D.I.Y. decorating ideas for renters on a budget

Moving into a new home is always exciting, and it’s surprisingly easy to make a rental feel truly yours for the time that you live there with these decorating ideas. Take our lead and give a petite pad a fresh new start with smart styling and D.I.Y. storage hacks customised to fit any space.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

How to make a rental look good: 10 decorating ideas

There’s no need to break the budget or your lease agreement, when there are some simple ways you can transform your rental space into your own (remember to always check your contract before doing any works) with these mini upgrades:

Add artwork

Splashes of colour around the home through artwork or art pieces can elevate a space. For hanging framed artworks or mirrors, choose removable picture-hanging strips or hooks suited to the weight of the piece, and follow the pack instructions carefully to avoid damaging walls.

Pops of greenery

There are many benefits to having plants in the home, like purifying the air, but they can also boost mental wellbeing by reducing stress.

Add a room divider

This can help create zones in the home that wouldn’t otherwise be there with stationary walls.

Declutter with storage solutions

No built-ins? Shop for budget-friendly flat-pack cabinets.

Use rugs and runners (plus non slip underlay)

These will define zones and cover existing flooring that isn’t to your taste.

Not enough power points for your needs?

Supplement using power boards with surge protection for added safety, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and check regularly for signs of wear.

Go battery powered

Select battery-powered candles, tealights, task lights and desk lamps to add ambience without the risks of trailing cables or flames.

Hang posters with ease

A damage-free way to hang lightweight posters is by using mini magnets. Choose a position for your poster, mark with painter’s tape, then tear small pieces of painter’s tape to stick magnets to the wall inside the corner marks. Put the poster back into position and hold at the corners with more magnets on top. Too easy!

Paint refresh

Seek permission to use the power of paint – it’s a fast and affordable way to refresh worn walls and add character with colour. Landlords may be more amenable if you agree to repaint in their preferred colour (such as a neutral white) at the end of your lease.

Try paste-the-wall wallpaper

It has the added advantage of peeling off easily with no steaming or scraping required.

How to make a rental feel like home

It’s important to focus on temporary, impactful changes that will bring your personality into the home. These include:

• Decorative textiles: rugs, pillows, curtains, bean bags – anything that works with your vibe and colour scheme.
• Lighting upgrades: Side lamps are a good way to add light to dark areas but also personality.
• Small hardware upgrades: Switch out hardware, like knobs/fixtures, with temporary fittings (that can be removed when your lease is up).

How do I add colour to a rental?

To add colour to a rental, take inspiration from your favourite decor item – a gorgeous cockatoo artwork in this case – and sprinkle some joy from room to room with this decorating idea. Budget-friendly light shades, cushion covers, bespoke D.I.Y. projects and accessories all have a role to play.

Very small open-plan kitchen and living decorating ideas

Make the most of an open-plan design by adding these features:

• Dine-in kitchen setting.
• Position a bench seat between two freestanding cupboard units and you’ll gain a seating nook, plus extra benchtop and storage space.
• Add a small round table and two chairs to seat four comfortably. Try stackable outdoor chairs, for use between balcony and indoors. A foldaway bistro setting is an even more compact solution.

 

How to use partitions in a rental

Use partitions in your rental to create definition between zones and improve privacy with a room-divider screen. This timeless solution is ideal for studio apartments with no wall between the sleeping and living areas, but could also be used to screen off a home office.

Tip: After more decorating ideas for your rental? Check out 10 more rental-friendly decorating projects.

How to take advantage of a small room

Take advantage of small rooms by making first impressions count, especially in smaller rental spaces. A fabulous couch is the star of the show, so look for a classic design – such as this button-tufted velvet sofa with Mid-century modern vibes. Check the manufacturer’s upholstery care instructions to keep it looking lovely for many years to come. Working with your chosen palette, layer spaces with useful accessories such as cushions, plant pots and a chic wall clock. Bespoke touches and D.I.Y. projects like furniture upcycles can add personality and develop a real sense of home.

How to make a rented bedroom look nice

Make a rented bedroom look nice by upgrading a spartan sleeping space with luxe looks for less. A minimalist bed frame saves on space and budget, and you can create an instant bedhead by positioning a stylish screen against the wall. Slimline cabinets can be fitted with your choice of shelves, hanging rails and drawers from the same system, while clear containers slipped under the bed will resolve any storage shortfalls.

Lighting design ideas

If the existing lighting in your new place is stark and uninviting, don’t despair! There are many affordable and instant fixes that can help create ambience and provide better task lighting. String lights can be wound around bedheads, screens and mirrors; many have multiple function modes for extra twinkle or a multi-coloured disco vibe. Handy clamp lamps make great bedside options if there’s no room for tables. And if you have a suitable batten fixture in the ceiling a D.I.Y. pendant may be an option.

How to add greenery to a rental

Add greenery to a rental by using indoor plants to enliven the room. They can also help purify the air. Keep them in their plastic grower’s pots which have drainage, but display them in attractive ‘cache’ or decorator pots that have no holes in the bottom to protect surfaces, or pop saucers underneath. Don’t have a green thumb? Faux foliage and flowers are more forgiving than the real thing!

Tip: Discover how to care for indoor plants with this handy guide.

Use cube storage solutions to your advantage

Cube storage systems are incredibly versatile, simple to assemble and easy on the wallet, too! This unit is positioned horizontally to act as a low room divider, while leaving the shelves open (without inserts) allows light through. Showcase pot plants and favourite objects on the top and within, using stacked books to boost height, and change your display whenever the mood takes you.

Keep in mind...

• To reduce the risk of toppling, tall furniture should be securely anchored with fixings suitable for your type of wall.
• Any hardwired electrical work must be carried out by a licensed tradie.
• Take care when selecting your plants as some can be poisonous to children and pets.
• Paint colours may vary on application.

Want more renter-friendly ideas?

Discover how to make a mini cloakroom.

Photo credit: Adrian Lander.