6 Fast Fixes for a Dingy Apartment

We’ve all been there: you rent an apartment and, on moving day, find out that it’s in a little worse shape than you thought. While this can be a disheartening experience, it doesn’t need to be. Today, we’re here to talk about a few fast fixes for even the dingiest rental apartment.

6 Simple Ways to Improve a Run-Down Rental Apartment

While your rights as a renter are somewhat limited when it comes to renovations and re-design, here are six fast things you can do to improve the look and feel of your rental:

1. Buy multi-functional furniture

If your apartment, like so many, lacks storage or visual appeal, buy furniture that helps on both counts. Things like trunks, stylish ottomans (with hollow centers) and crisp bookshelves are ideal for making a home look beautiful and function more efficiently all at once. Plus, these pieces can be perfect for storing the items you might not be able to hang or display if this apartment is smaller than your last space.

2. Paint the walls, if you can

If your landlord is okay with you painting the walls, do it ASAP.  A fresh coat of paint can work wonders for an apartment, and you’ll likely find that a nice, thick coat of a neutral color hides imperfections in the walls and makes previously icky rooms a bit more bearable.

3. Hang curtains

Just like paint, curtains are a simple and inexpensive fix that can transform the way your apartment looks and feels. For best results, purchase some gauzy white curtains to capture and reflect light. In addition to making your space feel bigger and airier, this simple update will also boost your privacy. Hang blinds behind the curtains to block neighbors’ views at night and keep streetlight pollution to a minimum.

4. Bring in area rugs

If your apartment is covered in dirty carpet, add area rugs to disguise it and add your personality. You can find plenty of area rugs for low prices at discount home goods stores. Even if your apartment has hardwood or laminate, a carpet can hide scratches and make the space more welcoming.

5. Add removable wallpaper

Got a dated closet or walls you can’t paint? Consider adding some sheets of removable wallpaper. In addition to covering imperfections and giving your space some personality, these little lifesavers won’t damage your walls and promise to come down quickly when it’s time to move again.

6. Make the most of decorations

While you can’t always fix a rental space, you can make it your own through furnishings and decorations. To light up a dark area, bring in lamps, light-colored trinkets, and wall art in white frames. These simple updates will go a long way to making the space feel more like your own.

Better Rental Apartments Start Here

No matter how dingy your rental apartment may be, these six tips can help make your space more livable and welcoming on a daily basis.