Living in a rental often feels like you are living in someone else’s space. The desire to make it feel like home is strong, but the fear of losing your security deposit can hold you back.
But upgrading your rental does not have to involve permanent changes or a big budget. There are countless clever, affordable, and completely reversible hacks that can make a huge impact.
Of course. Here is a summary table of the 30 budget-friendly rental hacks, with the category column left empty and an estimated cost column added.
This guide is your new best friend for rental living. Here are 30 budget-friendly hacks that will instantly upgrade your space and make it feel truly, wonderfully yours.
Walls & Windows
1. Use Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
This is the renter’s number one secret weapon. It provides the high-impact look of real wallpaper with zero commitment.
Pro Tips:
- Start with a small accent wall to build confidence.
- Thoroughly clean and dry the wall before application.
- Use a plastic squeegee to smooth out air bubbles.
- Choose a forgiving pattern, like an abstract floral, which is easier to align than stripes.
- Slightly overlap each panel to account for any shifting.
- Use it beyond walls: line bookshelves or cover plain furniture.
- Always order a sample first to check the color and texture.
- Keep your extra scraps for covering switch plates or decorating boxes.
- When it is time to move, use a hairdryer to gently warm the wallpaper to loosen the adhesive for easy removal.
- Choose a high-quality, reputable brand to ensure it removes cleanly.
2. Hang a Large Tapestry
A large, lightweight fabric tapestry can cover a huge amount of wall space. It adds color, pattern, and a soft texture to a room.
Pro Tips:
- A tapestry is much lighter and easier to hang than a large, framed piece of art.
- Use a few small, clear Command hooks for a damage-free installation.
- For a more polished look, you can insert a thin wooden dowel into a pocket at the top of the tapestry before hanging.
- Tapestries are great for absorbing sound and reducing echo in a room with hard floors.
- This is a perfect solution for hanging over a bed or a sofa where you would not want a heavy object.
- Choose a design that sets the color palette for the entire room.
- It is a fantastic way to cover a large, unappealing feature, like an off-center window or an old air conditioning unit.
- Many tapestries are machine washable, making them a practical choice.
- When you move, it folds up small and is easy to transport.
- It instantly adds a cozy, bohemian vibe to any space.
3. Create a Gallery Wall with Command Strips
Nothing makes a place feel more like home than personal photos and art. Use damage-free Command picture-hanging strips to create a gallery wall.
Pro Tips:
- Plan your layout on the floor first before you start sticking anything to the wall.
- Trace each frame onto paper, cut them out, and tape the paper templates to the wall to perfect your arrangement.
- Use a variety of frame sizes and orientations (horizontal and vertical) for a more dynamic look.
- For a cohesive feel, use all the same color frames, like all black or all gold.
- For a more eclectic look, mix and match different vintage and modern frames.
- Always use a level to make sure your frames are perfectly straight.
- Clean the wall surface with rubbing alcohol before applying the adhesive strips for the best hold.
- When removing the strips, pull the tab straight down, slowly and flat against the wall, to avoid paint damage.
- Do not just hang photos; mix in small mirrors, small art objects, or framed quotes.
- This is a perfect way to fill a large, blank wall without a single nail.
4. Apply Removable Wall Decals
Wall decals are like sophisticated stickers for grown-ups. They come in endless styles, from simple geometric shapes to intricate floral patterns.
Pro Tips:
- Use simple gold or black polka dot decals to create a whimsical accent wall in minutes.
- Apply a large, beautiful decal behind your bed to create the illusion of a custom headboard.
- Decals are perfect for a child’s room, as they can be easily updated as their interests change.
- Use decals on a kitchen backsplash for a pop of pattern that is easy to wipe clean.
- Place them in unexpected spots, like climbing up a stair riser or on the side of a plain white bookshelf.
- Make sure your wall is clean and smooth before application for the best results.
- Use a credit card or a small, flat squeegee to smooth out any air bubbles as you apply.
- Most high-quality decals are easily repositionable if you make a mistake.
- They peel off cleanly with no sticky residue or paint damage.
- This is an extremely affordable way to get a high-impact, custom look.
5. Lean a Large Mirror
A large floor mirror is a renter’s best friend. Leaning it against a wall requires zero holes and makes any room feel bigger and brighter.
Pro Tips:
- Place a large mirror directly opposite a window to double the amount of natural light in the room.
- In a small or narrow room, a mirror creates a powerful illusion of depth, making the space feel less cramped.
- Choose a mirror with a beautiful frame that acts as a piece of art itself, whether it is ornate and vintage or sleek and modern.
- For safety, you can place a small piece of non-slip material under the base of the mirror.
- Leaning art and mirrors gives a room a cool, casual, and slightly “undone” gallery vibe.
- This is a perfect solution for the end of a long, narrow hallway.
- You can also lean a smaller mirror on top of a dresser or a mantelpiece.
- It is a fantastic way to check your full outfit before you leave the house.
- This is a temporary piece of decor that has a huge, almost architectural, impact.
- When you move, you simply pick it up and take it with you.
6. Hang Curtains with a Tension Rod
If your landlord does not allow you to drill holes for a curtain rod, a tension rod is the perfect solution.
Pro Tips:
- Tension rods use a spring-loaded mechanism to fit snugly inside a window frame, requiring no screws or drilling.
- This method is completely damage-free and perfect for renters.
- Choose very lightweight curtain panels, like sheer or linen curtains, as tension rods cannot support heavy drapes.
- Hanging curtains is a great way to add softness, color, and a finished look to a room.
- Use a tension rod in a doorway to create a sense of separation or to hide an open closet.
- Measure the inside width of your window frame accurately to ensure you buy the correct size rod.
- You can layer two tension rods if you want to hang both a sheer curtain for daytime and a more opaque one for nighttime privacy.
- This is a very affordable and incredibly easy-to-install solution.
- When it is time to move, you just twist the rod to release the tension and pack it up.
- This is a classic and must-know hack for any renter.
7. Apply Removable Window Film
For windows that need privacy, like in a bathroom or a ground-floor apartment, removable window film is a game-changer.
Pro Tips:
- This film clings to the glass using static electricity, not a sticky adhesive, making it completely removable and even reusable.
- A frosted or etched-glass style film provides excellent privacy while still allowing natural light to filter through.
- Look for a film that creates a beautiful, rainbow-like prismatic effect when direct sunlight hits it.
- Application is easy: spray the window with a little soapy water, apply the film, and use a squeegee to smooth out the bubbles.
- This is a perfect solution for obscuring an unpleasant view from a window.
- You can cut the film into decorative shapes or patterns to create a custom look.
- It can also help to reduce UV rays, which protects your furniture and art from fading.
- When you are ready to move, the film simply peels off the window with no residue.
- This is a sleek, modern, and very practical solution for a rental.
- It gives you the look of expensive, custom glass for a very small price.
Floors & Surfaces
8. Lay Down a Large Area Rug
This is the single most effective way to upgrade a rental. A large area rug can cover ugly flooring, define a space, and add color, pattern, and warmth.
Pro Tips:
- A rug that is too small can make a room look choppy. A good rule is that at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs should be on the rug.
- Use a colorful, patterned rug to be the main design statement in an otherwise neutral room.
- Layering a smaller, more vibrant rug on top of a larger, neutral jute rug is a very stylish and modern look.
- Always use a good quality non-slip rug pad underneath. This protects the floor and keeps the rug safely in place.
- In an open-concept rental, use rugs to visually separate the living area from the dining area.
- You can place a thin, flatweave rug on top of ugly wall-to-wall carpeting to completely change the look.
- Choose durable, easy-to-clean materials for high-traffic areas.
- A beautiful rug is an investment that you can roll up and take with you to every new home.
- Rugs also help with sound absorption, which is a great bonus for apartment living.
- It is the fastest way to make a rental feel cozy and personalized.
9. Use Interlocking Deck Tiles
For an ugly concrete balcony or patio, interlocking deck tiles are a miraculous upgrade. They snap together easily over the existing surface.
Pro Tips:
- These tiles, often made of wood or composite, create the instant look of a custom wooden deck.
- They require no screws, glue, or permanent installation.
- This is a project that can completely transform an uninviting outdoor space in just a few hours.
- They provide good drainage, as water can run through the gaps between the tiles.
- They can be easily cut with a saw to fit the exact shape of your balcony.
- They make an outdoor space feel much warmer and more comfortable underfoot than bare concrete.
- When you move, you simply unsnap the tiles and pack them up to take with you.
- This is a high-impact upgrade that is completely temporary and damage-free.
- Pair them with a small outdoor rug, some string lights, and potted plants to create a true outdoor oasis.
- Look for them on online marketplaces at the end of the summer for a good deal.
10. Add Stylish Runners to Hallways
A long, narrow hallway can feel boring and utilitarian. A colorful rug runner instantly adds personality, warmth, and sound absorption.
Pro Tips:
- A runner makes a purely transitional space feel more like a thoughtfully designed room.
- It helps to protect the rental floor in a very high-traffic area.
- A runner with a bold, linear pattern, like a stripe, can create the illusion of an even longer hallway.
- It helps to reduce echo, which is a common issue in long, narrow halls with hard floors.
- Choose a durable, low-pile material that is easy to vacuum.
- It is crucial to use a good non-slip rug pad underneath a runner to keep it securely in place and prevent accidents.
- Choose a runner that leaves a few inches of flooring visible on either side for a balanced, professional look.
- This is a simple, affordable addition that makes a huge difference in the overall feel of your home.
- It is a great way to add a big dose of color or pattern without overwhelming a main room.
- You can take it with you to your next home.
11. Cover Countertops with Contact Paper
If you are stuck with dated laminate countertops, high-quality, removable contact paper is an amazing and affordable solution.
Pro Tips:
- Modern contact paper comes in incredibly realistic finishes that mimic beautiful materials like marble, granite, soapstone, or butcher block.
- Choose a high-quality, thick, durable brand that is specifically designed to be removable and water-resistant.
- This project requires patience and precision. Watch a few online tutorials before you begin.
- Work slowly, applying the paper and using a squeegee to smooth out air bubbles as you go.
- Use a very sharp craft knife for clean, precise cuts around your sink and corners.
- This is a purely cosmetic fix. Always use a cutting board for chopping and hot pads for hot pans to protect the surface.
- This can completely transform the look of a dated kitchen for under $50.
- Most high-quality contact paper will remove cleanly when you are ready to move, often with the help of a little heat from a hairdryer.
- Always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it will not damage your specific countertop material.
- This is one of the most dramatic, high-impact rental hacks you can possibly do.
12. Install a Peel-and-Stick Backsplash
A peel-and-stick tile backsplash is an easy, damage-free way to add a huge amount of style to a bland rental kitchen or bathroom.
Pro Tips:
- These come in a huge variety of styles, from realistic-looking subway tiles to trendy geometric patterns and colorful mosaics.
- They are designed to be heat-resistant (safe behind a stove) and easy to wipe clean.
- Make sure your existing wall or tile is very clean, dry, and free of grease before you start.
- The individual tile sheets often overlap slightly to create a seamless, realistic, grout-like look.
- They can be easily cut with a sharp pair of scissors or a utility knife to fit around outlets and light switches.
- This is a project that you can easily complete in a single weekend.
- It adds a huge amount of personality and custom style to a builder-grade kitchen.
- Choose a high-quality brand that is specifically marketed as “removable” for the best results.
- This is a perfect way to get a high-end, designer look on a very small budget.
- It is an instant upgrade that makes a rental kitchen feel much more personal and stylish.
Kitchen & Bath Upgrades
13. Swap Out Cabinet Hardware
This is one of the easiest and most impactful hacks. Unscrew the boring, generic knobs and pulls on your kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
Pro Tips:
- This is a five-minute-per-knob project that makes your cabinets look much more expensive and custom.
- Unscrew one of the existing pulls and take it with you to the hardware store. This will ensure you buy new hardware with the exact same screw spacing.
- Choose new hardware that reflects your personal style. Modern brass, matte black, or classic glass knobs are all great options.
- Crucially: place all the original knobs, pulls, and their screws in a labeled ziplock bag and store them in a safe, memorable place.
- This small change can make builder-grade cabinets look much more high-end.
- It is a detail that instantly elevates the entire room.
- This is a completely and easily reversible upgrade.
- Before you move out, simply take a few minutes to screw the original hardware back on.
- You can take your beautiful, new hardware with you to your next rental home.
- This is an affordable investment in your own daily enjoyment of your space.
14. Change Your Shower Head
A standard, low-pressure rental shower head can be a daily annoyance. Swapping it out for a high-pressure or rainfall shower head is a simple upgrade that feels incredibly luxurious.
Pro Tips:
- Upgrading your shower head can make a huge difference in your daily routine and overall quality of life.
- This is a very simple plumbing task that usually requires no special tools other than a small wrench and some plumber’s tape.
- Simply unscrew the old shower head from the pipe coming out of the wall.
- Clean the threads on the pipe.
- Wrap the threads with new plumber’s tape in a clockwise direction.
- Screw your new, beautiful shower head on tightly.
- Most importantly: Keep the original shower head and any related parts in a labeled box under the sink.
- Before you move out, it is essential that you reinstall the original one.
- This is a completely reversible upgrade that you can take with you to your next rental.
- A handheld shower head can also make cleaning the shower much, much easier.
15. Use Over-the-Cabinet Organizers
For extra storage in a small kitchen or bathroom, use organizers that hang over the top of your cabinet doors.
Pro Tips:
- These are simple metal or plastic racks that just hang over the top edge of a cabinet door.
- They require absolutely no drilling, screws, or adhesive.
- They are perfect for hanging a dish towel or holding a cutting board in the kitchen.
- In the bathroom, they can hold a hand towel or even a hair dryer.
- Many of these organizers have a soft, padded backing to protect your cabinet door from being scratched.
- This is an incredibly simple and affordable solution to the common rental problem of not having enough storage.
- They come in a variety of finishes, like chrome or bronze, to match your existing fixtures.
- They are instantly removable and you can take them with you when you move.
- This is a small, practical hack that makes your space much more functional.
- You can also find larger over-the-door hook racks for hanging robes or coats.
16. Line Drawers with Removable Liners
Add a fun, hidden pop of color and personality to your rental kitchen or bathroom by lining the drawers and shelves with beautiful, removable liners.
Pro Tips:
- This is a fun, “secret” detail that will make you smile every time you open a drawer.
- Modern shelf liners are often non-adhesive and stay in place with a grippy texture.
- They also protect the original shelves and drawers from scratches and spills, which your landlord will definitely appreciate.
- Choose a fun, colorful pattern that makes you happy and matches your style.
- This is a very easy and affordable way to upgrade the inside of dated or worn-out rental cabinets.
- It makes them feel cleaner, more personal, and more pleasant to use.
- They are easy to cut to the exact size of your drawers and shelves with a simple pair of scissors.
- When you move out, you simply lift them up and take them with you, leaving the cabinets clean.
- This is a small detail that makes a rental feel much more like your own curated home.
- It is a great way to cover up old, stained, or peeling cabinet interiors.
Lighting & Ambiance
17. Install Plug-In Wall Sconces
Get the sophisticated, custom look of hardwired wall sconces without an electrician. Plug-in sconces mount to the wall and have a cord that plugs into a regular outlet.
Pro Tips:
- Use a pair of plug-in sconces to flank your bed. This frees up valuable space on your nightstands.
- Place one next to a comfortable armchair to create a dedicated, well-lit reading nook.
- You can easily hide the cord by using a thin, paintable cord cover that sticks to the wall and blends in.
- This is a perfect way to add ambient or task lighting to a room that lacks good overhead fixtures.
- Choose a style that matches your decor, from modern and industrial to classic and traditional.
- Many plug-in sconces have adjustable, swing-arm designs for maximum flexibility in directing the light.
- This is a major style upgrade that you can easily install yourself with just a few small screws.
- When you move, you simply unscrew the sconce, fill the tiny holes with a dab of spackle, and take it with you.
- This is a fantastic solution for renters who want a custom, layered lighting look.
- Look for models that have a built-in dimmer switch on the cord or on the fixture itself for mood control.
18. Use Stick-On LED Puck Lights
These small, battery-powered lights are a renter’s dream. Stick them under your kitchen cabinets to illuminate your countertops for better task lighting.
Pro Tips:
- These are small, round, battery-powered LED lights that have an adhesive backing for easy installation.
- Placing them under your upper kitchen cabinets instantly makes the kitchen feel more high-end and functional.
- They are also great for the inside of dark closets, pantries, or on bookshelves to highlight decor.
- They are incredibly easy to install and can be removed with no damage.
- Look for models that are dimmable or come with a small remote control for convenience.
- This is one of the most impactful and affordable upgrades you can make to a standard rental kitchen.
- Choose a warm white light for the most inviting and flattering kitchen glow.
- Use rechargeable batteries to be more eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run.
- They can also be used inside a glass-front cabinet to showcase your favorite dishes.
- This is a simple solution that adds a touch of luxury.
19. Change the Light Bulbs
This is the simplest hack of all. Many rentals come with harsh, cool-toned light bulbs.
Pro Tips:
- The color temperature of your light bulbs has a huge impact on the overall feel of your home.
- Swapping out harsh, “daylight” or “cool white” bulbs for bulbs with a “warm white” color temperature (around 2700K-3000K) is a game-changer.
- Warm white light will instantly make your entire home feel cozier, more inviting, and more flattering.
- This is a very inexpensive fix that takes only a few minutes.
- Use dimmable LED bulbs so you can control the brightness and set the mood.
- Put your light fixtures on smart plugs so you can control them with your phone or your voice.
- This small change can make a stark, sterile rental feel like a warm and cozy home.
- Remember to keep the old bulbs so you can swap them back in when you move.
- Pay attention to the lumens (brightness) as well as the color temperature.
- Good lighting is one of the most important elements of good interior design.
20. Add Warmth with Floor and Table Lamps
A room with only a single, central overhead light can feel harsh and flat. Creating a layered lighting scheme with floor and table lamps is key.
Pro Tips:
- A beautiful lamp not only provides warm, ambient light at a human level but also acts as a decorative, sculptural element.
- An arc floor lamp can swoop over your sofa, providing task lighting for reading without any ceiling wiring.
- Place a floor lamp in a dark corner to instantly brighten it and make the room feel larger.
- Use table lamps on side tables, console tables, and nightstands to create warm, cozy pools of light.
- A “tree” style floor lamp with multiple, adjustable heads is great for directing light to different areas.
- Use smart bulbs in all your lamps so you can control the entire room’s lighting scheme from your phone.
- A lamp is a completely portable lighting solution that you can take with you when you move.
- The combination of ambient (overhead), task (reading), and accent (table lamps) lighting is what makes a room feel professionally designed.
- Choose lampshades that complement your decor. A simple linen drum shade is a timeless and versatile choice.
- A beautiful lamp can be a piece of functional art in your room.
Furniture & Storage Solutions
21. Get Smart with Storage Baskets
Beautiful woven baskets are the most stylish way to hide clutter. Use them to hold extra throw blankets, toys, shoes, or magazines.
Pro Tips:
- Use a large, lidded seagrass or jute basket in the living room to stylishly conceal clutter.
- Place a set of matching baskets on the bottom shelf of a console table or a bookshelf for organized, hidden storage.
- A beautiful basket turns everyday clutter into a decorative, textural moment.
- They add a wonderful, warm, and natural texture to any room.
- Use them in a child’s room to make cleanup fast and easy.
- A small, pretty basket on a shelf can hold keys, mail, and other small entryway items.
- They are completely portable and can be used in any room of the house.
- Choose baskets made from natural materials like water hyacinth, seagrass, or jute for an organic feel.
- They are an affordable and incredibly versatile storage solution for renters.
- They are a key element in creating a tidy, organized, and stylish home.
22. Maximize Space with Over-the-Door Hooks
The back of a door is a goldmine for storage in a small rental. Use a simple, over-the-door hook rack to hang coats, towels, robes, or bags.
Pro Tips:
- This adds a huge amount of storage without making a single hole in the wall or door.
- They require no installation; they simply hang over the top of any standard door.
- This is a classic and incredibly effective storage hack for small apartments, dorm rooms, and bathrooms.
- They are very affordable and can be found almost anywhere.
- Choose a sturdy one made from metal for durability.
- They are completely hidden when the door is open, keeping your room looking uncluttered.
- This is a perfect solution for a rental that is short on closet space.
- Use one on your bathroom door for wet towels or a robe.
- Use one on the back of your bedroom door for pajamas or the next day’s outfit.
- When you move, you just take it off the door and pack it up.
23. Add a Versatile Bar Cart
A bar cart is a chic, versatile, and completely mobile piece of furniture. It is not just for drinks.
Pro Tips:
- A bar cart can be used as a mobile coffee station in the kitchen, holding your coffee maker, mugs, and supplies.
- Use it in a small bathroom as a stylish, open storage solution for rolled-up towels, toiletries, and plants.
- It can be a portable craft station, holding all your art or knitting supplies.
- It can serve as a beautiful, tiered plant stand in a sunny corner.
- It is a perfect, flexible side table in a living room or a nightstand in a bedroom.
- Because it is on wheels, you can easily move it around as your needs or your layout changes.
- Choose a style that complements your decor, from glamorous gold and glass to rustic, industrial wood and metal.
- It adds a touch of sophistication and a “collected” feel to any room.
- It provides valuable, open-air storage and display space.
- This is a stylish and hard-working piece of furniture that is perfect for a renter.
24. Use Bookshelves as Room Dividers
In a studio apartment or an open-concept space, a tall, open-backed bookshelf is a brilliant way to create separation.
Pro Tips:
- A bookshelf can provide much-needed storage while also visually separating a space, creating the illusion of rooms.
- Choose a tall, open-backed shelving unit, like an etagere, to create separation without blocking precious natural light.
- This can be used to carve out a home office area from a living room or a sleeping area in a studio.
- Style the shelves from both sides with a mix of books, plants, and decorative objects, as they will be visible from all angles.
- This is a fantastic way to create the feeling of separate “rooms” without building any permanent walls.
- Ensure the bookshelf is stable. You can place your heaviest items on the bottom shelf to anchor it.
- This is a stylish and functional solution for modern, open-plan rental living.
- It adds a huge amount of storage and architectural interest to a plain, boxy room.
- When you move, it is just a piece of furniture that comes with you.
- This is a much more stylish solution than a simple folding screen.
25. Create a Faux Headboard
Many rental bedrooms do not have a headboard. You can create the illusion of one in several creative, damage-free ways.
Pro Tips:
- Use a large, beautiful, removable wall decal in a headboard shape on the wall behind your bed.
- Paint a large, lightweight artist’s canvas a solid color that coordinates with your bedding and simply lean it against the wall behind your bed.
- Hang a lightweight textile, like a beautiful small rug, a quilt, or a macrame wall hanging, from a few small, removable Command hooks.
- Use washi tape to create a simple, minimalist, geometric outline of a headboard on the wall.
- A beautiful, three-panel folding screen placed behind the bed can also act as a dramatic and elegant headboard.
- This is a great way to anchor your bed and make your bedroom feel more finished and designed.
- These ideas require no permanent mounting to the wall, so they are perfect for renters.
- They add a lot of style and personality to a plain rental bedroom.
- A very simple and affordable option is to use a row of large, firm Euro-style pillows propped up against the wall.
- This is a creative challenge that can have a stunning, high-impact result.
The Finishing Touches
26. Bring in Houseplants
Plants are one of the easiest and most effective ways to make a space feel alive, fresh, and personal.
Pro Tips:
- A few well-placed plants can completely transform the atmosphere of a room, adding life and color.
- Choose plants that are appropriate for the amount of light in your rental. Snake plants, ZZ plants, and pothos are great low-light options.
- Use beautiful, decorative pots and planters that act as accessories in their own right and reflect your personal style.
- Hanging planters are a great way to add greenery without taking up any valuable floor or shelf space.
- A large, statement floor plant, like a fiddle leaf fig, placed in a corner can make a huge impact.
- Plants are natural air purifiers and can even boost your mood.
- They add a beautiful, organic shape and a calming, natural element to your decor.
- A small, potted herb like basil or mint on your kitchen windowsill is both beautiful and functional.
- Even a simple vase with a few fresh or high-quality faux eucalyptus stems can make a space feel more stylish.
- When you move, your beloved plant collection can simply come with you to your new home.
27. Swap Out Your Switch Plates
This is a small, subtle detail that makes a surprisingly big difference in making a rental feel more custom and high-end.
Pro Tips:
- Carefully unscrew the generic, plastic light switch and outlet covers that come with the rental.
- Replace them with more stylish metal or decorative ones that match your decor. You can find beautiful options in brass, matte black, or nickel.
- This is a very inexpensive upgrade that takes only a few minutes per switch.
- Most importantly: Keep all of the original plates and their screws in a labeled ziplock bag.
- Store the bag somewhere safe, like taped to the inside of a kitchen cabinet.
- This small change can make a rental feel much less “builder-grade” and more like a custom home.
- Before you move out, it is essential that you swap them all back to the originals.
- This is a detail that many people overlook, but it has a huge subliminal impact on the quality of a space.
- It is a completely reversible hack that adds a touch of polish.
- Choose a finish that coordinates with your new cabinet hardware for a cohesive look.
28. Use a Stylish Shower Curtain
A beautiful fabric shower curtain can completely transform a bland rental bathroom. It acts as a large piece of art.
Pro Tips:
- Swap out the boring, standard-issue vinyl liner for a high-quality fabric shower curtain.
- This is your chance to add a bold pop of color or a fun, personality-filled pattern to an often-neutral bathroom.
- Choose a shower curtain that acts as the main focal point and sets the tone for the whole room.
- For a spa-like, luxurious feel, use an extra-long shower curtain.
- Hang it from a tension rod placed high near the ceiling. This will make a small bathroom feel much taller and more grand.
- Coordinate your shower curtain with your bath mat, towels, and other accessories for a cohesive, designed look.
- This is a very easy and affordable way to completely change the look of a rental bathroom.
- It requires no permanent changes and you can take it with you when you move.
- Always use a high-quality, weighted, mildew-resistant liner with your fabric curtain to protect it.
- This simple swap makes a huge difference in making a rental bathroom feel clean, stylish, and personal.
29. Add Personality with Textiles
Soft furnishings are key to making a rental feel cozy. A few new throw pillows or a colorful blanket can completely change the look of a neutral, rental-grade sofa.
Pro Tips
- Swap out your throw pillows and blankets seasonally to give your space a quick and easy refresh.
- Buying new pillow covers is a very affordable way to change your decor without having to store bulky pillows.
- Choose pillows with a variety of textures, like a chunky knit, a soft velvet, a smooth cotton, or a classic linen.
- Drape a beautiful, colorful, or textural throw blanket over the arm of a chair or the foot of your bed.
- These soft furnishings are what make a space feel truly cozy, comfortable, and inviting.
- They are a great, low-commitment way to experiment with current trends or bold colors.
- They are completely portable and will come with you to every new home, so it is worth investing in pieces you love.
- Use your textiles to tie all the different colors in your room together into a cohesive palette.
- A beautiful set of bedding can be the main design statement in a rental bedroom.
- This is a simple and affordable way to make a huge impact on the feel of your home.
30. Set a Welcoming Doormat
Your home’s first impression starts right at the front door. A doormat with a fun message or a stylish pattern is a simple way to welcome your guests and make your entryway feel like your own.
Pro Tips
- This is a small detail that shows you care about your home’s first impression and have a sense of personality.
- Layering your doormat on top of a slightly larger, thin, patterned outdoor rug is a very trendy and stylish look.
- A good doormat is also highly functional. It helps to trap dirt and keep your rental floors cleaner, which your landlord will appreciate.
- This is a very affordable way to add a pop of personality to your front door before anyone even steps inside.
- You can easily change your doormat seasonally for a fun, festive touch.
- Choose one made from a durable, natural material like coir.
- This is an easy way to make the outside of your rental feel like your own curated space.
- It is a small touch that makes a big difference in how you feel about coming home.
- It is the first “hello” your home gives to the world.
- Choose a mat that reflects your personal style, whether it is funny, modern, or classic.
Conclusion
Renting does not mean you have to live in a bland, personality-free box. It simply requires you to get a little more creative with your decorating.
With these clever, budget-friendly, and completely reversible hacks, you can create a home that truly feels like your own, without ever putting your security deposit at risk.
From your walls and floors to your lighting and finishing touches, there are countless ways to infuse your rental with style and personality. So go ahead, get creative, and make the space you live in a space you truly love.