Bringing a new baby home is such an exciting time! As you prepare for your new arrival, decorating the nursery is one of the most fun parts. However, when renting your home, there are some extra things to keep in mind. Here are some great tips for decorating a nursery when you don’t own your property.
Talk to Your Landlord
First, talk to your landlord and find out what you can and cannot do. Many landlords have clauses in the tenancy agreement that relate to decorating and hanging things on walls. Some will allow you to paint the walls as long as you return them to the original colour. Others won’t.
If you want to do anything to the walls or floor, ask permission first. It’s better to be safe.
Choose a Theme
Picking a theme is the first step when decorating any nursery. It helps pull the whole room together. Some popular ideas for boys and girls include woodland creatures, hot air balloons, elephants, trains, under the sea, rainbows, stars and moons. You’ll likely be drawn to a particular theme based on bedding or artwork you like. Let the theme guide your colour scheme and decoration choices.
Use Removable and Temporary Décor
When renting, opt for nursery décor that is removable without damaging walls or paintwork. Here are some great options:
- Peel and stick wallpaper or removable wall stickers for nurseries featuring your theme. These can go on plain walls or be used creatively for borders. Popular options for nursery wall stickers include tree decals for a forest theme, hot air balloons and rockets for adventure, clouds and stars for a night sky, and flowers and butterflies for a bright happy space.
- Wall tapestries that roll up easily and won’t damage walls when removed. They are great for adding colour and interest.
- Furniture that is on wheels or easily disassembled so it can be moved out later.
- Area rugs that can be rolled up and brought to your next home.
The key is using décor that adheres to walls without damage and can be taken with you when you move. This allows you to personalise the nursery without worrying about repairs when you leave.
Select Neutral Big Items
Focus on keeping the big, expensive items like cots and dressers more neutral. You can then use lower cost decorative items like bedding, wall art and accessories to add visual interest and your nursery theme. Some good neutral colours for big items are white, grey and espresso.
Multifunctional Furniture
Since space is often limited in rentals, look for furniture that can serve multiple purposes and transform as your child grows. For example, choose a cot that can convert to a toddler bed. Opt for a dresser that has a change table topper for the first year or two, then remove it later. A bookshelf you start with in the nursery could be repurposed in another room down the road.
With a bit of planning, you can easily create a gorgeous nursery in your rental home. Have fun designing a space your little one will love!
