Plenty of people around the world rent their homes rather than own them. The reasons for this vary from person to person. Perhaps you are saving up to buy somewhere of your own, or maybe the market isn’t great for buyers right now, and you are making a smart choice by renting instead. In many cases, renting is more affordable and easier than tackling the property ladder. However, tenants in rented homes can often feel slightly uncomfortable when they are restricted in how they are allowed to decorate the space. Especially for people who have lived in the same rented property for many years, it seems bizarre not to be able to express yourself with your interiors. These eight ideas will give you some inspiration about how to add style and personality to your home without risking your deposit should you move out.
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Precautions
Before exploring the eight ideas, it is important that you carefully read your tenancy contract and stick to any rules outlined by your landlord. Failing to do so can lead to unwanted financial and potentially legal trouble. When in doubt, contact your landlord and check with them.
1. Furniture
You may live in a home with furniture provided by the landlord – many rental homes are already furnished before tenants move in. If this is the case, you might not be permitted to get rid of it and replace it with your own. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t include some of your own furniture in the space. Make sure it fits or move the existing furniture so that you can create a space that appeals to you.
2. Leaning Art and Photographs
Using nails or sticky substances to adhere frames to the wall is generally not permitted by landlords. This means that hanging artwork, photographs, mirrors, and other wall decorations is a challenge. Fortunately, it has become stylish to deliberately lean artwork or mirrors against a wall rather than hang them. This gives a more casual yet artistic impression to the space. There are some hanging alternatives on the market that can stick decorations to walls, but there is always a risk that you might damage the paint or wallpaper and have your security deposit eaten into for repairs.
3. Soft Furnishings
A relatively affordable and fun way to add personality to a rented home is to go wild with soft furnishings. Cushions, towels, and bedding are all fantastic ways to express yourself with different shades and patterns. Rug Source rugs, for example, are ideal for brightening up a space. Even if you find the existing furniture dull and the property uninspired, you can breathe life into the space with textiles of your choosing. These can easily be replaced when you want something new or if you decide to move out.
4. Peel and Stick
Tenants all over the world are raving about peel and stick as a solution to boring rental homes. Peel and stick wallpaper can make the ideal feature wall; for instance, to create more drama in a bedroom. For a more interesting backsplash or bathroom floor, peel and stick tiles are perfect. These quick and easy stickers can have a big impact on the appearance of a space but are removable and leave the surface clean. Take your time to choose tiles or wallpaper that will complement your other design choices, so you don’t feel the need to keep removing and replacing stickers.
5. Swap Out the Hardware
Door knobs, drawer handles, and other hardware around the home can be replaced easily with a few tools. If you want to make your kitchen cabinets more contemporary, remove the existing handles and store them somewhere safe. Measure the holes left behind and other important dimensions so you can buy replacement handles that more accurately represent your style. It is important that you keep not only the handles but the screws and fastenings safe so that you can put them back upon leaving the property.
6. Window Coverings
You may be permitted to remove the existing window coverings and replace them with your own. Of course, it is best to check with your landlord in advance to protect your security deposit. Tension rods are a simple way to hang lightweight curtains without damaging the window frame with nails or screws. Some blinds are designed to be installed without causing permanent markings to the wall or window, so shop around to find some that match your interior design style.
7. Lampshades and Lightbulbs
Take off the lampshades and unscrew the lightbulbs so you can create a lighting effect in your home that suits your mood and personality. Again, store the landlord’s belongings somewhere safe so they can be returned in the future. Using a warmer shade for your lightbulbs will give your home a more welcoming atmosphere, especially if you include a dimmer option. Standing lamps and table lamps are also great for adding depth and dimension to a room through light.
8. Paint the Walls
Discuss with your landlord how they would feel about you painting the walls of their property. In some cases, tenants are permitted to change the walls according to their taste so long as they paint them back again before they move out. Some landlords are happy for the free redecoration and have no problem leaving the new paint for the next tenant. This can be one of the simplest yet most effective ways to imbue a home with your personality.
Renting can be both enjoyable and difficult, depending on your unique circumstances. Being able to transform a house into a home can make all the difference when it comes to living a happy and peaceful life. Even if you are unfortunate enough to have a strict landlord who doesn’t allow any changes to their property, you can use many of the above ideas to make a rented space into a warm, personal, and comfortable home for you and your family.