Step-by-step: style a rental bedroom with under 150 finds from thukthaeshop

I moved into my last rental with nothing but a suitcase and a stubborn desire to make the little bedroom feel like mine. Over a few weekends and with a modest budget, I built a layered sanctuary that felt polished, cozy and completely reversible — perfect for renters. Below I’ll walk you through my step-by-step process using under 150 finds from Thukthaeshop (roughly under €150 / £130 / $160 depending on exchange). The goal: high impact, low commitment and pieces you can take with you when you move.

Start with a plan (and a mood board)

I always begin by choosing a mood — not a floor plan. For a rental bedroom that mood can be calm cottage, modern Scandinavian or eclectic layered. Spend 10–15 minutes compiling images, colours and textures that appeal to you. On my board for this project I chose warm neutrals, matte brass accents and tactile linens.

Why this helps: a clear mood stops you buying random items that don’t hang together. It also makes shopping from a curated shop like Thukthaeshop faster — you can filter by colour and material and quickly spot complementary pieces.

Focus on three core elements

For the greatest effect in a rental bedroom I concentrate on three things: textiles, lighting and art. These elements change the room’s feel without any structural alterations.

• Textiles: bedding, throw, rug and cushions — texture is everything.
• Lighting: layered light for bedtime rituals and ambience.
• Art & wall pieces: instant personality that’s easy to hang and remove.

Step 1 — Make the bed the hero

The bed is the visual anchor. Invest in linen or cotton bedding in a neutral tone and add one statement throw and two cushions. On Thukthaeshop I often reach for linen duvet sets and handwoven throws — they feel expensive but are often within the under 150 limit.

My approach:

• A neutral duvet cover (linen or organic cotton)
• A textured throw folded at the foot of the bed
• Two standard pillows + one accent cushion

Tip: choose a duvet cover a shade lighter or darker than the walls for subtle contrast. If you prefer pattern, make it small-scale so it doesn’t shout in a small room.

Step 2 — Layer lighting

Rentals usually have a single ceiling light that is too harsh. I add two layers: a bedside lamp for reading and a soft ambient light. Table lamps from Thukthaeshop with fabric shades or sculptural ceramic bases are ideal because they are plug-and-play and add style instantly.

Where to place lights:

• A lamp on one bedside table (or a wall sconce if you aren’t allowed plugs near the bed)
• A floor lamp in a corner for soft ambient glow

Tip: use warm bulbs (2700K–3000K) and consider a dimmable lamp or a plug-in dimmer to create evening ambience without rewiring.

Step 3 — Add texture underfoot

A small rug can define the sleeping area and add warmth. I look for handloom or flatweave rugs; they’re thin (rental-friendly) and often within budget. Place a rug so it peeks from under the bed — this anchors the room visually.

Step 4 — Curate the surfaces

Bedside surfaces should be intentional but not cluttered. Choose a couple of carefully selected objects: a ceramic vase, a small stack of books, and a candle. Thukthaeshop’s selection of small-scale ceramics and thoughtful candles are perfect for this.

• Keep one functional item (lamp or clock)
• One decorative item with height (a vase or sculptural object)
• One soft item (a coaster, small plant or candle)

Step 5 — Hang art with renter-friendly options

Art transforms a rental instantly. I prefer lightweight framed prints, woven wall hangings or a gallery cluster of smaller pieces. Use removable hooks or picture rails to avoid holes. On Thukthaeshop I often choose limited-run prints or small-textile pieces that feel personal.

If you’re nervous about composition, try this simple arrangement:

• One larger piece over the bed
• Two smaller, related pieces on the opposite wall

Step 6 — Add storage cleverly

Rentals rarely have enough storage. Use decorative baskets, under-bed organisers and a slim chest if space allows. Wicker or seagrass baskets double as decor and storage for throws, laundry or shoes. They’re lightweight and easy to move.

Step 7 — Bring in plants (real or faux)

Plants lift the room and add life. If you don’t have a green thumb, choose low-maintenance species like snake plant or a high-quality faux fiddle leaf. Pots in neutral clay or glazed finishes (available on Thukthaeshop) anchor the look.

Styling checklist I use before I leave a room

• Tuck and layer bedding neatly
• Balance surfaces (not too empty, not cluttered)
• Check lighting levels in the evening
• Group small objects in odd numbers (3 is a safe bet)
• Ensure pathways and drawers open freely — functionality matters as much as looks

Sample budget & items from Thukthaeshop

These ranges let you mix and match to stay within an overall under 150 budget for key items — for example, a €60 duvet + €30 lamp + €25 throw keeps you under €150 while covering high-impact zones.

Quick fixes that feel luxurious

• Swap cheap curtain hooks for small brass rings to upgrade the drape.
• Replace plastic hangers with slim wooden or velvet ones — small but noticeable.
• Fold a throw over the bed rather than draping it; it looks more considered.
• Group personal items like perfume bottles on a tray to make them look curated.

When to splurge and when to save

Spend on items you’ll use often and want to keep: bedding, a good lamp, and a durable throw. Save on easily replaceable decor items like small vases or seasonal cushions. Thukthaeshop balances handcrafted pieces with affordable accents so you can choose where to allocate your budget.

If you need help selecting pieces that will work together in your space, I’m happy to help — you can contact me via the Thukthaeshop contact page. I enjoy matching finds to personal style and offering styling tips that make small spaces sing.