Our Favorite Non-Permanent Ways to Give a Rental a Major Upgrade
Courtesy of Chasing Paper via Instagram
While images of popcorn ceilings and drab off-white walls may be what you think of when you think of renting, not owning doesn’t have to mean not being happy with your space. From quick cosmetic fixes to easy swaps, it’s never been easier to upgrade your apartment without forgoing your security deposit. Here are some of our favorite easy swaps that can turn an apartment (or house!) into a home in no time.
Swap light fixtures
Light fixtures in rentals are generally quite generic — and sometimes they’re downright depressing. Luckily, these can easily be swapped out for something that suits your taste. Most swaps are simple enough to do yourself, but be sure to hire a licensed electrician or check for local providers through an app like Handy if you want to add anything more complicated!
Switch to dimmers
Low lights add a lot of instant ambiance, but most people don’t realize how easy it is to swap their regular wall switches for dimmers. Just be sure to follow directions from a reliable source—and always cut the fuse before working on a project involving electricity.
Add color – try removable wallpaper or paint!
Being tame with color is arguably the most common mistake renters make. Color gives a room life. Try painting one wall for a rich and quick-to-repaint accent, or try removable wallpaper for a dose of pattern. Vendors like Chasing Paper (check out Ariel’s collection with them!) and Tempaper offer excellent options for every taste.
Upgrade window treatments
Swap cheap plastic blinds for something more luxe, like linen roman shades or silk drapes. Pro tip: Hang your window treatments just a few inches above the top of your windows to create the optical illusion that your ceilings are way higher. We love Everhem for an affordable, high quality option, and The Shade Store for luxe, customizable options.
Swap hardware
If you’ve ever wished your bathroom looked like a spa, here’s your big moment. Swapping out fixtures like showerheads, drawer pulls, and faucets is a relatively easy trick that can elevate your space and create a cohesive story. Not only do these little details make a big difference, but there are also beautiful options at every price point. Speakman’s showerhead is our particular favorite: its water pressure is unbeatable!
*This article written by Ariel first ran on Vogue.com in 2017.
