13 Decorating Tips for Short-Term Renters

Decorating a temporary space is always a dilemma. You want to feel at home, but when you know the space won’t be home for long, it can be hard to justify a large investment. For these in-between accommodations, I’ve put together some of the best ways to add life, color and a sense of you to a space while saving the big expenditures for your down-the-road dream home.

It should be noted, though, that before you do anything to your rental home — painting a wall or even hanging a piece of art — it’s wise to check with your landlord first.

1. Wallpaper. Giant wall art can add a sense of color to a room without actually painting or papering any walls. Re-create this effect without the frame by buying a single roll of wallpaper and hanging a continuous sheet like an art print using simple double-sided tape. (Or, invest in one room-defining painting, knowing you’ll find somewhere to put it when you move.)

See more on decorating with wallpaper


2. Sofas. As I’ve mentioned before, a simple gray or neutral sofa is the best long-term investment, as it will outlast color trends. However, if the manufacturer offers interchangeable covers for the sofa, you can spring for a bold option too and bring a strong punch of color to spice up white walls.

See the things you need to know about buying a sofa


3. Pillows. Playful pillows are one of the best ways to add interest to a space without any long-term commitment. Choose wild covers now and you can move them to new spaces later — or zip them off and reuse the inserts in a new color scheme.

Tip: If you stuff a pillow cover with a slightly larger pillow, such as a 22-inch pillow in a 20-inch case, it’ll usually be plumper and firmer, allowing it to form the back of a window bench or stack into an extra seat for guests on movie night.

See how to get your accent pillows right


4. Bold rugs. Besides your sofa and its accessories, a bold, colorful rug is another great way to redefine a room without resorting to construction. It will hide an unattractive floor, bring color without painting, and, if you buy a large enough one now (at least 8 by 10 feet), you’re likely to have a place to put it in your next home.

See how to choose the right area rug


Runner rugs can also add life to hallways or a galley kitchen and are usually inexpensive enough to justify the investment. Plus, they’re especially easy to roll up and take with you when you move.


5. Art shelves. If you’re willing to put just a few screw holes in the wall, which you can patch later (check with your landlord first), a floating shelf will give you a space for an ever-changing display of art and mementos without having to add a nail for each individual piece. Use one hook to hang a plug-in light, and you’ve got a complete look.


6. Art collages. Another alternative to nailing up numerous frames is to hang lightweight images, which can be suspended with Blu Tack or clips attached with double-sided tape.


7. Headboards. A bed with a large headboard can anchor a room, adding some height to your furniture suite so the walls feel more filled-in. Look for free-standing headboards that can be added to your bed now and reattached to an upgraded model down the road.

See headboard alternatives you can take with you


Instead of a headboard, you can use fun salvaged finds, such as old doors, shipping pallets, wood planks or a room divider. You’ll probably be able to sell them back to a salvage store if you don’t want to take them with you, or you can transform them into a fun new DIY (like a charming garden table).


8. Mirrors. A tall mirror leaning against a wall can expand your space and dress the room without hanging, and you’ll always be able to find a use for it in a new home. For even more impact, paint or gold-leaf the frame, and don’t be afraid to group a few mismatched mirrors together.

See how to use mirrors for more light and style


9. Curtains. Like a rug, a curtain is a great way to add color without touching the walls. If you upgrade your curtain rod to a long style that travels approximately wall to wall (achievable without much investment), you can drape a full feature wall in multiple panels — and use them in your next space either together or broken up.


10. Washi tape. This fun trend originating from Japan uses colorful, removable tape to create designs on anything from small decor items to walls themselves, for a wallpaper-like effect without as much work and with much less commitment. Create a whimsical block pattern with a few colors cut into random strips …


… or create a smart, sophisticated grid pattern for an architectural look. Peel off the tape when it’s time to pack up, and the room is reset.


11. Throw blankets. Like pillows, throws are great for adding instant color that can move not just between homes, but between rooms. Folded neatly on the bed, tossed over a chair, spread across a sofa seat — there are so many ways to use them. Plus, they add a sense of inviting warmth.


12. Lamps. A tall, dramatic lamp is a good way to emulate the light from a nonexistent ceiling fixture while also adding a feature that makes the room feel more filled-in. Choose a chunky worklamp-inspired style for high impact and plenty of light.


13. Black and white. Another strategy to give a place a styled look is to stick to a mostly black-and-white theme. It works with any flooring and simple white walls and, combined with neutral basics, creates an austere, Parisian studio look. Simply add a color pop with fresh flowers and you’ve got a fully formed concept with just a few pieces and no stress — perfect for a busy life on the go.

Your turn: How do you decorate your rental home? Tell us in the Comments section.

More: Improving a Rental: Great Ideas for the Short and Long Haul

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