Do you dream of quirky, character-filled rooms but find yourself limited by the constraints of renting a property and budget? You might find that you can’t paint the walls, or that the landlord is opposed to any holes going into the wall for some well-placed wall hangings. But never fear, the guide to creating some personality in your rental space on a budget is here. Here are five quick ways to cultivate character in a rental property without breaching your contract or breaking your bank account.

Put Up Some Prints

Printing and framing prints are the perfect way to add character to your rented home quickly and without buying any expensive wall art. Services like Best4Frames offer print and frame services, so you can frame your favourite photos or print some poster art to put some artistic flair into proceedings. Rather than hammering in nails, you can use sticky or velcro hooks, which can be taken off the wall ahead of any landlord inspections.

Work With Colourful Sculptures

Strategically placing colourful sculptures on your shelves and furniture is the perfect way to inject some vibrancy into your rental space. Try to use colours that stand out against your wall shade (nothing like a splash of red against a white wall) to make a playful change in a neutral space. Visit charity shops or look on Etsy to support local businesses while sourcing some creative new artwork.

Source Second Hand Furniture

If you are bringing your furniture to a rental space, don’t be afraid to source second-hand furniture to find some unique pieces. Use Freecycle, visit charity shops, or even search eBay for some unique second-hand chairs and tables. If you’re feeling ambitious, why not consider doing some DIY upholstery if your second-hand item requires repair. You might find a creative solution for adding a new cover to an elegant chair frame or make a simple repair to an otherwise perfect second-hand sofa.

Incorporate Some Nature

Getting some green into your home can create some character simply and effectively. If you are afraid of forgetting to water your plants or have allergies, you can always buy some fake greenery to add some colour without having to keep anything alive. Take advantage of your windowsill, or if you’re lucky enough to have one, why not create a nature-friendly space on your balcony where you can enjoy your morning coffee.

Create A Colour Statement

If you can’t create an accent wall, why not create feature furniture or colour to brighten up the space? If you don’t want to invest in colourful furniture only to find it doesn’t fit in, why not buy colourful cushion covers, throws, rugs, or even try some tester pots if you’re looking to brighten up chair frames or tables with a lick of paint. If you’re limited by not being able to paint your space, incorporating colourful furniture can enhance your space in a cost-effective way. 

 

If you’re renting, and on a tight budget, you can still create a vibrant and enjoyable living space without annoying your landlord or your bank balance. Have fun getting creative and experimenting with colours in your rental property.