Now we’re in lockdown again, it’s likely you’re spending more time in your rented flat than you’d like to, which is making you notice all the little bits that really annoy you. All the little bits that really annoy you which you can’t change. You know, because you don’t own the flat. Despite giving up half your salary for it. Shall I mention that one more time?
So ahead we’ve rounded up a few renter-friendly buys to help you cover up the most irritating bits of your flat so you can get through this lockdown in interior bliss. The best part is, they’ll leave no trace behind to annoy your landlord. Hello security deposit!
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If you’ve got a mark on your carpet that you can’t get off, you’ve got two options. The first is to hire a professional carpet cleaner (from experience: it’s a shock to discover your carpets are yellow not grey) but why should you be paying for something you can’t take with you? The second option is to purchase a glorious rug (ignore anyone who says you can’t layer carpets and rugs, it’s just double comfort for your feet) which will make your rented house look divine, as well as the next place you end up.
Kiliim Handmade Egyptian Kiliim Rug, $, available at Etsy
If your radiator is looking less than appealing (whether it’s rusting, covered in dirty marks you can’t paint over or is just plain ugly), radiator covers are actually super cheap, require minimal attachment to the wall (although renters will need to fill in the teeny screw holes with Polyfilla, sand down and paint over when they leave) and provide an extra shelf you didn’t have before. This one comes in ‘unfinished’ so you can paint it whatever colour you wish.
Three Posts Buggs Radiator Cover, $, available at Wayfair
Some seriously criminal fireplace work was done in houses over the last 50 years. If you’re stuck with a not-very-nice electric fire or a fireplace that was tiled with not-very-nice tiles, look into a freestanding screen to cover up the fireplace and make a feature out of it instead. There are some amazing vintage ones on Etsy and eBay but you could also buy something like this folding photo frame and decorate with your fave postcards and pics.*
*Obviously if you have a WORKING fire, electric or not, do not go displaying flammable pieces of paper in front of it.
**There are also some really nice rattan folding screens. Please do not place these in front of a working fire.
Maisons Du Monde Black Cut Out Metal Montage Frame, $, available at Maisons Du Monde
Linoleum man, what was the creator thinking? Popular in kitchens, the hardwearing floor material is practical but it’s certainly not beautiful. There is, however, such a thing as peel ‘n’ stick tiles which can be used to cover any number of unsightly floors, including those covered in lino. These clever stickers (the reviews are next level) can also be used on kitchen and bathroom walls and come up without harming the floor underneath.
Bleucoin Positano Peel and Stick Tile Decal, $, available at Etsy
Many landlords – the kind of landlords who own a property just to rent it out – haven’t bothered splashing out on the extras, which means a lot of cheap, plywood kitchen cabinets are out there. These are easily covered up with some peel ‘n’ stick vinyl (providing you’re working with a non-textured cabinet door). When it’s time to leave, vinyl peels off super easily too so your landlord can have his old ugly cabinets back. Lucky guy!
Dangeos Decor Matt Peel And Stick Vinyl, $, available at eBay
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