Maximize your space and improve the workflow by creating a more functional space.If there’s one thing rentals are always short on, it is space, making it easier for clutter to take over and hamper your room’s efficiency.

So if you’re tired of going around improperly positioned furniture, or running into that table that’s too close to the wall, keep reading.

We’ll explore how multifunctional furniture can improve your living room’s functionality, and share some tips on building an efficient space that doesn’t make your landlord angry.

What is Multifunctional Furniture?

As the name implies, multifunctional furniture is simply pieces with multiple purposes. They can serve different needs at the same time, which makes them ideal for rentals with small living rooms or renters that need more space.

For example, while browsing online or watching home improvement shows, you may have seen sofas you can easily convert to beds, or coffee tables that open up to reveal more storage space.

As a result, renters often opt for these fittings because their improved utility makes them a great addition to improve your living room’s functionality.

Building a Functional Living Room for Renters

Mind the Layout and Flow

Prioritize your room’s layout to improve movement and the general efficiency of your space. The functionality of your living room depends heavily on how easy it is to move from one corner to the next or complete certain tasks.

For instance, if you have to move your sofa every time you want to open the cupboard where you store your laptop, then your living room isn’t very efficient.

Even in small spaces, arranging your furniture in ways that ensure a natural flow can make it easier to work, relax, or eat.

Use Aesthetic Enhancements

Improve your home’s visual appeal by incorporating aesthetic enhancements that make your home look cohesive. Plan how the colors, accents, and fittings mesh together as it’s not only important to make your rental efficient.

For instance, you could try to cordon off your workspace by making your sofa perpendicular to the wall rather than against it to create a small nook behind the chair.

If there are scratches or chipping paint where the sofa used to be, it would create an eyesore and could even backfire by hampering your productivity.

That’s why it’s essential to look for practical yet stylish solutions like using a rug to delineate different zones or using different colors in your living room. Still, it would be best to work with an active Northern Virginia property manager to guide you on the do’s and don’ts of personalizing your living room.

Add Wall-Mounted Features

Make the most of your vertical space by including wall-mounted fittings in your design. It’s easy to get caught up looking for space to put another cupboard or standing shelf, but there are only so many pieces of furniture you can fit in a room before it starts to feel cramped.

On the other hand, while you might only have one floor, you have four walls, and you can use it to your advantage to free up your desks and tables. If you’re looking for something sleek and modern, consider floating shelves.

They’re a popular option for renters because you hang them with temporary command strips, and get enough space to keep your books or display some artwork. Additionally, TV and speaker mounts free up valuable floor and cupboard space you can use to store miscellaneous items.

Include Smart Storage Solutions

Opt for smart storage solutions that keep your home organized and clutter-free. Yes, carefully arranged furniture and tastefully colored rugs can improve your home’s functionality.

However, there’s a limit to what changes can do if your belongings are all over the place. Clutter is one of the fastest ways to make your home look disorganized and obstruct the flow of work, so it would be best to incorporate ideas that give you more space.

A storage ottoman that doubles as a seat is a brilliant addition that can elevate your decor, but you’ll get more space out of a modular shelf, so choose wisely if you’re short on cash.

Importance of Securing Permission from Landlord Before Starting

Protect Your Security Deposit

Save your security deposit from unnecessary deductions by asking for permission before you make any changes to your rental. If you chip in the paint, put nails in the wall, or scratch the flooring while installing unapproved fittings, your landlord can legally deduct the repair fees from your security deposit.

As a result, it’s better to come clean about what you plan to do and make your rental feel like home by adding decor that is safe for your lease. If possible, you can even get your landlord’s approval in writing to avoid conflicting stories down the line.

Comply with Your Lease Agreement

Avoid getting into legal trouble with your landlord by sticking with the terms of your lease. It’s common for rental agreements to highlight your landlord’s policy on renovation, and it should be your guideline when deciding on what upgrades would be best to make your living room more functional.

After all, the last thing you want is to spend a lot of money on mounting a new shelf, only to realize you have to remove it and pay for the damages. Asking your property owner for permission before making modifications to your rental can help you avoid such mishaps.

Get Support Where Needed

Leverage your landlord’s approval to redecorate as an opportunity to get their input. You’ll be surprised how helpful your property owner can be when they’re on board with the changes you plan to make.

After all, they need you to keep paying them rent, and that only happens when you’re happy to renew your lease. Hence, you might be able to get support from them when you need tools to hang up a new shelf or movers to take out your couch and bring in your new one.

Besides making the process a lot easier, asking for your landlord’s permission shows that you respect their property, improving your relationship in the long run. Landlords could be more willing to fix repairs promptly and make your stay cozier to repay your good faith.

Conclusion

Enhance your living room’s functionality by opting for multi-purpose furniture. These pieces serve more than one purpose, which gives you more space to store your belongings without cluttering the house.

Paying attention to your living room’s layout can help you decide whether it’s time to rearrange some of your furniture to improve workflow and ease of movement. Remember to be mindful of the pieces you select to ensure they enhance the overall aesthetics.

It would be best to ask your landlord for permission before making any changes. Getting approval protects your security deposit while improving the mutual respect between you and your landlords.

When in doubt, feel free to contact your property manager to get a go-ahead, and discuss some rental-friendly tips that can boost your living room’s functionality.