can you decorate a rented apartment

While it’s always your choice what to allow in terms of decorating an apartment, here are some ways to let tenants express their personalities:

• Painting: Many landlords allow renters to paint their rooms, especially if they choose a neutral hue or promise to paint the room in its original color before move-out day. Renters who are happy in their apartment will want to stay there longer; being surrounded by a color they love can boost their happiness. ...
• Interior decoration: From furniture to wall art, it should be fair game. ...

Full Answer

How to decorate and personalize a rental apartment?

When thinking about how to upgrade and personalize your rental space, keep these tips in mind:

• Always Check With Your Landlord First. If you’re unsure if a change – such as painting the walls or hanging curtains – is allowed, always check first. ...
• Keep Everything You Remove. ...
• Focus Your Budget on Reusable Items. ...
• Save Skilled and Dangerous Tasks for the Professionals. ...

How to decorate walls in rented apartment?

Tips and Tricks for Decorating Your Apartment Walls

• Work With What You Have. There will be things included in your apartment that you can’t control, like flooring, the layout of your apartment, bad lighting, etc. ...
• Wall Color. If your wall color is neutral, you’re in luck! ...
• Choose Your Art. Now comes the fun part of choosing what you want to frame! ...
• Always Remember to Have Fun. ...

How do you decorate your apartment?

Method 3 of 3: Choosing Furniture

1. Buy furniture pieces that come with added storage. If space in your apartment is limited, you may find it difficult to find places to store all the stuff you ...
2. Home Stager & Interior Designer Expert Interview. 10 July 2020. ...
3. Find multi-functional pieces of furniture. ...
4. Arrange furniture to create distinct living spaces. ...

What to look for in renting an apartment?

• General lighting
• Locks
• Stairwells and elevators
• Entrances
• Windows
• Window coverings
• Laundry facilities
• Ceilings and walls
• Cabinets
• Parking

More items...

How can I decorate my rental without damage?

Here are 12 ideas for how to decorate apartment walls without nails:Hang curtains using damage-free brackets.Apply removable vinyl decals.Lean objects against the wall.Use cork boards or grid wire boards.Use wall-safe adhesive strips and hooks.Apply poster putty.Use hook-and-loop fasteners.Decorate with washi tape.More items...•

How do you decorate an apartment you are renting?

Rental-Friendly DIY ProjectsMake DIY abstract art and build a custom frame for it.Transform outdated decor with spray paint.Try these inexpensive art ideas for your walls.Make simple wood shelves.Plant flowers for your patio or balcony space.Change your toilet seat with a fresh, new one!More items...•

Can you hang things in a rental apartment?

Depending on the apartment community, your lease agreement may prohibit nail holes or even place a pricey fine on wall damage. Using nails is the most common way to position wall hangings, but it isn't the only option.

Is it OK to paint a rented apartment?

Paint Your Walls Almost all landlords will be okay with you painting your apartment—so long as you paint it back before the next tenant moves in.

What changes can you make to a rented property?

Tenant making improvements to propertyPainting walls.Painting kitchen or bathroom cabinets.Replacing carpet in a room or rooms.Changing light fixtures.Upgrading door locks.Replacing flooring in kitchens or bathrooms.Swapping out appliances.Installing a security system.More items...•

How can I make my rented room look nice?

9 ways to decorate a rented home without making permanent changesBuy houseplants. You can never have too many houseplants. ... Buy a statement rug. ... Invest in light fixtures. ... Transform the walls. ... Opt for multifunctional furniture. ... Create layers. ... Choose stylish storage. ... Hang artwork, photographs and wall hangings (without nails)More items...•

Can you put things on the wall in a rental?

Common question: What changes can you make to a rented property? Most landlords will be open to you hanging pictures and other items so long as any damage to walls is made good before the end of your tenancy agreement.

Can tenant put nails in walls?

You can generally put small holes in your apartment walls, as long as you fix the holes before you move-out. Otherwise, you will likely have to pay for damages or surrender your security deposit. Of course, each lease is different, and you should check your specific requirements to make sure you're compliant.

Can you put pictures up in a rental?

Generally speaking, yes, hanging pictures in a rental is allowed. There are no set rules specifically governing what renters can and can't do regarding hanging pictures in most states.

How do you ask your landlord if you can paint?

Tell your landlord whether you only want to paint one wall, one room or several rooms. Mention what colour options you're thinking about and see if they have any preferences. It helps if you're planning to live in that properly for at least a couple of years because then there's more chance they'll be okay with it.

What happens if I paint the walls in my apartment?

Painting Apartment Walls is a Risky Business By doing so, you may be in breach of your rental agreement and can be forced to forfeit your security deposit. On top of losing that money, you'll also be jeopardizing your relationship with your landlord—which could make the rest of your stay a monumentally unpleasant one.

Can tenants paint walls?

A tenant should only paint with written permission from the landlord to do so. Most landlords prefer that tenants do not paint the rental or make any improvements or repairs without approval. Tenants who respect your property will not paint without your permission, but it can sometimes be necessary to clear things up.

What should I put on my apartment walls?

Apartment-Friendly Ways to Cover Your WallsFaux wallpaper.Fabric and curtains.Removable wall stickers.Mirrors.

How can I make my apartment feel luxurious?

10 Ways to Make Your Apartment Look LuxuriousSet Out Fresh Flowers. A $5 bouquet of Trader Joe's flowers can do wonders for your space. ... Decorate Your Walls. ... Style Your Surfaces. ... Add Faux Fur. ... Choose Your Own Lighting. ... Stock a Snack Bowl. ... Create a Pleasant Scent. ... Lay Down Area Rugs.More items...•

How can I decorate my small apartment?

Small-space Design TipsMake smart choices with color: Use white walls / trim / ceiling to make your room spacious.Make sure your rug fits your space well: Going too small will cramp the space.Make use of reflective surfaces: Mirrors can make a room feel larger.More items...•

How can I make my rental property feel like home?

How to Make a Rental Feel Like HomeClean, Clean, Clean!Stage an Entryway.Add Personality With a Bookshelf.Get to Know Your Neighbors.Let There Be Light.Replace Old Blinds With Curtains.Get Creative With Kitchen Storage.Rethink Hanging Artwork.More items...•

What to do if you can't find anything in your rental agreement?

If there isn’t enough information or you can't find anything in your rental agreement, then ask the property manager directly. Be specific about what your plans are to customize your rental space. Take notes so you can reference back to the list when it is time to decorate. Just remember: do not do what you cannot undo.

What color appliances go well with any color?

Stainless steel appliances tend to pair well with any color, and nowadays you can find additional appliances in any color! Pink toasters, a green waffle iron, or even red pots can add to your kitchen flair. You can also change cabinet knobs to spice things up (as long as you replace them before moving out).

1. Make Sure What Your Contract Allows

Before planning any decorating, make sure you know exactly what your contract allows. Most contracts will state that you need the landlord’s express permission to make changes like putting nails in the wall or painting. Requesting to put up shelves or something similar should be viewed as a reasonable request and can therefore not be denied.

2. Lean Instead of Hang

When decorating your rental space walls, you should opt for leaning items against the wall instead of hanging them. Leaning creates an informal, boho feels in your living space and makes it easy to reposition if you feel like it’s time for a change.

3. Dress Your Windows

Transform a room with the proper window dressing. You can create a cozy space while also adding your personal style by adding curtains. Your landlord probably used vertical blinds, making the apartment look like an office space.

4. Invest in Rugs

A rug can make a huge difference in a room. Since most rentals have tiles or heavy-duty carpeting, it’s often not visually appealing. Adding a rug to your living space can brighten it up and tie the rest of the room together. Look for something that goes with your curtains to create your own sense of style.

5. Upgrade Tiles

Retiling the kitchen and bathroom is probably out of the question. You can upgrade the tiles in these rooms with tile stickers. You can create beautiful mosaics and add color or style to the room. When you move out, you can simply peel the stickers off.

6. Add a Decal

Another great way to customize your space is with the use of decals. Use it in kids’ rooms or the living room. There are many exciting ways to use decals throughout your apartment.

7. Add Wallpaper Panels

You can use a variety of wallpaper panels to add color and style to any room. You can change the panels as often as you’d like, and it’s easy to remove when you move out.

3. Removable Accent Wallpaper

Instead of applying layers upon layers of paint, which can cause your walls to peel, add bold removable wallpaper. This wallpaper adds character to your boring walls and makes your room pop. By adding removable wallpaper instead of permanent, you can take it down once your lease is over.

4. Knickknacks and Accents

One of our favorite ways to personalize an apartment space is by adding little trinkets, mementos, and accents throughout your rooms. Also, make sure that the furniture matches the style of the room!

5. DIY Projects

A great way to personalize your apartment space is to invest your time into creating custom pieces. Not only will you feel proud of your craftsmanship, but DIY projects also personalize your space with one-of-a-kind items. Check out our ideas to help you get inspired to start your own DIY project:

Source your furniture

Image source: peschekinteriors.com Who said that quality furniture needs to be expensive? There are plenty of ways you can obtain excellent pieces that work with a variety of interior designs for half the retail price or less.

Floor covers can save your budget

A beautiful stone or marble floor is bound to increase the value of rental properties. Wooden floors in particular. However, naked surfaces such as these aren’t a landlord’s best friends, as they require maintenance, and can be easily damaged.

Soundproof and beautiful

One of the biggest problems landlords face is actually keeping the neighbours happy.

Manipulate the ambiance with lighting

Another inexpensive way to introduce an up-scale vibe into your apartment’s interior design is to simply add warm lighting across the board.

Add a variety of interesting details

Finally, you want to make the apartment feel homey with a positive vibe, and a serene ambiance that inspires creativity.

What to do if you can't paint your apartment?

If you can't paint the walls in your apartment, paint your furniture instead. A new paint job on a bed frame or dresser can be just as impactful as a new color on the walls. Use the furniture colors as a springboard for other apartment decorating ideas to incorporate into your space.

How to make an apartment look vintage?

If your apartment is lacking, fake the look by adding a storage unit or bookcase that reaches almost to the ceiling. If allowed in your building, install moldings around the tops of the shelves to reinforce the built-in look.

How to make a studio apartment look cozier?

Employ a few smart studio apartment ideas to make your all-in-one dwelling seem cozier. Stick with a consistent color palette from the kitchen to the bedroom. Similarly, repeat finishes and materials to create a cohesive look. Employ rugs to anchor different zones and provide visual boundaries between areas.

What to put in a bathroom to add function?

Bring furniture into your bathroom to add function and style. A slender table with a drawer can be used for storage and as extra counter space. A sturdy chair can become a perch for clean towels.

Why hang draperies on a wall?

Hanging several sets of draperies along a wall is an apartment-approved way to give your space personality without the permanence of wallpaper or paint. It also gives the illusion that there are windows hidden behind the draperies, rather than just an expanse of blank walls. 6 of 33. View All.

How to maximize kitchen space in apartment?

If your setup includes open shelves, place several stacks of dishes on each shelf, arranging like items together. Use the upper shelves for lesser-used items you don't need to access as often.

How to save space in a small apartment?

By maximizing what you already have, you eliminate the need for add-on storage units that make a room feel cramped. Stackable or pull-out storage in a bathroom vanity fills the vertical space and tidies up bathroom necessities. Utilize behind-the-door storage to further maximize bathroom cabinets.

1. Let there be light

Take on a DIY apartment décor project by upgrading your light fixtures to make your rental warm and cozy. Fast fixes include spray painting or wallpapering a wall sconce base, switching out the shade for a new one, and changing your bulbs to something that feels more you, like an Edison bulb.

2. Paint, paper, or sticker the walls

After checking with your landlord or rental management company to make sure it’s allowed, try painting your walls to give your house a pop of color. If painting seems like too much of a hassle or it’s a no-go from the landlord, don’t fear. Learn how to decorate walls using peel-and-stick removable wallpaper for a quick fix.

3. Add art

Hang a water-resistant painting in the bathroom, an antique drawing over the bookshelf, or your favorite floral print in the kitchen. Adding art and framed photographs can make your rental feel more like an extension of yourself and less like a vacation rental.

4. Use a pegboard

Pegboards provide sleek storage, comprehensive organization, and a great place to show off photos and artwork. Hanging tools, supplies, and fun objects (like purses, potted plants, or jewelry) helps to declutter your living area.

5. Invest in quality rugs

You likely won’t get the go-ahead from your landlord to change out any unwanted flooring—nor will you want to spend the time and effort on floor replacement. In this case, one of our best decorating tips is to buy large, comfy rugs to cover up a less-than-desirable floor. Your eyes will appreciate it just as much as your feet.

6. Swap out hardware

It might seem insignificant but changing out hardware can revitalize a space. You can think of hardware like statement jewelry for your doors and cabinets. Look for hooks, knobs, and handles that fit your unique aesthetic and stand out from the paint color.

7. Hang ceiling hooks

A few ceiling hooks can totally revamp your space. Hang plants, lights, and other cute apartment décor from the ceiling to update a space’s look and feel.

How to make an apartment glow?

By positioning your lamps at various heights (some on the floor, some on desks, some on shelves, in various bulb strengths (dimmable, if possible), apartment will have a welcoming glow rather than a hash feel.

How to make a white box apartment look good?

If you're 'blessed' with a white-box apartment, void of character, consider adding base boards to the feet of the walls to give them a clear, sturdy-looking end-stop. (Paint them, too!)

Where to store pulls on cabinets?

Unscrew existing pulls on cabinets and drawers and store them in a safe place (a shelf in the closet marked 'Reinstall Me at Move-Out!'), then DIY your own or scout some in the clearance bin at Anthropologie. "Anything that screws off can be screwed back on when you move and won't do permanent damage," Kalita notes.

Is terra cotta good for apartments?

Yes, terra cotta is actually pretty good-looking, but there are so many chic, inexpensive planters out there that will be more impactful (and of course, they can move with you to future apartments).

Can you make your own decor for a rental?

But that doesn't mean you can't make it your own and get creative while you're at it. When you do spend money, think long term: "When I've tweaked my rental homes," says Common Bond designer Alex Kalita, "I've aimed to minimize labor cost (you can't take that with you!) and spend instead on materials that can be repurposed in a future home." Beyond that, check your lease to understand what really shouldn’t be tampered with (some landlords don't like the idea of a tenant rewiring things, for example) and then pick a few you like from the following list!

Do landlords use white paint?

No matter what! "Typically landlords use a very basic white paint," says designer Casey Kenyon, who advocates for a hue that’s more deliberate: "Choose a white that feels right for you and your space." Paint a few samples (several coats of each) directly on the wall before choosing one. "It always looks different on the wall than in the store!"

What to do if your landlord won't let you paint your cabinets?

If your landlord won't let you paint your cabinets, simply remove them from the hinge and stash them away. Then, style the new open shelves with decorative objects or add removable wallpaper to the insides for a pop of color.

Do you need an electrician for a rental?

Rental properties usually have the bare minimum when it comes to lighting. Make your space feel more like home by layering additional light sources, beyond overhead lights. When your lease is up, simply unscrew them from the wall and take them to your next home—no electrician required.

Can you paint your walls back before moving out?

If you plan on painting your walls, be sure to get the name and brand of the original paint color from your landlord so you can paint the walls back before moving out.

Can you decorate a rental property?

Though you probably feel like your options are limited when it comes to decorating a rental, you may be in luck because many landlords are way more agreeable than they seem. Some may even thank you for putting your labor and money into improving their property if they’re pleased with the way it turns out. That said, doing anything that conflicts with what’s in your lease still puts you in danger of losing your security deposit—or worse—so we renovate at your own risk. Or at least ask your landlord before making any big changes you may be unsure about.

Can you paint your apartment before the next tenant moves in?

Almost all landlords will be okay with you painting your apartment—so long as you paint it back before the next tenant moves in. Sasha advises, "Try opting for more luxury paints and finishes so the renovations feel more decorated and less 'spec house.'. Really dive deep into neutrals—especially whites .".

Do you have to repaint a rental unit?

Just don’t do any crazy treatments that will be difficult to repaint, and if you enlist a dark color, use a primer when you repaint so it’s fully covered. In some cities, though, landlords may be required to repaint rental units every few years, so they may be doing the repainting for you.