Colour
Green is a calming tone so it’s perfect for bringing a serene and peaceful vibe to your bedroom, while embracing the trend for green interiors.
4 min read
Master Bedroom
An organised bedroom can help you drift off into a more peaceful sleep, so we’d like to introduce you to our top tips for decluttering your space and keeping it clean - for good!
5 min read
Just rented a new apartment? Or simply looking to refresh your space? Let's explore how to inject some personality into your rental bedroom, without worrying about losing your deposit.
7 min read
Last Modified 30 August 2024 First Added 30 August 2024
Think your bedroom has to be bland just because you’re renting? Think again. Discover easy, reversible ways to add a homely feel to your rental bedroom and keep that deposit safe.
When it comes to decorating a rental, there are many tricky obstacles to navigate – from strict landlords banning paint and holes in the walls to outdated carpets and eyesore furniture. Not getting your hard-earned deposit back at the end of your contract is every renter’s nightmare.
But there are plenty of simple, easily reversible changes that make a world of difference to your bedroom design – ones that’ll keep your landlord happy while adding your individual style. Win-win.
Not sure where to start? Fear not, we’ve rounded up our favourite renter-friendly bedroom ideas to let the real you shine through and help your rental feel more like home.
product
If you’re renting an unfurnished space, first of all, lucky you! Starting from scratch may seem daunting (and expensive), but unfurnished rentals allow you so much more freedom to really make the place your own.
It’s important to get the basics right first, particularly if you’re on a budget. Prioritise investing in one or two staple pieces like a wardrobe, dressing table and of course, a bed and mattress, to start shaping your new bedroom. Now you’ve got the bones of the structure started, the homey touches will follow.
Top tip: If you’re looking to decorate a small apartment bedroom, ottoman beds contain a handy storage compartment beneath the mattress, for a stylish yet space-saving solution.
Credit: @the_house_at_twenty_six_
The bed is the focal point of any bedroom, so don’t be afraid to add some drama. Even if you’re working with a furnished rental, you can still treat your bed as a blank canvas.
Starting from the base and working your way up, we’d recommend adding a mattress topper or protector for an extra layer of comfort. This will help shield your mattress from any accidental spills or stains – especially useful if you’re in a furnished apartment.
Next, make sure to invest in a good quality duvet that’s going to keep you warm and toasty all year round. Not only does a plump duvet aid your sleep, but it looks oh-so inviting on your bed too. Opting for a hypoallergenic duvet will also help you slip into a deep, irritation-free sleep, leaving you feeling rested and refreshed.
Now for the fun part: adding some colour and style! This is the easiest way to inject your personality into the bedroom. If you’re in the market for a spa-like sanctuary, we recommend choosing calming, neutral tones or crisp white Egyptian cotton striped sheets. If bright and bold is more ‘you’, why not go for a playful pattern or some feminine florals? Whatever your preference, make sure to complete the look by layering with blankets, throws and scatter cushions. Remember, coordination is key.
While furnished apartments have a wealth of benefits, it’s not uncommon that they come equipped with rather basic furniture. Are you working with a divan bed that’s feeling a little lacklustre? Worried about not being allowed to create a statement wall in your bedroom? Well, we have the perfect renter-friendly solution. Adding a headboard is a super simple way to transform your bed and elevate the look and feel of your bedroom.
Whether you’re searching for a retro, rustic feel with an elegant metal frame, or a sleek and modern look with a leather design, there’s a huge variety of colours, fabrics and sizes to suit every taste and budget.
What’s more, you don’t need to worry about upsetting your landlord by making any holes in the wall – simply choose a freestanding headboard that can lean against your wall and not cause any damage. And voilà, a brand-new bed
Fallen head over heels for headboards? Discover our essential guide to headboard shopping for more inspiration.
Mood lighting is everything. But it’s tricky to achieve a sense of calm when you’ve only got those glaring overhead lights to play with. To add some ambience to your bedroom, why not create soft lighting with a couple of smaller lights? Bedside tables and the corners of your room make for the perfect home for lamps. We recommend using yellow bulbs to create a warm, welcoming vibe.
Top tip: Wondering how to make a rental bedroom cosy? Level up your lamp game by adding some fairy lights. This will help add an instantly homey feel, perfect for snuggling down for a movie marathon.
Don’t underestimate the power of a beautifully scented bedroom. Not only can nice smells like ylang ylang, jasmine, and sandalwood make us feel calm, but they can help us sleep better too. So go ahead, appeal to the senses and lull yourself into the dreamiest, deepest doze ever by adding some soothing scents.
Reed diffusers, room sprays, scented candles and incense sticks are all great ways to create a tranquil atmosphere in the bedroom. We like anything lavender or vanilla-scented to help us drift off into a deep slumber.
Art is one of the best ways to express your sense of self and curate a space that feels uniquely yours. Plus, it’s scientifically proven that hanging art in the home is linked to mental health; helping to alleviate stress, make us feel calmer and give us a good old hit of dopamine.
Concerned about how to decorate a small bedroom rental? Worry not. Hanging art on the walls is the perfect way to jazz up a room without invading any extra floor space with clunky furniture or ornaments. So whether you’re into oil on canvas or perhaps Matisse is more your thing, why not create a statement wall and add some artistic flair?
Top tip: No nails? No problem! Command strips are renter-friendly, allowing you to hang frames on your walls without causing any damage or stripping paint.
Bedroom plants can do more than just add a pop of colour. They can also boost your mood, enhance your creativity, soothe symptoms of anxiety and improve productivity. Plus, air-purifying plants, such as a Snake Plant or a Peace Lily, are proven to reduce toxic chemicals in the air and increase oxygen levels, to help you achieve a better night’s sleep. And, breathe…
Don’t worry about upkeep either. You don’t need to create an indoor jungle. Pick some low-maintenance plants, like cacti or succulents, for a pop of greenery. Unsure what to go for? Check out our blog where we’ve rounded up the very best bedroom plants to help you sleep better.
And there you have it! All the inspiration you need to create the rental bedroom of your dreams. If you’re looking for more interior ideas, take a look at our expert guide on how to make your bed to impress.
In the meantime, check out our favourite freestanding headboards below – these live rent-free in our heads…
Shop the range:
Room
Small but extra cosy – compact bedrooms require a little planning. Allow us to spark your creativity.
10 min read
Whether you’re renting a place with white walls, or you’ve chosen to start with a blank canvas of white paint, this article will show you how to add personality to a plain bedroom.
