How to Decorate a Rented Spare Room in a Shared House to Feel Like Home in 2024

Photo by Elina Sazonova.

The Reality of Shared Living

With the rising cost of living and affordability of home ownership decreasing, it's becoming more common for people of all ages to turn to living shared houses or spare rooms, rather than renting on their own.

In the last 12 months, average rents have increased increased to £1,310 (8.6%) in England, £743 (8.2%) in Wales, and £959 (8.4%) in Scotland (Office for National Statistics.)

Shared living is not just for students or twenty-somethings anymore. As a 37-year-old single woman who can't yet afford to buy a home on my own, I'm now considering this option again.

Right now, I rent a one-bedroom flat by myself. I love having my own space, but with mounting bills and the challenges of being newly self-employed, saving for a deposit and getting a mortgage feels impossible. So, I'm thinking about going back to shared living life again to give myself a bit of breathing space.

Embracing Shared Living in Your 30s

I'm trying not to see moving back into a shared space as a step backward, more a side step so I can eventually move forward, as it feels impossible to do that in my current situation.

Also, the good news is that sharing a home with others, even as we get older, is much more common now. I'm hopeful that I'll find other women in a similar situation, which would make it much more comfortable. Even though it feels daunting to share again after living alone, I've had great experiences in shared houses before too and made some of my closest friends that way.

Discovering a Passion for Art Prints

In fact, it was during a shared living situation in September 2019 that I discovered my love for art prints. I met and moved in with a stranger through spareroom.co.uk, who quickly became a good friend. The flat was unfurnished and her previous flatmate had taken most of the furniture, so we had a blank canvas to decorate. My room was also a blank slate.

I had never really bothered with art prints before, so I turned to Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration. I hadn't thought much about décor style until then either, but realised I was more of a boho and eclectic girl. I also used pinterest and Instagram to research artists I liked and created moodboards from what I liked online.

By mixing art prints with family photos, I managed to add my own personality to my walls. Little did I know that I'd be spending a lot of time in that room over the next year, so I was so grateful I had turned it from just an okay space into a room that was a sanctuary during a tough time.

This experience kick-started my love for art prints, which I carried into my next home—a rented flat where I finally created the gallery wall I had always dreamed of. I became obsessed with finding artists and prints I loved. Not having enough wall space for all my finds gave me the idea to showcase them in an online gallery, which led to the creation of Skudabo.

The Reality of Renting

Renting a room often isn't shown on home décor brands or Instagram because it's not considered "aspirational." But it's a realistic view of how many people, especially women, are living now.

We work hard and want to socialise and go on adventures at weekends, so it's important to have a space that feels like our own, whether it's rented or owned, a room or a whole house or flat, to come back to.

Whether you a thirty or twenty something single, or a student, and wondering how to make a shared room feel like your own, here are some tips to help you achieve that:

Explore Pinterest

Build a board that resonates with you. It’s a great way to figure out your décor style and colour preferences.

I’m obsessed with pink velvet sofas, so I often search for how others have styled these and try to apply that to whatever room I'm decorating.

If you’re dreaming of your own place eventually, start a dream house board too. Manifest your future home and create a mini version in your current room. Plus, when you do move to your dream house, you can repurpose what you’ve already bought.

Add Art Prints, Wall Art & Posters

Man with Flowers Art print from £10

Many landlords don’t allow you to paint or wallpaper your walls, so art prints and posters are perfect for combating those bland magnolia walls. A large statement print or a gallery wall can add heaps of personality to a room.

Worried about damaging the walls? Use command strips to hang your prints, or simply lean them against the wall on shelves, bookcase, a bedside table, or your desk.

Not sure what art prints to pick? Think of happy memories—like a holiday you want to be reminded of every day. I found a Morrocan travel print to hang on my wall as it reminded me of my first solo holiday.

Also, check that Pinterest board for themes, art styles, or décor vibes you've most liked. At Skudaboo, our art prints are curated into collections, like into themes, rooms and décor style, to make it easier for you to find the perfect one.

Make the Most of Your Duvet

 

Red Floral Lady Art Print, Reflective Woman Art Print, Spring Tulips Art Print from £10

Your bed is likely the biggest item in your room, so a lovely, colourful duvet cover can make a huge difference. Stripes, florals, checks—the possibilities are endless.

Want to step it up? Add a blanket or matching coloured fitted sheets. It’ll make your bed look inviting and put-together (nothing says you have your shi*t together like matching fitted sheets!) It'll also give your bed a luxurious feel that'll make you eager to crawl into bed at the end of a hard day.

Think About Lighting

Pink Valley Art Print from £10

Have you seen the trend - “I don’t have many rules for my house, but I do have one: never, ever, ever use the big light”? Many resonate with this because well-placed lamps and layered lighting, instead of relying on the main ceiling light, can make a space feel much cosier and more inviting.

Dotting a few lamps around your rented room in a shared house will achieve just that. Opt for lamps with warm, soft lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere. Consider using fairy lights or LED strips too for additional ambiance.

Adding timed plugs to your lamps ensures your lights come on when you’re ready for bed or when you come home. This is perfect for the winter months, making your room even more inviting!

Fill It with Plants

Bring your room to life with plants or a vase of flowers. Some plants are even known to improve sleep quality, so do a bit of research. Plants brighten up a room and are great stress relievers, making your space not only look better but feel better too.

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Does any of this resonate with you? What’s your living situation - are you still sharing in your thirties? Let me know below and share any tips you have too!