Rental Apartment Decorating

6/29/2015

A few weeks ago I got an email update from one of my favorite design magazines about a new online article published by this magazine on rental decorating on a budget. I excitedly clicked the link to check out the article and was, unfortunately, disappointed. While having custom built-ins installed and purchasing a 800 dollar end table might be considered "on a budget" to some, most people may be looking for more affordable options. (As well as options that won't cause you to lose your security deposit.)

So I've decided to pick some of my favorites tips and products to help turn any apartment/house/condo into a home.

Why Decorate My Rental?

I'm sure this is some people's first question. Why spend anything on my rental? Or I'm planning to buy a house shouldn't I wait and invest in the house?

If your rental situation is temporary, that's great! If you are planning on buying a house, congratulations!
However, this is where you live now and it is a space you should feel comfortable in. Your environment matters! If you are getting hung up on "investing in someone else's property" think of it this way, you are investing in your health and well-being by creating a space that makes you feel good.

Tips for Your Rental

Paint. If you are allowed to of course, all landlords are different. Paint is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to make an impact on a space. If you don't want to paint the entire apartment or can't, consider an accent wall.
Clean. First thing before you move in give everything a good cleaning this may include renting cleaning equipment, trust me you will thank me later. Already moved in? Clean one room at a time to minimize disruption.
Art. If you can't paint hanging art is the easiest way to add some color and personality to white walls. There are all kinds of cool projects online to create your own art if you can't buy art. Art is also something that is easily moved. With the number of removable adhesive products on the market today you don't even need to put holes in the wall.
Shop at thrift stores. Thrift stores, garage sales, second-hand stores, consignment stores all great sources for furniture. And don't forget furniture can be refinished or painted with a little effort, and sometimes new knobs can transform a dresser.
Rugs. Whether you hate your existing floors or just want to add more color or texture to a space, rugs are a great solution. Rugs are also a great investment piece that you can take with you when you move.
Window Treatments. Please, please don't use the vertical or horizontal blinds that come standard in every rental. If you can remove them. If not, push them to the side and forget about them. Drapes are quick and easy to install and provide color, texture and privacy. I've been told that the stronger command hooks can even be used as curtain hardware when you can't drill into your walls.
Replace hardware. A quick and easy way to give and cabinet a face-lift is to replace the hardware. Just make sure you keep the old hardware to put back before you leave.
Replace light fixtures. This may require a conversation with your landlord, but replacing an outdated lighting fixture will automatically improve a space. You can hire an electrician to do the work, or do it yourself if you have wiring experience. Just make sure you've turned off the power.
Replace your shower head. In a rental your bathroom often leaves much to be desired, but updating your shower head will make a huge difference in your comfort. And like a light fixture or cabinet hardware, keep the existing one and switch them back out before you move.
Don't be afraid of Ikea. What Ikea? I hear you, I am also familiar with the Johnathan Coulton song Ikea, whose lyrics include, "selling furniture for college kids and divorced men". However, there are some incredible Ikea hacks on the internet and products to help you dress up that Ikea furniture. Click on the images below to see some of my favorites.

Easy IKEA Hack Ideas: 10 Sources for Customizing IKEA Furniture

Products for Your Rental

There are dozens of products that help you to decorate a rental with ease, I've gathered some of my favorites below, click on any image for more information.