Renting in Mumbai? Your guide to budget-friendly home decor

Living in Mumbai, even if it is on rent, isn't anything less than a dream. The city is home to many outstation bachelors who land in Mumbai with dreams as big as the magnificence of the city, be it for career or educational purposes.

It is known to all that Mumbai is the most expensive city in India to live in. The cost of rent in the city is unimaginable. In such a case, emptying the pocket further on decorating a rented home in Mumbai seems unwise.

"Many bachelors living in Mumbai are often unfamiliar with budget-friendly markets offering home decor items. Additionally, there's uncertainty about what decor is permissible for use according to their landlord's rules. Further, with high rental costs and the priority to save money in the early days, navigating affordable and suitable decor options becomes a bit challenging for all the young individuals living away from home," says Gaurav Patil, interior designer, and founder, InterioPiz.
"Most bachelors in Mumbai also prefer to keep the home simple, as they often move around. Carrying heavy decor to every rented house isn't ideal. Additionally, the transient nature of rentals discourages heavy investments in decor," adds Latika Khatri, founder and CEO, Serenity Design Studio.

Adding to this, Krsnaa Mehta from India Circus (Godrej Venture) states, "Most bachelors don't have enough time to decorate their homes. Plus the thought that the property is not their home can also keep them from investing more into this."

However, living in an unfurnished house can make you miss home more, making decorating a rented flat necessary. If you have been thinking about giving your pale and dull living space a fresh twist, we have experts sharing decor ideas that will help you transform your home without burning a hole in your pocket.

Home decor items to bring into your rented flat
Mehta and Patil share a long list of house decor items that bachelors can use:

Wall art: Bachelors can use old photo frames, posters, and maps that hold personal significance. Instead of drilling a hole you can use glue drops or double-tape which also makes the process quicker and hassle-free.

Personalised carpet: You can design your carpet by decorating/ painting a simple plain carpet, this will also give a personal touch without burning the pocket.

Multifunctional furniture: Instead of investing in basic furniture you can opt for multifunctional furniture like a convertible sofa that can be used as a bed. Pick the one that comes with a storage unit. Use foldable chairs, and a coffee table that comes with a storage shelf where all the things that are not in regular use can be stored.

Pillows and blankets: Bachelors can use inexpensive throw pillows and blankets to give a hint of colour making the sitting area interesting and according to their taste and style.

Fairy lights: Fairy lights are very affordable and can add warmth making the atmosphere cosy. You can decorate the living area with these lights or drape them over the curtains to create a dreamy effect.

Plants: Indoor plants like Snake plant, Money plant, and Dracaena sanderiana, also known as Lucky bamboo, require very low maintenance. These plants are perfect for bachelors who want to add a natural touch.

Curtains: Curtains can be useful for privacy and to keep sunlight away whenever required. There are many affordable options and styles available online that can be used. Curtains are also the easiest way to transform your house. If your house is painted with light colours, you can opt for pastel-coloured curtains. For walls which are bright-coloured, a lighter tone of the curtain will be subtle and apt. If you are someone who likes being different and the walls are painted with dark and natural colours, you can choose curtains which contrast with the walls.

Wallpapers: For rented houses, painting a wall can be a tremendous task, involving quite a lot of investment and a quick fix to save your money is using wallpapers. You can choose one wall, turn it into an accent wall or cover up all your house with vividly coloured wallpapers. They can be easily installed and taken off too.

Small furniture/decor items: Usually, for rented houses, the lease is over in a year or two. One must keep this in mind and accordingly choose what to bring into the house. The easiest way to design your space is by adding small furniture and tiny figurines, which not only magnify the beauty of your home but are also easy to move. A furniture piece like a small side table next to your bed, is an easy way to grab attention.

Lamps: Lamps are a necessity when it comes to designing a classy interior. Lamps of
any kind, ranging from table lamps, floor lamps or ceiling lamps can be used. The ease of using and moving this decor item makes it a great choice for rented homes. Lamps bring a beautiful blend of luxury and necessity that makes it essential when thinking of decorating your home.

Photo collage: Consider making a photo collage. A photo collage wall with personal polaroids will make the space decorative and also give a personal touch.

Easy ways to acquire these without spending much
According to Khatri, there are multiple ways to ensure you find inexpensive home decor items. He says, "Quality finds don't always have to break the bank." Here is how you can start looking for items that you can easily afford.

1. Research about online marketplaces selling items at affordable rates.
2. Check out thrift stores, explore DIY blogs, attend local flea markets, try budget-friendly decor shops, and repurpose items creatively.
3. Opt for temporary decor like peel-and-stick wallpaper.
4. Consider hand-me-downs from family or friends. Ask either your family or friends to give you some of the home decor items they might have in spare or don't use.

Additionally, Khatri, Patil and Mehta suggest visiting these markets in Mumbai where you can find beautiful home decor items at cheaper rates:

1. Chor Bazar: Here you will find some cheap vintage products and furniture

2. Crawford market: You can find some very unique home decor items, including textiles, fabrics, antiques, lighting, plants, and rugs in this market.

3. Lokhandwala market: This place is known for selling good furniture

4. Colaba Causeway: This is famous for vintage lamps and clocks
Other markets include the Bhuleshwar market, Hill Road in Bandra, and Dadar flower market.

Patil suggests, "Explore the whole market first. Don't rush into buying the first thing you see. Bargain all you can and get yourself the best deal."

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Decorating homes from best-out-of-waste material
If you have a penchant for crafts, there are multiple ways in which you can decorate your space.

1. Since including nature has become an essential part, creating or involving small plants like succulents and the ones that are easy to maintain can enhance the beauty of your home. You can also grow plants potted in used bottles and paint buckets.

2. There are hundreds of ways to recycle old boxes into storage. These boxes can be used to either store clothes or other items that you use regularly.

3. Try transforming wine corks into a bulletin board, repurposing wooden pallets for a coffee table, and creating a wall collage with magazine cutouts.

4. Transform the nostalgia of old newspapers into charming wall art, each piece carrying its own story and history.

5. Breathe new life into used tyres and other recycled materials, making a coffee table out of them that not only serves its purpose but tells a unique tale of reinvention.

6. Give a second life to old fabric by fashioning it into cushion covers, adding a touch of familiarity and warmth to your home.

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Common mistakes to avoid
Khatri says that the common decorating mistakes most bachelors make while designing their spaces are overcrowding the interiors, neglecting lighting, employing mismatched furniture, ignoring personal touches, and underestimating the power of storage solutions. He says, "Keep it simple, coordinated, and functional to avoid common pitfalls."

Further Patil states, "Many landlords allow their tenants to utilise strong double-sided tape and robust glue drops for hanging frames and various items without the hassle of drilling holes." He adds, "You can also opt for removable wallpapers that won't leave any marks or damage on the paint or surface. Over-the-door hooks serve as an excellent solution, allowing for easy hanging of clothes, coats, and accessories without the need for drilling holes. These alternatives provide practical and damage-free ways to personalise and organise living spaces."

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When decorating rented homes, it is essential to treat the belongings provided by the landlord with care, ensuring they remain undamaged. Be cautious about drilling excessive holes, especially in areas with tiles. Promptly address any leaks or electrical issues within the apartment. Be mindful not to make alterations that might disrupt the layout of the house, ensuring a harmonious living space for everyone.