Renting a home or apartment differs from home ownership in various ways. A home purchase ensures homeowners decorate the home any way they desire. The buyer paid for it, and they are in charge of decorating. Renters, or tenants, don’t receive such freedom. They can decorate the home or apartment but it typically must be in non-permanent ways because they must answer to the property owner. The property owner, or landlord, has complete control over the home’s appearance. They expect this appearance to remain the same upon moving in and after moving out. A lease contract outlines what renters can and cannot do while living on their property.
Here are some tips on how to decorate your rental without upsetting your landlord or breaking your lease agreement.
Decorate frugally
Renters should never go overboard on rental decoration. Therefore, the best solution is purchasing used furniture at secondhand stores. Search thrift stores, consignment shops, flea markets, and garage sales for great finds and unique items at fantastic prices. Purchase what you need. An upholstered item will require professional cleaning before it enters the home. Alternatively, renters craving new furniture pieces should spend money on liquidation and going-out-of-business sales. Those specials are up to 75 percent off. In these ways, renters can bring new decor in the rental space for a low price.
Buy storage
As you journey secondhand stores, search for standalone storage items. These pieces should create supplemental space for homes that lack it. If necessary, paint or spray paint the standalone piece to match the decor. For renters willing to assemble storage, shop at Walmart or IKEA for new and inexpensive storage solutions. Multi-purpose furniture is welcome as it serves more than one function. Storage solutions that utilize your space will hang over a door or slide under a bed. Closet organizing solutions are welcome too; make sure the storage solution is removable in case sudden situations occur.
Buy fabric
Fabric stores contain various designs and colors at an inexpensive price. Fabric hides unsightly designs and shelves; it can pull the room decor and colors together. Purchase fabric to wrap around or cover furniture, chairs, pillows, and accessories. Let fabric act as a rug on floors and substitute for the landlord’s window curtains or blinds. Additionally, the fabric can decorate back shelves of storage spaces for a fun finish.
Survive on accessories
Accessories are a renter’s best friend. It is the main ingredient to transforming the space into your oasis. Along with the transformation, accessories are the focal point in a room filled with imperfections. Great accessories to add include rugs, plants, vases, lamps, wall art, mirrors, and centerpieces.
Brighten up my day
Light can brighten up a dark, depressing space with warm and welcoming feelings. Homes with insufficient lighting need table lamps and floor lamps to assist. Natural sunshine from windows works wonders too, so open up the curtains to let the sun in!
Paint the walls
If the property owner allows wall painting (accent wall, trim, crown molding, etc.), jump at the chance. Paint is the simplest way to transform the rental into your home. If the landlord has a color selection, choose the one closest to your home decor. If the renter gets to choose, select white. Most landlords appreciate white walls over polarizing colors like red, blue, and green.
Wall hanging solutions
Renters who add decor on the wall may or may not have permission to puncture walls. In that case, use 3M command and Washi tape instead. 3M Command offers hooks and strips for renters to hang items on the wall without damaging the wall itself. Washi tape is Japanese reusable masking tape that leaves no residue, stretches, chipping, and marks behind. It comes in various colors and designs.
Renters who don’t obey the lease agreement will create contention with the landlord. The property owner may enforce a fine, keep the deposit, or terminate the lease. If decorating isn’t in the lease, ask your landlord for permission first. Use your lease as an outline, but these tips should help you make your rental your own while remaining on peaceful terms with your landlord.
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