it’s repositioning your bed, floating furniture away from the walls, or using multi-functional furniture to increase storage space.

Personalize with Textiles

Textiles are one of the best ways for renters to style their temporary homes. Whether it’s a rug you’ve had your whole life or a throw you bought while sailing to Mexico, textiles are a great way to add color, texture, and personality to a space.

Throw pillows are a quick and easy win, scattered about the home to soften sharp edges, and are comfortable to sit on as well!

Art and Mirrors

Many renters worry about hanging things on the wall, and so avoid art and mirrors, which is a shame as they can make any house feel like a home. If you are worried about putting nails or screws in the walls, investigate the range of adhesive hooks and picture-hanging strips, as they can carry surprisingly heavy loads.

Living in a rental doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style and interior decor or give up on your space having a personality. With the design hacks above, it is a simple matter to create living spaces that are warm, welcoming, and attractive without spending too much money or getting grief from your landlord!