Does your rental feel a little… bland? It’s a common problem. You want your space to feel like home, but you’re stuck with plain white walls, dated kitchen hardware, and a long list of rules from your landlord. You want to add personality, but you definitely don’t want to lose your security deposit.
Good news! You don’t have to choose between a boring apartment and a happy landlord. With a few clever tricks, you can completely transform your space. These renter friendly decorating ideas are easy, affordable, and best of all, completely removable.
Ready to make your rental feel like your own? Let’s dive into 12 simple hacks that make a huge impact.
Quick and Easy Upgrades for a Big Impact
You don’t need a huge budget or a lot of time to make a difference. These first few ideas are perfect for a weekend project and will instantly make your rental feel more custom and cozy.
1. Swap Out Your Hardware
Look at the cabinets in your kitchen and bathroom. Are the knobs and drawer pulls old or uninspired? This is one of the easiest fixes in any rental. Changing hardware takes only a screwdriver and a few minutes per piece.
You can find beautiful new knobs and pulls online or at any home improvement store. Just make sure the new ones have the same screw spacing as the old ones. And here’s the most important tip: put all the original hardware in a labeled bag and store it somewhere safe. When you move out, you can just screw them back on. No one will ever know you changed a thing!
2. Hang Curtains Without a Drill
Bare windows can make a room feel cold and unfinished. But drilling holes for a curtain rod is often a big no-no. The solution? Tension rods.
A tension rod uses a spring inside to fit tightly between two walls or inside a window frame. You don’t need any screws or tools to install one. They are perfect for hanging lightweight curtains to add softness, color, and privacy to any room. This is one of the best damage free decorating hacks out there.
3. Change Your Lighting Fixtures
That boring ceiling light that came with your apartment does not have to stay. You can often change a light fixture and put the old one back when you leave. A new chandelier or a modern pendant light can completely change the feel of a room.
If you’re not comfortable with wiring, ask a handy friend for help. Just like with hardware, remember to carefully wrap and store the original fixture so you can reinstall it before you move.
Transform Your Walls (Damage-Free!)
Tired of staring at plain walls? You have more options than you think. These ideas let you add color and pattern without a single drop of paint.
4. Use Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
This is a game-changer for renters. Peel-and-stick wallpaper works just like a big sticker. It comes in thousands of beautiful patterns and colors. You can use it to create an accent wall in your living room, line the back of a bookshelf, or even cover a whole room.
When it’s time to move, it peels right off without damaging the wall underneath. It’s the perfect way to make a bold statement without any long-term commitment.
5. Create Patterns with Washi Tape
For a super affordable and creative option, try using washi tape or electrical tape on your walls. You can create simple patterns like stripes, crosses, or geometric shapes. It’s a fun way to get a custom wallpaper look for just a few dollars. And just like wallpaper, the tape peels right off when you’re done.
6. Lean Your Art, Don’t Hang It
Who says art has to be hung on the wall? It’s very stylish to lean large pieces of art or mirrors against the wall. You can place them on the floor, on top of a dresser, or on a console table.
Try layering a few frames of different sizes to create a cool, casual display. This approach gives your home a relaxed, decorated feel without putting any nail holes in the walls.
Give Your Floors and Tiles a Makeover
Don’t let ugly floors or a dated backsplash ruin your style. These temporary solutions can cover up any surface you don’t love.
A Quick Guide to Rental Upgrades
Here is a simple table to help you decide which project to tackle first. It shows how much effort and money each idea might take.
| Decorating Idea | Best For | Difficulty | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change Hardware | Kitchen, Bathroom | Low | $20 – $100 |
| Use Tension Rods | Windows, Doorways | Low | $15 – $50 |
| Peel-and-Stick Tiles | Backsplash, Floors | Medium | $50 – $200 |
| Peel-and-Stick Paper | Walls, Furniture | Medium | $30 – $150 |
| Add a Rug | Any Room | Low | $50 – $300+ |
| Lean Artwork | Living Room, Bedroom | Low | Free (with art you own) |
7. Cover Up Floors with Rugs
This might sound obvious, but never underestimate the power of a great rug. A large area rug can hide flooring you don’t like, add warmth and color, and make a room feel more put-together. You can even place a rug on top of carpet if you don’t like the color or texture of the existing carpet.
8. Try Peel-and-Stick Tiles
Just like peel-and-stick wallpaper, you can get peel-and-stick tiles for your floor or kitchen backsplash. They are made to look just like real ceramic tiles and are often water-resistant. They are easy to cut and install yourself. You can place them right over the existing tile to give your kitchen or bathroom a fresh, new look in just one afternoon.
9. Upgrade Your Outdoor Space
If you have a balcony or patio with a plain concrete floor, you can use temporary decking tiles. These tiles, often made of wood or composite material, snap together like puzzle pieces. They sit right on top of your existing surface and create a beautiful, high-end look. When you move, you can just unsnap them and take them with you.
Smart and Stylish Finishing Touches
Finally, let’s talk about a few more simple rental decorating hacks that add both style and function to your home.
10. Get the Open-Shelving Look for Free
If you like the look of open shelves in a kitchen, you can get a similar feel by simply removing some of your cabinet doors. Just unscrew the hinges and store the doors and screws safely. This opens up the space and lets you display your favorite dishes and glassware. It makes a small kitchen feel bigger and brighter.
11. Add Hooks for Smart Storage
Need a place to hang your towels, coats, or keys? Instead of drilling into the wall, use removable hooks. There are many strong peel-and-stick hooks that can hold a surprising amount of weight. For bathrooms, suction cup hooks work great on tile and won’t leave any marks behind.
12. The Big One: Ask About Paint
Finally, don’t assume you can’t paint. Many landlords are actually okay with it, especially if you choose a nice, neutral color. The worst they can say is no, so it’s always worth asking! If they agree, you might offer to paint just one accent wall. That way, if you have to paint it back to white before you leave, it’s a much smaller job.
FAQs
How do I decorate my room without money?
You can decorate for free. First, clean and declutter your space. Rearrange your furniture for a new look. Use things you already own in new ways. A pretty scarf can become wall art. Branches from outside can look nice in a vase.
How to decorate a rented property?
Focus on temporary changes. Use peel-and-stick wallpaper and tiles. Swap out cabinet knobs and light fixtures. Just remember to keep the old ones. Add rugs to cover ugly floors. Lean mirrors and art against the wall. This avoids making holes.
How to make your apartment look retro?
Use colors like orange, brown, and green. Look for furniture with curved shapes. Shop at thrift stores for vintage items. Add wallpaper with a funky, retro pattern. Layer different textures and patterns together.
Is it worth decorating a rental?
Yes. It is always worth it. Your home should be a happy place. Decorating makes your space feel like your own. It can make you feel more comfortable and relaxed. You deserve to love the space you live in.
How to make a room look richer?
Add a large rug to the floor. Hang long curtains high on the wall. Use large mirrors to make the space feel bigger. Add different textures like velvet or faux fur. Switch to warm lighting with lamps. A clean and tidy room always looks more expensive.
It’s Your Home, So Make It Yours!
Living in a rental doesn’t mean you have to live in a space you don’t love. As you can see, there are so many renter friendly decorating ideas that can make a huge difference. From swapping hardware to trying peel-and-stick wallpaper, you can add your personal style without risking your deposit.
So go ahead, pick a project and get started. A few small changes can make your rental finally feel like home.
What is your favorite rental decorating hack? Share your best tip in the comments below
