Decorating without risking your deposit

Your space, your style without breaking the bankJust because you’re renting doesn’t mean you have to settle for boring walls and soulless surroundings.

No. 12642 from our magazine|2 min read| Published in Magazine on 20 August 2025 by our Marketing Team

Making a space feel like home is essential, but when it comes to decorating a rental, creativity needs to go hand in hand with caution. The key? Temporary upgrades that express your personality while keeping your deposit intact.

Here’s how to style your rental with flair and flexibility—no paintbrush required.

Command hooks are your new best friend

From art prints to fairy lights, removable adhesive hooks and strips are a renter’s go-to. They let you display your favourite pieces without hammering nails into the wall. Want to swap things out seasonally? Easy. When it’s time to leave, they come off clean with no plaster repairs needed. You can also use them to hang fabric wall art, lightweight mirrors, or even drape indoor plants for a lived-in, stylish touch.

Rugs, runners, and layers of comfort

Flooring not to your taste? A well-placed rug or hallway runner instantly elevates a room, covers wear, and adds colour and texture. They’re also great for renters with pets, helping to protect carpets and reduce noise.

Peel-and-stick genius

Temporary décor has come a long way. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is renter-friendly, damage-free, and comes in everything from subtle neutrals to bold geometric prints. Use it on one wall to create a feature or even on furniture fronts for a fast facelift. Just be sure to check your tenancy agreement and test a small area first to ensure it peels away cleanly from your wall finish.

Lighting that transforms

Swapping out a ceiling light fitting might be a no-go, but you can still bring personality to your lighting. Clip-on lampshades, floor lamps and LED strip lighting help you create mood and function without touching the wiring. Battery-powered sconces or puck lights are ideal for adding drama to bookshelves or under cabinets. And if your rental has harsh overhead lighting? A few soft-glow lamps will change the feel instantly.

Lean, don’t drill

Want a gallery wall without the holes? Try leaning framed prints or mirrors against a shelf, mantel or wall.

Stack a few together for a curated, layered look perfect for bedrooms and studies. Freestanding open shelving is another renter’s hack: it adds storage and display space without needing landlord approval.