A vanilla rental property doesn’t have to mean monotony and lack of flair. Turn your plain rental into a truly welcoming home by adding personal, non-permanent touches from decor to art and even furniture and shelving. Continue reading for more information on how to make your rental your own without risking your deposit or your design style!

How can I make my rental feel like home?

Enhance lighting: The lack of natural light and minimal square footage in your apartment can induce dreary thoughts. Brighten up any room, and visually expand your space by changing up your light fixtures. Use up your wall space by using sconces as your bedside lighting. They’re both beautiful and practical. When it comes to lamps, choose lighter lamp shades with architectural bases. This will allow more light to come out and brighten your space. If your space is industrial in theme, consider forgoing your lamp shades and opt for the trendy exposed bulb look—think Edison bulbs! Another option? Give chandeliers a chance! Capture the eye by swapping out your standard dining room lighting for an attractive chandelier that fits your style.

Add window treatments: When you think of a home you are proud of; boring plastic blinds isn’t exactly what comes to mind. Hide those run-of-the-mill blinds with window coverings that reveal your taste and jive well with your decor. Get the most out of the light you have by choosing sheer window coverings, you’ll still get some shade, and a whole lot of style! Set the mood with thick floor-length drapes for a stunningly simple way to decorate your space with privacy in mind. If you absolutely can’t drill holes into your wall and you have traditional framed windows, consider a tension rod to hang your curtains. Also, curtains that are hung above the window frame will help add height to your room, creating more visual space. Looking for the ultimate budget friendly window treatment? Purchase flat sheets and discreetly snip open the hemmed ends - slide your curtain rod through and, voila, curtains for a few bucks!

Storage: Space is sacred in your rental property. You are more than likely forgoing a basement and/or extra closet space, so get smart about storage! These days, anything and everything can have an element of hidden storage to it. Consider purchasing a storage bed to help tuck away extra items and conserve space in your bedroom. Storage beds come in a variety of options, including beds that feature drawers on the footboard and/or one or more of the sideboards. Ottomans and coffee tables that have storage inside are great for hiding extra throws blankets and pillows when not in use. Bar carts are a festive way of adding pizazz to your living space while keeping beverages close by. If you don’t have an entryway closet and need a decor and storage idea that will pack a punch, consider a storage bench and coat rack combo. Style? Check! Functionality? Check!

What are some apartment decorating ideas?

Add shelving to house personalized touches: You might not be able to paint your rental property, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make other semi-permanent changes. Shelving can be a simple and easy way to add extra storage and depth to your room, all while sticking to your rental guidelines. Wall shelves help to reduce clutter, while giving you a place to set all your favorite trinkets and home decor. Make sure to attach wall shelves using the appropriate hardware, and stay aware that you’ll still need to fill in holes upon leaving your rental. Add shelving in your bathroom to keep toiletries and small hand towels in an arm’s reach. Shelving in your living room can double as a place for books, plants and accessories, making your space an absolute oasis!

Don't forget the floors: Adding rugs throughout your rental unit is a budget-friendly step towards reflecting your personality in your rental space. Protect your rental unit floors by placing rugs and rug pads in high-traffic areas. Not only do rugs add warmth and comfort to your floors, they also add a bit of color to otherwise plain rooms in a snap! A patterned rug can add a world of texture and charm to any room—instantly becoming a point of conversation. No matter your style preference, whether traditional or contemporary, there is a rug right for you, in any shape and size!

Wall art can do wonders: Want a quick and easy way to express yourself in your rental? Simply add some art to those drab walls! Framed pictures of friends and family are go-to choices for adding a touch of comfort to your abode. However, if you’re looking to strike a trendier tone choose unique art pieces that reflect your design desires and don’t put a dent in your wallet. Colorful wall paintings can enhance the natural beauty of your neutral furniture, while artsy prints create a focal point for conversation. Don’t want to hammer holes in your wall to hang up your art? No worries, there is a huge market for picture hanging options that won’t damage your walls. Read our Easy Picture Hanging Design Tips for more inspiration!

How can I decorate my apartment on a budget?

Greenery: Makeover your apartment by bring the outside in with bountiful plants and watch your space blossom with character. You can mimic nature even if you live in a rental unit that doesn’t provide you with easy access to the outdoors. Succulents are great apartment plants as they require very little maintenance and double as cute decor. Purify your air with a low-light potted plant like a Pothos or Iron Plant. If you have space, say “Ohm” to a home oasis by adding a small tree with a braided trunk—think Ficus! Vases of flowers set on your dining room table or occasional table also add a dash of natural beauty to your dwelling.

Decor and Accessories : Sometimes it is the small things that have the biggest impact. Cleverly selected decor and accessories placed throughout your unit, such as on tabletops or shelves, can help to make your rental house or apartment a home. You can even swap out small decor to match the seasons for an extra fun personal touch. Don’t be afraid to get matchy-matchy. Like colors can help create synergy and style! Coordinate the colors of your small home decor and accessories with larger pieces like furniture and area rugs for a totally cohesive look. The best part about decor and accessories is that they can wow without breaking your bank.

You may not own the place but that doesn’t mean your rental isn’t your home. Make your rental property a space you are truly proud of by personalizing it with home decor that can be easily removed, such as wall art, rugs, accessories, shelving and so much more!