Advice for Decorating a Rental Apartment
Decorating a rental apartment comes with a different set of rules than decorating a home you own. In a rental, you’re at the mercy of your landlord, which means you might be stuck with that lime green paint, pink carpet, or other less-than-appealing design elements when you move into your new place. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t make your rental home a place you love, and one that’s reflective of your personal style … it’ll just take some common sense and a little creative thinking in order to achieve it. Below, we’ve put together some expert advice for decorating a rental apartment.
- Think temporary. Making permanent changes to a rental is typically prohibited so be sure any changes you have in mind are reversible. If you hate the wall color, consider removable wallpaper in lieu of paint, for example. Can’t stand the carpet? Add a large area rug (yes, you can layer a rug over existing carpet!). One element many renters don’t realize they can change? Light fixtures. You can swap out ceiling fixtures or sconces fairly easily, and simply put the old ones back before you move out.
- Consider versatility. If you do spend money decorating and furnishing a place you don’t own, you’ll want to make sure you can take the pieces with you to your next home so you don’t lose your investment. Thus, it’s wise to choose furniture and decor that is versatile enough to suit a wide variety of home styles and spaces instead of choosing pieces that are specific to your current situation.
- Split the difference. Is there something you truly can’t stand about your space? Maybe a dated appliance that makes day-to-day living an inconvenience, or a backsplash in the kitchen that’s a daily eyesore? If you plan to live in the space for at least a couple of years, consider asking your landlord for an upgrade and offer to split the cost. You’ll get a nicer place, and your landlord will get a more marketable property.
- Err on the side of caution. If you have an idea that you’re not sure your landlord will approve of, it always, always pays to ask before you dive into a project. You might think a fresh coat of white paint may make the apartment more universally appealing, but your landlord may have other ideas. Give yourself the best chance of getting your security deposit back by checking in first.
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