Designing a nursery when you’re renting can feel like being asked to build a dream house out of jelly. You’ve got vision. You’ve got Pinterest boards. You might even have a sleeping baby on the way. But the landlord says no painting, no drilling, no fun. So, what can you actually do?
Loads, as it turns out. With a little creativity—and some surprisingly stylish, removable hacks—you can turn even the plainest rental room into a warm, personal space your baby (and your deposit) will love.
Here are five simple, affordable, renter-friendly nursery upgrades that’ll help you create a gorgeous, comforting environment without falling foul of the tenancy agreement.
1. Vinyl Wrap Your Furniture: Instant Glow-Up, Zero Damage
Let’s start with the MVP of renter-safe makeovers: vinyl wrap.
While vinyl wraps are commonly seen in kitchens and on worktops, they’re currently experiencing a significant surge in popularity for nursery makeovers. It’s the perfect solution for upcycling tired furniture into playful, theme-matching pieces. Imagine jungle-themed drawer fronts, pastel rainbow wardrobes, or even faux wood changing tables—all achievable without a single brushstroke or screw.
Why it’s great for renters:
Vinyl wrap is peel-and-stick, totally removable, and leaves no residue. So when you move out, it comes off clean—no repainting or filling in needed.
Where to get it:
UK-based site Decorwrap has a full Kids & Nursery Vinyl Wrap section designed just for this purpose. Their wraps are wipe-clean, durable, and come in child-friendly prints like rainbows, clouds, animals and pastel tones. Great for covering IKEA furniture, charity shop finds, or even the back of bookcases for a pop of colour.
Budget tip:
One roll goes surprisingly far—wrap drawer fronts, toy chests, wall panels, or even skirting boards. A £10 wrap can completely transform the room.
2. Command Hooks, Shelves & Picture Ledges
No drills allowed in your rental? No problem! You can still create a charming and functional nursery without a single hole in the wall. Command strips, hooks, and floating ledges are your secret weapons for temporary wall décor and essential storage.
Use adhesive strips to hang:
- Floating bookshelves for bedtime stories
- Peg rails for dressing gowns and sleepsuits
- Lightweight picture frames with sweet prints or baby name art
- Fairy lights or canopies for a cosy glow
Why it works:
Command strips are damage-free and can support more than you’d think (check weight limits). Plus, you can remove or reposition things easily as baby grows.
Pro tip:
If you’re using ledges to display books, angle them slightly using stick-on felt pads—this stops the books from sliding off when tiny hands inevitably get grabby.
3. Peel-and-Stick Wall Decals or Murals
When painting or wallpapering isn’t an option, removable wall decals offer a fantastic alternative, delivering the same visual impact without the long-term commitment. You’ll find a design to match any nursery theme, from woodland animals and space adventures to dinosaurs, florals, and Scandi neutrals.
Where to look:
Etsy, Not On The High Street, and Dunelm often stock UK-based options with nursery-safe materials. Some companies even do custom name decals in pastel fonts or bold lettering.
Why it’s worth it:
One big statement decal behind the cot instantly creates a focal wall—no drilling, no pasting, and no weird sponging techniques required. And if your baby decides they hate foxes next month? Peel it off and switch to hedgehogs. No problem.
4. Renter-Safe Flooring Fixes
If your rented nursery has old carpet, worn lino or just an ugly vibe underfoot, don’t panic or start pulling it up—there are renter-friendly ways to cover it up and soften the space.
Top options:
- Large rugs: Go for low-pile, easy-clean types with anti-slip backing (especially for tummy time).
- Foam play tiles: Great for when baby starts crawling and you need a cushioned surface.
- Vinyl mat rolls: These can go under cots or nursing chairs and are wipeable—plus you can cut them to size and roll them up when moving.
Pro tip:
Choose rugs or mats with rounded corners and natural tones to make the space feel bigger and calmer, even if the room is small.
5. Add Texture and Softness (Without Altering Anything)
Texture is the secret ingredient that turns “temporary setup” into “cosy sanctuary.” Without changing the bones of the room, you can bring in softness and warmth with textiles and moveable pieces.
Try this:
- Sheer curtains hung on a tension rod (no screws needed)
- Muslin canopies or drapes for reading corners
- Floor cushions or pouffes for feeding time or chill-outs
- Baskets and woven storage for blankets and toys
Why it matters:
Texture helps babies feel calm and safe. It also distracts from the blank, rental-y bits of the room (like ugly radiators or plain walls you can’t paint).
Bonus hack:
Even a simple nursing chair looks designer with a soft throw and a cute cushion. Wrap the footstool in nursery vinyl to match your theme for a final flourish.
Quickfire Tips: Designing a Renter-Safe Nursery Without Losing Your Mind
✅ Start with furniture – Wrap it, move it, reuse it
✅ Keep everything modular – You never know when you’ll have to shift it
✅ Stick, don’t screw – If it can’t go up with Command strips, it’s not going up
✅ Layer your design – Flooring + textiles + lighting = big transformation
✅ Stay flexible – Babies change fast. Your room design should too
Yes, landlords can be killjoys. Yes, rental rooms often have magnolia walls and awkward layouts. But none of that means your nursery has to be boring or beige.
With clever tools like vinyl wrap, decals, and renter-safe fixtures, you can create a space that’s beautiful, baby-friendly and 100% temporary.
So whether you’re planning ahead for a summer birth, or giving your little one’s room a refresh before autumn arrives, remember: you don’t need permission (double check though, hey) to add personality. Just a roll of wrap, a vision, and a bit of creative spirit.
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