Life in a rental apartment can feel like playing on an eggshell. You look for the apartment to feel like home, but there’s always the voice in the back of the mind:
“Will this cost me my deposit?”
The best bit? You no longer have to live among boring white walls and dull apartments. It’s possible to make your rented property truly yours without going against the rules and blowing your budget to smithereens with these clever landlord-approved changes!
Here’s how you can make the space yours, without putting the security deposit at risk.
1. Make use of removable wall solutions
Forget nails, screws, and drilling, because they're probably going to cost the deposit money.
Instead, you could:
- Command strips and hooks
- Wall hooks for bags, hats, and keys that are removable
They remove easily without any residual marks.
2. Temporary wallpaper
If white walls are driving you dull, removable wallpaper is a total game change.
It is:
- Easy to Apply
- Easy to remove
- No damage underneath
It may be applied to:
- One accent wall
- Behind your bed
- Inside wardrobes/shelves
It gives colour and texture without making a long-term commitment with paint.
3. Upgrade lighting without touching the wiring
Severe lighting can destroy even the most beautiful flat.
- Floor lamps
- Table lamps
- Wall lighting units
Soft lighting will instantly create a homely atmosphere in a temporary space.
4. Plants make everything feel alive
Plants are approved and safe for renters and landlords
- Indoor plants bring warmth
- Hanging plants conserve space
- Artificial plants can work well if you have a low-maintenance
5. Mirrors for style and space
Mirrors are great in rentals:
- They increase the size of small-scale rooms
- They reflect light
- They add elegance
Final Thoughts
Rental living does not mean living without personality. It simply means being smart about how you bring personality to the table. With removable solutions, creative decorating ideas, and non-permanent changes, you can create a space that has a warm, stylish, and personalized atmosphere - without damaging your deposit or upsetting your landlord. Since, ultimately, a leased apartment should always have a homely feel, even when this will not be a permanent residence.
