Decorating solutions for renters
Even if you think you¡¦ll be renting for the long term, you don't have to settle for basic, boring rooms. The following tips are designed to help you inject your living space with color, personality and warmth.
* When buying furniture, avoid matched sets of anything. Whether you are buying new pieces or combing flea markets for pre-owned bargains, focus on one-of-a-kind pieces that will make up for a lack of architectural interest; for example, tables with intricately carved legs, hand-painted chests, curlicued wrought iron headboards, fringed or beaded lampshades. All these are things you can take with you when you leave.
* Don't be afraid to use heavily patterned pieces. Rental units are often painted and carpeted in bland, neutral tones. Lay down bright Indian throw rugs or hang bold prints on the walls to counteract this. Buy patterned bed coverings and patterned upholstered pieces. Don't be afraid to mix two or three patterns; for example, a large floral, a stripe and a plaid in the same tones. Fabric stores often feature collections of fabrics that are meant to be mixed in this way.
* If you're not allowed to hang items on the walls, don't forego good artwork. Prop large, framed prints against a wall or on a mantel. Or, use an easel to display a prized piece of art.
* Use creative window treatments. Many rentals come with standard-issue beige mini-blinds. Top them with brightly colored valances that you make yourself (ready-made curtains tend to be bland as well). If you can't sew, put up a decorative rod and drape a length of unhemmed fabric over it. A low-cost alternative to expensive curtain rods is a length of copper pipe; available at home improvement stores, a ten-foot length costs only a couple of dollars. To cover the ends, make finials out of found objects; marbles, seashells, etc. If you're not allowed to install curtain rod hardware, use tension rods.
* In older buildings, wall-mounted bath sinks (or ones with ugly metal legs) are common. Dress it up and gain hidden storage space by attaching a fabric skirt, using adhesive-backed Velcro.
* Find out if your landlord will let you paint one wall in a bright accent color, provided you repaint it white when you leave. If not, consider covering a wall with fabric. You can staple fabric at floor and ceiling level (staples leave very small holes that you can easily fill with spackle when you leave). To cover the line of staples, attach purchased fringe or other trim with strips of double-sided carpet tape cut to the right width. For a wainscoting and chair rail look, just cover the bottom 3 feet of the wall.
* If you can't use either paint or fabric, use a lightweight folding screen against a wall. For example, prop up a screen on a sofa table behind your couch.
* Use freestanding bookshelves to display colorful collectibles like china, pottery, or glassware.