Brits renting spend nearly £700 on décor to make rentals feel like home

RENTERS are spending almost £700 on 'removable' décor to help their house feel more like a home during their tenancy.
A study of 1,000 private renters found they enhance their spaces with adhesive tiles (16 per cent), hooks for hanging plants (17 per cent), and removable wallpaper (16 per cent).
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While 14 per cent are installing wireless stick-on wall sconces, and 23 per cent have added smart lighting in the home.
It also emerged 70 per cent have made updates to personalise their property – with 86 per cent saying the time and money spent is worth it.
But it's not just about aesthetics – 28 per cent are also focused on making their home more energy efficient.
Of those, 38 per cent have had a smart meter installed to better manage energy use, with 31 per cent switching to energy-efficient appliances, and 22 per cent choosing their preferred energy provider, according to the research commissioned by Smart Energy GB.
Steve Pimblett, chief data officer at Rightmove, said: 'Energy efficiency is one of the top priorities for renters, with 88 per cent valuing a low carbon footprint and 80 per cent considering it in their next move.
'Renters are not only aware of the importance but are also willing to act, with the vast majority of them ready to pay more for energy-efficient homes and encouraging their landlords to make green upgrades to help save on their energy bills.'
The study also found the personal touches that bring the most joy include photos of loved ones (43 per cent), soft furnishings (41 per cent), and chosen home accessories (41 per cent).
Adding plants (39 per cent) and flowers (34 per cent) also boosts happiness for many.
Softer lighting (27 per cent), colourful walls (21 per cent), and smart technology (14 per cent) have further helped renters feel happier in their homes.
Victoria Bacon, director at Smart Energy GB, added: 'British renters are incredibly innovative when it comes to personalising their homes.
'But it's not just decoration. Many are also making changes to save themselves some money, including choosing to request a smart meter from their energy supplier.
'Smart meters enable you to track and manage your energy use, and many people are able to make savings as a result – just remember to let your landlord know.'
Upon moving in, 36 per cent felt the property needed improvement, prompting their décor upgrades.
For others, the motivation was emotional – 22 per cent said the place didn't feel like home, while 14 per cent wanted their surroundings to reflect their personality.
The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found 45 per cent are most likely to tackle these home updates between May and August, with warmer weather sparking inspiration for 37 per cent.
A third (34 per cent) said spring and summer let them get out in the garden for DIY, while 30 per cent claim longer days help them make progress.
Interior expert Kate Watson-Smyth, who is working with Smart Energy GB, said: 'It's so important to feel in control of the place you call home - from renter-friendly decorating hacks to simple swaps that can save energy and money.'
1. Swap harsh lighting for warm white LED bulbs to create a softer, more inviting atmosphere and save energy.
2. Upgrade your shower head for better water pressure, efficiency, and a more enjoyable daily routine. Keep the old one so you can swap it back when you leave.
3. Use your own curtains to personalize your space and add thermal lining for extra warmth and energy savings. Swap back before you go and use them again.
4. Block draughts with homemade excluders that are easy to make, store, and hang when not in use.
5. Hang art without damaging walls using picture rails or self-adhesive hooks for a renter-friendly personal touch.
6. Work with unchangeable décor by matching existing features with coordinated accessories for a cohesive look.
7. Soften your kitchen's look with tile stickers, new cabinet handles, and warm lighting like a countertop lamp. Remember to put the original handles back when you move out.
8. Request a smart meter to monitor energy use in near-real time and manage your bills more efficiently.
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