Recent census data has revealed that 19% of all households in the UK are private rentals. However, with annual rent prices increasing by 6.2%, despite conditions in almost 1 in 4 privately rented homes being classed as non-decent, many tenants will be finding themselves wanting to make some low-cost, high-impact improvements to their homes.
Experts at 247 Blinds headed to Reddit to find the most common tenant turn-offs. Working alongside ValueLights, they have shared 6 tips for upgrading landlord decor faux pas on a budget and within most tenancy agreements.
1. Inadequate blinds and curtains
Whilst they are essential in any home, many rental properties come equipped with poor-quality blinds and curtains that are not just an eye sore, but potentially a contributing factor to a bad night’s sleep.
Reddit user Procris wrote: “I see investments like better window treatments as a quality of life thing.”
Ellie Kennedy, an in-house interior expert at 247 Blinds suggests: “For those in rental homes, no drill blinds, specifically Twist&Fit Roller blinds are a perfect solution! Since they don’t require drilling into the walls or window frames, they can be installed without causing any damage. This makes it easier to comply with rental agreements whilst still personalising your space. Just choose a colour and pattern to elevate your environment and establish a serene hideaway. Plus, when it’s time to move, you can easily take them down, leaving no trace behind. Twist& Fit blinds are also available with a blackout lining, so you can upgrade your interior whilst also creating the optimal environment for a good night’s sleep.”
2. Bland decor
It’s hard to tailor a space to everyone’s taste, which is why rental properties tend to feature quite bland decor making it hard to create a personal, homely feel.
Reddit user wyldstrawberry wrote: “I’ve strongly considered using some peel & stick tiles or removable wallpaper. It’s my home, I’m going to enjoy it for as long as I’m here.”
Ellie said: “Plain walls and flooring can make a space feel cold and uninviting, but they do provide a great blank canvas for you to work with. Where repainting the walls isn’t an option, peel-and-stick varieties of wallpaper can be a great way to add a touch of personality to a rental space without making any permanent changes.”
3. Flooring flops
Coloured carpets and flimsy lino can make a space feel dated and tired. Whilst it is unlikely that you’ll be able to do anything dramatic to change the flooring, there are some disguises to be used.
Reddit user sykschw posted: “My technique has always been- add rugs and artwork. Layering rugs over carpet is a great way to hide the carpet, and wall decor/ plants to distract from the walls themselves.”
Ellie explains: “Peel and stick tiles can be a great option to cover up any tiles or lino that have seen better days- they come in a huge range of colours and patterns to suit any aesthetic. Coloured carpets, on the other hand, can be a little harder to adapt to. Try layering a neutral rug over a heavily patterned carpet, or if you have a gaudy coloured carpet, lean into it by taking a look at the colour wheel and choosing a complimentary colour to break up the carpet. Add soft furnishings and decor in the same shade to harmonise the space and draw the eye away from the floor.”
4. Bad paint jobs
From painted-over light switches and plugs to gloss and matt paint being used on the same wall, some paint jobs in rental properties seem less than consistent. But what can you do about it?
Reddit user Nervous_Pattern357 posted: “My last apartment had hair ALL OVER THE WALLS. I don’t know or get how, but they for some reason just painted over a ton of hair so the walls had either slightly raised dark lines or just straight-up hair stuck to the wall”
Reddit user PoliticalWit sympathised: “Yet another ‘landlord special’ paint job.”
Ellie suggests: “Colour might be the least of your problems when it comes to dealing with paint jobs in your rental property. Many of the issues are caused by bad preparation before painting like not cleaning the walls properly, failing to sand down rough surfaces or not using tape. You might be able to come to an agreement with your landlord which would allow you to refinish the walls if you use the same colour. Painted over plugs and light switches are another matter that would require paint stripper or even the outlet covers being replaced, a cost you might not want to cover as a tenant.”
5. Harsh lighting
Overly clinical lighting and dated light shades can make a space look shabby even if other decor is more up-to-date. However, when you know what you are doing, there are some simple swaps to make that will elevate the space immediately.
Reddit user Into-the-stream suggests: “You could get a new light, it takes like 10 mins to swap out lights and it’s crazy easy (just make sure the ceiling mount is the same size so you don’t have to patch the ceiling). store the current light and swap it back when you move.”
Marlena Kaminska, designer at ValueLights said: “Lighting is one of the most important factors to consider when thinking about the ambience of a room. Micro-improvements such as putting up new lampshades are subtle changes which can make all the difference to your living experience. Switching light bulbs is a simple and inexpensive way to change the whole vibe of a room. For rooms in which you want to create a cosy ambience, ensure all lighting uses warm-toned bulbs to emphasise a snug atmosphere.”
6. Funky furniture
Whether it is the faux wood finish on the kitchen cabinets or a coffee table, there is a distinctive shade of orange-toned wood that appears in a lot of furnished rental properties. Alongside this, wipe clean furniture in the form of faux leather sofas is also a landlord special that frequently arises.
Reddit user tmstms despaired: “So many nice rental properties ruined by ugly furniture.”
Ellie explains: “When it comes to making the most of furniture in furnished rental properties you have to get creative. Fitted covers can be bought online to hide a tired sofa or try covering sofas with linen sheets for a relaxed coastal aesthetic. Equally, a roll of peel and stick vinyl can work wonders on some kitchen cabinets and work surfaces. Take time to complete the DIY to a high standard and you can upcycle furniture relatively cheaply and make it look great.”
If you do want to make changes to the interiors of your rental property and are concerned about whether you will be able to change them back at the end of the tenancy you should always speak to your landlord first to get their permission.
To shop Twist&Fit Roller blinds, head to 247 Blinds to browse their collection.
