How to Decorate a Rental and Make It Feel Like Yours
By The Deals Editor · Published 12 June 2026 · 4 min read
You can't paint or drill — but you still have to live there, and you want it to feel like home. Some of the most effective decorating solutions are also the most reversible.
Command strips are your best friend
3M Command strips hold meaningful weight and come off walls cleanly when removed correctly — slow and parallel to the surface. You can hang frames, shelves, and even curtain rods without drilling. Follow the weight ratings carefully and they won't let you down.
Rugs define a room
In a rental with floors you don't love, a large rug is transformative. Go big enough that the front legs of all your seating sit on it. Natural fibres — jute, wool, cotton — look more expensive than synthetic alternatives and age more gracefully.
Temporary wallpaper has genuinely improved
Peel-and-stick wallpaper now goes up easily, comes down cleanly, and the range includes convincing stone, tile, and wood effects. A single feature wall can completely anchor a room.
Furniture that earns its place
Prioritise pieces with storage: ottomans, bed frames with drawers, sideboards over open shelving. Neutral tones travel with you to the next home. Investing in one or two genuinely good pieces pays off across multiple moves.
The personality layer
Plants, art, and accessories — this is where a space starts to feel like yours. Lean prints rather than hang them if you prefer. This layer costs the least and matters the most.
Shop the edit on Amazon
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3M Command Picture Hanging Strips Large (14 pairs)holds up to 7.2kg per pair, removes cleanly
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Lahome Vintage Jute Area Rug 160x230cmnatural, textured, goes with everything
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Tempaper Peel and Stick Wallpaper — Marble Effectconvincing finish, repositionable
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SONGMICS Ottoman Storage Boxdoubles as seating, hides clutter
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Mkono Macrame Plant Hanger Set of 3rental-friendly, no drilling needed
Frequently asked questions
Will Command strips really not damage walls?
When removed correctly — pulling the tab slowly downward parallel to the wall rather than pulling outward — Command strips come off without damage on most painted plaster surfaces. They can occasionally remove paint on poorly adhered or textured surfaces. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.
What size rug should I get for a living room?
Bigger than you think. In a living room, the rug should be large enough for the front legs of all seating to sit on it. A common mistake is going too small, which makes a room feel more disconnected rather than less. 200x290cm is a good starting point for a standard living room.
Can temporary wallpaper be reused?
Most peel-and-stick wallpapers can be repositioned several times before losing adhesion. Removal is cleanest when done slowly and at a low angle. Reuse on a second wall after removal is possible but depends on how cleanly it came off.
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