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Tips for Decorating a Rental Apartment

Living in a rental property can be limiting at times. Sometimes, tenants don’t like how the apartment is decorated and would like to change things a bit once they have moved in. However, they are not sure how to make the apartment feel like their own without upsetting the landlord.

Regardless of what kind of decor plans you have, you should always contact your landlord to ask for permission first. But before you do that, here are a couple of ideas that might help persuade them, especially because none of them are permanent.

Take a look below.

Start With the Walls

Whether you disapprove of the colors your landlord has chosen, or you just want to spruce things up, there’s plenty that you can do. Although you might be worried about your deposit, there’s nothing to fret over, as painting the walls is an easy and inexpensive task.

Even if your landlord insists on the original walls, you can always paint them back before you move out. Naturally, ask for permission before you start. You might be surprised by your landlord’s reaction.

Since even a single wall can make a difference, we recommend starting by painting just one part of the room. Choose a color and pick the feature wall. However, we advise you to avoid the walls with windows so as not to cause any damage to them.

Revamp the Tiles

Retiling your kitchen or bathroom is completely out of the question in a rental apartment. Luckily for you, though, in case you don’t really like them, the solution is pretty simple. Tile stickers or stick-on tiles are all the rage right now.

These stickers are easy to use, and they’re a much cheaper option than retiling. You can stick them over the originals to create a space that’s more to your liking. If you don’t want to change the whole aesthetic, you can purchase a mosaic print and add a splash of color. And the best thing is that you can do all this without damaging the original tiles. Additionally, when you move out, you can take them off with one swift movement.

An added plus is that you won’t get in trouble with the landlord.

Bookcases Instead of Shelves

Obviously, you would want to display all of your books and knick-knacks once you’ve settled down. Unfortunately, some landlords might have strong feelings about putting up shelves and damaging the walls. That’s why bookcases are a better option.

Luckily, this type of furniture is extremely practical and rental-friendly. Plus, there are plenty of creative solutions. You can order a custom-made bookcase that will fit perfectly into the apartment, or you can go for a fully assembled bookcase — the options are endless.

Put Down Rugs

To make the place feel cozier, we recommend putting down some rugs. You wouldn’t want to damage those new magnesium oxide boards that you’ve rented the apartment for, would you? Let them steal the show but put down a few rugs for that homey feeling.

Lay one out in the living room and a few smaller ones in the bedroom to feel the warmth under your feet as soon as you get up. You can even purchase thrift rugs if you don’t want to invest in new ones that might not fit into your next home.

Plant Flowers and Herbs

It’s not a secret that plants are a terrific way to add a touch of greenery to any room, especially if you live in a busy city. Introducing plant and flower pots into the apartment is a great way to clean up the air, add a little life, and not upset your landlord. Even if you don’t have an outdoor space, you can create a little garden oasis indoors.

The kitchen or dining room are also great choices for a small herb garden. You can decorate the pots yourself or use old mugs and cans to plant the herbs. A sunny windowsill or extra counter space are great choices to display your little garden proudly.

Lean, Don’t Hang

One of the newer trends that we like to embrace is leaning mirrors and artwork against the walls instead of hanging them. It’s a more rental-friendly option as you won’t need to drill holes for your pieces. Plus, if you’re a fan of the boho-inspired look, it’s easier to achieve it by stacking and leaning mirrors and picture frames.

However, if you prefer hanging, we recommend using command hooks. They are an excellent alternative and also surprisingly strong. You can use them for anything — from kitchen utensils to artwork — without leaving a mark.

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