How to Not Lose Your Deposit: Rent-friendly tips for decorating your new flat

Moving into a new flat is the ultimate rite of passage for any university student. At first, our new homes are littered with remnants of first-year student accommodation stuffed into oversized bright blue IKEA bags. Scattered about are far too many clothes brought from home, perhaps an ironing board used only once, and a coat that you promised yourself you would wear but never did. The long and often arduous process of cleaning, unpacking, arranging, and rearranging is rewarded by small breaks dedicated to the art of doomscrolling. Though when all is done and your belongings are neatly tucked away, redecoration is done with restraint: no painting walls, no drilling in nails to hang up frames, no adhesives to stick posters and photos to the wall. Though the lattermost rule is commonly ignored, below are rent-friendly tips and tricks to help make your new room into a home away from home.

1. Don’t leave grease behind

Despite many a landlord’s wishes, putting posters and pictures up on our walls is an absolute given. It’s practically cardinal law. This year, I made the unfortunate mistake of using blue and white tack, leaving tiny dots of grease beneath where my posters once were. My friend, on the other hand, used wall-safe tape and moved out of her flat guilt-free.

2. DIY makeovers

If you plan to stay in your new flat for quite some time, and you love a project to get your mind off things, temporary wallpaper might be the key to truly making your room feel personal. First, hunt down some fabric from your local fabric shop, preferably fabric that isn’t too stretchy and doesn’t involve straight lines. Don’t forget to measure out your wall to help determine just how much fabric you’re going to need. Wash and dry your chosen fabric, then tack your fabric to the wall. Lastly, coat the wall with liquid laundry starch, but take caution as the starch may dry quickly!

3. Fabric galore

On a similar note, fabric and textiles are easy shortcuts to transformation, softening up your new space for added comfort. Throw blankets are perfect for the long, winter months ahead of us. Tablecloths will not only keep your tables clean, but will make sitting at the dinner table with flatmates that much more inviting. Fabric bunting can liven up your living spaces with that extra bit of colour and cheer, and command strips can help keep those up.

4. Follow the light

Lighting is your best friend in creating that cosy atmosphere that you run home to. Ignore the harsh, overhead lights that make your room feel like a hospital. Instead, look into buying lighting that you love–not a desk lamp geared towards productivity, nor the LED wall strips that remind everyone of TikTok in 2020. Think unique string lights that showcase your personality, ambient lighting like a sunset lamp or a lava lamp, colourful lanterns and secondhand vintage lampshades from Vinted.