As someone who has posters and pictures covering every inch of her wall, it is very important to me that my living space feels curated. This can be hard to do when you are facing renter’s rules and landlords who limit the ways you can transform your space, which is the case for many IU students. Here are five tips for Bloomington’s renters to make their spaces as home-y as possible:
Roll out a rug
Area rugs can define a space and add personality, with the added bonus of covering bland carpet or the scratched hardwood that comes with some of the more well-loved spots. Choose one that goes along with your color scheme or a bold pattern to make more of a statement.
Warm lighting
As a self-proclaimed hater of the “big light,” there is soft lighting in the form of lamps or fairy lights 24/7 in my room. Rentals frequently come with one overhead light that’s either too bright or too dull. Floor lamps, desk lamps or string lights can completely change the mood of a room. Warm-toned bulbs can make your space feel cozier and focused task lighting can help you concentrate on studying and schoolwork.
Accent pieces
Throw pillows, blankets and decorative curtains are easy ways to change the feel of your space without buying expensive art or furniture. They add color and texture and are easy to switch out. You can even change your space with the seasons. Think spooky blankets in October and heart-shaped pillows in February.
Make it green
Plants instantly make a room feel more alive. If you’re new to plant parenting or are just terrible at keeping plants alive like I am, low-maintenance options, including snake plants or spider plants, are great. I have a snake plant in my room that I’ve managed to keep alive for the past two years, and if I can do it, so can you. For a pop of color, small pots of flowers or herbs will suffice, but some might require more of a green thumb. Even displaying faux plants can make your space vibrant if you’re not confident in your plant care abilities.
Get sticky
Like I said before, my walls are covered in personal mementos, and I’ve never used a single nail. Adhesive hooks, removable strips and peel-and-stick wall decals give you plenty of options that won’t damage your walls. Pro tip: if you’re hanging something light like a photo print, you can put painter’s tape underneath your adhesive to ensure it won’t rip off any paint. Plus, leaning larger frames or mirrors against the wall can make for a casual feel that doesn’t require adhesive or nails.
Decorating your space is a fun way to express your personality and feel more at home while at school. By thinking outside the box a little bit, you can create a place that feels personalized and is deposit friendly.
This article was originally published in the Housing & Living Guide, an IDS special publication.
