Making a rental feel like a home can be daunting, especially when the budget is limited. However, with a bit of creativity and a few inexpensive decor items, creating a comfortable and inviting space is possible.

From wall art to wall hangings, there are various stylish and budget-friendly ways to transform a rental into a cosy home. Whether a few wall decals or a DIY project, these decor items can bring colour, texture, and character to any space.

Discover fifteen simple and inexpensive ways to make a rental feel like home through decor.

Wall Art

Wall art can be an effective and inexpensive way to enhance the atmosphere of a rental property. Adding prints, photographs, and paintings to walls can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. It not only adds colour and texture to the walls but also gives a sense of identity to the space.

Art can also help to bring out the character of the room, allowing tenants to express themselves through tasteful and creative displays. Shopping for art online or at local flea markets can be a fun and economical way to find pieces that look great in the rental. Even professional art pieces don’t have to break the bank.

Gallery and photo walls are popular decor options that can be done with minimal cost. With the right pieces, a rental can be transformed into a warm and inviting place to call home.

Lighting

Replacing overhead lighting with ambient lamps can create a cosy atmosphere. Lamps can create a warm atmosphere in any room. There are many ways to make lighting more creative and exciting:

Fixtures:

  • Choose unique fixtures such as vintage sconces, industrial-style chandeliers, or fun, colourful pendants to bring character and style to a space.
  • Hang a unique driftwood or other natural element with a string of warm-toned bulbs.

Bulbs:

  • Choose bulbs with a warmer, lower colour temperature to create a soft, cosy light.
  • Look for bulbs that allow for dimming to create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Creative lighting can be inexpensive to make a rental feel like home. A personal touch can be added to any space with the right fixtures and bulbs.

Rugs

Adding an area rug to a room can create a cosy atmosphere. Not only does it add a splash of colour to a room, but it also gives a sense of comfort and warmth. Rugs come in various styles, sizes, and materials, making it easy to find one that will fit the look and feel of any room. A rug can also be used to define an area, such as a seating or dining area, helping create a sense of spatial balance in the room. For renters on a budget, purchasing a rug does not have to be expensive. Rugs can be found at thrift stores, garage sales, or online at discounted prices. Adding a quality rug can significantly transform the look of a room in an inexpensive and impactful way.

Throw Pillows

Throw pillows can be an effective way to introduce colour and texture into a room. They are available in many sizes, shapes, and materials, allowing even the most creative minds to express their style and personality.

Throw pillows can be used to tie together different elements of a space and can be found in various colours and patterns. Bright colours can bring a cheerful and energetic feeling to a room, while muted tones and textures can create a more restful mood. Pillows with different textures, such as velvet, cotton, or faux fur, can add a touch of luxury.

Additionally, throw pillows can be easily moved around to create different looks when needed. As an inexpensive way to add texture and colour, throw pillows are an ideal choice for renters looking to make their rental feel more like home.

Greenery

Greenery can bring a sense of the outdoors into space, creating an inviting atmosphere. Indoor plants provide a cheerful atmosphere and are easy to care for.

You can make any rental feel like home with a few simple additions, such as potted plants, hanging plants, or even faux plants.

Greenery can also bring life and colour to a living room, bedroom, or office. The natural elements of plants bring calming energy to any space.

Another benefit of adding greenery to your rental is that it can help to purify the air. By adding plants to your home, you can help remove toxins and improve the air quality.

Greenery is a great way to add life and warmth to a rental without breaking the bank.

Curtains

Curtains can be a great addition to any rental, adding texture and warmth to a space. They provide a welcoming atmosphere and can be used to add colour and personality to a room while also providing privacy.

Curtains come in various fabrics, colours, and styles, making it easy to find the perfect design to match any decor. They also don’t have to be expensive, with lower-priced curtains made of lightweight fabrics that can still add charm and style to a room.

For renters, curtains can easily be taken down and moved from place to place, allowing them to bring that extra bit of hominess to any space.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper can offer a great way to add colour, texture, and personality to a rental space. It is inexpensive to give the walls a new look without worrying about painting.

  • Wallpaper can be used to create a variety of effects:
  • Patterns can draw the eye to certain areas of the room, such as around a fireplace.
  • Textures can be used to create an alternate visual dimension.
  • Colours can bring a sense of warmth and cosiness to the space.

Wallpaper is also an easy way to update a room without investing in expensive furniture. It can be used to create a focal point and can be changed quickly if the look needs to be refreshed.

In addition, wallpaper is an excellent way to add character and charm to a rental space without breaking the bank. It can be used to create a feature wall or upgrade the entire room. There are numerous wallpaper designs and materials, so it is easy to find the perfect one to suit any style and budget.

Furniture Covers

Furniture covers can be a great way to bring a personal touch to a rental space without making major changes. These covers come in various colours, materials, and styles, allowing for a customized look that reflects the individual’s unique style.

From bright floral patterns to neutral solids, these covers can easily transform a room and make it feel like home. They are also affordable and can be switched out seasonally or as desired.

Additionally, furniture covers can help protect furniture from spills and wear and tear, making them an excellent choice for renters. They are easy to install and can be removed quickly if necessary.

With the right choice of covers, renters can create a cosy, inviting home in any space.

Mirrors

Mirrors can create the illusion of extra space and light in a room, making them a great decorating choice for rental areas. With some creativity and a few affordable items, renters can use mirrors to add style and warmth to their space.

  • Place a large mirror over a sofa or mantel to create a focal point.
  • Hang a grouping of smaller mirrors in a hallway to open up a space and break up the monotony.
  • Hang a single mirror in an entryway for a welcoming touch.

Mirrors can be found in various styles and shapes to match any decor. From vintage to contemporary, an affordable mirror matches any taste. Whether framed or unframed, mirrors provide a stylish and inviting way to spruce up rental space.

Shelving

Shelving can be used to add visual interest and storage to any room. To make a rental feel like home, consider adding shelves of different shapes and sizes to the walls.

Floating shelves can be used to display photos, books, and other decorative items, while larger shelves can store things like extra blankets and pillows, board games, and other small items.

Shelves with hooks create a great space for hanging jackets, bags, and other items for easy storage and convenience.

With a few shelves, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in any rental space is easy. Shelving is practical and decorative, making it a great way to turn a rental into a home.

Baskets

Baskets can be a great addition to any rental space, offering decorative and practical uses. Whether woven, wicker, or fabric, baskets are versatile enough to fit any décor style. From vibrant colours to natural materials, they can bring a sense of warmth and texture to a room.

Baskets are also ideal for organizing and storing items that do not have a designated spot, from magazines to toys. They are also great for displaying items that may only be used sometimes, such as seasonal decorations or extra blankets.

Baskets are also an inexpensive way to accessorize a rental. With a wide range of styles and sizes, you can find the perfect basket to fit your needs. With creativity and thought, baskets can transform a rental into a homey and inviting space.

Wall Decals

Wall decals creatively add a decorative touch to a rental property without using paint or other permanent fixtures. From vibrant floral designs to minimalist line art, wall decals offer a range of styles, allowing renters to create a space that reflects their taste.

Wall decals are easy to apply and remove, perfect for temporary living situations. They are also a great way to add a pop of colour without the hassle of paint or wallpaper. Wall decals come in various shapes and sizes, making it easy to create a unique look that works with any room’s décor. They can add an exciting contrast to plain walls or make a statement with bold designs.

Wall decals are a great way to personalize a rental space without breaking the bank.

Storage Solutions

Storage solutions such as multi-functional furniture and decorative boxes can provide renters with an effective way to organize their belongings while also adding a touch of style to their living space. From bookshelves to ottomans, there are many options when creating a storage solution that fits your needs.

Here are some creative storage solutions to help make your rental feel like home:

  1. Install a wall-mounted bookshelf to store books and other items.
  2. Use a storage ottoman to store extra blankets and serve as a seat.
  3. Hang wicker baskets on the wall to store small items.
  4. Place decorative boxes on shelves or in closets to keep things organised.

These storage solutions can be practical and decorative to help you make the most of the limited space in your rental. With the right combination of furniture and storage solutions, you can create a stylish and comfortable living space that feels like home.

Wall Hangings

Hanging various artwork and other wall hangings can add a personal touch and create an inviting atmosphere in a rental. Artwork can come in many forms, from framed pictures and paintings to wall tapestries and fabric prints. Wall hangings such as mirrors, clocks, and other decorative pieces can also add a unique touch to a room.

These pieces can be sourced inexpensively at secondhand stores and online marketplaces. It is also possible to get creative and make wall hangings with materials like paint, string, and fabric, giving a room a unique look at a low cost.

With creativity, it is possible to make a rental feel like a home with simple, budget-friendly wall hangings.

DIY Projects

DIY projects can be a practical approach to personalizing a rental and creating an inviting atmosphere. With inexpensive materials, renters can craft art, furniture, and decor pieces that suit their style and taste.

Here are some creative DIY projects to consider:

  1. Crafting a unique wall hanging using fabric scraps.
  2. Building a custom plant stand from wood.
  3. Creating a distinctive headboard for the bed with paint or wallpaper.

Incorporating DIY projects into a rental can be a great way to add a personal touch and make it feel like home. It can be fun and inspiring to explore the possibilities and create a unique and inviting space.

Conclusion

Decorating a rental can be a fun, creative, and affordable way to make a living space feel like home.

Creative wall art, lighting, rugs, throw pillows, greenery, wall decals, storage solutions, wall hangings, and DIY projects can transform a space into a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

With suitable materials and a little imagination, creating a unique space that reflects personal style and makes a rental feel like a home is possible.