If you are renting a home, you will need to obtain permission from the homeowner to make any permanent changes to the home. Not to mention, why would you necessarily want to make improvements to a home you’re renting? If you’re in the predicament of wanting to enhance the quality of your home while renting, take a look at these non-permanent tips to decorating as a renter:
Walls
If you are unable to paint where you are renting, do not fret for there are many options to beautify your walls without painting. Wall murals are a great way to add visual interest to the walls, but make sure they are not permanent. Or a wall murals’ sister, wall decals would do the trick; especially in a child’s room, where the décor changes frequently. And if those options do not peak your interest, a large piece of art work-or an arrangement of several small pieces would certainly be appealing.
Floors
If you absolutely cannot stand the floors in your rental, and the homeowner will not or cannot change them, then you can just work around them. A large area rug or carpet squares will certainly mask a majority of the surface you cannot bare to look at. Or sometimes just a good steam clean is all it takes to bring a carpet back to life!
Fabrics
Never underestimate the power of fabrics as they can really enhance a rental. You can use fabric in curtains to draw attention to the windows. Fabric can also be used in slip covers to change out each season. Or if you’re really bold, fabric could be used (in a non-adhesive manner) to be color on a wall. Just ask Hildi from Trading Spaces.
Lighting
In a home, lighting is very important. For me, natural light is the best; but if you’re in a home that doesn’t have a lot of windows or doors to allow natural light in, you’re stuck with what you’ve got. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t add more lighting. Obviously incorporating lamps would be helpful, but what else can you do? Hang mirrors up on the opposite wall where a window is. This will allow for the light to reflect in the mirror, giving the illusion of more light (and space). Another way to add light is through battery operated lights (otherwise known as tap lights) that turn on when pressed.
Division
When I mentioned earlier about radically changing a place, I meant arranging the layout of the home. While homeowners will not typically allow renters to change the layout-permanently, why not consider non-permanent ways to adjust the layout. Add folding screens or open display or book shelves to define a certain area and give the impression of separate spaces. It’s not the same as adding or removing a wall, but it will give definition to a space where you want attention to be drawn.
Christine is the Content Marketing Coordinator for Homes.com. She's a small town girl at heart, who currently lives in Norfolk, VA with her husband and their fur baby. When she's not working, she enjoys cooking, decorating, traveling, and binge watching Netflix. As a proud Virginia Tech alum, she also loves cheering on the Hokies!
