Time and time again, renters face the problem of decorating their home without forfeiting deposits. With so many constraints put on renters when they move in, it is difficult to make your home your own. Luckily, some furniture makers understand the renters’ predicament. The customer reviews of Legacy Handcrafts are proof enough that they have adapted to modern life.
Whilst traditional wood crafts are still coveted, how can they be made accessible to the property renter as well as the buyer? Wood shelving is one such interior feature that can be tricky to incorporate into a rented home. Often, these storage solutions are difficult to remove once they are installed, and leave behind marks or damage that can void your deposit. Don’t let this put you off this nifty storage solution. With the right furniture makers, even rental homes can sport beautifully designed deposit-friendly wood shelving.
The Benefits of Wood Shelving in Rental Interiors
Despite their perceived limitations, there are benefits to installing the right wood shelving units in your rental property. Let’s explore some of the advantages.
Clear away clutter
The number one reason many renters and homeowners want shelving in their properties is that it provides additional space. Shelving units are the perfect place to store books, vinyl collections, and more, instead of just piling them up on the floor.
Personalize your home
Wall space offers a blank canvas on which you can display artwork, figures, and decoration that really show off your unique style. The problem with renting is that sometimes the contract stipulates that there are limitations to what you can install or stick up on the walls. This can restrict your interior design dreams.
By sourcing shelving makers that produce renter-friendly storage solutions, you can obey the rules and express yourself through your home decor. Be sure to check out the reviews of Legacy Handcraft and other artisanal companies to see if they offer low-impact installation. Then, pick the right manufacturer to personalize your home without a worry.
Real wood adds aesthetic value
Like other natural materials, real wood offers a premium element to interiors that plastics and cheap composite boards do not. Just because you are renting, that doesn’t mean your home should look temporary or subpar. A good idea is to match the shelving color to the same color as the flooring for consistent style.
What’s more, real wood is a very adaptable material. For example, a rich mahogany finish can look equally at home with modern interiors and more traditional designs. It’s a very on-trend yet timeless material.
Low-maintenance
Unlike composite materials, real wood is hard-wearing and more resilient to scratches and chips. Therefore, wood shelving can retain its elegant look for years to come.
In terms of keeping shelving clean, all it takes is semi-regular dusting and a polish with beeswax to make the surface shine. Whereas, glass cabinets and metal shelving units need frequent cleaning to remove greasy finger-prints.
Increase appeal
The perks don’t just stop with the person renting the property, the owner can benefit too. An apartment or house is so much more attractive if it comes furnished with handy storage solutions. This is especially important if the property is compact.
Homes designed with the renter in mind are so much more appealing and valuable. As a landlord, you’ll be able to rent out your property quickly for the asking price, even in a competitive area.
How to Install Renter-Friendly Shelving Units
So, now you know why wood shelving is an asset to your property, the next step is learning how to install renter-friendly storage solutions that won’t forfeit your deposit.
Which shelves?
Do your research into which shelves you would like and which ones are the most feasible. Then you can come to a compromise that fits the bill, both stylistically and functionally. Typically, bracket shelves are the most commonly installed by DIY newbies, or floating shelves if you want more of a challenge.
Trusted shelving makers
Turn to reputable companies when you’ve decided that you want shelves installed in your rental property. They not only know the best shelving units to recommend, but they are also familiar with the common problems renters encounter.
Trusted shelving makers can be sourced by looking at customer testimonials. For example, reviews of Legacy Handcraft can tell you more about the average customer experience.
The right tools for the job
If you are attempting to install your shelves yourself, ensure that you have the right tools for the job. Using incorrect equipment could lead to you damaging the shelving units or worse, the walls. A botched job will most likely lead to you losing your renter’s deposit.
Hire a Handy-person
Not so confident with your DIY skills? Better to be safe than sorry, so hire a professional. With a handy-person handling the installation, the shelving units can be up and ready to use without risk of damage to your rental property.
Conclusion
Wood shelving represents the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal for rental properties, offering tenants a way to personalize their space while maintaining their deposit security through proper installation techniques. By choosing reputable manufacturers who specialize in renter-friendly solutions and either hiring professionals or using the right tools for DIY installation, renters can enjoy the timeless beauty and practical benefits of real wood storage without risking property damage.
About the Author

Ryan Nelson
I’m an investor, real estate developer, and property manager with hands-on experience in all types of real estate from single family homes up to hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial real estate. RentalRealEstate is my mission to create the ultimate real estate investor platform for expert resources, reviews and tools. Learn more about my story.