{"id":41370,"date":"2025-03-19T04:14:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-18T17:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stylecurator.com.au\/?p=41370"},"modified":"2025-04-18T13:44:11","modified_gmt":"2025-04-18T03:44:11","slug":"decorating-a-rental-bedroom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stylecurator.com.au\/decorating-a-rental-bedroom\/","title":{"rendered":"Decorating a rental bedroom: Styling tricks and hacks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Your bedroom should be your oasis but when renting, it can be tricky to know how you can personalise the space to make it your own. A reader requested tips on decorating a rental bedroom so we’re here to deliver with our top styling tricks and hacks! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rules have changed recently to give renters more flexibility which is great <\/em>news for you! For example, you may be able to paint walls and install wall hooks. Check out the rules and regulations in your state or territory to see what’s new… and let’s get styling!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related article: One bedroom styled two ways: Coastal and romantic autumn bedroom styling<\/a>
Related article: How to arrange a small bedroom with a large bed: Stylist approved tips and tricks<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Featuring ‘Amongst olive branches’ artwork, an exclusive download for our e-newsletter subscribers<\/a> (it’s free to sign up!)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Refresh your bedding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to redecorating, the first thing people talk about doing is painting<\/a>, changing window coverings or flooring. But if you’re renting, these options sometimes aren’t convenient, or available to you. So… what then?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We say, change the next largest area in the space \u2014 your bed! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can completely change the look of a bedroom with quality bedding<\/a> and feature cushions. Decide on how you want your bedroom to feel \u2014 dark and moody, light and airy, romantic or boho?<\/em> \u2014 and find bedding to suit. If you want to introduce colour or pattern, opt for a statement quilt cover or a feature throw that reflects your style. Use your feature cushions to tie the colour palette together and don’t forget a throw blanket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find more bedroom styling tips here<\/a> and expert cushion styling tips here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a rental, a bedhead can make a huge impact without any permanent changes \u2014 consider a freestanding upholstered bedhead or even a DIY alternative like a fabric-covered board propped against the wall. Check out this tutorial to make your own<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Get loads of bedding inspo from The Block<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Create spaces or ‘zones’<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A great idea and one of our fave ways to decorate a bedroom in a rental is to break up your space to create interest or ‘zones’. You could do this with furniture, or a room divider. Use this trick to hide mess (like an unsightly clothing hamper) or in larger rooms to separate your sleep space from a study\/work or relaxation zone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of styles out there. For budget friendly options, check out Bunnings<\/a> and Temple & Webster. It’s also worth checking out one deal<\/a> for great buys from Australia’s best retailers.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Image via Oh Oh Deco<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Go crazy with plants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There’s no such thing as too many plants (spoken like a truly obsessed indoor plant parent \ud83d\ude09 ). Plants are a beautiful way to add greenery and a burst of life into your bedroom. They add colour (obviously) but also have additional benefits such as purifying the air and making your space feel more homely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plants also mean you can add pops of colour, texture and interest through the pots and storage baskets you keep them in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If plant care isn’t your strong suit, check out this article on our top 20 hard to kill indoor plants<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Image via @igorjosif<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Add a study nook<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not all of us have the luxury of a spare room to turn into an office so if you’re studying or working from home, you may need to add a desk space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Play around with furniture layout as the best way to fit a study nook into your bedroom isn’t always the most obvious one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Positioning the desk under a window is always a good idea as you can take advantage of natural light while having a beautiful outlook. If this isn’t an option, consider pulling the desk about a metre from the wall and sitting behind it so you aren’t just looking at a white wall. Dan in the team recently did this in her bedroom and says it’s made a huge difference to the way she feels in the space.<\/p>\n\n\n

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There were rugs galore on this year’s series of The Block<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Throw down a rug<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If one of your biggest dislikes in your bedroom is the floor, fear not \u2014 a rug (or rugs) can fix anything! Throw down one or two gorgeous rugs and it will draw the eye away from your ugly carpet or plain timber or lino flooring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rugs add comfort, warmth and texture. We love adding a rug under the bed to feel soft underfoot when you hop out of bed in the morning. Use a larger rug in the centre of the room to create a real focal point. Or, style a smaller one under a chair to create a cosy reading nook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wherever you use a rug, go for a durable, hardwearing rug that can withstand plenty of foot traffic. Neutral coloured rugs work best so you can mix up your bedding or decor, however if bright is your style then go big or go home! You do you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get all our tips on how to select the right rug here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Embrace flexible storage solutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When renting, and especially if your bedroom is the only space of your own, it’s likely you’re storing all sorts of extra stuff<\/em> in there. Stuff<\/em> can get messy and disorganised so keep it under control with some storage solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If space and budget allows, go for a storage unit. Something like the Kallax IKEA range is a great option. It comes in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes and you can add pull out storage boxes. You can also personalise these shelves to suit your individual style. Check out this round up of the best IKEA hacks<\/a> for inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t have this luxury, opt for baskets or boxes to keep things organised. Utilise whatever space you can by storing under the bed or using stackable boxes. There’s an amazing range available at the moment so you’ll be spoilt for choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may also like these creative back of door storage ideas<\/a> to maximise the back of your bedroom door or inside your wardrobe doors.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Image via Rental Designs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Change up those window coverings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You’d be amazed at what new window coverings can do for a space! Few landlords would object to you buying new window coverings and installing these \u2014 often you just need to put back the original coverings when you leave (taking your nice ones with you!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Freedom has a great range, or these other fab online stores have designer window coverings for less<\/a>. But if this isn’t an option, you can find plenty of ideas that don’t require drilling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spring-loaded curtain rods are popular among renters or you can find temporary stick on blinds too.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Image via Temple & Webster<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Add mood lighting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lighting has such an impact on the ambience of a space and a simple hack is to swap your light bulb to a softer, warmer hue \u2014 dramatically changing the feel <\/em>of your space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Floor and table lamps are another great option because they also double as a decor piece. Use them to cast softer light and provide height and drama in your space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on your style, you may also like to add in a few fairy lights for that magical twinkling ambience. These can look beautiful in a standalone vase or draped across a wall.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Add art<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art can truly transform a space and is one of the best ways to decorate a bedroom in a rental. But banging hooks into the wall isn’t always possible. Removable sticky hooks and strips work on most wall surfaces and can hold artworks up to around 7kg. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An alternative, and just as stylish option, is to lean your artwork. Group pieces together to create a gallery ‘wall’ that’s not actually on <\/em>the wall! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if you’re looking for new artwork, be sure to subscribe to our free weekly Style Curator e-newsletter<\/a> to get access to our exclusive artwork downloads, including our beautiful ‘Amongst olive branches’ print and zodiac posters.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Zodiac poster available as a free download for all Style Curator VIP subscribers<\/a> (it’s free to sign up!)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Assess your Feng Shui<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Decorating isn’t always about ADDING stuff… sometimes, the trick is to simplify or rearrange. As well as decluttering, we love to refer back to the concepts of Feng Shui.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Feng Shui your bedroom:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n