How to Decorate When Renting an Apartment

Decorating a Rental

Decorating while renting may seem like a daunting task. You don’t want to do anything that could potentially damage the apartment and cost you your deposit. However, this shouldn’t keep you from decorating at all. Here are a few ways for you to decorate your apartment without having to worry about your landlord.

1. Talk to your landlord

If you are really worried about the work you are thinking about doing, the best way to squash those fears is to talk to your landlord! Getting written permission is the perfect way to ensure that the work you want to get done is okay.

2. Invest in versatile pieces

Choose versatile pieces that can be transitioned to new living spaces, not just those that fit into your current space. You may also want to consider ottomans, coffee tables, or side tables that double as storage.

3. Update lighting

You may not be able to upgrade actual fixtures due to budget or permission from your landlord. What you can do, however, is swap out lamp shades. It’s a quick and easy way to add color and design to your apartment. You can also purchase different floor or table lamps to add more light and personal flair to your apartment.

4. Update hardware

An easy and quick way to make the apartment your own is through kitchen and bathroom hardware. Typically, the cabinet pulls that come with the apartment are what is deemed “builder basic”. This means that the pulls are a generic design. You can go to any hardware store, such as Home Depot or Lowe’s, to find something that is more your style. These are easy to change out. Keep the old hardware and switch them back in when you move.

5. Area rugs

A good area rug is good for an apartment, be it for covering laminate flooring or older carpeting. In addition, an area rug is a great way to bring color and texture into your space and a personal touch to your apartment.

6. Artwork

Artwork is a great way to bring personality to your apartment in a non-permanent way. There are many different places that you can buy art pieces, both online and in brick and mortar stores. You can even create your own artwork! There are also many ways that you can display the artwork so let your imagination run wild.

7. Nifty Thrifty

Check out estate sales, garage sales, and flea markets for one-of-a-kind finds. Mix these secondhand pieces with newer items to show off your creative flair.

8. Color wheel

Pay attention to the colors that you’re using. Certain colors complement each other while others will clash. Spend some time deciding what you want your color palette to be.  You may also want to consider using brighter colors as an accent piece while using neutrals for your furniture. Neutral furniture is easy to transition to different living spaces and through different times of your life. They can be jazzed up by using brightly colored painted walls, pillows, and blanket throws.

9. Window treatments

Window treatments are a great and easy way to add style to your apartment. If you have a smaller room, consider hanging the longest panels your room will allow. This will elongate the room and make the ceilings seem higher up than they are. Use the same style of curtain rod throughout your house.

10. Command hooks

Command hooks are great for many different things. A major reason to use command hooks is that it allows you to hang items that you may not be able to if your landlord does not want you to use nails. They are easy to remove and don’t damage the walls.