Rent Friendly Decorating Ideas (That Won't Lose You Your Deposit!)

Who says you can’t make your rental property feel like a home? While your lease may not allow you to drill holes, rip out tiles, or re-paint, rent-friendly decorating is a growing trend!

From adding removable wallpaper to peel-and-stick tiles, you can add a personal touch to your rental home without breaching your lease. As long as you take before and after pictures to keep track of what needs to be removed when your lease is up, you can try different rent-friendly decorating techniques that can make your space feel more like home.

Here are four rent-friendly decorating ideas from The Letting Experts team that can transform a plain rental into a warm and welcoming home!

4 Ways to Spruce Up Your Rented Property

1. Removable Wallpaper

Removable wallpaper is exactly what it says on the tin. It’s a type of wallpaper that’s easy to apply and even easier to remove. A good quality removable wallpaper can last a few years and all you need to do is peel it away when your lease is up.

These products have been designed with tenants in mind and won’t damage the paint underneath, so you can change the entire look of your living room, bedroom, kitchen - or any room - without upsetting your landlord!

Tenant Tip: Always check the wallpaper’s adhesive strength before applying it to large areas. Try a small test patch first to ensure it removes cleanly without leaving residue. This way, you can enjoy your new look with peace of mind, knowing it won’t damage the wall when you leave.

2. Tension Rod Curtain Rails

Tension rods make the best drill-free curtain rails! These rods are expandable poles that can be adjusted to the size of any window or doorframe.

To install them, there’s no need to drill holes or make a mess. They work through tension, so you just position them in your window frame and adjust to size. Once you’ve locked the pole in place, you can add curtains to make your home feel cosier and more suited to your style.

Tenant Tip: Measure your window frame width carefully before purchasing tension rods. If you’re unsure, opt for a rod with a wider adjustable range to ensure a snug fit. This will prevent the rod from slipping over time, especially if you plan to use heavier curtains.

3. Rugs

One of the easiest rent-friendly decorating ideas is to refashion your flooring – by simply covering it up!

With a rug of your choosing, you can completely transform the look and feel of your space without doing any major DIY work. There’s no limit to the number of rugs you can have in your rental, so you can give each room in your home a different style. You can place rugs over tired carpets, cold flagstones or dated linoleum!

Tenant Tip: Non-slip rug pads are your friend! Use them underneath each rug to avoid slipping and to protect the floors beneath. Not only do they keep rugs securely in place, but they also help prevent damage to any existing flooring – a double win for you and your landlord.

4. Peel and Stick Tiles

Not everyone has the same taste as their landlord! If you’re not permitted to change the splashback tiles in your kitchen, but you can’t stand the sight of them, you can cover them up with peel & stick tiles instead. These are easily sourced online and you'll find hundreds of designs to choose from.

Rent-friendly decorating tiles are growing in popularity as a quick way of modernising your kitchen, bathroom or utility room. When your lease is up, you simply peel them away and give the tiles underneath a good clean. Your landlord will never know!

Tenant Tip: Take your time with tile placement to ensure a bubble-free finish. If possible, measure and cut the tiles ahead of time, especially for corners and edges. This preparation makes application easier and helps you achieve a seamless look that feels like a permanent upgrade (without actually being one!).

Want a More Modern Living Space?

If you’d prefer to find a more modern space to rent, we’d love to help find your dream home! Here at The Letting Experts, we can help you find the perfect rental property.

Call us today on 033 33 44 99 15 or email us at hello@thelettingexperts.co.uk to learn more about our properties to let.

Frequently Asked Questions About Improving Your Rental Space

Can I hang pictures on the walls in my rented space?

Check your contract first. You may need to use renter friendly methods! Use removable hooks or command strips to hang art without damaging the walls.

I don't have enough storage space in my rental. What can I do?

Utilise vertical space! Install floating shelves or hanging organisers to maximise storage without permanent changes.

Is it possible to update the flooring in my rental property?

While new flooring isn't renter friendly, large rugs or peel and stick floor tiles can instantly elevate the look and feel of your space.

I want to add a personal touch to my rental, but my lease agreement restricts changes. How can I decorate?

There are many rent friendly options! Try removable wallpaper, peel-and-stick tiles, or switch out harsh light bulbs for a warmer tone. These allow you to add your own stamp without making permanent changes.