Decorating a rental property can be a challenging task, especially when there are rules and restrictions in place. Over the years, I have made my fair share of mistakes when it comes to decorating rental homes, but I have learned from them and want to share my advice with you to avoid making the same errors.
Decorating a rental is a tricky game, with all sorts of rules and restrictions around what you can and can’t do to the space. This often leads to compensating with questionable decor and furniture. I have made a bunch of mistakes along the way, and while I have certainly paid the price, I hope my advice can help you avoid doing the same.
One of the most important things to remember is to never nail into the wall, under any circumstances. The urge to hang art or other decorations can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to resist the temptation. Your real estate agent will likely notice even the smallest nail hole, and you will be charged to fix it at the end of your lease. Instead, use 3M Command hooks, which are a godsend for hanging art and other items without damaging the walls.
A home should always have some art – use 3M Command hooks to hang art in rental properties. Picture: Erinna Giblin
Another mistake to avoid is mounting your TV to the wall. You may be tempted to do so, especially if you’re given a second-hand TV without a stand. However, wall-mounting can be a bad idea, especially if the walls are made of solid brick and require large drill holes. You’ll spend a long time puttying up holes before you move out, and it’s just not worth the hassle.
A stylish entertaining unit looks great and doubles as storage, too. Picture: Samsung
When it comes to the garden, be careful about replacing plants without asking your landlord first. You may be inspired to overhaul your garden after watching a home renovation show, but don’t rip out the existing plants without permission. You could end up in an awkward situation when your landlord asks where the original plants are. Instead, consider using plants and trees in oversized pots to refresh your rental garden.
If you want to refresh your rental garden, consider plants – and even trees – in oversized pots. Picture: Julian Ronchi garden design
When buying furniture, consider the fact that you may move several times before buying a home. With this in mind, purchase furniture that can work in multiple room sizes and shapes. For example, consider a sofa without a chaise, as it may not fit in your next living room.
If you know renting is on the cards for a a good few years, make sure your big-ticket furniture is smaller in size. Picture: Denise Braki, Styling: Allira Bell/Temple & Webster
Rental homes can be bland and boring, with white walls, beige floors, and unexciting window treatments. To add some personality to your space, consider using bold colors. You don’t have to go overboard, but a sofa in a color other than white, black, or beige can make a big difference.
Is a green couch the new neutral? Picture: freedom
Finally, be careful in your kids’ rooms, as they love sticking things on walls. Using Blu Tack can be a bad idea, as it can damage the paintwork when removed. Instead, provide your kids with plenty of storage and a pin board to discourage them from sticking things on the walls.
Hold back on the Blu Tack: Lots of storage and a pin board will discourage too many things being stuck on the wall. Picture: Tamara Graham
In conclusion, decorating a rental property requires careful consideration and planning. By avoiding common mistakes such as nailing into the wall, mounting your TV, and replacing plants without permission, you can create a beautiful and functional space that you’ll enjoy living in. Remember to choose furniture that can work in multiple rooms, add some personality with bold colors, and be mindful of your kids’ rooms. With these tips, you can make your rental feel like home without breaking the bank or damaging the property.
This article was originally published on 19 Sep 2019 at 9:00am but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.
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