Living in London often means living in a flatshare, and after more than 14 years of it, I’m definitely not a stranger to them. They’re a lot cheaper than renting a place on your own, and London housing is expensive enough as it is.
Over time, I’ve picked up a few small ways to make a room feel more like my own, even when you can’t physically change much about the space. Most rental rooms come as they are. The furniture isn’t always something you’d choose, and you’re usually limited in what you can do to the walls.
But I’ve found that it’s often the smaller details that make the biggest difference.
Here are some simple ways I’ve found to personalise a London bedroom and make it feel more like your own.
Working with a small space
Most London bedrooms aren’t particularly spacious, so it helps to be quite mindful of what you bring into the room.
I’ve found it’s less about adding lots of things, and more about choosing a few pieces that make the space feel comfortable and personal. Keeping things relatively simple also stops the room from feeling cluttered, which is especially important when it’s somewhere you’re spending a lot of time.
I’ve also found it much easier to keep on top of cleaning when I have fewer things taking up space which definitely helps, as London properties seem to get dusty quite quickly.
Plants and flowers
Plants are one of the easiest ways to make a room feel more alive.
Even one or two small plants can change the feel of a space, especially if everything else is quite neutral. I tend to go for low-maintenance options that don’t require too much attention.
If you’re in East London, places like Columbia Road Flower Market (I’ve written a full guide here) are great for picking up something a bit more interesting at a reasonable price. I’ve also found shops like Conservatory Archives really good if you’re looking for something a bit more curated.
Soft furnishings
Soft furnishings make a bigger difference than you might expect.
Things like cushions, throws or even just a nicer set of bedding can change the feel of a room quite quickly. It doesn’t have to be overly styled – just pieces that feel comfortable and easy to live with.
Good bedding in particular makes a difference. It’s something you use every day, and investing in a nice set just makes going to sleep that bit more pleasant.
Storage that still looks nice
Storage is one of the biggest challenges in a smaller room, especially in a flatshare where you don’t always have much built-in space.
I’ve found that using storage that also looks nice makes a big difference. Things like patterned boxes or baskets mean you can keep things organised without it feeling overly functional or out of place in the room.
It’s also a simple way to add a bit of colour or texture, especially if the rest of the space is quite neutral. I keep a few striped and geometric print boxes on the lower shelves of my bookshelf. They hide away clutter but still feel like part of the room.
Lighting
Lighting is probably one of the easiest ways to change the atmosphere of a room.
Overhead lighting can feel quite harsh, especially in the evening, so I tend to rely more on lamps or softer lighting where possible. Fairy lights are a simple option, but even just switching to warmer bulbs can make a noticeable difference.
It’s also a nice way to bring in something a bit more personal. Whether that’s a lamp you really like or just lighting that feels softer and more relaxed.
Personal touches
Even if you can’t decorate properly, there are still ways to make the space feel more like yours.
I like adding photos or small prints using command strips or putty on wardrobe doors or walls. It’s a simple way to personalise the space without damaging anything.
You can also create something a bit more informal, like a string of polaroids or postcards. It adds personality without feeling too permanent or overdone.
I also keep a memo board on my desk, leaning against the wall, where I clip photos, cards and little bits I’ve collected. It’s easy to move around and makes the space feel much more personal.
Keeping it simple
When space is limited, I’ve found it’s better not to try and do too much.
A few well-chosen pieces tend to work better than lots of smaller additions. It keeps the room feeling calm rather than cluttered, which makes it a much nicer place to spend time.
Final thoughts
Living in a London flatshare isn’t always ideal, but it doesn’t mean your room has to feel temporary or impersonal.
For me, it’s usually the smaller changes – softer lighting, better bedding, a few plants or personal touches – that make the biggest difference. Nothing drastic, just enough to make the space feel more comfortable and a bit more like your own.
How do you personalise your space?
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