When you move into a shared place, there’s often very little you can do to personalise it. Housemates may not share your taste, and knowing you’ll need to return the room as you found it can make decorating feel like more trouble than it’s worth.
However, there are small ways you can imprint your personality on your living space, especially in your room. I’ll show you how.
Create atmosphere with soft lighting
The main lights in rooms can be somewhat harsh and not conducive to a good night’s sleep. Lighting is one way you can make a big difference and change the atmosphere of your room without it being permanent. Soft lighting instantly makes a room feel calmer and more inviting. I’m talking fairy lights, lamps or soft bulbs.
I wind fairy lights around the headboard of my bed and it’s so relaxing at night time to use them just before bed.
Bring life into the room with plants
If you’ve not got a green thumb, you can always buy faux plants. I find having some greenery in my room really good for my mental health, and I can also buy plants that are to my taste and aesthetic. They’re such an easy way to brighten up any space.
Even one plant can make a space feel more alive.
Layer comfort through textiles
Textiles are one of the easiest ways to make a room feel intentionally yours. Having a throw on your bed or some cushions can really inject a bit of personality into your room, and rugs just make it that little bit more cosy.
The good thing about these is that if you get tired of them you can always pack them away.
Make it personal with photos and small details
I’m not talking about hammering lots of nails into the wall to hang your pictures. I’d never recommend that – it’s one area where people can lose their deposit. However, you can buy command strips to hang your photos with. They’re really strong and don’t leave any marks. Alternatively you can rest pictures against the wall, or print out photos and clip them onto string to wrap around headboards or mirrors.
I find having visual reminders of the people in your life or the places you’ve visited to be really grounding. Or even just a nice piece of artwork that’s to your taste.
Arrange the space around how you actually live
I think rearranging furniture is something that’s often overlooked but it’s a way to really make the space work for you. Even a subtle shift can open up a room and create little nooks for plants or reading. It’s a simple way to take ownership of the space.
In a shared house, your bedroom isn’t just where you sleep, it’s where you reset. Having a really harmonious space where you can relax in peace can really make the chaos of living with others more manageable.
How do you personalise your own space?
