10 Easy Tricks for Decorating a Rental on a Budget (2 of 6)

2. Use Rugs to Transform the Floors

Rental flooring is usually bare since landlords don’t really want to go through the hassle of purchasing expensive carpet only to have it get all stained and torn up. You can cover up the unsightly flooring using area rugs. Not only does it make your home feel more cozy, it can also help define where one room starts and another ends. Furthermore, hallway runners are the perfect way to spruce up the entry area.

3. Change the Lampshades

You would be surprised how much things as simple as light bulbs and lampshades can alter a room’s mood. As with the window furnishings, you can hide the outdated or unattractive shades in a closet and replace them with something more appealing, such as paper pendant shades. Another trick is to use different types of light bulbs based on the room. So for example, warm bulbs work best for bedrooms whereas the bulbs in the bathroom should be bright.