Living in a rental can feel like being stuck in a design limbo. Maybe you’ve fantasized about having nice hotel like bedroom, but you feel limited by the builder’s white paint color (as an example of course). But yeah, you want your space to feel like you, but there's always that annoying voice in the back of your mind whispering, “The lease says no drilling.” So then you’re scared to even hang up a mirror without imagining your security deposit disappearing in a puff of plaster dust.
Well, there's a whole world of renter-friendly upgrades that won't land you in hot water with your landlord. Actually, you just need to know the unspoken rules, and how to bend them in your favor.
You Need to Work with What You’ve Got
You might be stuck with beige walls and an odd tile choice in the kitchen, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them in full view. For example, oversized art can distract from the boring stuff, and peel-and-stick backsplash tiles are an easy fix for tired kitchens or bathrooms. They peel off clean when it’s time to move, but while they’re up, they make your space feel a lot less like a temporary stop. But of course be careful with what brands you use because some adhesives can be really strong.
Plus, if your floors are scuffed or just plain ugly, a rug with some personality goes a long way. Seriously, just go bold with it! No, really, just think about it; this is your chance to cover up the sins of rentals past without repainting or replacing anything.
Hang Smart, Not Heavy
Wall art’s tricky in a rental, especially if you’re trying to avoid holes. So Command strips are the obvious choice, but renters often forget just how many other lightweight options are out there. You could ideally consider woven wall hangings, tapestries, or even a few empty decorative frames if you're into a more eclectic vibe (you can remove the glass from the frames to really make sure command hooks can hold them).
But you could easily just lean larger pieces against the wall for that cool “studio loft” feel. It can technically work with most aesthetics; besides, it means no damage, all styles. But even a big mirror casually leaning on a dresser looks intentional and chic, like you totally planned it that way.
Swap Out the Basic Fixtures
So, you might want to take this one with a grain of salt because some landlords are for it, and others are against it for some weird reason. Anyways, landlords rarely splurge on light fixtures or cabinet handles, which is exactly why you should. So, if you can, replacing them is easier than most people think, and as long as you hold onto the originals to swap back later, you’re golden. They’re small changes, but big at the same time.
Upgrade the Window Situation
Basic rentals come with basic blinds (that’s if you’re even lucky). But you know the kind, they’re the ones that clatter when the wind has even the slightest of breeze coming in. But you don’t have to live with them (and honestly, you probably shouldn’t). Instead, why not look into investing in better window coverings, something that you personally like (and goes with your aesthetic), so it can give your place that put-together, grown-up feel without crossing into permanent territory.
Usually, the hard part is installation, but there are renter-friendly options out there, like adhesives for the rod if you’re considering drapes, for example.
Let there be Lamps
Overhead lighting in rentals is usually the worst kind of lighting; it’s just bright, harsh, and completely unflattering. So you could look into a few floor or table lamps and put them around the place for a more moody (and elegant) vibe.
Great post , Thanks for sharing.
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