11 Renter-Friendly Decor Tricks That Will Take Your Home Up a Notch

When you’re living that #rentallife, the decor restraints can feel suffocating. You can’t drill holes, hang wallpaper, paint, swap light fixtures — the list goes on. And while there are tons of great small space hacks on the internet, sometimes you need to look at the bigger picture in terms of what you can do without cutting into that rental deposit. Scroll on for 11 ideas that are sure to spark your imagination and open your eyes to all kinds of possibilities in your soon-to-be fabulous rental.

1. Washi Tape Wallpaper: Create your own pattern and design with a few rolls of tape. Stripes are a classic, but you could also do plaid or polka dots — the sky’s the limit! (via Ann Kelle)

2. Bloomingdale’s Banana Leaf Removable Wallpaper ($55): Removable wallpaper is the best invention since sliced bread. Find a pattern that fits your vibe and start sticking (just make sure to line up the patterns and seams).

3. Clothing Rack: You can’t go wrong with a clothing rack when your rental has little or no closet space. Find one with a shelf so that you can also display your shoe obsession and a purse or two. (via One King’s Lane)

4. Wire Metal Kitchen Shelving: Rental kitchens are typically lackluster and only have a tiny amount of cupboard storage. To keep things organized, a simple wire shelving unit can be styled any which way. (via Better Homes and Gardens)

5. Basket Pendant Light DIY: You can buy all the lamps you want, but ceiling lights usually require wiring, which isn’t your landlord’s fave. With a pendant light and a basket, you can whip up a show-stopping fixture for your dining room or living room. (via Emily Henderson)

6. Fabric Wallpaper: Another great option for disguising ugly walls is fabric and liquid starch. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to self-adhesive wallpapers, and you aren’t limited to existing patterns since you can paint the fabric or create your own look before applying it. (via Brit + Co)

7. Hanging Plant Storage: Your digs shouldn’t hinder your love of all things green and leafy. Use a tension rod to hang your plants where space and lighting permit, like above your sink or in a window frame. (via Plan B)

8. Removable Wallpaper Fridge Wrap: Say goodbye to stained white appliances by covering ’em in temporary wallpaper or contact paper to add a little razzle dazzle. The only tricky part will be matching the color to the rest of your setup. (via Aunt Peaches)

9. Removable Stairway Runner: Totally transform your staircase with a runner and some well-placed double-sided carpet tape. You can hide years of steps and dirt with a nice rug, and the best part is that you can take it with you when you move. (via PMQ for Two)

10. Wallpaper Fireplace Cover: You scored big with a fireplace and mantel, but if it doesn’t work you’re left with a gaping hole in your living room. Cut some particle board and cover it with wallpaper for a chic upgrade. And feel free to go crazy (read: spendy) with the pattern since it’s such a small area. (via The Hunted Interior)

11. Washi Tape Closet Door Details: The bi-fold doors in your place will look custom AF once you add gold details with tape. This gilded DIY will turn your room into a glam retreat that rivals the fanciest hotels. (via Melodrama)

Looking for more renter-friendly decor and styling tips? Follow us on Pinterest for more home decor inspo.

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Lounging on a sectional sofa makes reading a book and Netflix binges all the more cozy. But sometimes a small space doesn't have the square footage to accommodate a sofa and chaise, and fears of Ross's pivot scene in Friends (still cracks me up) start to creep up. Not to worry, though. We've rounded up sleek sectional sofas that don't take up too much space, provide tons of comfort, and look stylish to boot. Sit back, relax, and scroll for the comfiest couch made for you.

Anthropologie Kori Modular Armless Sofa ($1,119)

Great way to save space? Lose the arms! With this comfortable modular sofa you can do just that. We are digging this clay color too.

Kohl's 4-seat Linen Sectional With 3 Pillows

This small-space friendly sectional is all the comfort you need, from comfy linen fabric cushions to throw pillows you can lean back on through any Netflix binge session.

Castlery Jonathan Left Chaise ($1,079)

This well-made, modular chaise sectional can be moved around to suit your space -- and it's so comfy!

LEISLAND Modern Sectional ($499)

Pet-friendly chenille fabric in a sunny yellow will cheer up any small space. Two arm cushions make it extra cozy.

Albany Park Kova Sofa + Ottoman ($1,729)

Get sucked in for all your movie nights with this deep and cozy, cloud-soft sofa. The ottoman provides extra storage too!

Living Spaces Emery Chiffon Sofa With Reversible Chaise ($495)

This affordable sectional seats three comfortably and gives you the option to move your chaise from left to right and vice versa (the extension below the chair cushion is detached). Available with an optional storage ottoman too.

Novogratz Magnolia Sectional ($620)

This small space sectional sofa with reversible chaise has what's called a slender mailbox arm that maximizes seating space. Extra throw pillows included!

Modway Revive Modern Upholstered Right or Left Sectional ($521)

Clean lines with mid-century vibes make this sleek sofa in a rich jewel tone an easy fit for your snug space.

UO Modular Velvet Sofa ($479+)

Available in a bunch of candy-colored hues, this velvet sofa is super versatile, featuring three separate pieces that you can arrange to suit your space.

Ami Sun Sofa With Reversible Chaise ($595)

Soft, suede-like fabric make this reversible chaise sofa an elegant addition to any small space, from living room to office.

Geo 2-Piece Vegan Leather Sectional ($1,070)

This sleek silhouette, reversible sofa and chaise is made in vegan leather upholstery that's super easy to clean.

World Market Camile Velvet Right Facing Sectional Sofa ($1,700)

Available in three colors, this velvety sectional features a loveseat and a chaise, plus deep comfy seats in a stain-resistant fabric!

All Modern 2-Piece Reversible Chaise Sectional ($1,000)

This space-conscious sofa doesn’t overwhelm a room and it's upholstery stands up to sun and spills, win-win!

Etta Avenue Chella Upholstered Sectional ($1,000)

This black velvet chaise lounge has a bit of Old Hollywood vibes. It's reversible and has a unique tufted feature on the back rest. Two round pillows included — score!

Eafurn Convertible Modular Sectional Sofa ($579)

This modular sofar is easy to assemble, super affordable, and comes in a soft corduroy upholstery.

West Elm Oliver 2-Piece Chaise Sectional ($999)

West Elm has great sofas and this one is totally affordable and small-space-friendly at just under 80 inches wide.

Nathanel Sofa and Chaise in Ginger ($880)

Corduroy upholstery make this ginger-colored sofa all the more cozy.

IKEA FRIHETEN Sectional ($899)

This convertible sleeper sofa is great for studio dwellers and comes with built-in storage to boot.

Burrow Field 3-Piece Sectional Lounger ($1,490)

This compact, two-seater with chaise has deep seats, plush cushions, and comes with an ottoman (you can also add seating as you grow into a larger space).

Mario Capasa Feathers Sectional ($1,500)

This washable sectional is water-resistant and stain-resistant and the feather-and-fiber blend batting make it so cozy.

Wayfair Tufted Modular Sofa With Memory Foam ($1,400)

You can move these extremely cozy and lounge-y seats around to your liking to fit your space. Try a square!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Albany Park

If there’s one thing about the weather outside warming up, it’s that it has us itching to wear all white and only white. Because of the “no white before Memorial Day or after Labor Day '' rule that was put into place who knows how long ago by we don't-know-who, the color doesn’t get a lot of love during the winter months, but wearing all white is SUCH a vibe. However, thanks to this rule, all-white ensembles are always reminiscent of long summer days that lead into long summer nights.

In fact, wearing all white is such a striking fashion moment that ‘white parties’ have become a popularized summer event thanks to mentions in the media like Gossip Girl’s acclaimed Hamptons white party, or RHOBH’s Kyle Richards’ annual ivory-only summer soiree. Even if you aren’t a part of New York’s elite or a housewife in Beverly Hills, that doesn’t mean that you can’t partake in this seasonal trend, too.

Flowy dresses, linen sets, eyelet details, and delicate cuts all bring so much versatility to the soft colorway that is white. If you’re feeling inspired to host your own white party this summer, or if you already have a few on your calendar to attend, find our top apparel selects that fit the theme below.

Shop White Party Outfits Here!

H&M Linen Blended Pants

These pants are so effortlessly cool, both literally and figuratively. The wide legs, oversized back pockets, and low waist keep them on-trend, while the breathable linen fabric makes them perfect for hotter temps. Not to mention, they’ll pair easily with just about every top that’s already in your closet.

Sabo Skirt Marita Dress

Want to know how to look super chic with minimal effort? This delicate maxi dress is your answer. The dramatic ankle length of this dress makes it an obvious choice for nighttime white parties, but the playful back cut-out and tie maintain the youthful energy that comes out in all of us during the summer.

Current Air Cara Sleeveless Pleated Mini Dress

If you are as obsessed with tenniscore as we are following the premiere of the Challengers movie, then this mini dress is the white party ‘fit for you! The drop waist and subtle ruffled collar detail make it feel like it could be worn court-side if the party you’re attending happens to have a net and a few extra rackets handy; you’ll be sure to channel your inner Zendaya in this piece.

Diarrablu Satu Dress

Caftan dresses are the best for keeping you cool while still making you look majestic af. This one-shoulder shift dress has gorgeous details including monochrome appliques and a scalloped slit that sits beautifully on all body types. Available in a size range of XS to 3XL, it beautifully fuses elegance and comfort for a timeless look that transitions seamlessly from season to season.

Cupshe Ivory Textured Square Neck Lace-Up One-Piece

If your white party doubles as a pool party, then showing up in an ivory one-piece is a must. The full coverage bum will keep you feeling secure, while the lace-up back invites an element of edginess to this modern take on a classic bathing suit.

Showpo Tommy Two Piece Set

If I were to go to a white party this summer (read: someone please invite me to your white party this summer), then I’d wear this matching set. I love that it comes off as fashionable thanks to the on-trend sheer element and flattering fabric composition while feeling as comfortable as pajamas.

Praerie Margaret Dress

This high-low dress is simply stunning. With a square neck, romantic floral design, and puff sleeves, the Margaret dress is playful yet sophisticated and can be dressed down for lunchtime get-togethers, or styled more formally for evening events.

Petite Plume Women's Silk Pajama Set

Once the party is over and you’re ready to slip into something a bit more comfortable, this milky white set made from 100% mulberry silk will make you feel beyond luxe. The quintessential, timeless silhouette is sure to turn heads, so much so that if you throw this set on while your guests are still present, they’ll get the subtle hint that it’s time for them to go home; only after they ask where your set is from.

Abercrombie Curve Love A&F Sloane Tailored Short

Look and feel posh in a pair of tailored shorts if a dress just isn’t your thing. Abercrombie’s pleated highrise shorts bring an element of functionality to white party dressing. These shorts feature front and back pockets for your trinkets, belt loops that provide the opportunity for accessorizing, and a partially elasticated waistband offers extra comfort.

Pistola Grover Short Sleeve Field Suit

This jumpsuit is giving stylish mechanic, and we’re totally here for it. The all-white colorway offers an elevated, yet essential appeal to this all-in-one outfit. To make it feel a bit more feminine, pop the collar, roll up the pant legs, add some kitten heels, and as many accessories as you can handle.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Praerie

The unofficial start to summer, AKA Memorial Day, is approaching and we are so ready for it. Our backyards and outdoor spaces, following months of rainy, cold winter? Not so much. Thankfully, while we're hosting friends for BBQs and beach days, IKEA is hosting a sale of up to 40 percent off on outdoor furniture, lighting, storage, sofas, kid stuff, even meatballs, now through May 29. Sign us up! Here's what we're eyeing for the big day and beyond.

BONDHOLMEN Armchair (was $170, now $102)

Come and stay awhile. We'll be loading up on these comfy and roomy armchairs made from durable eucalyptus in a soft gray color, perfect for lounging with a summer cocktail.

BONDHOLMEN Table (was $429, now $257)

If you've got the room, enjoy al fresco meals at this gray outdoor table (also made in eucalyptus wood), which seats 6 comfortably at about 92 inches long.

RUNNEN Decking (was $40, now $25 per 8.719 sq feet)

Score 20 percent off outdoor flooring, from these wood stained tiles available in acacia, cream and black, to artificial grass. These tiles are easy to install (just click the pieces together) and upgrade your balcony or deck in an instant.

SJÄLLAND Armchair (was $95, now $57)

You can never have too many outdoor chairs. These garden chairs made with aluminum and hardwood stack up nicely and can double up as dining or lounge chairs. They don't come with cushions, so you'll wanna add those yourself!

SOMMARLÅNKE LED Decorative Light (was $5, now $4)

This battery-powered LED light gives off some glow for nighttime hangs, and at this price you can grab a few!

BACKSÄLEN Sofa (was $679, now $499)

Now is a good time to invest in a new sofa, and this comfy one is available in natural, white, and black. We especially love this couch because you can easily remove the cushion covers and keep clean and fresh for years to come.

NÄMMARÖ Chair (was $55, now $44)

Grab a few of these foldable wood chairs for indoor or outdoor entertaining. They're great for extra seating when you have extra guests, and they stow away easily for quieter evenings. For quieter mornings, use them for balcony breakfasts while you sip and read.

NÄMMARÖReclining Chair (was $85, on sale $65)

Great for reading or sunning, this reclining chair brings the comfort of your living room to your balcony, terrace, or garden.

SOMMARLÅNKE LED Decorative Table Lamp (was $11, now $10)

The built-in timer on this Mason-jar-like lamp automatically turns on when the sun sets, spreading a cool reflections across your table.

ENHET High Cabinet ($158, now $131)

Our bathroom could use a summer spruce up too, and could definitely use some more storage please. This cabinet takes up vertical space without hogging too much floor space. It has plenty of space to stow your everything away, making your powder room perfectly ready for your next summer soiree.

MAMMUT Children's Chair (was $18, now $15)

These colorful and easy-to-clean chairs are great for kids rooms, and you can even move them outdoors for summer play.

MAMMUT Children's Table (was $40, on sale $30)

The MAMMUT kids' table is lightweight so you can move it around easily, plus it's durable enough for outdoors (and your wild ones 😉).

VÄLGRUNDAD Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator (20% off starting May 17)

Looking for a kitchen or fridge upgrade? This stainless steel refrigerator comes with a bottom freezer for more room and easier access, plus adjustable storage bins to allow you to fit bottles of different heights. Also check out the counter-depth STJÄRNSTATUS French door refrigerator with handy filtered water feature. You'll be ready to store all your party goodies in no time!

The sale is going on now, but if you want to head over Memorial Day weekend you'll get a coupon for up to $40 off the Swedish Restaurant to save on same-day purchases of $150 or more. (Also, 20 percent off KAFFEREP cinnamon buns, mmm mmm!)

Are you home-sprucing these days? Check us out on Pinterest for more home favorites, plus decor hacks to upgrade your home!

Header image via IKEA

A 5K is a 3.12 mile race, and it's one of the most popular distances around the world for hobby joggers and elite athletes alike. Unlike a half marathon or full marathon, the 5K leaves you feeling tired, but able to actually walk afterwards — and with the same sense of accomplishment. Some seasoned runners may look down on the 5K, but I'm here to tell you that it's no small feat. In fact, in my 14 years of competitive running, the 5K was my main focus for 12 years.

If you're looking to run your first 5K and have no background in cardio or endurance sports, a simple google search for “beginner 5k workouts” will lead you to dozens of workout plans. While I have coached true beginners, my coaching specialty is with more intermedia runners, or runners trying to run their fastest 5K. You don't have to be a standout athlete or elite runner to set goals, and there are some simple steps everyone can take to get faster. Heres how to train for a 5K race, the Paxton way.

Photo by RF._.studio/PEXELS

The first step to bettering your 5K is to pick a race and sign up for it — most cities have a few 5K to choose from each weekend, so there should be plenty to choose from. Having a race on the calendar ensures you won’t skip out on your training. I recommend giving yourself 8-10 weeks to properly train.

The best 5K training plans, in my opinion, include 4-5 days of running a week. Every week should include:

  • One or two speed workouts
  • A few easy jogs
  • A long run

You should never run hard or fast two days in a row — easy jogging and rest between speed workouts are both essential for rebuilding muscles damaged with hard workouts. Here's how each of the three main training workouts should go.

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

Speed Workouts

Every speed workout should begin with a 5-10 minute jogging warm up and a 5-10 minute jog/walk cooldown. This will help ensure you do not pull or strain any muscles.

The actual "speed" part of speed workouts can go one of two ways:

  • Run 2-3 minutes at a harder 7 out of 10 effort, with a standing or walking rest of 2-3 minutes between each push.
  • Run 6-8 repeats of a steep hill for 45-60 seconds in length with a walk back down, before repeating again.
Note: These are not sprint workouts, and you should never push yourself so hard that you're lying on the ground gasping for air afterwards.

Easy Jogs

Easy jogs should be kept at a conversational pace, so this would be a good time to grab your girlfriend or hop on the phone if you want some company. The best jogs should be about 2-3 miles in length, or 20-35 minutes in duration.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio/PEXELS

Long Runs

Long runs are arguably the most important workout of the week, and anyone trying to better their 5K time should make sure to include them in their training plan. Like the name suggests, a long run should be your longest run of the week. Your longest run can be anywhere from three miles at the beginning of the plan to 12 miles if you're an experienced and seasoned vet. I recommend starting with 3 miles at the beginning of your 8-10 week plan and working your way up to 5-8 miles by the end. You should do this by adding one half to a full mile each week. Although it may sound silly to run 8 miles in order to run a 3.1 mile race, this will help build your endurance more than any of your other weekly runs. Having endurance will make the race seem easier, and I can guarantee you'll pass people left and right in your final mile.

Note: You should also have at least 10 days between your longest long run and your 5k race so that you can feel as fresh as possible on race day.

Photo by Blue Bird/PEXELS

The most important thing to remember on race day is to not go out too fast. If you sprint the first mile, the rest of the race will be miserable. Race day adrenaline will make you jittery and willing to sprint at the start, but working on controlling that will ensure a better race experience. Try to make your second and third mile faster than your first and give it all in the last .1 mile. After you’re done, soak in the race day atmosphere and grab a free banana! Don’t forget that the post race pain is temporary and remember not to sign up for another race while on an endorphin high!

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Header image by Ashvin Praveen/Dupe

Anne Hathaway — you know, the Queen of Genovia herself — just officially joined TikTok, and it's so Mia Thermopolis-coded. We've already been lucky enough to witness her fun and flirty press tour for The Idea of You, where she stars opposite Nicholas Galitzine and says iconic things like "I'm a Scorpio; I know how I am on a Saturday night." Now, she's giving us a glimpse into the last four years of her life from her perspective. Take a look!

Anne Hathaway's First TikTok Post Is Too Perfect

www.tiktok.com

⏰⏰⏰⏰ 😳🫢🫡🤗

While many of us probably don't like to reminisce on 2020 itself (though I do sometimes miss the days of Tiger King and Tiktok being oh-so-new), Anne starts her journey right in the middle of the pandemic. Throughout the video, she gives us a sort of retrospective on her life...very similarly to Mia Thermopolis at the beginning of Princess Diaries 2. (I'll never forgive them for writing Michael out in the intro 😭) Here's what she detailed, with my own commentary on what she's referring to in parentheses. 😘

  • Made a movie about a lockdown in a lockdown (Locked Down)
  • Tapped into my Scorpio energy and became a witch (The Witches)
  • (We)Crashed (starring alongside Jared Leto)
  • (We)Met Again (running into Jared Leto at the Met Gala)
  • Wore pink in Rome (yes, THAT outfit)
  • Wore white in Cannes (the film festival)
  • Emerged from the Venice Canals dripping in Bulgari (yes, that OTHER outfit)
  • Tasted the rainbow (another fab 'fit)
  • CALMA, CALMA, CALMA (all the times she told paps to chill out)
  • Not calma (iconic dancing YAS)
  • Definitely nor calma (more The Witches realness)
  • Met Monique Eastwood (come on, exercise!)
  • Chopped my hair off (french girl bob goodness)
  • JK no I didn't (ok long hair slay)
  • Cried a lot (that's a water sign if I ever saw one)
  • Became besties with Donatella (oh, casual)
  • Gave cupcake eating lessons (this is the only way to actually eat a cupcake, TBH)
  • Got the world to primal scream (it's giving Claire Danes in Fleishman is in Trouble)
  • Went skiing with Moncler (I can barely walk in snow, let alone look good)
  • Kept being this person (HERSELF 🥹)
  • Had a Devil Wears Prada reunion (oh, we KNOW!)
  • Produced The Idea of You — and acted in it (everyone say, "Thank you, Annie!")
  • Went to SXSW (the outfits, again!!!)
  • Premiered The Idea of You in NY (cue 1989)
The video ends with her saying she forgot to join Tiktok — clearly because she was so dang busy with everything else! Needless to say, if this is the kind of content she's serving, I'm so in! (Especially if it ever entails showing off Princess Diaries 3updates!!!!!)

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Header image by Cindy Ord/Getty Images