A bedroom is a sanctuary where you can retreat after a long workday and find comfort. It is a place where you can surround yourself with the things that bring you joy and comfort. But sharing a room is easier said than done. While you enjoy the benefits of cheaper rent and human companionship, it can greatly compromise your privacy. According to Pew Research Centre, 31.9% of the adult population in the US lived in a shared environment.
Sharing a room can present you with unique challenges when it comes to decorating and personalizing it, especially if it is a rental room. Many landlords do not allow making any permanent changes to their property. However, having a personal space within a shared environment lets you maintain a sense of individuality, privacy, and personal well-being. Therefore, this blog gives you ideas to decorate and personalize your shared rental room and make it uniquely yours.
Ideas to Decorate and Personalize A Shared Rented Room
Once you find your ideal roommate, effective communication becomes essential while sharing a room. Recognize and respect the boundaries of your roommate and let them know of your own. Once this is done, you can divide the room accordingly and use the ideas given below to decorate your part of the room.
Assess the Space
Before starting the decoration, you need to assess the space you have. Take measurements of the room and try to identify the advantages and limitations. Consider lighting, layout, and existing furniture before you make any design choices. Assessing the space will help you strategize the decoration effectively.
Establishing Boundaries
When you share a room for rent, it’s important to establish boundaries. Talk to your roommate and establish common ground, and set certain guidelines. Once that is done, you can create physical boundaries using curtains or screens. Items such as bookshelves, tall plants, and standing mirrors can also create an illusion of separation. However, make sure you respect each other’s choices.
Define Your Style and Maximize Storage
You should choose a style that resonates with you. Decide on a minimalistic, Bohemian, modern, or eclectic theme. You can go through magazines and websites to define your style. Doing so will help you in your next step of maximizing storage. As a shared rental room has limited storage, you can invest in under-bed storage containers, hanging organizers, etc., to create a clutter-free and visually appealing space.
Personalize with Wallpaper
If your landlord is okay with it, you can add zest to your space in the shared room by covering the wall on your side with wallpaper. Doing so can significantly enhance the visual appeal and reflect your personality. Opt for patterns, textures, or colors that resonate with your style. You can also look for temporary, damage-free, removable wallpaper for the desired result.
Lighting Matters
The light you have in your room can help you create a soothing ambiance. It can affect your mood and productivity. Decorative floor lamps, desk lamps, or string lights are a great way to decorate and create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Scented candles and incense sticks can also elevate your mood and productivity, but ensure your roommate has no objection to it.
Add Beddings and Soft Furnishings
Your space in a rented room should provide you with comfort. Textiles, beddings, and soft furnishings are a great way to add comfort and personality to your room. You can get some premium quality throw pillows, sheets, blankets, and cozy area rugs that complement your chosen color scheme. Play with textures and patterns to add visual appeal to your part of the room.
Give Your Space an Artistic Touch
Decorate the walls on your side with artwork you admire or photos or personal memorabilia such as photos and frames. You can also hang a mini whiteboard to scribble reminders and appointments. Motivational quotes or posters of your role models are another great way to personalize your space and keep reminding yourself of your goals and ambitions.
Create a Green Oasis
Plants have the power to add life and freshness to any space. Incorporate plants and different forms of nature that can thrive indoors. Choose low-maintenance plants as they require little care. Indoor plants are the best options. They provide more than aesthetic appeal. They can purify the air, reduce stress levels and add fragrance. You can place them on window sills or study tables or hang them using macramé plant holders.
Incorporate Technology
You can use technological advancements and integrate gadgets and hobbies into your shared rental room. It not only adds a personalized touch but can also offer entertainment and relaxation. For example, you can invest in a projector for a cinematic experience or buy musical instruments, gaming consoles, etc., to display and carry out your hobbies.
Create a Nook
If you love reading, you can create a corner for reading or relaxing. If you have a window on your side of the room, put a sofa chair next to it and add a throw blanket to keep you warm and comfortable. You can read, meditate or have your morning or evening coffees there. Even if you do not have a chair or window, you can spread a few cushions on the floor or a beanbag in the chosen corner and use it as your personal space.
Budget-Friendly Decor
Since you are sharing the room, avoid spending too much on decoration. Look for pocket-friendly decor options such as wall decals, DIY artwork, decorative hooks to hang hats, scarves, or bags, etc. if you have a desk or workspace, you can personalize it with little mementos, desk organizers, and essential oil diffusers that can improve your concentration and productivity without breaking your bank.
Conclusion
Living with roommates does not have to mean you give up on your personal space. Decorating and personalizing your room is not merely about aesthetics. It is also about creating a sense of belonging and ownership. With the tips and ideas mentioned above, you can have a room for rent and still create a space that reflects your unique personality. So, let your imagination soar and showcase your passions, inspirations, and aspirations in your room.
