Living in a rental apartment can sometimes feel like being stuck with someone else’s design choices. Dim walls? Gloomy vibes? Not exactly your style. Luckily, you can transform your rental space from a dingy cave to a cozy, inviting home with a mix of creative solutions and a dash of paint.
Maximize Natural Light
Let there be light—natural light, should you be so blessed. Use light, airy curtains or sheer blinds to allow more natural light to flood your space. If privacy is a concern, consider frosted window films that diffuse light indoors while keeping those nosy neighbors out.
Layer Your Lighting
Relying on a single overhead light? Big mistake! Layer your lighting with a hodgepodge of table lamps, floor lamps, LED strip lights, or even fairy lights! Choose soft white or warm white to create a cozy glow for a cozy feeling. Choose daylight LEDs if your space doesn’t get a lot of natural light.
Read about Light Temperature and Paint Color.
Go #TeamPuti
White walls need not be boring! Choose a warm, creamy white to make your space feel cozy and inviting. Or, opt for a crisp, cool white to amplify natural light (if you have any—hello, one tiny window). White or off-white shades manage to reflect or bounce off more light around a room, making even the darkest corners of your room feel airier.
Aside from choosing the perfect hue, the sheen of the paint can work wonders as well. Go for satin finish paint like Boysen Healthy Home or a semi-gloss paint finish such as Boysen Permacoat Semi-Gloss as these types of sheens can bounce off more light around the area.
Try an Accent Wall
If you’re going ahead and painting your rented apartment, might as well go the extra mile while you’re at it—with an accent wall! Choose soft, light hues like sky blues, pale peaches, or sage greens to add a bit of depth in your space without being overwhelming.
Mirrors are Magic
Strategically placed mirrors can work wonders in making a small, dark apartment feel brighter. Hang a large mirror opposite a window to reflect light throughout a room. If you have the space, consider getting a full-length mirror instead (hello there, daily OOTD pics!)
Brighten Up, Buttercup!
With a mix of clever lighting, decor choices, and a few paint-based tricks, you can turn your rental apartment from drab to fab. Of course, before doing trying out any of these tips, make sure to double check with your landlord if these quick fixes are allowed in your rental space. Don’t blame us if you don’t get your deposit back!
Do you have any questions on paints or colors? Send us an email at ask@myboysen.com. We’re always happy to help. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for weekly, short and sweet paint and DIY inspirations sent straight to your email. Happy decorating!
