Six ways to redecorate your rental home or apartment without upsetting the landlord

Guest post by Emily Graham

Emily Graham is the creator of MightyMoms.net. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms--from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family. Read Emily's previous guest posts here: Create a crafting space, old-school style and Turn yesterday's trash into crafted treasures.

​If you rent a house or an apartment, your lease is likely to limit what you can do to personalize your unit. It can be costly to reverse a paint job or repair damage from nails used to hang art on the walls. If you make physical alterations, you can be sure that your landlord will hold you accountable for the costs of restoring the property to its original condition. Luckily, there are plenty of great ways to improve your living space without upsetting the owner. Just because a rental is only yours for a little while doesn't mean you should settle for drab and soulless decor. Here are some suggestions for how to decorate without disturbing a rental property.

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1. Spruce Up Your Furniture
Feel free to express yourself through your furniture, which has no permanent impact on a rental unit. Evaluate the furnishings in your home for their ability to enhance your space. Swap out that tired chair or dinged-up end table for something new or gently used. If you’re on a budget, check local thrift stores or shop for affordable Facebook Marketplace finds. When you’re looking to buy, comfort is key. Whether you replace or rearrange, make the most of the furniture you have. Upholstered couches and chairs can get dirty and dusty over time. Home upholstery cleaning products remove grime and revitalize upholstery fabrics. Likewise, leather cleaners help protect leather surfaces. If you have a stubborn stain, contact an upholstery cleaner. 

2. Cut the Clutter
Living with lots of stuff can sap energy and interfere with your ability to function. For every inch of surface piled with books or clothes, you lose a counter or chair that could fulfill its true purpose. Consider de-cluttering your space by packing up items to ultimately store, donate or sell. Organizational aids such as shelves, storage cubes and baskets can help reduce mess-related stress.

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3. Improve Lighting
It’s not unusual for rental properties to have insufficient lighting. Make sure you have the right bulbs in light fixtures to properly illuminate the room. Place floor and table lamps for strategic lighting, such as near a work space or reading nook. Indoor string lights can add a festive element without causing any harm. 

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​4. Energize Your Home Office with Color
Your home needs to do its part to boost your mood and productivity. This is especially important when you work from home. Colorful furniture, pillows, and rugs are all great options for providing decorative accents that foster a productive atmosphere. Even a bouquet of fresh or artificial flowers can bring a needed pop of color to your interior spaces. Bright colors can actually improve your workday. Research shows bright colors increase concentration and help natural light illuminate the room, which can lessen digital eye strain linked to work that requires staring at a screen for hours on end. 

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5. Create an Attractive Space for Entertaining
Make your space conducive to entertaining friends or family as well as relaxing. Arrange seating and coffee and end tables to encourage conversation and allow guests to place a beverage nearby. Don’t forget to put out the coasters. Make your living space more inviting with cozy accents such as throw pillows and decorative blankets, rugs and other textiles. These items are also easy to pack up and take to your next home. Shop from reputable online sellers such as the Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay to find unique and desirable home accents. 

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6. Bring in Elements That Promote Relaxation
Don’t let living in a rental unit prevent you from creating a space that nurtures your spirit. Personalized decoration is more than a luxury. Having a living space that feels like an extension of yourself is good for your mental health and overall well-being. Art such as figurines, pottery and desktop frames won't damage the walls and can make you feel happy. Apply your green thumb indoors to take advantage of the known health benefits of houseplants, which include reducing anxiety. Your home should ultimately be a place that feels inviting and peaceful to you and your family. 

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