Renting a home is a reality for many families. But if you’re a parent with kids, decorating a rented home can feel like an uphill battle. You want your children’s rooms to feel like a safe space, filled with personality, but the constraints of renting can sometimes limit your options.
Fear not! With a bit of creativity and smart choices, it’s completely possible to make a rented space feel like home for your little ones. In this post, we’ll cover simple yet effective decor tips.
1. Use Temporary Wall Decor
One of the biggest challenges in a rental home is that you may not be able to paint or alter the walls. While this may seem limiting, it opens up opportunities for temporary wall decor. Stick-on wall decals, removable wallpaper, and framed art can all create a fun, vibrant space without damaging the walls.
Wall decals come in all sorts of designs, from geometric patterns to playful characters and nature themes. You can apply and remove them with ease, leaving no sticky residue behind. Removable wallpaper can bring a whole new dimension to a room, transforming an otherwise boring wall into something spectacular.
For a more personal touch, frame your child’s artwork and hang it on the wall. This is a wonderful way to display their creativity and add a sense of personality to the room.
@raisinglionhearts
2. Use Furniture That Grows With Your Child
When renting, it’s often tempting to buy furniture that fits your child’s current needs. However, investing in pieces that can grow with them over time will help you save money and effort in the long run. For example, a convertible crib can turn into a toddler bed and later a full-size bed. Adjustable bookshelves can also work as storage for toys today and books later on.
Additionally, choose furniture that you can move easily. Lightweight pieces are perfect for a rental because they can be rearranged or moved if necessary. Look for durable, multi-functional furniture that can serve more than one purpose. Think of storage ottomans, under-bed storage solutions, or fold-out desks.
@susanaalheli
@makowy_dom
3. Make the Most of Storage Space
In rental homes, storage can sometimes be limited. Kids often come with an overwhelming amount of toys, clothes, and books. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to maximize storage in a kids’ room while keeping things stylish.
Use wall-mounted shelves to store books, toys, and other belongings. Storage bins or baskets can also keep items out of sight while still being easily accessible. Under-bed storage is another great solution for extra blankets or toys. Incorporate plenty of vertical storage with tall bookshelves, which will save floor space while keeping everything organized.
@hunterandnomad
4. Create a Themed Space
Children love having a space that’s uniquely theirs. A themed room can inspire creativity. The beauty of renting is that you don’t need to invest in long-term fixtures or permanent changes. Instead, embrace bedding, throw pillows, and rugs that bring the theme together.
Popular themes include space, animals, adventure, or nature, but the options are limitless. You can create a cozy reading nook inspired by your child’s favorite book, or perhaps a play area styled as a mini kitchen or workshop. Involve your child in choosing the theme, as they’ll feel more connected to their personal space.
@oeufnyc
5. Keep It Bright and Light
When you’re designing a kids’ room in a rented home, try to make the most of the existing light. If you’re lucky enough to have large windows, let the natural light shine through! Light curtains can brighten up a room and make it feel more spacious.
For even more brightness, consider using a light color palette for the walls and furniture. Soft pastels, whites, and creams can make your kid’s room feel larger and more welcoming. You can always add pops of color through accessories like throw pillows, rugs, or curtains, which are easy to change as your child grows and their preferences evolve.
@iizasuper
6. Plan for the Future
If your child is still young, think about how the room might need to change as they grow older. What works for a toddler may not work as well for a school-aged child, and a pre-teen may have entirely different interests. Plan for flexibility by investing in modular or adaptable furniture and accessories.
A great way to plan for the future is to keep the room’s overall aesthetic neutral, adding vibrant or personalized accessories that can be easily swapped out as your child’s tastes change. This allows the room to evolve without needing a full overhaul.
But if you’re finding that your current rental is simply no longer meeting your family’s needs, it might be time to look for a new home. Whether you’re looking for a larger space, a better location, or a neighborhood that better suits your family’s lifestyle, consider using a platform like www.spareroom.com to find rooms for rent in places like Phoenix, Los Angeles, New York, Boston, or anywhere else in the US.
@gracieellehome
7. Incorporate Personal Touches
When renting, one of the biggest challenges is making the space feel like it truly belongs to you. Adding personal touches is a great way to do this. Use family photos in stylish frames, display sentimental keepsakes, and incorporate your child’s favorite colors and hobbies into the decor.
Consider hanging a growth chart on the wall, so your child can see their progress as they grow. It’s sentimental, and it gives the room a truly personal feeling.
@makowy_dom
8. Choose Durable, Kid-Friendly Materials
When you’re decorating a kids’ room, durability is one of the most (if not the most) important things. Children can be messy, and things tend to get a bit worn out faster in a room where the energy levels are high. Look for materials that are easy to clean and maintain. For example, slipcovers for furniture, washable rugs, and durable wallpapers can withstand the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Avoid delicate fabrics that can easily get damaged. Choose hard-wearing upholstery on chairs and sofas, and go for flooring that can handle spills, like vinyl or laminate, which are easy to wipe clean.
@lcinteriorsllc
9. Make It Comfortable
Kids need a space where they can relax, play, and sleep soundly. Create a comfortable atmosphere by focusing on soft textures and cozy details. Choose high-quality bed linens, soft throw blankets, and plush pillows. A comfortable mattress is a must for a good night’s sleep, so don’t skimp on comfort.
Add a soft area rug to make playtime more enjoyable, and maybe even consider a small beanbag chair or a cozy corner with cushions where your child can curl up with a book.
@tint.paint
Conclusion
Decorating a kids’ room in a rental home doesn’t have to be a challenge. By focusing on temporary decor, flexible furniture, and a personalized touch, you can create a space that both you and your child will love, all while respecting the limitations that come with renting.
