Furnished rented flats can feel temporary, lacking the touch that reflects your personality and taste. However, there are small, renter-friendly changes you can make to make the space feel like a true home without risking your deposit.
If you’re moving to a rented flat and want to create a comfortable space you can call home, check out our tips below.
Add Personality with Temporary Décor
With a few low-cost décor choices, you can make a big difference to your flat’s atmosphere. A significant reason why rented flats often feel cold and empty is their lack of soft furnishings. To address this, look for cushions, throws, curtains, and upholstered furniture to absorb the sound in a room while adding splashes of colour and practical comfort.
Choose lightweight items that you can easily take with you when your contract ends. Rugs are a great choice that protects floors from wear and tear, increasing the chance of you getting your deposit back in full. They can also hide unnatural flaws, so opt for an outdoor rug with a low pile and water-resistant material.
While you can’t remove the landlord’s furniture, you’re usually free to rearrange it. If you have a long, narrow bedroom, you could place your bed in the centre and create storage pockets around it. In one corner, you could have a dressing table and mirror and then another with your work desk, and one with your wardrobe.
Get Your Tech Sorted: Broadband, Smart Home & Comfort Gadgets
Settling into a new flat involves more than the furnishings; it’s also about how functional your home feels. Upgrading your internet to an affordable, fast connection will make working from home smoother and streaming and playing online video games more enjoyable.
Renters in the UK need their landlord’s permission to arrange a new broadband connection if the installation involves property changes such as drilling or adding cables or a fibre socket. They can’t unreasonably refuse to consent to installation, but keep in mind they aren’t required to provide or pay for new internet service.
Major works will require written landlord approval, often via a ‘wayleave’ agreement; however, minor installations, such as plugging in a router using existing cables, usually proceed without permission. Check broadband-only deals for renters in your area that meet your work requirements and come from companies with a good reputation for consistent service.
Bring Life into the Room with Plants
Houseplants can brighten up dull, cloudy days while improving indoor air quality. There are dozens of low-maintenance options to choose from, including the Crassula ovata, also known as the money tree, a succulent with pink and white flowers. It needs very little care and can cope with drought by storing water in its leaves.
The conditions in different parts of your flat may vary, with varying light levels and inconsistent temperatures, depending on the room size and the direction of the windows. In the living room, the air will be drier, so look for plants that can handle low humidity without excessive maintenance.
