How to Decorate Your Rental Without Losing Your Deposit

Decorating rental property to make it feel like home can often feel like navigating a maze of 'do's and don'ts'. Most rental agreements come with a lengthy section on what you can and can't do to the property, often with a strict embargo on changes like repainting walls or revamping the flooring.

But let's face it, we all yearn for our living space to mirror our personal style and character. The good news is that giving your rental a personal touch doesn't have to mean waving goodbye to your deposit or engaging in a full-scale renovation.

If you've ever wondered how to decorate a rented house or apartment without jeopardising your deposit, this post is for you! We’ll give you ideas on how to decorate a rental, with clever tips designed to add a dash of individuality to your living space. Think removable wallpaper that can pep up any room and flooring options that infuse your personality without a single stroke of paint.

With these ideas, you can make a rented property feel like your own, all while ensuring that you can revert to the original state quickly when it's time to move on.

Get ready to glow up your rented home - deposit safely intact.

Reversible Decorating Ideas for a Rental Property

Living in a rental doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your personal style. Thankfully, there are many ways to infuse your individuality into your living space using reversible decor.

These clever design solutions can be easily implemented and, just as importantly, removed without a trace. Here are some rental-friendly decorating ideas that will allow you to express your style without any permanent change.

Carpet Tiles

Carpet tiles are a simple flooring option for tenants who want to customise their hallway, bedroom, or living room without making permanent changes. These individual carpet squares can be laid down to cover an entire room or used to create unique patterns and designs.

Choose from various textures, colours, and patterns to mirror your personality and style. By arranging the tiles in unique layouts, you can create an area rug effect or wall-to-wall carpeting that won't risk your deposit.

While carpet tiles are practical, they can sometimes move or lift in the long term if not properly secured, potentially causing a tripping hazard. They may also fray over time with heavy foot traffic.

How to Install: Laying down carpet tiles is a breeze; start from the centre of the room, peel the backing off, and stick each tile firmly to the floor. There's no need for nails or glue, making this a tenant-friendly decorating option.

How to Remove: When you're ready for a change or it's time to move out, carpet tiles can be easily lifted up. Any sticky residue left on the floor can be cleaned with a mild soap solution, ensuring you leave the property as you found it.

Kitchen and Bathroom Wall Tiles

Removable wall tiles can transform kitchen backsplashes or bathroom walls with stylish patterns and colours. These adhesive tiles come in various textures and finishes, allowing renters to change the colour scheme and add their touch to a rental property without damaging the walls.

Personalise your kitchen or bathroom by selecting from a wide range of removable tiles that mirror the aesthetic of ceramic, glass, or even natural stone tiling in a neutral colour. Arrange them in distinctive patterns or sleek uniform lines to complement your interior design scheme.

While wall tiles are a fantastic option for rented properties, they may not withstand high levels of moisture or heat for extended periods.

How to Install: Installation is typically DIY-friendly; just clean the wall surface thoroughly, peel the backing off the tiles, and press them firmly onto the wall. Some brands also offer a straightforward grid system to ensure alignment is flawless.

How to Remove: When it's time to restore the original decor, removal is usually simple. Gently peel off the tiles from a corner, applying heat if necessary to soften the adhesive. Any residue left behind can often be cleaned with a mild solvent or a warm, soapy washcloth.

Peel and Stick Vinyl Tiles and Planks

Can you change the flooring in a rented house? Absolutely! Peel-and-stick tiles and planks are an excellent option to update the flooring without upsetting your landlord. Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles and planks offer a practical and cost-effective way to mimic the appearance of hardwood or luxury tile flooring.

These self-adhesive options are typically soft, flexible, and easy to cut to size, making them ideal for giving your rented space a fresh, personalised look. Decorating a rented flat with vinyl tiles or planks can be a fantastic alternative to traditional flooring materials that require installation.

Bear in mind that while vinyl tiles and planks are resistant to wear and tear, they can be prone to scratching and may not be as durable as the real thing.

How to Install: To install, measure the area, trim the tiles or planks to fit as needed, peel off the backing to reveal the adhesive, and stick them onto a clean, dry, and flat surface. For the best results, work gradually, smoothing out any air bubbles as you go.

How to Remove: When the time comes to revert back to the original flooring, gently lift an edge and peel the tile or plank away from the floor. Should there be any sticky residue left behind, it can usually be removed with an appropriate adhesive remover or a solution of warm water and vinegar.

Countertop Peel-and-Stick Laminate

Peel-and-stick laminates for countertops are a hassle-free way to revamp your kitchen or bathroom surfaces. These adhesive films come in various textures and designs, including marble, granite, and solid colours, offering a quick solution for a modernised aesthetic.

Choose a design that speaks to you and apply it over your current countertop for an instant transformation. These products provide the liberty to experiment without the expense (or permanence) of a full renovation.

Though they offer a visually appealing finish, they're not as effective as the real thing when it comes to durability. Take care when it comes to heat, moisture and sharp objects.

How to Install: Installation is straightforward: clean the surface thoroughly, measure and cut the laminate to size, then peel off the backing and apply carefully, starting from one end and smoothing out any air bubbles with a squeegee or credit card. It's a simple DIY that doesn't require professional help.

How to Remove: When it's time to move out or change the design, the laminate can be peeled off, usually without damaging the surface underneath. For any residual adhesive, gently wipe it off with a cloth and a mild solvent or a mixture of warm water and a drop of dish soap.

Sheet Vinyl

If you've ever wondered how to decorate a rented apartment on a budget, sheet vinyl could be the answer. It's a versatile and affordable option for covering up ugly floors offering an instant update without breaking the bank. It comes in a wide range of designs and patterns that can emulate the look of more expensive flooring, such as hardwood, stone, or ceramic tiles. However, it's worth noting that sheet vinyl is not as durable as traditional flooring and can be prone to tearing or gouging under heavy furniture or sharp objects.

For a cosy bathroom, our Cement Tile Design Cushioned Vinyl Flooring Sheet Zircon Teal offers a stylish and modern look that is perfect for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Tudor Mansions Bramhall Oak Felt Backed Vinyl Flooring presents a practical yet aesthetically pleasing solution for a kitchen. Its rich, wood-like appearance infuses an element of rustic charm into your living space, with the benefit of being easy to clean and resistant to spills.

How to Install: To install sheet vinyl, ensure your existing floor is clean and even. Roll out the vinyl and trim to fit the room, leaving a small excess around the edges to be cut later for a perfect fit. Once positioned, use double-sided tape at the edges or a releasable adhesive throughout for a more secure yet removable application.

How to Remove: When it comes time to revert to the original flooring, sheet vinyl can generally be easily pulled up. Any remaining glue residue can be wiped away with a specialist adhesive remover or a solution of warm water and mild detergent.

Carpet Tape

Carpet tape is a double-sided adhesive tape specifically designed to secure rugs and carpet tiles to the floor temporarily. This product provides renters with a reliable solution for keeping their chosen flooring in place without damaging the original flooring material.

With carpet tape, you can confidently position your rugs and carpet tiles to complement your furniture and layout, ensuring they remain flat and safe to walk on. One potential issue is that the adhesive might lose its grip over time and under heavy foot traffic, requiring periodic reapplication. Be wary of low-quality carpet tapes, which can sometimes leave a residue when removed.

How to Install: Simply measure and cut the amount of tape you need, place it sticky-side down on the floor where you want your rug or tile to go, and then peel off the backing to expose the other adhesive side before pressing the material onto the tape.

How to Remove: When it's time to lift your rugs or tiles, gently peel back from one corner. If any adhesive remains on the floor, dab it with a cloth dipped in a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Be careful to avoid any harsh chemicals that might damage the flooring.

Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a game-changer for those looking to decorate a rented space without needing to paint the walls. It comes in rolls or sheets with a wide variety of designs, from modern geometric patterns to classic florals, catering to every taste and style.

While peel-and-stick wallpaper is a fantastic option for renters, choosing a high-quality product is recommended to ensure it sticks well and doesn't damage the walls upon removal.

How to Install: The application is straightforward — measure your wall, cut the paper to size, peel off the backing, and smooth it onto the wall starting from the top. Most peel-and-stick wallpapers are re-positionable at first, so aligning patterns or rectifying initial misplacements is stress-free.

How to Remove: Ready to revert to the original decor? Gently peel the wallpaper from a corner and work slowly to remove it. The process is designed to be residue-free, but if you do encounter any adhesive left behind, it can usually be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

Adhesive Picture Hangers

Ever popular with interior designers, the classic gallery wall can instantly add character and personality to a space. However, drilling holes to hang frames with rental properties is usually a big no-no. Fortunately, adhesive picture hangers are a renter's best friend. Adhesive hooks, aka Command strips, offer a versatile and damage-free way to hang pictures, mirrors, and wall art.

How to Install: Clean the wall area, peel off the backing to reveal the adhesive, and press firmly against the wall for about 30 seconds. For best results, wait an hour before hanging anything on the hook.

How to Remove: To remove, pull down on the release tab, stretching it slowly until the hook releases from the wall. This process should leave your wall free of marks, making it an ideal solution for renters.

Soft Furnishings & Lighting

Soft furnishings such as throws, rugs, and curtains offer a swift and impactful way to inject colour and texture into your living space. Opting for vibrant hues or distinctive patterns can completely transform the atmosphere of a room.

Lighting, too, can greatly influence the mood and aesthetic. Swap out standard light fixtures for table lamps and floor lamps to create soft, ambient lighting. A statement rug can bring immediate personality to a hallway, giving a good first impression. Not only are these reversible changes, but they can follow you to your next home.

Feeling Inspired?

In this article, we've explored innovative ways for renters to infuse personal style into their living spaces without violating their rental agreements. By employing temporary solutions like removable wallpaper and vinyl flooring, tenants can create an environment that reflects their tastes and preferences without permanent alterations.

Ready to revamp your rental space? Browse our selection of sheet vinyl flooring perfect for decorating your rented flat or house.