9 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Personalise Your Rented Space
Turning a rental into a home-sweet-home doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg
You should love where you live, even if it’s a rented home. Renting does have its limitations on what can be changed or updated (always check with your landlord), but there are ways to work with the space you have and put a personal stamp on it. These simple, inexpensive ideas can help you tailor your space according to your own design flair.
Removable or peel-and-stick wallpaper is another non-permanent option to brighten up your living space. You don’t have to paper the entire home because that would be costly. When used in small quantities, removable wallpaper can deliver a punch of colour and pattern. For example, this bedroom in a rented apartment decorated by Interior Design Journey is enlivened through a Missoni-inspired chevron wallpaper.
See the latest wall decor products
See the latest wall decor products
2. Hang some artwork
The easiest way to personalise a rental home is to put up your favourite artwork and photos. Covering your wall with art and pictures that are meaningful to you will definitely give that feeling of home. Just remember to fix the holes with some spackle and touch-up paint before moving out. Even better, use removable strips and hooks – renters swear by 3M Command strips.
The easiest way to personalise a rental home is to put up your favourite artwork and photos. Covering your wall with art and pictures that are meaningful to you will definitely give that feeling of home. Just remember to fix the holes with some spackle and touch-up paint before moving out. Even better, use removable strips and hooks – renters swear by 3M Command strips.
3. Dress up your windows
If your rental comes with bare windows, or you have the option to take down those unsightly plastic blinds, adding floor-length drapes can instantly update your interior. They can help soften the room and complement your decor.
If your rental comes with bare windows, or you have the option to take down those unsightly plastic blinds, adding floor-length drapes can instantly update your interior. They can help soften the room and complement your decor.
4. Add key mirrors
Mirrors are great space-enhancers in small areas. Situate them strategically to help reflect areas you wish to highlight – and divert attention away from nooks that are not so pleasant to look at. Choose a mirror with a frame that has interesting detailing so it can double as wall accent.
Find a statement-making mirror
Mirrors are great space-enhancers in small areas. Situate them strategically to help reflect areas you wish to highlight – and divert attention away from nooks that are not so pleasant to look at. Choose a mirror with a frame that has interesting detailing so it can double as wall accent.
Find a statement-making mirror
5. Paint your furniture
Breathe new life into an old chair, coffee table or armoire by giving it a fresh coat of paint. This instant update, especially when done with a bold pop of colour, can go a long way in cheering up your space.
Breathe new life into an old chair, coffee table or armoire by giving it a fresh coat of paint. This instant update, especially when done with a bold pop of colour, can go a long way in cheering up your space.
6. Get creative with storage
Most rentals don’t have adequate storage. Make use of blank walls for additional shelves, or that extra space above the kitchen cabinet. You can also use an ottoman with storage underneath its lid for stowing magazines or linens, or a bar cart (or small kitchen trolley) for pantry supplies. Use boxes and baskets to keep everything tidy.
Most rentals don’t have adequate storage. Make use of blank walls for additional shelves, or that extra space above the kitchen cabinet. You can also use an ottoman with storage underneath its lid for stowing magazines or linens, or a bar cart (or small kitchen trolley) for pantry supplies. Use boxes and baskets to keep everything tidy.
7. Enhance boring light fixtures
Do the lamps in your rented home clash with your design style? Change the lamp shades for something a little more stylish. If the apartment only has standard issue ceiling lights, add ambient lighting with the use of table or floor lamps that will make your space cosier.
Floor lamps that make a stylish statement
Do the lamps in your rented home clash with your design style? Change the lamp shades for something a little more stylish. If the apartment only has standard issue ceiling lights, add ambient lighting with the use of table or floor lamps that will make your space cosier.
Floor lamps that make a stylish statement
8. Change cabinet knobs and pulls
Just because you didn’t choose the cabinetry doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own. Swapping out kitchen cabinet hardware can make a plain kitchen look more fancy. Just keep the old knobs or pulls and switch them back before you move out.
Just because you didn’t choose the cabinetry doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own. Swapping out kitchen cabinet hardware can make a plain kitchen look more fancy. Just keep the old knobs or pulls and switch them back before you move out.
9. Surround your space with things that make you happy
Add accessories, books, travel souvenirs, and pieces that show your personality. Create a homely and relaxing atmosphere with your favourite scents, in the form of candles or oil diffusers. Even the smallest things can always make a temporary accommodation feel like home.
TELL US
What creative touches did you implement in your rented space? Share in the Comments below.
MORE
Personalise Your Rented Home’s Kitchen
Reversible Ideas for Your Rented Home’s Bathroom
Add accessories, books, travel souvenirs, and pieces that show your personality. Create a homely and relaxing atmosphere with your favourite scents, in the form of candles or oil diffusers. Even the smallest things can always make a temporary accommodation feel like home.
TELL US
What creative touches did you implement in your rented space? Share in the Comments below.
MORE
Personalise Your Rented Home’s Kitchen
Reversible Ideas for Your Rented Home’s Bathroom
Of course painting the walls in your preferred colour can make a rented space feel like your own, but if you don’t want to spend time and money on repainting (or your landlord won’t allow you to do so), there are alternative options to spruce up plain walls. Wall decals, which come in many sizes and designs, are a fun and affordable way to customise your rental home.