We know that saving up for your deposit doesn’t happen overnight.
If you’re renting whilst putting away the pennies for a new home there’s no reason why you shouldn’t put your own mark on your space. We’ve put together our top 5 favourite budget friendly ways to jazz up your rental whilst not upsetting the landlord and breaking the bank.
Signature lighting
Whether a statement pendant light, an ostentatious table lamp, or a large floor lamp, lighting is undoubtedly the easiest way to set the mood of any room. A striking pendant light can lift a room without you having to invest much, although it gives the appearance as a permanent feature of the room, it’ll be easily removed and can be taken with you once your tenancy is up. If you’re battling with a small space, shooting the light upwards with floor and table lamps can instantly give height and depth to the room. Not only does lighting bring aesthetic joy, studies have also shown that adequate lighting has proven benefits for mental and physical health, especially during the winter months!
Statement furniture
Had your eye on that gorgeous velvet cocktail chair? Or a side board on Gumtree that’s perfect as a fixer-upper? Statement furniture doesn’t have to mean a brand new 3 piece suite or a 4 poster bed, it’s about picking something that you know is going to make a big impact on a space. If you can’t inject colour by painting the walls, then be bold with hues and patterns when choosing a key piece of furniture. If you want to splash out on an armchair that you know is going to come with you to your new home then great, but Gumtree and local selling pages shouldn’t be overlooked, it’s here you can find vintage one of a kind pieces (usually for a bargain).
Rugs
Along with neutral walls, flooring is usually the biggest bugbear when it comes to boring rental spaces, let’s face it, it’s not the flooring you would have chosen. Enter the rug; whether you want a neutral colour of your choosing, or a vibrant pattern to breathe life into the room, the rug is the answer. No matter the size of your space, you bet you can find one to fit the dimensions you require. These also serve a double purpose and will protect the carpet, and your deposit, from any damage or spillages! Why not think outside of the box, rugs don’t just have to go on the floor, they make a great wall hanging or feature.
Cushions and soft furnishings
If you’re looking for one of the most inexpensive ways to overhaul your rented space, then cushions and throws are your go-to option. These can be picked up in all shapes and sizes, and in every colour and pattern imaginable. If your space is already furnished with uninspiring and dated soft furnishings, you can breathe new life into them with a simple throw and a statement cushion. Seeking out those true Hygge vibes? These are the perfect way to introduce a myriad of textures into your space. Think faux furs, chunky knits and velvets. We’re feeling cosy just thinking about it!
Houseplants
We’d have an indoor jungle if we could, however, if you’re slightly less obsessed with house plants than we are, they still have their place in interior design. Just a single shrub can bring the inside in, when a clever arrangement of various shapes and sizes, can enhance any space by creating a natural focus in the room. Not only do they serve as a living accessory, they have numerous health benefits, from cleaning the air and helping you breathe, to assisting in deterring illness, to actually helping you work better. Not green fingered? Succulents, cacti and air plants require very little care and stay alive even in the hands of the least experienced plant-parent.