Renter-Friendly Ways to Make a Space Your Own Sanctuary
Some of us rent our living space because that’s our preference—we like the simplicity of not having to maintain a place, our money is freed up for other things, and we can relocate without the burden of having to sell.
Others would love to own a home but can’t buy one yet. Either way, your rental is where you’re doing life now, so why not make it your personal sanctuary? Too many people have a make-do mentality about their rental space, telling themselves they’ll decorate when they own their own home.
Renter-Friendly Décor That Feels Permanent
Sure, you have some constraints with decorating a rental property; you’re probably not going to invest in a high-end chandelier or realize that dream of a built-in library. But there are so many things you can do to enrich your space that won’t break your landlord’s rules or waste your money.
The first step is to let your imagination go crazy. Think about what you would love to see when you walk into your home. If you’re not a visual person, take some time to look at Pinterest, read decorating blogs, or look at decorating books.
Take pictures of what appeals to you. When you look at all those pictures together, you’ll probably notice themes of color, style, and texture. That’s the information you need to start planning your ideal space. Even if it takes a while to finish, every small thing you do to make the space your own will add comfort and pleasure to your days.
Even if it’s a tiny apartment that you rent, decorations can transform it into your own favorite place.
Renter-Friendly Wall Décor
Now more than ever, personalizing your space can be done with easily installed materials that don’t call for any expertise. Walls are often the last thing we get to after moving, but nothing adds more personality than carefully selected wall décor.
Renter-Friendly Shelves
If DIY projects aren’t your strong suit, you can even buy lightweight shelves with their own adhesive, so you don’t even need to put a screw into the wall. If you need stronger shelves, you may want to choose bracketed rather than floating shelves; they’re easier to install and level. Make sure the brackets are as attractive as the shelves themselves.
Shelving not only gives you more storage space, but also lets you display plants, family photos, travel mementos, and books. These things tell your story and make your place unique. They trigger happy memories too, reminding you of where you got them or who gave them to you.
Art to Bring Your Walls to Life
Hanging paintings and mirrors can be just as easy using removable hooks. Believe it or not, there are adhesive hooks strong enough to hold 44 pounds!
Don’t forget removable frames too. MirrorMate frames can take a plain builder-grade mirror and turn it into a room’s focal point. If you move, the frame can come with you to your next home. From modern to traditional, farmhouse to industrial, the easy to install and remove frames come in styles that work for every space.
Wonderful Wallpaper That’s Renter-Friendly
For the first time in history, you have the option of transforming your walls into views of tropical beaches, urban landscapes, or mountain lake scenes, with removable decals. Some are large enough to fill a whole wall. Wall decals used to be limited to cute characters for nurseries and kids’ rooms, but now there are some stunning and sophisticated choices.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is another easy, reversible way to transform a space. You may want to wallpaper a whole room, or just use pieces to cover the backs of shelves or brighten up a closet.
With color block wall decals, you can even mimic architectural features, such as arches. A color block arch a few shades darker than your wall, placed behind a bed, desk, or sofa, can set that area apart from the rest of the room. It has the effect of drawing you into the space.
An Irresistible Relaxation Zone
Whether you live in an expansive loft or a one-room efficiency, you need one place to feel totally comfortable. Most of us relax best with a sense of enclosure, of being in a protected, safe space with privacy.
Define Your Living Area
No matter the size of your rental, each area of the home should be considered and defined. Keep that in mind with your living room space and your sleeping area (or use a daybed with great cushions if you need to combine the two!).
Many rentals combine living and dining and kitchen, so consider how you can define and set apart your lounging area. You can use decorative screens or open shelving units to separate your seating area from others. If you like an open feeling, you can still define the space visually with a large rug that goes under all your seating.
Pull Focus with a Gallery Wall
Wall art can also set apart a space—a gallery wall above your couch or combined with a wall-mounted TV can be a fascinating focal point that really tells your story. Consider expanding this space by including a mirror among the gallery pictures, with a MirrorMate frame that blends with the rest. This gallery of before-and-after pictures will give you some style inspiration, with everything from Grandezza Aged Silver for a look of faded elegance, to Solana Modern Gold for a contemporary gallery wall.
Making an Apartment Homey
Fit out your couch and/or chairs with pillows and throw blankets to make it cozy. For some of us, that’s one of each. For others, the more the better! Don’t skimp on lighting in this area either—have a spot where you can read comfortably close to your light source. Think through surfaces and storage you’ll need for viewing screens, remotes, games, and whatever else says, “Take a break and relax.”
Rental Apartment Bathroom Ideas for a Spa-Like Vibe
Rental bathrooms get neglected. But think about what a difference one soft bath mat, one huge towel, and a fun shower curtain that features one of your favorite colors will make when you stumble in there first thing in the morning! If your mirror doesn’t have a frame you like or a frame at all, consider a MirrorMate custom frame. The selection of bathroom frames has a style that will elevate the whole room.
Transform a Rental Kitchen with DIY Resurfacing
Welcome to the age of peel-and-stick. You can transform a backsplash with peel-and-stick tiles. Redo a floor with peel-and-stick flooring. You could even cover an ugly refrigerator with some elegant vinyl pattern that takes it from depressing to inspiring. Obviously, this is an option that needs to be well-executed and probably only applied to one or two kitchen surfaces, but quality choices can be very effective.
Apartment Entryway Ideas That Make You Glad to Come Home
Even if your front door walks you right into your living space, it’s worth defining an entry area; even if it’s only a wall shelf with hooks to hang your keys, and a small console for mail and your bag or backpack.
Entries give the first impression of your space, and you want it to be inviting. Mirrors are always welcome in entries, expanding and brightening any space. People appreciate being able to check their appearance as they are leaving or arriving too. To find the perfect mirror frame for your entryway or any part of your rental space, check out the new styles available from MirrorMate. Don't know where to begin with so many styles to choose from? Start with our Style Finder Quiz under the Inspiration tab!
