A small rented room does not have to feel cramped and cluttered. The most important rule is do not damage the landlord’s walls, floors or fittings, so you get your full deposit back when you move out. This post suggests how to divide the space into zones and lists solutions that need no drilling.
Divide the room into zones
- Sleeping area: place it near the window and away from the door; use a bed with drawers or a folding mattress if needed.
- Work area: a folding desk or a hanging desk, placed where there is natural light.
- Kitchen area: keep pots, bowls and spices together on one standing shelf instead of spreading them around the room.
- Laundry area: a folding drying rack on the balcony or near the window, put away when not in use.
Solutions that need no drilling
- Removable heavy-duty adhesive hooks that leave no marks.
- Standing shelves and multi-tier shelves leaning against the wall instead of wall-mounted shelves.
- Over-the-toilet shelves or shelves beside the sink in the bathroom.
- Tension rods (held in place by pressure) for curtains or clothes.
- Storage boxes under the bed.
- Over-the-door hooks for hats, bags and towels.
Before you stick anything on a wall, ask the landlord and test it in a hidden corner. Some paints can peel off when you remove the adhesive.
Light and curtains
- Choose light-coloured, thin curtains that let light in while keeping your privacy.
- Use desk lamps or plug-in lamps instead of running new wiring.
- A large mirror leaning against the wall makes the room look bigger.
What to buy first, what to wait for
- Buy first: lamps, an extension lead with a switch, adhesive hooks, storage boxes.
- Wait a few weeks: large furniture, until you understand how you actually use the room.
- Consider second-hand or folding items, which are easier to resell or take with you when you move.
Frequently asked questions
What should I buy first for a 15 m² room?
Prioritise multi-tier storage and folding items: a standing shelf, under-bed boxes, a folding desk.
Can sticking things on the wall cost me my deposit?
It can, if the adhesive peels the paint or leaves marks. Ask the landlord first and test in a hidden corner.
See also: rental viewing checklist, rent prices by area.