Leo Martínez
Many renters are unable to paint their homes due to lease agreements, short-term leases, or the desire to retain their security deposit. However, there are several ways to upgrade a rental property without painting. Small changes, such as swapping out old doorknobs, removing paint from hinges, or re-caulking the tub, can increase the value of your rental. Additionally, changing light fixtures, adding colourful furniture, or upholstering your walls can transform your rental without painting.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Change light fixtures | Flush-mount fixtures are clunky and impersonal. Opt for affordable pieces or DIY options. |
| Use colourful furniture | Choose large pieces of furniture with loud colours to make a space feel more colourful. |
| Use fabric | Consider fabric upholstered walls if you plan to stay in the rental for a while. |
| Change doorknobs | Swap out old doorknobs, remove paint from hinges, or re-caulk the tub. |
| Use decorative outlet covers | Use matte black and acrylic covers to upgrade your walls. |
| Check your lease agreement | Some landlords may be agreeable to changes, especially if they increase the property's value. |
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What You'll Learn
Change light fixtures
Changing light fixtures is one of the best ways to update and personalize a rental home. The basic flush-mount fixtures found in most rentals can be impersonal and unattractive, but they are easy to swap out for something more stylish.
Before you begin, it is a good idea to check with your landlord, as they may be agreeable to your changes and might even help you to do them. If you plan on taking your new light fixture with you when you move out, be sure to keep the original one safe in storage.
If you don't know how to change a light fixture, there are several options: ask a friend or family member to help, hire a local handyman or electrician, or consult online tutorials. Changing light fixtures is usually a straightforward process, but remember to turn off all the breakers first.
Swapping out light fixtures is a great way to upgrade your rental without losing your security deposit. It is also empowering to accomplish these updates yourself, and you can take your stylish light with you when you move.
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Add colour through furniture
One of the most effective ways to add colour to a rental property is through the use of furniture. Large-scale, boldly coloured furniture pieces can instantly make a space feel more vibrant and interesting, especially if you're working with plain white walls.
Consider investing in a brightly coloured sofa or armchair, or rehabbing a thrifted item with paint. If you don't want to commit to such bold statements, colourful patterned textiles can also make a big impact. Try a multi-coloured checkered blanket on your couch or bed, or add colourful cushions and throws. You can even make cushion covers from scarves!
Another way to add colour through furniture is to hang rugs on the walls. This can be easily done by folding the rug in half and hanging it over a length of plastic pipe, with string or wire threaded through and attached to a wall hook.
Don't forget about smaller items, too. Stools, picture frames, and other accessories can be painted with small brushes and a ton of colour. When these items are grouped together, the colour impact is huge.
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Swap out old doorknobs
Swapping out old doorknobs is a great way to upgrade your rental home without painting. It is a quick and easy way to give your rental a new look and increase its value. The process is simple and can be done in about 10 minutes with a Phillips-head screwdriver.
First, measure the doorknob to ensure you purchase the correct size. Most doorknobs are standard, but it is always good to double-check. Once you have your new doorknob, the next step is to remove the old one. Start by unscrewing the faceplate, which is the small metal piece on the edge of the door through which the latch or bolt sticks. Once the faceplate is off, gently pull out the latch and any interior mechanism.
Next, remove the strike plate, which is the metal plate on the door frame where the latch connects. It is held in place by screws. With the old doorknob completely removed, you can now install the new one. Begin by laying the faceplate over the latch and interior mechanism, threading it through the hole in the door, and screwing it into place. Some doorknobs have a plastic piece holding the interior parts in place, but this is unnecessary, and you can do without it.
Finally, remember to keep the old doorknob and any parts somewhere safe so you can reinstall it when it's time to move out.
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Use decorative outlet covers
Upgrading a rental property can be challenging, especially when painting the walls is not an option. One creative solution is to focus on smaller details that can make a big impact, such as decorative outlet covers.
Outlet covers, also known as switch plates, are often overlooked, but they can be a simple and affordable way to add style and personality to your space. These covers are available in various materials, colours, and designs, allowing you to find options that align with your aesthetic preferences and create a cohesive look throughout your home.
When choosing decorative outlet covers, you can opt for screw-less designs, which offer a sleek and modern appearance. Painting or wallpapering the covers is also an option to consider. If you're feeling creative, you can sand and prime plastic covers before painting them to match your wall colour or a specific wallpaper design. This approach is perfect for those who want to get crafty and create a unique look.
Additionally, you can explore different materials for your outlet covers, such as brass, silver, or powder-coated metal. These options offer a more luxurious and elegant feel to your space. For instance, brass plates with intricate designs can seamlessly fit into a Victorian-era home, while clean-lined switch plates in oil-rubbed bronze complement mid-century decor beautifully.
Upgrading your outlet covers is a subtle yet effective way to personalise your rental home without making permanent changes. It allows you to express your style and create a space that feels truly yours, even within the limitations of a rental property.
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Upholster your walls
If you're looking to upgrade your rental home without painting, upholstering your walls is a great way to make a statement. While it may sound labour-intensive, designer Welch explains that it is "a sure way to make a major statement" and that "it sounds more labour-intensive than it actually is".
Upholstered walls were introduced in the 17th century when opulent fabrics became more readily available, and they are primarily used today for aesthetics and acoustics. They can enhance sound within a room or muffle unwanted outside noise.
There are a few things to consider when upholstering your walls: cost, installation, and the type of fabric you will use. For installation, you can attach fabric to the wall in a variety of renter-friendly ways, including a staple gun, upholstery tacks, upholstery strips, Velcro, and liquid starch. You can also hang or "swagger" the fabric on rods, rails, or Command Hooks. If you're looking for an even simpler method, Gianacakos suggests using clear thumbtacks to hang panels of bold fabric.
When choosing a fabric, consider the scale of the print and whether you want to cover all or part of the wall. A full-wall installation may be more costly, and you should be cautious to leave a slight gap between furniture and the fabric wall to avoid damage. Additionally, be mindful of local ordinances that may require flame-retardant fabrics and batting or foam.
Upholstering your walls is a unique and effective way to transform your rental space without painting. With careful planning and consideration, you can create a stylish and functional space that reflects your personality.
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Frequently asked questions
Choose colourful furniture to make a space feel more colourful.
Consider upholstering your walls with fabric.
Yes, you can swap out old doorknobs, remove years of paint from hinges, or re-caulk the tub.
You can change the basic flush-mount fixtures that are in most rentals with affordable pieces or DIY options.
It is always a good idea to check your lease agreement and consult your landlord before making any upgrades to your rental property.
