From Lighting to Vintage Gems: Five Ways to Spruce Up Your Rental
BBC News
It can be a balancing act making a rented property feel like your own. You want somewhere that feels warm and personal but without spending a fortune changing a flat or house owned by someone else, and risking your deposit with unauthorized alterations. With higher average mortgage rates and hefty deposits making homeownership out of reach for many, renting for longer is becoming the norm.
The good news is that transforming a rental doesn’t have to mean a major renovation. We asked B&Q CEO Graham Bell and interior designers Lara Clarke and Lydia Lloyd for their top tips that won’t break the bank or annoy a landlord.
Check Your Tenancy Agreement
Before making anything permanent, check what your tenancy agreement allows. Bell, of DIY chain B&Q, advises that many landlords may be open to sensible improvements, especially where something is being upgraded rather than fundamentally changed. Getting permission first avoids an expensive argument when you move out. He emphasizes the importance of thorough planning: "The biggest mistake is that people don’t plan enough… making sure you have everything."
Choose Changes You Can Take with You
If you don’t want to spend money improving someone else’s property, focus on temporary changes that can come with you when you move. Bell recommends renter-friendly products like stick-on tiles for the kitchen, suction storage products in the bathroom, and expandable blinds that can be fitted without drilling.
Interior designer Clarke suggests artwork as an easy way to make a rental feel more homely: "It instantly makes a space feel more occupied and finished." She recommends looking for vintage oil paintings or exhibition posters at antique markets, securing them with command strips so they can be removed without leaving holes in the plaster.
Layer Your Lighting
Lighting is one of the quickest ways to transform a space. Bell notes that rentals often come with "bright, bright lights", but swapping them out for something warmer can dramatically change the atmosphere. He suggests experimenting with lightbulbs or strip lighting in different tones. Clarke recommends building up various sources from around the room for a cozier effect: "Mood lighting really helps make a space feel more cosy and homely."
Incorporate Soft Furnishings
Clarke adds that pairing lighting with soft furnishings, such as floormats, cushions, and throws, can enhance the metamorphosis. These additions not only soften the space but also offer a chance to express your personal style.
Consider Low-Cost Repurposing
Repurposing existing items can be an affordable way to transform a rental. Lloyd suggests looking around your home or even second-hand stores for objects that can serve new purposes, like an old ladder as a towel rack or a dresser as a room divider.
