So, you have recently moved into a new place, and it is a rental, or maybe you have been there for a while, but the décor is a bit plain or boring. And you are not sure how to make it feel like you, without blowing up your budget or risk losing your deposit that you have worked hard to put together. Don’t you fret… we’ve got your back! Here is a few tips and tricks you can try out to add a little oomph, some style, comfort, class, and personality into your now home without damaging the walls (or your wallet).

1. Temporary Wallpaper, Art & Decals

The easiest way to bring not only new life into any room but a pop of colour; is by adding art on the walls. Instead of hammering nails into the walls which you would have to dig into that budget to close-up later on when you decide to move out… Rather opt for temporary vinyl stickers, easy to remove wallpaper, or lightweight art hung with adhesive hooks. They’re renter-friendly and won’t leave a trace when you move out. Pro tip: Create a gallery wall for that Instagram-worthy space!

2. Go Big on Rugs

Rugs can bring a magic touch to your space, especially for rentals! So, whether you have unoriginal cold tile floors or uninspiring carpets with questionable stains, a stylish rug can truly anchor your room, it adds warmth, colour, and texture. Bonus?! It hides any potentially dodgy flooring choices made by your landlord. Choose bold patterns or cosy soft textures to instantly elevate your space. Added tip, opt for large rugs the bigger the better it will help tie in the room whether in your bedroom on in the living room.

3. Peel-and-Stick Backsplash

Yes, you read that right! Peel-and-stick or self-adhesive backsplash tiles are a quick, affordable, and temporary way to update your kitchen or bathroom without lifting a single power tool. The beauty of this is it can work on many different platforms, e.g. Kitchen wall, Cabinets, Bathroom walls etc. You’ll be able to give your space that fresh, designer look with minimal effort, and zero damage.

4. Let There Be Light

Most rental homes come with basic lighting fixtures, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it! Swap those outdated light fixtures for modern, chic & affordable alternatives. Just save the originals in a safe place and then put them back when you decide to leave. A statement lamp or pendant light can do wonders to change the mood of any room, making it feel more like home. Another tip: if you want to go a bit more budget friendly, have a look at vintage thrift shops for old pendants, lams and fixtures that you can DIY or give a little TLC and use those instead just buy budget friendly globes and you are set. (PS. Warm light makes your home a lot warmer and cosier than cool light)

5. Curtains & Blinds

Don’t overlook your windows! Investing in beautiful curtains or stylish blinds can make a significant difference in creating a cosy, polished look. If your rental has less-than-lovely window coverings, simply swap them out for something more to your taste (and store the originals away safely).

6. Furniture that Does Double Duty

Let’s be honest for a second, South Africa isn’t exactly known for large and spacious homes most rentals are basically house equivalent of a shoe box. So, that is where multi-functional furniture pieces come in and saves the day. Look for pieces that can serve more than one purpose, think; bed with under-storage, a stylish ottoman that doubles as extra seating, or a sleek fold-out desk for your work-from-home needs. (Check out this blog for more ideas).

7. Greenery = Life & Beauty

If you want to add some life to your rental, plants are the way to go! Whether it’s hanging pots, a collection of succulents on your windowsill, or a few large indoor plants, greenery can make a rental feel fresh and vibrant and super homey. Plus, plants are a great (and affordable) way to inject personality and nature into your space. If you are afraid because you don’t have a green thumb? No worries, with a bit of research there are plenty of low-maintenance options out there!

8. Personalize with Textiles

Think cushions, throws, and blankets. These can turn a bland rental into a cosy haven, while also being budget friendly. Mix textures and colours to create visual interest, whether it’s layering a soft throw over a neutral couch or adding patterned cushions for a pop of colour.

9. Command Strips are Your New BFF

When you are looking to hang up anything in your rental, Command Strips can really aid you in that. Even if you are hanging art, mirrors, or floating shelves, they offer a no-drill, no-damage solution to decorating on walls. Just ensure to check the weight limit of the item before you start hanging up that oversized canvas you’ve been eyeing.

10. Mirrors for the Win

Mirrors are a renter’s best friend, especially in smaller spaces. Not only do they reflect light and make rooms feel larger and airy, but they also serve as beautiful statement pieces (especially when you are standing in front of them). Lean a large mirror against the wall or hang a few smaller ones with damage-free adhesive strips to brighten up any room and imagine a gallery of mirrors floor to ceiling and placing your plant in front of it *chefs kiss*.

Now you see that decorating your rental home does not always mean you have to sacrifice your personal style and settle for boring or basic. With some creativity, a few renter-friendly hacks, and a bit of elbow grease, you can turn your rental into a stylish, cosy haven without breaking the bank or upsetting your landlord.

What is your favourite rental-friendly decorating tips? Let us know in the comments, we’d love to hear your ideas!