I know how hard it is to live in a rental home and hating how your home looks, feeling like it isn’t quite you, but not wanting to spend a lot of money for a makeover that will only last as long as you’re living in that rental (which may not be so long) and affects only things that renters can change. I made a home makeover like that a bunch of years back; here are 8 ways you can do the same.
Living in a rental doesn’t mean settling for dull walls, outdated curtains, or rooms that don’t feel like yours. Even on a tight budget and with a landlord’s rules, you can make your home more comfortable and inviting. The trick is to focus on affordable changes you can reverse or take with you when you move. You don’t need expensive furniture or a major renovation to make a difference.
From updating window coverings to finding secondhand furniture, these eight renter-friendly decorating ideas will help you refresh your home without spending a fortune or risking your security deposit.
1. Give Your Windows a Fresh Look
Windows can change the feel of an entire room. Heavy curtains can make a small living room feel cramped, while bare windows can leave bedrooms unfinished. Start by considering how much natural light each room receives. Lightweight curtains suit darker spaces, while thicker fabrics offer privacy in bedrooms and street-facing rooms.
Roman blinds are another practical option. Their fabric folds create a tidy appearance without the bulk of traditional curtains. Experienced retailers such as Terrys Fabrics offer Roman blinds in different colours, patterns, and fabrics, giving you options to suit your existing furniture.
Before buying, measure your windows and check your tenancy agreement. Some blinds require drilled brackets, so ask your landlord before installing them. If drilling isn’t allowed, consider compatible no-drill alternatives.
2. Rearrange Furniture Before Buying Anything
Sometimes, the best rental makeover costs nothing. Furniture often stays where you placed it on moving day, even when another arrangement might work better. Start with the largest piece. Try moving your sofa to a different wall or repositioning your bed to create more floor space.
Think about how your family moves through each room. Keep walkways clear, especially if you have young children. Before buying extra furniture, see whether existing pieces could serve another purpose. A narrow bookshelf might fit an awkward hallway, while a small dresser could replace a bedside table.
Take measurements before moving anything heavy. A quick sketch of the room can save you from dragging furniture around unnecessarily.
3. Add Personality With Removable Decor
Plain walls offer a blank canvas, but they can also make a rental feel impersonal. Removable wallpaper and peel-and-stick decals let you introduce colour without committing to permanent changes. Try decorating one wall behind your bed or adding a small pattern to a hallway.
However, removable doesn’t always mean damage-free. Adhesives can lift paint, particularly on poorly prepared walls. Test a hidden area first and follow the removal instructions. For a cheaper alternative, frame children’s drawings, postcards, or pages from an old calendar.
Use existing picture hooks where possible. Lightweight frames may also work with removable hanging strips, as long as they suit your walls. You don’t need to decorate every surface. A few personal touches can make a room feel more welcoming.
4. Refresh Your Soft Furnishings
You don’t need a new sofa just because its colour no longer suits your taste. Cushion covers, throws, and rugs can give existing furniture a different look for much less money.
Choose two or three colours already present in the room. For example, if your curtains feature green and cream, repeat those shades in your cushions or throw.
If you enjoy sewing, turn leftover fabric into cushion covers. Old curtains and unused tablecloths can provide enough material for smaller projects. In bedrooms, changing the duvet cover often makes more difference than buying several decorative accessories.
Choose machine-washable fabrics if you have children or pets. There’s little point saving money on furnishings that require expensive cleaning.
5. Give Secondhand Furniture Another Chance
Secondhand furniture can help you furnish your rental without stretching your budget. Check charity shops, community selling groups, and local marketplaces before buying new items. You might find a sturdy table or bookshelf that someone simply no longer needs.
Look beyond scratches and outdated finishes. A solid wooden table may only need cleaning and polishing, while a damaged flat-pack unit could cost more to repair than it’s worth.
You can also make furniture work harder. Add baskets to an open bookshelf or use a small dresser for craft supplies and paperwork. If you plan to repaint anything, stick to furniture you own rather than pieces supplied by your landlord.
6. Improve Lighting Without Changing Fixtures
Poor lighting can make a comfortable room feel gloomy, especially during darker evenings. Fortunately, you don’t need to replace ceiling fixtures to improve it. Start with your existing bulbs. Where compatible, warm-white LED bulbs can create a softer atmosphere in living rooms and bedrooms.
Place a table lamp beside your sofa for reading or add a small lamp to a dark corner. Secondhand lamps can save money, but check their cords, plugs, and fittings before use. Avoid anything with exposed wiring or visible damage.
Mirrors can also reflect natural light around a room. Place one opposite or beside a window so it catches daylight. Keep electrical cords out of reach of young children, and secure unstable lamps.
7. Tackle Clutter With Affordable Storage
Even a nicely decorated room can feel cramped when everyday belongings have nowhere to go. Before buying storage organisers, sort through cupboards and drawers. Donate usable items you no longer need and recycle what you can.
Then look for storage solutions around your home. Clean cardboard boxes can organise paperwork inside cupboards. Glass jars can hold craft supplies, while baskets work well for toys and folded towels.
Don’t forget overlooked spaces. Under-bed containers can hold spare bedding or seasonal clothes without taking up extra floor space. Keep heavy items on lower shelves and secure tall furniture using landlord-approved methods.
8. Add Plants and Personal Touches
Small details can make a rental feel welcoming without costing much. Houseplants are a good starting point, particularly if friends or family can share cuttings. Choose plants that suit your home’s light conditions and your ability to care for them. Check which varieties are safe around pets and children.
You could also display favourite books, arrange family photographs, or place a washable runner on your kitchen table. Pay attention to your entrance, too. A clean doormat, organised shoes, and somewhere to hang coats can make everyday life easier.
Final Thoughts
Refreshing a rental home doesn’t require expensive renovations or permanent changes. Start with the room that bothers you most. Perhaps your bedroom needs more privacy, your living room feels crowded, or your kitchen lacks storage. Identify the problem and choose one affordable improvement.
Shop secondhand when practical, reuse what you already own, and prioritise items you can take to your next home. Always check your tenancy agreement before altering walls or fixtures. A comfortable home should work for your family, reflect your personality, and fit your budget.
