Decorating tips for renters

When moving into a property to rent you probably focus on all the logistical issues such as bills and utilities, signing contracts and insurance (check out tenant insurance from Aviva for specialised insurance to cover your belongings.) All the fun aspects of moving to a new place might get pushed to the back of your mind, especially as renting can put certain limitations on your ability to decorate. We’ve compiled our top tips to make your rented property more personal.

1. First things first: ask your landlord/lady – typically landlords will have restrictions regarding painting the walls or replacing the carpets and hanging things up that make damage the walls, but there is a possibility that they may be a little more lenient. Don’t assume that a fresh lick of paint will lose you your deposit, there is no harm in asking.
2. Command strips – we recommend command strips to anyone, renting or not. They are ridiculously easy to install and leave no mark or damage behind. Not only does this protect the walls but it means you can switch up your décor as often as possible.
3. Focus on your furniture – if you cannot make the bones of the house your own then focus on the superficial stuff. Let your personality show through your choice of furniture and let it dominate the room and completely overshadow those dreary cream coloured walls.
4. Removable wallpaper and flooring – self-adhesive vinyl flooring or removable wallpaper is easy to install and is usually fine with landlords as long as you remove it when you leave without causing any damage.
5. Areas rugs to hide ugly carpets – you most likely will not be able to replace any ugly carpets or switch them with stylish hardwood flooring, but you can cover those grimy carpets with large area rugs. This is the perfect solution if you hate the colour of the carpeting or the low quality makes it a harsh surface to walk on, fill the space with soft plush rugs of your choosing.
6. Soft Furnishings – throws and cushions are perfect for adding a bit of life to your house without having to spend lots of money on furnishings. This is also a great option if you are renting an already furnished property and want to cover up that old couch that doesn’t match the rest of your stuff.
7. Switch up the blinds or curtains – Blinds and curtains can be effortlessly replaced which means landlords usually don’t mind if you want to switch things up a bit. Alternatively, you can easily take the old curtains down without telling your landlord. As long as you put them back before you move out, they will never know.
8. Plants – something as simple as a potted plant can breathe life into even the most depressing rooms.
9. Lighting and lamps – splashing out on quality lighting and lamps brightens up small dark spaces turning your dingy rented property into a more light, airy space.
10. Add a splash of colour or bold patterns to liven up a bland room – you can utilise anything to do this, from soft furnishings to artwork.