10 ways to decorate a rented property

Not able to wallpaper your home? Get around the problem (and save your deposit) by adding wallpaper to plywood panels and leaning them against walls. Not only is it a cheap way of adding colour and pattern to a room, but you can also change your colour scheme as often as you want, or use it to create zones within a bedroom for rest and study.

Try Wallpaperdirect for a range of wallpaper designs and styles.

Take a stencil to a piece of budget furniture to turn it from a run-of-the-mill piece into a work of art – just don’t forget to prime the surfaces first to ensure you get a smooth finish.

Find a range of stencils at The Stencil Library

Modular storage is great for rented properties, not only will it fit any size or shape room, it’s also easy to remove at the end of a tenancy. An open design like this will allow you to display all your prized possessions, giving your home even more personality.

Try IKEA for storage like this.

You might not be able to change the positioning of your ceiling lights, but whether it’s with lamps, lanterns, candles or statement pendant lights like this red plastic design, you can control the level of mood lighting in your home.

Visit John Lewis for a wide range of lampshades.

Got lots of photos you want to have out on show? Forget about the blu-tack, and group them together on a feature wall in a quirky framed display. You don’t need to splash out loads of cash for frames, either. Get an eclectic look by scouring charity shops and jumble sales for old, mismatched frames, then spray them all the same colour before mounting them on the wall.

You can customise your walls without risking the wrath of your landlord – wall stickers are a great way to add your own style to your home. And best of all, they’re completely removable, so they won’t cause hassle when you move out. We love the way this tree sticker has hooks on the ‘branches’ for hanging up coats.

Try Supernice for a range of sticker styles.

Got something on your walls you need to cover up? Whether it’s a doorframe, a crack or a stain, opt for a wall hanging as a quick fix. Used in a bedroom, a wall hanging can also make a gorgeous headboard, and aren’t as difficult to make as you might have thought.

Try Dunelm Mill for reasonably-priced fabric.

Don’t neglect your floor – whether you’ve got wooden floorboards, laminate or carpet, you’ll need to protect it to protect your deposit. A statement rug can change the look of a room as well as keeping the floor intact.

Try IKEA for round rugs like this.