How to Quickly Make a Rental Feel Like Home

January 25, 2024

After moving into a new rental property, the goal is to make it feel like home as quickly as possible. This can be challenging when you are surrounded by boxes and wonder where to start. When your major furniture is placed and the essentials are unpacked, we suggest decorating right away. Here are some rental-friendly decorating ideas to quickly transform your rental into a home.

Use Your Wall Space

Blank walls make a rental feel empty and sterile. Hanging pictures is one of the fastest ways to make a rental feel like home. Sometimes there are restrictions in a lease on hanging pictures to prevent wall damage. If this is the case, consider hanging black and white prints (see #12) with colorful washi tape as a fun accent. Or, check out this no nails photo rail from Pottery Barn. These ideas are especially handy if you have kids or teens who want to make their bedrooms feel like theirs right away.

Often, instead of restricting hanging pictures, landlords simply deduct the cost of wall repairs from your security deposit when you move out. To minimize wall damage, use nails and hooks specially designed to make very small holes, yet still hold pictures securely. You can also minimize wall damage by hanging a few large pieces instead of many smaller ones. Alternatively, install hanging shelves that hold several pictures at once. This can be trickier, so if you’re not up to the task it may be best to hire a professional. Regardless of the strategy you choose, once you have pictures up, your new place will feel more like home.

Creatively Use Rugs & More

After you move in, you may discover small scratches on the floor that you hadn’t noticed. Rental walk-throughs can be rushed and it’s hard to catch everything. This is especially the case in old buildings with original floors. But never fear, area and throw rugs are great for hiding blemishes and making a rental feel cozier.

There are a wide variety of rugs to choose from. Throw rugs work in any room depending on your needs. Often entryways see the most wear and tear, which can be dressed up with a small rug. In a larger room, you can stick with one large area rug or experiment with layering. Also, if you have a room with a less than ideal carpet color, a throw or accent rug can dress it up. Easily improve your new rental home with color, texture, and personality. And, never underestimate the importance of throw pillows and blankets to add a pop of color.

Another great addition to a new home is a new doormat. Wayfair has many fun doormats available that help you set the tone right away.

Add Fun Lighting

Often, lighting in apartments and old houses can be limited with few windows or closed blinds for privacy. Adding fun lighting to any room will brighten your space and make your place feel more inviting. You can pick something on the fancy side or something simple, yet functional. String lights can be a great way to enhance bedrooms. With so many options to choose from, it’s nice to pick string lights that have been tested and tried. Look for lights that have dimming options and timers that help you save on electricity.

Reap the Benefits of Adding Greenery to Your Rental Home

Plants brighten any room and will make your rental feel more welcoming. Plus, many plants are good for your health. They help keep the air clean, many can boost your mood, and some can even reduce stress. The trick is finding the right plants that work for you. Since some rentals don’t have great natural lighting, it's best to choose plants that thrive in low light. Also, if you don't have much of a green thumb, start with a plant that’s very hardy and expand from there. Choosing a stylish pot or container will add extra flair to your natural decor.

If you are feeling ambitious, there are plenty of other easy ways to improve a rental. No matter what you do, have fun sprucing up your new place and making it a wonderful home.

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10 Ways to Make the Most of the Rainy Season

March 4, 2025

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