Nine bedroom update ideas for rented homes

Decorating rental properties can be tricky, since there are certain things that you won't be able to do without the permission of your landlord – or at all. But that doesn't mean you can't turn your bedroom into a calm, relaxing space set up for a good night's sleep.

You're unlikely to be able to paint walls, put up shelves or hang heavy frames, and you'll probably want to avoid buying large pieces of furniture, too, if you plan on moving out again relatively soon.

Instead, Which? home improvements experts recommend these nine cheap and easy ways to boost your bedroom and feel at home in a rental or student let. 

*Page last updated 7 June 2023

1. Frame your photos and posters

Pictures and posters always look better in frames than tacked straight onto walls. Plus, Blu Tack can stain walls or damage the paint when you remove it, leaving you with a deduction from your deposit at the end of the year.

Instead, buy an assortment of picture frames that you can stand on surfaces or lean against the walls.

Gallery walls can really make a space your own, so to hang frames properly, consider using picture-hanging strips from brands such as Command, which run less risk of damaging the walls. Just make sure you use light plastic frames rather than heavy wood or metal ones.

If you do want to put one or two nails in the walls, contact your landlord beforehand to get permission in writing.

2. Get a low-maintenance indoor plant

Indoor plants are a surefire way to boost your wellbeing and brighten the mood, as well as help purify the air.

If you're short on floor space, go for something tall like a heart-leaf or sweetheart plant. For ultra-low maintenance, opt for a terrarium. These enclosed ecosystems have everything they need inside a sealed jar, so require little to no care. Just stick them in a good spot, away from direct sunlight, and leave them to it.

'Choose succulents and cacti if you have a sunny windowsill, as they don't mind erratic watering,' says Ceri Thomas, editor of Which? gardening magazine. 'Aloe vera and mother-in-law's tongue are also both easy to care for.

'Look out for bargains in Lidl, as they often sell cheap houseplants in beautiful pots.'

And if it all goes wrong? 'Don't worry if houseplants die after a few months,' says Ceri. 'Better to replace them with a beautiful new one than struggle on with something that looks awful. Many come from the tropics and it's hard to recreate those conditions in a bedroom! They're about the same price as a bunch of flowers and last much longer.'

3. Upgrade your bed with a mattress topper

Renting a furnished home often means you'll be stuck with a cheap, less-than-comfortable mattress. For a short-term let, it's probably not worth investing in a new mattress, but a mattress topper is good for hygiene, and will make for a more comfortable night's sleep.

Which? rates mattress toppers for how comfortable they are and whether they offer good value for money. Find out which are best and worst in our guide to the best mattress topper brands and how much you can expect to spend.

4. Reduce clutter with under-bed storage

If you're furnishing your own room, choosing a divan bed with drawers beneath it will offer lots of handy extra storage.

If your bed frame has free storage space beneath it, it's worth buying some drawers on wheels for ease of access. Choose drawers with a lid to keep the dust at bay. 

For items that you don't need frequent access to, vacuum bags will help you make the most of this valuable storage space. 

5. Set the mood with the right lighting

Don't rely on stark, white over-head lighting as it's too harsh and makes relaxing difficult. A mix of high and low-level lighting is better to create balance, especially if this is a space where you read or study as well as sleep.  

Strategically placed low lighting will highlight the best parts of your room and make it feel bigger and more inviting. Go for a well-placed lamp, with a warm, low light level. Add a study lamp at desk.

To make sure you pick the right bulb, head to our guide on choosing the right lightbulb, which explains everything you need to know about wattage, lumens and Kelvins.

You might be tempted by fairy lights, but use them sparingly to avoid turning your sanctuary into a grotto, and make sure you tuck the wiring out of sight.

6. Make the most of natural light with mirrors

Adding mirrors to a small room will immediately make it look and feel bigger.

Try to angle at least one opposite a window so that it scatters natural light around your room, to make it feel brighter.

You can pick up large mirrors for less than £40 and lean them against the wall, or on shelving. If you find a light one, you could even use picture-hanging strips to mount it on the wall, just like you would with posters and frames.

7. Cover hard flooring with a rug

Most student and rental homes come equipped with cheap, easy-to-clean laminate flooring, or beige carpet. You can make these feel warmer and more homely with a well-placed rug. It's also a good way of adding a colour, texture and personality to your room without needing to paint anything.

Layering up throws and cushions will also add warmth and cosiness, and can be used to cover tired furniture. You can even layer up rugs – just be careful not to create a tripping hazard. 

Don't be tempted to steam clean a laminate floor when you move in though – laminate flooring manufacturers generally advise against steam cleaning as the moisture can damage it. 

8. Buy a dehumidifier, electric heater or purifier

Heat and humidity in a rental property can feel beyond your control, but you can buy fairly inexpensive appliances to condition the air.

If mould is a persistent problem, or your room feels musty, a dehumidifier will remove water from the air. It's also a handy device to have if you dry laundry in your room, as the moisture released from wet washing can be problematic in poorly ventilated spaces.

An electric heater can also be a saviour in the cold of winter. While an air purifier is handy for removing pollen or smoke.

Which? has tested a number of these devices, so to make sure you get the best value for money, read our dehumidifier reviews, pick of the best electric heaters, and air purifier reviews.

9. Use small furniture to add personality

Add pops of colour by painting small pieces of furniture that you can take with you when you move. These could be bedside tables, chairs, dressing tables, or even the doors of a cabinet. 

You can often pick up cheap pieces from vintage and second-hand stores. Charity shops can also be gold mines for unloved furniture ready for upcycling.

You could even add a statement headboard to your bed. Upholstering your own can make for a fun DIY project. If that's a step too far, opt for bold bedlinen and plenty of cushions instead.

Head to our guide to rental property maintenance and repairs for more on what you should and shouldn't do to a rented home. If you're in doubt, it's always best to ask your landlord first.