Renting doesn’t mean you have to settle for a bland or impersonal outdoor space. With a few simple tweaks, you can transform a rented garden into a comfortable, inviting area that truly feels like home. From adding personal touches and flexible decor to embracing low-impact design options, here are some top tips to make your rented garden feel uniquely yours.
1. Add Portable Furniture for Flexibility
Furniture can play a huge role in transforming a space, and portable pieces are ideal for a rented garden. Opt for lightweight tables, chairs, and benches that you can easily bring along when you move. Foldable or stackable furniture is also perfect for smaller gardens, allowing you to pack it away when not in use or adapt the layout as you need.
Choose styles that reflect your personal taste, whether it’s bohemian, minimalist, or modern rustic. Outdoor rugs, cushions, and throws in your favourite colours and patterns can add comfort and style, helping you create a cosy spot to relax in.
2. Bring Colour with Potted Plants and Containers
Potted plants are perfect for rented gardens as they’re both flexible and portable. Choose a mix of colourful blooms, greenery, and even small trees in pots to add vibrancy and texture. Containers give you the freedom to experiment with different plants, and they’re easy to rearrange whenever you want a fresh look.
Consider using a mix of pot styles, like terracotta, ceramic, and woven baskets, to add character to your garden. Herbs like rosemary, mint, and basil not only add fragrance but are also handy for cooking, while potted flowers such as lavender and petunias provide bursts of colour.
3. Use Vertical Space to Maximise Greenery
If you’re short on ground space or simply want to add more interest, use vertical solutions to maximise greenery. Wall planters, hanging baskets, and trellises are renter-friendly options that can bring a garden to life. You could even install a small vertical herb garden, which adds a practical touch as well as visual interest.
To keep things flexible, use removable hooks or free-standing trellis frames. Vertical planters with cascading flowers or trailing vines like ivy or nasturtiums can also add privacy and make the space feel lush and inviting.
4. Incorporate Outdoor Lighting for Ambience
Outdoor lighting is a quick way to make a rented garden feel warm and homely. Opt for battery-operated or solar-powered lights that don’t require permanent installation. String lights, fairy lights, and lanterns are all great options to create a magical, cosy atmosphere that’s perfect for evenings outdoors.
Drape string lights along fences, hang lanterns from tree branches, or place solar-powered lights along pathways to brighten up the space. Candles and LED flameless candles can also add a soft, welcoming glow, perfect for relaxing summer evenings.
5. Lay Down an Outdoor Rug for a Personal Touch
An outdoor rug can instantly bring comfort and style to a rented garden. Choose a weather-resistant rug that can withstand the elements and reflects your personality through colours and patterns. Rugs can help define different areas in your garden, such as a dining zone or lounging space, and make it feel like an extension of your indoor living area.
Placing a rug under a seating arrangement can add a homely touch and help ground the space, creating a cosy, laid-back area where you can unwind or entertain guests.
6. Add Privacy with Temporary Screens and Planters
Privacy can be a concern in rented gardens, but there are easy ways to add seclusion without making permanent changes. Decorative screens, trellises with climbing plants, and tall planters can all create a sense of enclosure. Look for freestanding screens or easy-to-move items that can be placed along the edge of your garden or near seating areas to create privacy.
Tall potted plants like bamboo, ferns, or grasses are natural screens that add height and a lush feel without the need for any installation. If you want a more structured look, try portable bamboo or lattice screens that you can move around as needed.
7. Personalise with Garden Decor
Inject your personality into your garden with decor pieces that add charm and style. From lanterns and garden statues to wind chimes and decorative stones, there are plenty of ways to add character to your rented garden. Choose items that reflect your tastes and can be easily packed up when it’s time to move.
Mirrors are a stylish way to add depth and light to small gardens. Place one against a wall or fence to make the space feel bigger, and go for a rustic or vintage frame for added flair. Garden ornaments, colourful ceramics, and even outdoor art pieces can give your rented garden a unique and personal touch.
8. Set Up a Small Dining Area
Nothing says “home” quite like a dedicated dining space, even if it’s just a small bistro set or a compact table and chairs. A simple outdoor dining area can make your garden feel more like an extension of your home, perfect for morning coffees, alfresco lunches, or summer evening meals.
To make the dining area inviting, add comfortable seat cushions, a tablecloth, and maybe a small flower arrangement or herb pot for a homely touch. Choose foldable furniture if space is limited or if you need something that’s easy to move.
9. Embrace Outdoor Storage Solutions
Rented gardens often lack built-in storage, so it can be helpful to add your own practical solutions. Consider using stylish storage boxes or benches with built-in storage to keep garden essentials like cushions, tools, and outdoor decor neatly tucked away. Stackable storage crates or woven baskets can also double as decor, blending functionality with style.
Portable shelving units are another handy option that can display potted plants, candles, and other small items while keeping your garden organised. Not only does storage help keep the garden tidy, but it also makes it feel more established and functional.
10. Use Temporary Features to Experiment with Style
The beauty of renting is that it gives you a chance to experiment with different styles and layouts without a long-term commitment. Take advantage of this by trying temporary features like modular furniture, movable decor, or seasonal plants. You could even set up a small fire pit, an outdoor bar cart, or a hammock if the space allows, to make your rented garden feel more personal and special.
Removable decals, freestanding shelves, and versatile pieces of furniture let you play with different looks and adapt the garden to suit your mood or the season.
Final Thoughts
Creating a homely and personalised garden in a rented property is entirely possible with the right approach. By using portable furniture, potted plants, and renter-friendly decor, you can make your garden feel like an extension of your living space. Embrace flexibility and experiment with different touches that reflect your style, transforming your rented garden into a true sanctuary that feels just like home.