How to Decorate Your Rental Easily and For Less

A rug instantly adds warmth to a space, and depth to design, especially in living rooms and bedrooms. (It’s also an easy way to hide rental floors that aren’t your cup of tea!). Durable, stain-resistant rugs in classic patterns will last a long time and can easily move with you when you’re ready for a new home.

Don’t forget your outdoor space! Decorative flooring feels nicer underfoot and will turn your balcony into a true extension of your home. Top it off with outdoor seating, twinkle lights and a few plants for your very own oasis.

Swapping in new light fixtures can brighten up even the most boring living space without breaking the bank. It’s wise to consult with your landlord first before making the switch, and then measure your space before ordering a new fixture to ensure it will fit. And of course, keep the original light fixture so you can swap it back into place if you move in the future.

Whether you’re kicking up your feet at the end of a long day or gathering family together for a game night, evenings tend to centre around the coffee table. Look for one with a slim profile that’s easy to move around (with no sharp edges for children’s safety). Hidden storage is always an asset too!

A stylish shower curtain or ultra-soft Turkish towel can turn a utilitarian bathroom into a truly unique space (and still keep your floor and body dry!). To turn towels and other everyday items into décor, follow a consistent colour scheme or pattern, and avoid overcrowding—think sleek, not sloppy.

A floating shelf is an easy way to create visual interest on a bare wall, and to increase storage space without expensive custom cabinetry. We especially love using floating shelves over a bed or sofa—swap art, framed photos and objects in and out to change the look of your room.

Practical and attractive, drapes, curtains and window shades double as décor. Choose neutrals, patterns or vivid colours depending on your personality and colour scheme. Consider blackout shades or curtains for the bedroom to block bright lights at night and sheer, gauzy options for kitchens, to allow light in while providing some privacy.

Planning to stay for a while? Bust out the tape measurer and find a cabinet, storage unit or bookshelf that fits your space as exactly as possible. Fill in gaps with mouldings for the complete built-in look.

You know that a good accessory will transform your outfit, and apartment accessories—think throw cushions or cozy, decorative blankets—will do the same for your home. Use them to jeuj your living space without breaking the bank.

Create the illusion of a bright, expansive space with the simple addition of a tall mirror. In small spaces, a large mirror gives the impression of a doorway and reflects light throughout a room. Place it opposite a window or your favourite piece of art so no matter where you look, you’re greeted with a cheerful view!

Small rentals don’t always come with spacious entryways, but through clever design, you can still define a foyer. A sleek console table with drawers creates storage for accessories, spare face masks and hand sanitizer bottles. A small rug or a statement piece of artwork can also help to define the space and create visual separation from the living area.

Give the builder’s white walls of your rental apartment an instant boost of personality with removable wallpaper. The peel-and-stick variety gives the appearance of a costly custom design, for a fraction of the price. For maximum effect, pick a wall that’s immediately in view as you enter your apartment, and one that’s a true square or rectangle for the easiest application.

If there’s one thing that can perk up a bare space, it’s plants. Not only do they add colour and improve air quality, caring for a plant and watching it grow can be a joyful experience in itself. Tending plants is also a great way for children to learn about taking care of their home, and the life within it.