Dos and Don’ts of Decorating a Rental Home

Renovating a rented house is limited in many ways, but tenants can still elevate their apartment with a few simple changes.

Insider points out 5 do’s and 5 don’ts when you decorate and upgrade a rental home.

Do’s…

Get a large rug

According to interior designer Jessica Welling, a large area rug can bring coziness to your home. An empty and plain floor will make the apartment seem lacking and empty.

You don’t need to buy an expensive rug, but choose one that is wide enough to fit the furniture in the house.

Add lights to dark corners

Installing multiple lights can make a small space brighter and more spacious. You should prioritize wall-mounted lights to make cleaning easier, and at the same time free up space on the table or floor.

Also, avoid complicated wired lights that can create clutter and mess up the aesthetics.

Supplement outdoor furniture

If the house has a yard, garden, or balcony, you should invest in outdoor furniture for this space. This will help you maximize the area.

You can simply put a chair on the balcony, equip it with string lights, plants, and artificial grass. This is your worth-it relaxation corner.

Alternatively, you can also utilize this area by placing a washing machine, dryer, or BBQ grill.

Install curtains

Interior designer Courtney Sempliner said that curtains can completely transform your space. Besides the sun-blocking effect, curtains can turn windows into beautiful focal points and make you feel more private and secure.

You should consider choosing curtains with adhesive rods to avoid drilling holes in the wall.

Place a bookshelf or partition

According to interior designer Laura Roberts, you can put a bookshelf or install a partition to divide the living and working spaces. Of course, these furniture items should be easily removable to take with you when you move.

Don’ts…

Install shelves above the toilet

On social media, many people advertise shelves above the toilet that help you store more items.

However, with just a little carelessness, these items can easily fall down. Instead, use baskets, storage racks, and place them away from the toilet.

Choose an oversized bed

A large bed in a small space can make the occupant feel cramped and uncomfortable. For rentals, you should choose beds that are just the right size, with a headboard and without legs to free up space. Integrated beds with storage compartments are also a good idea to give you extra storage space.

Paint in dark colors

If allowed to paint the walls of a rental home, you should choose bright colors. Dark colors will require more paint and effort. Meanwhile, bright colors can make the apartment feel more spacious.

Use nails to hang pictures

Artwork can enhance the aesthetics of a space. However, when hanging pictures, you should avoid using nails or drilling the walls because it can damage the apartment. Instead, consider using wall adhesive. These types of adhesives can be easily removed without damaging the wall surface.

Invest in custom furniture

Custom furniture is not a wise investment for a rental home. These items may fit well with the current space, but they may not be suitable for your future home. To facilitate future moves, you should choose furniture that can be easily disassembled.

According to Zing