5 Tips on How to Decorate your Rental Apartment
I get it.
Decorating an apartment that’s not your permanent home yet can be exhausting. It’s inevitable you’ll eventually move to another apartment or buy your own house, so why bother?
Wrong.
You should and must bother because nothing beats the feeling of coming home to an impeccably decorated space. And in today’s post, I’m going to show you five home décor tips to transform your rental and make it feel like home.
- Add Indoor Plants
Plants inject pops of color and breathe life into space. Besides amplifying visual interest, they purify the air, inhibit stress, and increase productivity.
Purchase a few house plants, preferably succulents since they flourish even on minimum maintenance of low sunlight and occasional watering.
Furthermore, get creative with your planters. Opt for chic, unique ones that have an aesthetic impact and enhance the overall house décor. Ornamental planters and ceramic pots are good examples.
- Invest in Good Lighting
Rental apartments have a penchant for bright overhead lighting, which is way too harsh.
Warm, low lighting is the most flattering kind and sets the right mood for relaxing and entertaining guests. Floor and table lamps create such an atmosphere. They exude a soft glow that’s cozy, inviting, and comforting.
And don’t just go for any lamp. Pick a show-stopping piece. You’ll be surprised by just how much a unique and stunning lighting fixture enriches your space.
- Hang Art Pieces
Hanging art pieces in your home adds some flair and character. It can be paintings, contemporary prints, or photographs.
Group small pictures to create a gallery wall in the living/dining room or beside the staircase. Alternatively, hang one huge, eye-catching painting to act as the room’s focal point.
Bold prints and family photographs work as well. Family photos are even better as they are authentic and offer guests a peek into your life.
Since most leases prohibit against poking holes, prop your art pieces against shelves, cabinets, tables, or even the floor to display. That way, you don’t have to drill unnecessary dents. Please note that gallery walls are not recommended in small spaces as they create visual clutter.
- Paint your Walls
If your lease permits it, paint your walls in a color that best suits your personality. And should the idea of coating all the walls sound overwhelming, paint one accent wall with vibrant color. Accent walls add depth and make a bold statement.
What should you do if your lease doesn’t allow for painting? Ask for permission from your landlord with a promise to repaint back to its original color when it’s time to leave. It’s such a pain, I know. But it’s worth it.
Another low-cost and effortless option is using diamond tape walls or washi tapes.
- Ditch the Blinds
Move your vertical blinds to the side, and horizontal to the top, then install beautiful curtains and drapes. Curtains spruce up walls, in addition to muffling sounds and offering privacy.
Consider your color scheme and interior style when selecting curtains. Silk/faux silk, for instance, introduces a luxurious touch, whereas deep-toned drapes fit into contemporary and modern styles.
Conclusion
Before you begin decorating your apartment with these tips, double-check with your landlord beforehand. That’s because most, if not all, apartments have limiting leases on the changes you’re allowed to make.