5 ideas to steal from the 2021 Ikea catalog if you are renting

Nothing brings us joy quite like a fresh new Ikea catalog. So as soon as the 2021 addition was realized, we spent a good few hours (for research obviously!) having a good look through and picking out some amazing ideas that you can copy in you live in a rented home. 

With some of us being renters ourselves, we get the frustration of wanting to put a stamp on your place, but being limited in what you can do. That's why the Ikea catalog is so inspiring, it makes you think outside the box and get creative with the space you have, without losing your entire deposit!  

So if you are looking for quick ways to refresh your rented home on the cheap just keep on scrolling. And head to our Ikea hacks page next for loads of ways to personalize your new buys. 

1. Get creative in a small kitchen 

We love anything on wheels here, and this super stylish Nissafors utility cart is the bee's knees. Powder-coated in jet black, red or white it will suit contemporary schemes and you can pile it high with all those bits and bobs you use often - oils, herbs and spices, small bowls or food items if you are lacking in wall units. Another bonus is that it’s slimline, so you can pop it into the smallest of spaces. 

For more small kitchen storage ideas check out our gallery. 

2. Layer up the neutrals to keep thing stylish and landlord approved

Most landlords allow painting, with the main rule being ‘don’t use dark colors’, so this gorgeous neutral living room will tick that box! The key is to layer your pale shades, that gentle grey on the walls, the oatmeal curtain on the right, the mix of off-whites, they all come together to create a relaxing and stylish living room. Investing in a white sofa like this Söderhamn sleek number will give you a blank canvas that you can add color to in the form of cushions and throws. 

If you love this living room, check our grey living room ideas feature, there's plenty more where this came from!

3. Pick ladder style storage to save drilling into walls

These slimline Vilto storage units are worth their weight in gold! They fit into the smallest of spaces which is always a bonus, there are five shelves and you can take them with you when you move - freestanding furniture is the best option for renters! We love them as bathroom storage too, who couldn’t fill two of these beauts with toiletries and towels? 

4. Switch out your shades 

One thing you can do when you are renting is change every lampshade! Statement lighting is one sure-fire way to create a striking focal point in any room and with natural materials being a big trend why not team the two? Ikea’s rustic Torared seagrass design will give a warming diffused glow in your bedroom and cast decorative shadows - you could even hang two at different heights for dramatic effect! 

5. Make the most of vertical space

With more of us working from home than ever, it’s worth finding yourself a small nook that you can pop a desk like Ikea’s Tommaryd into instead of sharing a living room or bedroom space. Most landlords do allow shelving as long as you fill in any holes before you leave, so make the most of it and go up to the ceiling - we can never have too much storage right? The Bergshult/Ramshult wall shelf has one beveled and one smooth edge along the side so you can choose which side you want to face the room, depending on your style - what a genius idea!