When you rent your home or flat, and you love interior decor and creative decorating techniques, it can be a challenge to find ways to personalise your space without breaking the rules of your lease. The rooms are not entirely your own, and so painting and renovating are almost always out of the question. 

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Don’t become discouraged, though! You can spice up your rented space, add colour to beige or white walls, and make your rooms as homely as you would like. By focusing on what you can do versus your limitations, you can get inspired about creating a home that speaks to your style and taste without breaking your landlord’s rules. 

10 Decorating Ideas to Try in Rented Spaces

There are so many ideas out there to try when decorating any space. Still, many designers and bloggers have paid extra attention to supplying tips for rented spaces because they know about the additional challenges. By using temporary fixtures, wall art, and stickers like those found at www.aspectwallart.com, and creating personalised scenes in every room, there are many options to decorate when you rent your home.

1. Give Each Room a Colour Scheme. No matter the size of your space, each room should have a distinct color scheme to set the mood. Choose decorative items, throw pillows, picture frames, and other decor features in tones that complement one another. You may want to check out some of the latest colour themes that designers are talking about to develop a fashionable look that’s unique to you.

 

1. Create a Gallery Wall. When you have a lot of photos, art, and other knick-knacks, a gallery wall is an ideal way to display your pieces and show off your personality. You can even incorporate mirrors, shadow boxes with little scenes, and mini succulents or vegetation in small hanging planters. Before you start hanging art on the wall for your gallery display, lay the items out on your bed or the floor so that you can get a feel for the layout ahead of time. Adding this preliminary step will help you to avoid putting nail holes in awkward places or having to re-hang pieces if you change your mind about the arrangement.
2. Use Temporary Wallpaper. Do you love colourful patterns and styles, but like to have a decor change with the seasons? Temporary wallpaper is ideal for decorating rented spaces and accommodating interior decoration enthusiasts who want a change now and then. Instead of a glue-based application, these fun wallpaper designs are easy to install and remove, and you can even adjust them if your first placement isn’t quite right. 
3. Decorate with Plants. A quick and easy way to add colour to your rented space is to decorate with some live greenery. Some plants even help to purify the air and can improve your health while creating a beautiful and fresh ambiance. Place them in small clusters near the windows where the plants can get the light they need, put them on shelves for a little touch of green here and there, and don’t forget to water them according to each plant’s needs. If you’re likely to forget when your plants need water or additional sunlight, consider setting a schedule on your phone’s calendar so that you can receive reminders.
4. Add a Fun Sticker Saying. Many people love using quotes and inspirational statements to define the mood in a space, but not everyone can simply start painting these sayings on the wall. Luckily, there are now some options for wall stickers that can be removed just as quickly as they were applied. There are even moisture-resistant ones for use in bathrooms and kitchens, and some companies also offer fully-customised wall stickers for a true one-of-a-kind look.
5. Hang Window Treatments. Even if your flat comes with blinds or privacy curtains, you may want to consider adding window treatments to personalise and “finish” the look of your space. You can go bold with fun colours and patterns, or stick to neutral shades to compliment other bits of your interior design. If your landlord doesn’t allow holes in the walls, there are some easy ways to hang window treatments without drilling holes into the wall.
6. Balance Edges with Curves. Don’t limit your decor to square-shaped mirrors and picture frames! Add some curves with pretty vases, jars, and glass globes. For an extra homely touch, you can incorporate candles in your decor to add a pleasant scent. Even if you can’t light them, they still add a nice bit of curve. Statues and figurines can also add some complimentary round shapes that balance the square edges of your furniture and accents.
7. Use Versatile Side Furniture. Rented spaces are often lacking in storage options, so when your budget allows, you should invest in side furniture that has storage. There are lots of options for ottomans, small cupboards, side tables, and even sofas that have extra – and sometimes hidden – storage. Some ottoman designs also have a reversible top, which doubles as a soft spot to put your feet up and a hard surface to put your hot cup of tea.
8. Don’t Forget Light Fixtures. Some flats and rented homes come with light fixtures, but they are not guaranteed to be in every room, and you might not have enough light for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, you should try to have two different light sources in every room. However, light fixtures can be expensive. So, you may want to try some DIY light fixtures for a more affordable and still very stylish alternative.
9. Try a Throw Rug. Even if your flat is carpeted, you can make your space even cosier and personalised with a pretty throw rug. Whether you place it under the dining table, coffee table and sofa, or the bed, throw rugs can bring a beautiful pop of colour and pattern to your room. They can also be quite affordable, so you can switch them out if you need a change and completely transform the look of your space without spending a lot of your hard-earned decorating budget.