Start living in a space you love with these 7 must have decorating tips for your rental and small spaces with easy rental friendly DIYs.

Being in a military family means we move often.  For me it’s an exciting time with endless possibilities of decorating a new home complete with challenges, new layouts, and now a new culture.  For others, decorating a temporary home may seem daunting or pointless.  Don’t let your rental (short term or long term) abode keep you from having a space you love.

Decorating Tips for Renters

Here are 7 Easy Decorating Tips for Renters to help you get started.

1.  Remove those vertical blinds and hang curtains.  Hanging curtains a few inches from the ceiling and down to the ground will help make your space feel larger.  

2.  Decorate your walls.  Most landlords will let you paint the walls if you paint it back to the original color before you move.  If you don’t want a big job before you leave consider painting just one focal wall. 

If you are not allowed to paint your walls, consider decals, removable wallpaper, or other creative wall treatments. 

Stickers, Stickers, and Stickers

3.  Hang art and family photos.  If you have built ins, try leaning leaning artwork to add personal style.  Don’t be afraid of creating holes.  Nothing makes a home feel warm like family photos and special accessories.  Plus, filling holes with spackle is easy.  You can also hang art with command strips. 

4.  Rugs are a must have for renters.  Not only are they great for covering linoleum, vinyl floors, and other ugly floors they can also hide stained carpet. 

5.  Change your light fixture.  This is one of my favorite changes you can make to a rental.  You can hire an electrician/handyman for a hour or install a new light fixture yourself (with proper instructions).  Just make to store the rental fixture in a safe place until you move.  You can also cover existing ugly light fixtures with DIY solutions. 

DIY Fabric Chandelier

6.  Add natural elements to your space like pinecones, flowers, shells, and plants.  Include local outdoor finds to add texture and interest to your home.

7.  Repurpose old or thrifted furniture to fit in your new rental.  A quick coat of paint or new hardware can do wonders for a furniture facelift.  Try using your bedside tables in the living room, or a dining chair in the sitting room. You may find that you love the new arrangement. 

Check out my post popular post, eight tips for renters and find more rental friendly decorating ideas.