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How to furnish a rental property

Portable solutions to everyday problems. - by Laura Barry
  • 11 Jul 2019
How to furnish a rental property

It’s rare that anyone walks into a rental property and is pleasantly surprised by the beautiful décor. It’s more likely that from the moment you sign the lease, you start thinking of ways to hide the ugly beige carpet, spruce up the tired and pock-marked walls or make the dated kitchen look less ‘dated’ and more ‘classic’.

If that’s the camp you’re currently in, then we have some furnishing and stylish solutions for you, courtesy of the style-gurus at retailer Temple & Webster.

Choose portable items

  • Replace coffee tables with side tables for flexible living, just move out for extra floor space when needed.
  • Bar carts are chameleonic and morph from bar cart to bedside table to hallway unit, side table or even an indoor plant display shelf.
  • Drilling wall hooks may not be allowed, but placing a hat stand in any room is an easy solution to stop jackets, bags or even towels being dumped on the floor.
  • Baskets are perfect receptacles to stash away toys in style.
  • Jazz up dull walls with art prints, lean oversized artworks on the ground or cluster smaller prints together on a sideboard.
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Definitely wouldn't mind unwinding here until further notice ☕️ 📸: @josiebarber

Work with the space, not against it

  • Modular sofas break apart and configure to nearly any living room layout – so are likely to fit into your next place too.
  • Suffering from poor kitchen design? We could all use extra bench room, so choose an island for cooking overflow and store everyday items underneath.
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It's easy being green 🍃 Make your home gleam in green with our stunning range of faux plants, pots and planters. Shop now and save 20% when you buy 2

Layer up and add texture

  • Rugs not only hide imperfect flooring and zone different areas of the home, but also muffle sound and provide comfort underfoot.
  • Colour coordinate cushions and throws, working with one colour palette for balance and cohesion. Remember to mix up fabrics and shapes to nail the layered look.
  • Tired bathroom? Distract the eye by investing in super plush towels and hide weary flooring with an oversized bathroom mat.
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Create a warm and cosy living space by layering rugs and soft furnishings in tactile finishes, like leather, sheepskins and velvet, at up to 50% off! Tap to shop now 👆

Swap it out

  • Rental window coverings are easily forgotten and often drab. Swap out existing curtains with sheer linen ones to transform your space from banal to sophisticated.
  • If unpleasant fixtures are really bothering you, get landlord approval to remove and store them safely, then replace with your own selection.
  • Sick of ugly overhead lighting? Replace ineffective ceiling fixtures with statement pendants to add dimensionality. Pendants with a shade create cosy ambient lighting, so consider materials like rattan to add some warmth.

You might also like:

How to make your rental feel like home 

4 ways to make a rental garden gorgeous 

Another great way to add life to a rental property is by decorating with indoor plants! Watch the how-to guide below. 

  • Decorating
  • Bedroom Ideas
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Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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