Decorating a rented property can be tricky – there are all sorts of things to consider, not least of all your deposit. Many landlords don’t allow any permanent changes to be made to their property but some are happy to allow rooms to be repainted or slightly altered providing the tenant will return the house to its original state. Even if traditional decorating methods are completely out of the question, these simple ideas are a great way to add personality to your rented home without risking your deposit.
Invest in pretty bedlinen
A good set of bedlinen will lift a simple room and add a touch of luxury to everyday surroundings. Pretty, summer colours like these won't date and will add some summer sunshine all year round. Spend a little extra on a higher quality set and feel the benefit on cold winter mornings.
Find bedlinen like this at House of Fraser.
Add wallpapered panels
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.
Give your furniture personality
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
Add modular storage
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.
Invest in statement lighting
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.
Create a framed collection
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.
Stick on some wall stickers
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.
Think about wall hangings
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.
Treat your feet
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.
Put up bold wall art
Be brave and fill your walls with funky artwork. Forget the classic student posters and opt for more grown-up fare, such as lettering prints and screenprints from sites such as Etsy or Bouf.com. Mix and match styles for a contemporary look.
Have you tried any of these ideas in your rented home? Let us know below!
