How to Decorate a Rental Home

Knowing how to decorate a rental home can be very difficult to gauge. After all, each landlord has their own rules on what you can and can't do, and you're never quite sure whether a new paint job will make them jump with joy or tear up your tenancy agreement in front of you!

Fortunately for you, there's plenty you can do to spruce up your rental home without needing to invest too much, and The Letting Experts are here to help.

Just because you're not ready to buy your own home yet doesn't mean that your Pinterest home decor board should be ignored!

Read 10 Tips to Find the Perfect Rental Property

There's a lot you can do without needing to consult your landlord, such as adding soft furnishings or tasteful table lamps.

With that in mind, let's look into some of the ways you can decorate a rental property.

How to Decorate a Rental Property

So, how can you decorate your rental space? Fortunately, The Letting Experts has plenty of resources you can tap into, and most landlords will appreciate the care and attention you are putting into the property.

Below, we've put together some easy and inspirational ideas to help you decorate your rental property.

Start by setting a budget

As it's a rental property that you're decorating, we appreciate that you may not want to invest a considerable amount of money on furniture and fixtures. So, the first step in your process should be the boring (but essential) one of setting a budget.

Work out how many rooms you need to decorate and gather all the necessary measurements. Make a list of the essential pieces that you'd like for each room, and you'll get a good idea of the potential cost involved. Although you can always take your time looking for bargains online to reduce costs.

Remember, it doesn't all need to be done at once! Many tenancy agreements run for 12 months, so your idea for an indoor herb garden can always wait until month six!

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Find out from your landlord whether you can do anything with the walls

One of the simplest ways to put your personal touch on a property is by sprucing it up with a fresh lick of paint or your favourite wallpaper. If you're renting, you must consult your letting agent and landlord before doing this.

Now, some landlords may see you sprucing up the walls as a positive, as it potentially adds value to their property without them needing to do anything. Others may be more hesitant as they may want to keep the property more neutral looking or may worry about potential damage. Look into removable peel-and-stick wallpaper that won't leave any signs that it was there.

Once you've got everything clear, consider creating an immediate impact in your main living room or bedroom with a statement wall. It also requires less effort as you only need to paint one wall!

Add colour and style with indoor plants

House plants are all the rage these days as every Instagram #homedecor post out there confirms! Adding some greenery to your home is also one of the easiest and cheapest ways to decorate your rental property without offending your landlord.

Another benefit to some indoor green? Plants purify the air and are known to have mood-boosting properties! If you don't have much time to care for them, invest in succulents such as Aloe Vera, which are low-maintenance but still look great.

Light it up

Lighting goes a long way in changing the look and ambience of any room. Create a vibe you love in your rental home with your lighting choices. It's easily and cheaply done.

Add some lamps to create a more homely space for yourself, and highlight specific areas in the room. You can also switch lightbulbs in your overhead lights to create a warmer space.

Personalise your rental home with photography and art

Want to add your stamp to your rented property without getting on the wrong side of your landlord (or your deposit)? Display cool art pieces and photos of your loved ones around the place. There are plenty of great online art websites and local art fairs that offer a range of affordable prints to choose from.

Before you start hanging things on the wall, check whether your landlord is happy for you to do this using picture hooks that don't leave much of a mark. Otherwise, you can always use shelving and side tables to display art and photos instead.

The best part about investing in photography and art for your rental home is that, of course, you can take it all with you when you leave. Consider it a long-term investment.

Open up small spaces with the use of a mirror

Renting a small property? Create the illusion of space with a simple addition - a mirror or two!

Mirrors can instantly make a small space feel lighter and larger. There are many affordable and stylish ideas and options to be found online.

You could even create a statement wall with an array of mirrors hung up together in an artistic way.

And you can always creatively prop up a large mirror against a wall if your landlord doesn't want anything hung on the walls.

Searching for Your Dream Rental Property?

For no-obligation advice on renting a home please contact The Letting Experts at hello@thelettingexperts.co.uk, or call us on 033 33 44 99 15.

Are you a landlord looking for your first rental property? You may also be interested to read 7 Steps To Becoming A Residential Landlord

You may also be interested to read: Is it Worth Using a Letting Agent? Advice for Landlords

Frequently Asked Questions About Decorating Rental Properties

How can I personalise my rented house's living space without making permanent changes?

There are several ways to make a rented house a home without getting in trouble with your landlord!

Consider removable wallpaper, and vibrant soft furnishings like throws and pillows to add personality without violating leasing agreements. If you have any doubts or concerns, you can always check with your landlord before making changes to rental walls or other aspects of the property.

What are some creative ways to enhance the outdoor space in my rented property?

Maximise the outdoor area with potted plants, garden furniture, and light fixtures, ensuring any modifications align with the tenancy agreement. If you make changes that make the space look better, many landlords will be happy you have made them!

How can I upgrade the light fixtures in my rented living space without permanent alterations?

Opt for plug-in pendant lights, stylish floor lamps, or chandeliers with temporary installation options to enhance lighting without violating the tenancy agreement.

What are budget-friendly options for updating soft furnishings in a rented home?

Transform your living space with affordable throws and blankets, cushions, and rugs. Try exploring charity shops or online marketplaces for budget-friendly finds that align with your style. Chat with your landlord about what you can and can't do to work out your styling options.