Renting a home often means living with bland white walls, outdated fixtures, and generic finishes that lack personality. But you don’t have to settle for a space that doesn’t feel like yours. With these clever renter-friendly upgrades, you can personalize your apartment or house without drilling holes, painting walls, or risking your security deposit.
Many renters struggle with the same frustrations: boring neutral color schemes they can’t change, strict lease agreements that limit customization, and the constant worry about getting charged for modifications. The good news? Today’s temporary design solutions let you work around these restrictions. From peel-and-stick wallpaper to removable backsplashes, you can now create a home that reflects your style – no permanent changes required.
These apartment decorating ideas prove you don’t need to own your space to make it feel special. Whether you’re dealing with a tiny studio or a cookie-cutter apartment, landlord-approved upgrades can transform your rental into somewhere you’re proud to call home.
Want to go beyond the basics? This guide includes 50+ professional tips for designing a rental you’ll love. Discover how interior designers tackle rental challenges while keeping deposits safe and landlords happy.
Why Renters Face Decorating Challenges
Landlords typically prohibit permanent modifications like painting, drilling, or structural changes. The key is using reversible upgrades that look polished but won’t leave a trace when you move out.
These restrictions create three major hurdles:
- Impersonal Spaces: Most rentals feature neutral beige or white walls, making it hard to add character.
- Security Deposit Concerns: Many renters avoid upgrades altogether, fearing fees for accidental damage.
- Limited Storage: Small apartments often lack built-in organization, forcing creative solutions.
10 High-Impact Renter-Friendly Upgrades
1. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper: Renter-Friendly Style Upgrades
Unlike traditional wallpaper, removable versions install in hours and peel off cleanly. Opt for textured or matte finishes to disguise uneven walls.
For best results:
- Clean walls with rubbing alcohol before application.
- Start in a corner and smooth outward to avoid bubbles.
- Brands like Tempaper and Spoonflower offer designer patterns without commitment.
2. Removable Backsplash for a Kitchen Refresh
Adhesive tile sheets mimic the look of real ceramic or subway tile, but they install without grout. They’re ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Measure your space and order 10% extra for mistakes.
- Apply to clean, dry surfaces for maximum adhesion.
- Smart Tiles and Stickgoo offer realistic finishes that resist heat and moisture.
3. Damage-Free Gallery Walls with Command Strips
Hang art securely without nails by using Command Picture Hanging Strips.
- Arrange frames on the floor first to plan spacing.
- Use a laser level for perfect alignment.
- Avoid heavy frames; stick to lightweight canvases or posters.
4. Plug-in Lighting Upgrades Every Renter Should Know
Replace outdated fixtures with plug-in pendants or battery-powered sconces.
- Swag kits disguise cords neatly along walls.
- Save original fixtures to reinstall when moving.
- Always check your lease before altering hardwired lights.
5. Large Rugs to Define and Protect Floors
Oversized rugs anchor furniture groupings and cover worn flooring.
- Use a rug pad to prevent slipping and add cushioning.
- Low-pile styles like flatweaves are easier to clean.
- Layer smaller rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear.
6. Privacy Window Film for Natural Light
Frosted or decorative films diffuse light while blocking visibility.
- Apply with a squeegee to remove air bubbles.
- Remove with a hairdryer on low heat if needed.
- Brands like Rabbitgoo offer customizable designs.
7. Swappable Cabinet Hardware
Update knobs and pulls for a quick kitchen or bathroom refresh.
- Keep original hardware in a labeled bag for move-out.
- Fill old screw holes with wood putty if required.
- Matte black and brass finishes modernize cheap cabinets.
8. Tension Rods for Added Storage
Install rods in the kitchen, closets, pantries, or showers for extra organization.
- Use double rods to maximize hanging space.
- Hang curtains to conceal cluttered shelves.
- Adjustable rods fit most spaces without tools.
9. Removable Contact Paper for Surfaces
Line drawers, shelves, or countertops with patterned adhesive paper.
- Wipe surfaces with vinegar first for better stick.
- Smooth from the center outward to prevent wrinkles.
- Peel off slowly to avoid residue.
10. Rolling Kitchen Islands for Extra Space
A portable island adds prep space and storage in small kitchens.
- Look for fold-down sides to save space.
- Models with locking wheels stay secure while cooking.
- Stainless steel tops resist heat and stains.
Pro Tips for Renter-Friendly Upgrades from Interior Designers
Interior designers know how to transform even the most basic rentals into stylish, functional spaces. These insider techniques prove you don’t need to own your space to make it extraordinary. With the right temporary upgrades, any rental can feel like home.
Here are their top strategies for working within rental restrictions while creating a high-end look:
1. Master Layered Lighting
Good lighting instantly upgrades any space. Since most rentals have limited overhead lighting, designers recommend:
- Floor lamps in dark corners to create warmth
- Plug-in wall sconces for bedside lighting (no wiring needed)
- String lights along bookshelves or headboards for ambiance
- Battery-powered LED strips under cabinets or shelves
For more ways to expand your space visually, explore our guides on how to make a small room feel bigger and our favorite lighting ideas for small spaces.
2. Use Mirrors Strategically
Mirrors are a renter’s secret weapon for making spaces appear larger and brighter.
A well-placed mirror can make a studio apartment feel 50% bigger.
For a mirror that doubles as a sculptural art piece, consider a stylish blob mirror.
- Place opposite windows to double natural light
- Try leaning floor mirrors (no installation required)
- Group smaller mirrors to create a gallery effect
- Use mirrored furniture to reflect light
3. Create Vertical Gardens
Plants bring life to rentals, even without outdoor space.
For renters, succulents and pothos plants are low-maintenance options.
- Hanging planters add greenery without floor space
- Wall-mounted shelves display small potted plants
- Magnetic herb gardens stick to refrigerators
- Fake plants work in low-light areas
Discover more ways to use plants to decorate and transform your home with greenery.
5. Multi-Functional Furniture
The best rental furniture serves multiple purposes.
This approach maximizes small spaces beautifully.
- Storage ottomans that work as seating and storage
- Fold-down desks that disappear when not in use
- Nesting tables that adapt to different needs
For 50+ more professional strategies, download The Dreamhome Guide. It includes designer-approved tips for:
- Creating temporary accent walls
- Disguising ugly rental features
- Organizing small spaces efficiently
- Making rental kitchens and bathrooms feel custom
FAQs About Renter-Friendly Upgrades
Can I paint my rental apartment?
Some landlords allow painting if you repaint to the original colors later. Always ask first.
Do Command Strips damage walls?
They usually don’t if removed correctly. Follow package instructions.
What if my landlord says no to upgrades?
Focus on non-permanent changes like rugs, furniture, and removable decor.
For more solutions that respect your lease, explore these renter-friendly soundproofing hacks.
Wrapping Up: Your Renter-Friendly Upgrades
Let’s be real, renting shouldn’t mean living in a space that feels temporary or impersonal.
Now you’ve got all the tools to change that. Imagine walking into your apartment after work and truly loving what you see: that gallery wall you created with Command hooks, the kitchen that finally has character thanks to a removable backsplash, or that accent wall that makes the whole place pop (and peels right off when you move).
The truth is, your landlord might own the space, but you’re the one who gets to make it feel like home. And we’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible.
Want the full playbook? The Dreamhome Guide packs in all the insider tricks – from sneaky storage hacks to lighting setups that’ll make your friends say “I love what you’ve done with the place!”. It’s everything you need to take your space from “meh” to “that’s perfect” without losing your deposit.
Your dream home isn’t in some far-off future – it’s waiting for you to make the first move. [Grab the guide] and let’s get started.
No drills, no paint, no regrets – just a home that actually feels like yours.