A rental apartment is a temporary home, but it’s home nonetheless. By adding a few touches that reflect your personal style and flair, you can turn a drab rental into a place you’ll love to call home. 

When it comes to decorating and improving an apartment, be thoughtful about what changes you make. Unless allowed by the landlord,  avoid making permanent improvements, such as changing the paint or installing a new floor. Magnetic screens are a perfect compromise since they can quickly be added or removed. 

Here are some tips for sprucing up your rental apartment.

Bring Life to the Walls

Start by adding wall art. Artwork is a great way to add color and style to an otherwise dull space. Hang artwork on the walls using removable adhesive strips so it won’t damage the walls. If you want to add color and style, but don’t want to commit to painting walls or buying expensive art, use removable wallpaper instead. It’s a great way to transform your rental on a budget.

Fine prints can be pricey, so check out thrift stores and flea markets to find more affordable wall art. You can also take a DIY approach to wall art by framing postcards, old maps, or using string lights to create wall art and atmosphere.

Art is a personal thing, and it’s more about showcasing your tastes than emptying your bank account for lavish displays.

Quality of Life Additions

Extra conveniences can also help make your rental more livable. Consider buying a shoe rack for the entryway and some larger storage containers to hide away clutter in the living room or bedroom. You can even install floating shelves to display books, photos, and other items without causing any damage to the walls.

If you have access to an outdoor area like a porch or a patio, a screen door is a great addition. It will provide extra security while still allowing fresh air to come in and keep bugs out. Installing magnetic screens is a simple and inexpensive way to enjoy outdoor living without having to worry about pests.

With magnets in place of nails or permanent fixtures, you will protect the retail unit from damage due to the wear and tear of your personal items. Make sure they are powerful enough to hold up your screen door without worrying about them falling off when you walk back and forth.

A standard door can feel like a prohibitive barrier to the outside world, while magnetic screens allow for fresh and cool air on those hot summer days. Even in wintertime,  you can still enjoy the outside air with an extra level of privacy and protection from severe wind chills or snow.

Fun and Comfy Furniture

Bring in some furniture that fits your style and the size of the space. Look for pieces that are light in color and made of lightweight materials, like wicker or bamboo. They look great and can be moved easily whenever it’s time to move out. If you have a small space, opt for multifunctional furniture that can serve multiple purposes, such as an ottoman that doubles as storage.

Some of the best furniture is reasonably priced, as long as you’re willing to do some basic assembly. Assembling the furniture yourself will save you more money than having it pre-assembled. You don’t need an engineering degree to piece everything together, either!

Your favorite furniture can also be personalized with slipcovers. Slipcovers provide a great way to make inexpensive furniture look more high-end without spending too much money. These can also easily be replaced if you decide to change the color of your room or have an upcoming party.

Add Texture to Any Room

We’ve covered the walls, doors, and furnishings, but don’t forget about the floors. Throw rugs can be used to add a splash of color and texture. Area rugs are great for larger spaces, while runners are perfect for hallways or entryways. Look for rugs with removable padding so you can take them with you when you move out.

Finally, accessorize! Pillows, flowers, books, and other decorative items can be used to give the space a personalized touch. Pops of color, with small accessories in vibrant blues, greens, or purples, will add life to an otherwise boring room.

Interior design is all about texture and creating a space that inspires you each day. Always be open to adding new pieces that enhance your environment without becoming cluttered or distracting.

Your Rental, Refreshed!

Although you may not be able to make permanent improvements to your rental apartment, you can still transform it into a beautiful place that feels uniquely your own. With a few simple changes, you can make your rental a place to call home!