35 Rental Decorating Hacks That Won’t Cost You Your Security Deposit

Living in a rental can often feel like a compromise between making a space your own and adhering to the strict rules of a lease. The fear of losing your security deposit can stifle creativity.

But personalizing your space does not have to mean making permanent, costly changes. There are countless clever, temporary, and damage-free ways to infuse your rental with style and personality.

This guide is your ultimate resource for transforming a bland, builder-grade box into a home that truly feels like yours. Here are 35 genius rental decorating hacks that are stylish, affordable, and, most importantly, completely reversible.

Wall Wonders (Without Paint)

Bare, neutral walls are the number one sign of a rental. These hacks offer high-impact ways to add color, pattern, and personality to your walls without a single drop of permanent paint.

1. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

This is the ultimate game-changer for renters. It offers the high impact of traditional wallpaper without the messy glue and permanent commitment.

Hacks & Tips

• Start with a small accent wall to build your confidence before tackling a whole room.
• Thoroughly clean and dry your wall before application for the best adhesion.
• Use a plastic squeegee or a credit card to smooth out air bubbles as you apply.
• Choose a forgiving pattern, like an abstract or floral design, which is easier to align than perfect geometric stripes.
• Slightly overlap each panel by about 1/8 of an inch to account for any shifting or shrinking.
• Think beyond walls. Use it to line the back of a bookshelf, cover a plain dresser front, or decorate your fridge.
• Always order a sample first to check the color and texture in your home’s lighting.
• Keep your extra scraps. They are perfect for covering switch plates or decorating small boxes.
• When it is time to move, use a hairdryer to gently warm the wallpaper. This will loosen the adhesive for easy, damage-free removal.
• Choose a high-quality, reputable brand to ensure it removes cleanly without leaving a sticky residue.

2. Large-Scale Art & Tapestries

A single, oversized piece of art or a large fabric tapestry can cover a significant amount of wall space, acting as a powerful and dramatic focal point.

Hacks & Tips

• Look for lightweight, unframed canvas art that can be hung with a few large Command strips.
• A fabric tapestry is incredibly lightweight and can be hung with a few small, removable hooks or even thumbtacks.
• Use a large piece of art to create the illusion of a window in a room that lacks one.
• Lean a very large, framed piece of art against a wall for a casual, gallery-inspired look that requires no holes.
• You can create your own large-scale art by stretching a beautiful piece of fabric over a simple wooden frame.
• This is a great way to introduce a lot of color and personality into a room with a single item.
• A tapestry can also help to absorb sound, making a room feel cozier and quieter.
• Choose art that reflects your personal style and sets the mood for the entire room.
• This is a perfect solution for covering up an unsightly electrical panel or a poorly patched wall.
• When you move, you simply take your art with you, leaving the walls pristine.

3. Removable Wall Decals

Wall decals are like sophisticated stickers for your walls. They come in a huge variety of styles, from simple polka dots and geometric shapes to intricate floral designs.

Hacks & Tips

• Use simple gold or black polka dot decals to create a fun and whimsical accent wall.
• Create a “headboard” behind your bed using a large, decorative decal.
• Use decals to create a fun, themed wall in a child’s room that can be easily changed as they grow.
• Place them in unexpected places, like climbing up a stair riser or on the side of a bookshelf.
• Decals are a fantastic way to add a touch of personality to a rental kitchen backsplash.
• Make sure your wall is clean and smooth before application.
• Use a credit card to smooth out any air bubbles as you apply each decal.
• Most decals are easily repositionable if you make a mistake.
• When it is time to remove them, they peel off cleanly with no damage.
• This is a very affordable way to make a big design impact.

4. Washi Tape Designs

Washi tape is a decorative Japanese paper tape that is gentle, removable, and comes in a million colors and patterns. It is perfect for creating custom wall designs.

Hacks & Tips

• Create a simple, geometric accent wall by making a pattern of crosses, triangles, or stripes.
• Use washi tape to create “frames” around your unframed photos or posters directly on the wall.
• Create a playful, house-shaped “headboard” on the wall behind your bed.
• Use thin, black washi tape to create a minimalist, grid-like pattern on a large, blank wall.
• This is a perfect project for a kid’s room or a home office.
• The tape is very forgiving and can be easily repositioned if you make a mistake.
• It peels off cleanly with no residue, making it the ultimate damage-free decorating tool.
• Use it to create a border around a doorway or a window.
• This is an incredibly low-cost way to get a custom, graphic look.
• Test a small piece in an inconspicuous spot first, just to be safe.

5. Floating Shelves (The Smart Way)

Floating shelves can add valuable storage and display space, but you need to hang them in a renter-friendly way.

Hacks & Tips

• Opt for very lightweight shelves that can be hung with multiple high-strength Command strips designed for picture hanging.
• Alternatively, use very small nails or screws. A tiny nail hole is incredibly easy to patch with a dab of spackle before you move out.
• Use picture ledges instead of deep shelves. They require less support and are perfect for displaying framed art and small objects.
• Only place lightweight, decorative items on shelves hung with adhesive strips.
• Never use adhesive strips to hang shelves above a bed or a sofa for safety reasons.
• A leaning ladder bookshelf provides a similar look with zero holes in the wall.
• This is a great way to create a display for your plants, photos, and small collections.
• Paint the shelves the same color as the wall to make them look like a custom, built-in feature.
• Installing a single, long shelf high up on a wall, near the ceiling, can draw the eye upward and make a room feel taller.
• When you move, simply remove the shelves, fill the tiny holes, and your wall is as good as new.

6. The Magic of Mirrors

A large mirror is a renter’s best friend. It can make a small room feel significantly larger and brighter by reflecting light and creating an illusion of depth.

Hacks & Tips

• Lean a large, oversized floor mirror against a wall in your living room or bedroom. This requires no holes and makes a huge statement.
• Place a large mirror on the wall directly opposite a window to maximize the amount of natural light in the room.
• Create a gallery wall of several smaller, mismatched vintage mirrors for a collected, eclectic look.
• Use a mirror with an interesting or ornate frame as a piece of functional wall art.
• A mirror can make a narrow hallway or a small entryway feel much more spacious and open.
• Choose a mirror with a thin, minimalist frame for a modern look, or a thick, chunky wood frame for a rustic feel.
• Hang a medium-sized mirror above a console table or a dresser using damage-free picture hanging strips.
• Always clean your mirrors regularly to keep them sparkling and effective.
• A mirror is a great way to check your outfit, but it is also one of the most powerful interior design tools.
• It is a temporary addition that makes a huge, structural-feeling impact on a room.

Floor Fixes

Ugly or dated rental flooring can be a major eyesore. These hacks help you cover it up and define your space without any permanent changes.

7. Area Rugs to the Rescue

An area rug is the single most effective way to transform a room and cover up flooring you do not love. It adds color, pattern, texture, and warmth.

Hacks & Tips

• Choose a rug that is large enough so that at least the front legs of your main furniture pieces can rest on it. This unifies the space.
• Use a colorful, patterned rug to be the main focal point in an otherwise neutral room.
• Layering rugs is a very stylish look. Place a smaller, more vibrant rug over a larger, neutral jute or sisal rug.
• Always use a good quality rug pad underneath. This prevents the rug from slipping and protects the floor below.
• A rug can be used to visually define a specific zone in an open-concept space, like a living area or a dining area.
• If you have ugly carpet, a large, thin, flatweave rug can be placed on top to cover it.
• For high-traffic areas, choose a durable, low-pile rug that is easy to clean.
• A beautiful rug can make an entire rental feel more luxurious and personalized.
• It also helps to absorb sound, which is great for apartment living.
• When you move, you can simply roll it up and take it with you.

8. Peel-and-Stick Floor Tiles

Modern peel-and-stick floor tiles are a fantastic, temporary solution for covering up ugly vinyl or tile floors, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

Hacks & Tips

• Choose a high-quality, durable vinyl tile that is specifically designed to be removable.
• Thoroughly clean and dry the existing floor before you begin for the best adhesion.
• Start from the center of the room and work your way out for a balanced look.
• Many of these tiles can be easily cut with a utility knife to fit around corners and fixtures.
• This is a fantastic way to get the look of trendy, patterned cement tile for a fraction of the cost.
• It is a project that can completely transform the look of a dated kitchen or bathroom in a single afternoon.
• When it is time to move, you can use a hairdryer to gently heat the tiles and peel them up.
• Always check with your landlord before doing this, but most removable tile is perfectly safe.
• This is a great way to cover up stained or cracked linoleum.
• It provides a durable, water-resistant, and easy-to-clean surface.

9. Interlocking Deck Tiles

For an ugly concrete balcony or patio, interlocking deck tiles are a brilliant solution. They snap together easily over your existing surface.

Hacks & Tips

• These tiles are made from wood, composite, or plastic and require no glue or screws.
• They instantly create the look of a custom, high-end wooden deck.
• This completely transforms an uninviting outdoor space into a cozy oasis.
• They provide good drainage, as water can run through the gaps between the tiles.
• You can easily cut the tiles to fit the exact shape of your balcony.
• This is a perfect project to do in an afternoon.
• They make an outdoor space feel much warmer and more comfortable underfoot than bare concrete.
• When you move, you can simply unsnap the tiles and take them with you to your next home.
• This is a major upgrade that is completely temporary and damage-free.
• Pair them with a small outdoor rug and some potted plants to complete your balcony makeover.

10. Rug Runners for Hallways

A long, narrow hallway can be made to feel much more stylish and comfortable with the addition of a rug runner.

Hacks & Tips

• A runner adds color, pattern, and personality to a purely transitional space.
• It helps to protect the floor in a high-traffic area.
• A striped runner can create the illusion of a longer hallway.
• It helps to absorb sound and reduce echo, which is common in long, narrow halls.
• Choose a durable, low-pile material that is easy to clean.
• Make sure to use a non-slip rug pad underneath to keep it securely in place.
• A runner makes a hallway feel more like a deliberate, designed room.
• Choose a runner that leaves a few inches of flooring visible on either side for a balanced look.
• This is a simple addition that makes a huge difference in the overall feel of your home.
• It is a great way to cover up less-than-perfect flooring in a rental.

Lighting Lifesavers

Bad lighting can make any space feel drab and uninviting. These hacks allow you to add layers of beautiful, functional light without touching the wiring.

11. Plug-in Wall Sconces

Get the sophisticated look of hardwired wall sconces without needing an electrician. Plug-in sconces simply mount to the wall and have a cord that plugs into a standard outlet.

Hacks & Tips

• Use a pair of plug-in sconces to flank your bed, freeing up space on your nightstands.
• Place one next to a comfortable armchair to create a dedicated reading nook.
• You can hide the cord by using a paintable cord cover that blends in with your wall.
• This is a perfect way to add ambient or task lighting to a room that lacks 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.
• This is a major style upgrade that you can easily install yourself with just a few screws.
• When you move, you simply unscrew the sconce, patch the tiny holes, and take it with you.
• This is a fantastic solution for renters who want a custom lighting look.
• Look for models with a built-in dimmer switch on the cord or the fixture.

12. The Power of Floor Lamps

Never underestimate the design power of a beautiful floor lamp. It can add both functional light and a strong, sculptural element to a room.

Hacks & Tips

• An arc floor lamp can swoop over your sofa, providing overhead light without any ceiling wiring.
• A simple, tripod-style floor lamp adds a touch of mid-century modern style.
• Place a floor lamp in a dark corner to instantly brighten it and make the room feel larger.
• A “tree” style floor lamp with multiple, adjustable heads is great for directing light to different areas.
• Choose a lamp with a beautiful shade that complements your decor. A simple linen drum shade is always a classic choice.
• Use smart bulbs in your lamps so you can control the brightness and even the color from your phone.
• A floor lamp is a completely portable lighting solution that you can take with you when you move.
• It is a key part of creating a layered lighting scheme in any room.
• A torchiere-style lamp that shines light upwards can provide a lot of soft, ambient light.
• A beautiful floor lamp can act as a piece of functional art in your room.

13. “Puck” Lights for Under Cabinets

Under-cabinet lighting can make a huge difference in a kitchen, but it is often not a feature in rentals. Battery-operated, stick-on “puck” lights are the perfect solution.

Hacks & Tips

• These are small, round, battery-powered LED lights with an adhesive backing.
• Simply stick them to the underside of your upper kitchen cabinets to illuminate your countertops.
• This provides excellent task lighting for cooking and food prep.
• It also makes a kitchen feel much more high-end and custom.
• Look for models that are dimmable or come with a remote control.
• You can also use these lights inside dark closets, pantries, or on bookshelves.
• They are incredibly easy to install and remove with no damage.
• This is one of the most impactful and affordable upgrades you can make to a rental kitchen.
• Choose a warm white light for the most inviting kitchen glow.
• Change the batteries as needed to keep them shining bright.

14. Swapping Out Light Fixtures (Safely)

If you are comfortable with basic electrical work, you can often swap out an ugly, builder-grade ceiling fixture for one that you love. This is a major upgrade.

Hacks & Tips

• Crucial first step: Always get permission from your landlord before you do this.
• Safety first: If you are not 100% confident, hire a professional electrician. Always turn off the power at the breaker box before you begin.
• Carefully remove the existing light fixture and store it in a safe place.
• Install your new, beautiful light fixture.
• This can completely change the look and feel of an entire room.
• Keep all the original hardware, screws, and wire nuts with the old fixture.
• Before you move out, you must carefully reinstall the original light fixture exactly as you found it.
• This is a reversible hack, but only if you are careful and meticulous.
• This is a great way to get rid of the dreaded “boob light” that is common in many rentals.
• A stunning new chandelier or pendant light can make a rental feel like a custom home.

15. String Lights for Ambiance

String lights are not just for outdoor patios or holidays. They can be used indoors to create a warm, magical, and cozy atmosphere.

Hacks & Tips

• Drape a string of delicate, warm white fairy lights around a large floor mirror.
• Run a string of bistro-style globe lights along the top of a wall, near the ceiling.
• Use them to create a glowing “headboard” by arranging them on the wall behind your bed.
• Weave them through the foliage of a large indoor plant for a magical look.
• Use small, clear, damage-free Command hooks to hang the lights without making any holes.
• Choose lights with a warm color temperature for a soft, inviting glow.
• A curtain of lights hung behind a sheer curtain panel can create a beautiful, dreamy feature wall.
• This is a very affordable way to add a lot of charm and personality to a room.
• Solar-powered fairy lights can be placed in a glass jar on a sunny windowsill and will light up automatically at night.
• They instantly make any space feel cozier and more magical.

Window Treatments

Ugly, standard-issue rental blinds can be a major downer. These hacks help you add softness, style, and privacy to your windows.

16. Tension Rod Curtains

If you are not allowed to drill holes for a traditional curtain rod, a tension rod is your best friend. It uses spring-loaded tension to fit snugly inside a window frame.

Hacks & Tips

• This method requires absolutely no drilling and causes zero damage.
• Choose lightweight curtain panels, as tension rods cannot support very heavy drapes.
• Sheer or linen curtains are a perfect choice for this method.
• This is a fantastic solution for adding a bit of softness and privacy to a window.
• You can also use a tension rod to hang a curtain in a doorway or to hide an open closet.
• Make sure to measure the inside of your window frame accurately to buy the correct size rod.
• This is an incredibly affordable and easy way to hang curtains.
• You can also layer two tension rods to hang both a sheer curtain and a more opaque one.
• This is a classic and foolproof rental decorating hack.
• When you move, you simply twist the rod to release the tension and take it with you.

17. Removable Window Film

Removable window film can add privacy, diffuse harsh sunlight, and even add a decorative pattern to your windows, all without any sticky adhesive.

Hacks & Tips

• This film clings to the glass using static electricity, not glue, so it is completely removable and reusable.
• A frosted or rice paper-style film is perfect for a bathroom window or a ground-floor apartment, providing privacy while still letting in light.
• There are also films that create a beautiful, rainbow-like prismatic effect when the sun shines through them.
• Application is easy: you simply spray the window with a little soapy water, apply the film, and use a squeegee to smooth out the bubbles.
• This is a great way to obscure an unpleasant view.
• You can cut the film into decorative shapes or patterns.
• It can also help to reduce UV rays, protecting your furniture from fading.
• When it is time to remove it, it simply peels off with no residue.
• This is a sleek, modern, and very practical solution for renters.
• It provides the look of expensive, etched glass for a fraction of the cost.

18. Swapping Out Blinds

If your rental came with cheap, ugly, or broken vertical or mini blinds, you can often remove them and replace them with something better.

Hacks & Tips

• Again, always get your landlord’s permission before you do this.
• Carefully remove the existing blinds and all their hardware.
• Wrap them up carefully and store them in a safe place, like the back of a closet or under a bed.
• Install your own, more stylish window treatments, like beautiful bamboo shades or classic Roman blinds.
• This is a change that can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of a room.
• It allows you to control the light and privacy in a much more elegant way.
• You are investing in window treatments that you love and that you can take with you to your next home.
• Make sure you keep all the original screws and brackets so you can reinstall the old blinds perfectly.
• Before you move out, you must take down your blinds and reinstall the original ones.
• This is a simple swap that can make your rental feel much more like a custom home.

Kitchen & Bath Upgrades

Rental kitchens and bathrooms are often dated and basic. These non-permanent upgrades can make them feel much more modern and stylish.

19. Contact Paper Countertops

If you are stuck with ugly, dated laminate countertops, high-quality, removable contact paper can be a miraculous and affordable solution.

Hacks & Tips

• Modern contact paper comes in incredibly realistic finishes that mimic marble, granite, or butcher block.
• Choose a brand that is specifically designed to be durable, water-resistant, and removable.
• Thoroughly clean and dry your countertops before application.
• This project requires patience. Work slowly and use 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 aesthetic fix, so always use a cutting board and hot pads to protect the surface.
• It 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.
• 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 do.

20. Peel-and-Stick Backsplash

A peel-and-stick backsplash is an easy and damage-free way to cover up an ugly or boring kitchen or bathroom backsplash.

Hacks & Tips

• These come in a huge variety of styles, from realistic-looking subway tiles to trendy geometric patterns.
• They are designed to be heat-resistant and easy to wipe clean.
• Make sure your existing wall or tile is very clean and dry before you start.
• The tiles often overlap slightly to create a seamless, grout-like look.
• They can be easily cut with scissors or a utility knife to fit around outlets and light switches.
• This is a project that you can easily complete in a weekend.
• It adds a huge amount of personality and style to a builder-grade kitchen.
• Choose a high-quality, removable brand for the best results and easiest removal.
• This is a perfect way to get a high-end look on a very small budget.
• It instantly makes a rental kitchen feel more custom and intentional.

21. Swapping Cabinet Hardware

One of the easiest and most impactful upgrades you can make in a kitchen or bathroom is to swap out the boring, generic cabinet knobs and pulls.

Hacks & Tips

• This is a five-minute-per-knob project that makes a huge difference.
• Unscrew the existing hardware and take it with you to the hardware store to ensure you buy new hardware with the 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 screws in a labeled ziplock bag and store them in a safe place.
• This small change can make builder-grade cabinets look much more expensive and custom.
• It is a detail that instantly elevates the entire room.
• This is a completely reversible upgrade.
• Before you move out, simply screw the original hardware back on.
• You can take your beautiful, new hardware with you to your next rental.
• This is an affordable investment that makes a huge stylistic impact.

22. Over-the-Cabinet Towel Bars

If you lack towel storage in your kitchen or bathroom, an over-the-cabinet-door towel bar is a perfect, damage-free solution.

Hacks & Tips

• These are simple metal or plastic hooks that just hang over the top of your cabinet door.
• They require no drilling or adhesive.
• They are perfect for hanging a dish towel in the kitchen or a hand towel in the bathroom.
• This keeps your towels handy and off of your countertops.
• Many of these have a soft, padded backing to protect your cabinet from being scratched.
• This is an incredibly simple and affordable solution to a common rental problem.
• They come in a variety of finishes, like chrome or bronze, to match your decor.
• 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 over-the-door hooks for hanging robes or larger towels.

23. Removable Shower Heads

A standard, low-pressure rental shower head can be a daily annoyance. Swapping it out for a better one is an easy upgrade that will improve your daily life.

Hacks & Tips

• Upgrading to a new shower head, like one with high pressure or a rainfall setting, can feel incredibly luxurious.
• This is a very simple plumbing task that usually requires no special tools other than a wrench and some plumber’s tape.
• Simply unscrew the old shower head from the wall pipe.
• Wrap the threads of the pipe with new plumber’s tape.
• Screw your new, beautiful shower head on.
• Most importantly: Keep the original shower head in a labeled box under the sink.
• Before you move out, you must reinstall the original one.
• This is a completely reversible upgrade that can make a huge difference in your daily routine.
• A handheld shower head can also make cleaning the shower much easier.
• This is a small investment in your own comfort that you can take with you when you leave.

Furniture & Storage Solutions

Smart, multi-functional furniture and clever storage solutions are key to making a rental feel like home. These ideas add function and style without permanent fixtures.

24. Bookshelves as Room Dividers

In an open-concept space or a studio apartment, a large bookshelf can be a brilliant, hard-working piece of furniture.

Hacks & Tips

• A bookshelf can provide much-needed storage while also visually separating a space.
• Choose a tall, open-backed shelving unit, like an etagere, to create separation without blocking 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, as they will be visible from all angles.
• Mix books with decorative objects and plants to keep it from looking too heavy.
• This is a fantastic way to create the illusion of separate “rooms” without building any walls.
• Ensure the bookshelf is stable. You can place your heaviest items on the bottom shelf.
• This is a stylish and functional solution for modern, open-plan living.
• It adds a huge amount of storage and architectural interest to a room.
• When you move, it is just a piece of furniture that comes with you.

25. Leaning Ladders for Storage

A leaning ladder shelf is a trendy, stylish, and completely non-permanent storage solution. It is perfect for small spaces.

Hacks & Tips

• These shelves simply lean against the wall, requiring no holes or mounting.
• They are perfect for a bathroom to hold towels and toiletries.
• They are great in a living room for displaying plants, books, and decorative objects.
• They have a small footprint, so they work well in tight corners.
• Look for a ladder with rubber pads on the feet and at the top to protect your floors and walls.
• The tapered design, with deeper shelves at the bottom, is visually interesting.
• This is a perfect, stylish solution for renters.
• They add a lot of vertical storage and display space.
• Choose a style that matches your decor, from rustic wood to sleek, industrial metal.
• When you move, you just pick it up and go.

26. Stylish Storage Baskets

Never underestimate the power of a beautiful basket. They are one of the best and most stylish ways to hide clutter in a rental.

Hacks & Tips

• Use a large, woven seagrass or jute basket in the living room to hold extra throw blankets and pillows.
• Place a set of matching baskets on the bottom shelf of a console table to store shoes or other items.
• A beautiful basket can turn everyday clutter into a stylish, decorative moment.
• They add a wonderful, natural texture to any room.
• Use them in a child’s room to quickly and easily tidy up toys.
• A small, lidded basket on a shelf can hold keys, mail, and other small items.
• They are completely portable and can be used in any room of the house.
• Choose baskets made from natural materials like seagrass, water hyacinth, or jute for a warm, organic feel.
• They are an affordable and incredibly versatile storage solution.
• They are a key element in creating a tidy, organized, and stylish rental home.

27. Over-the-Door Organizers

The back of a door is a slice of prime, vertical storage real estate that is often completely overlooked.

Hacks & Tips

• Use a clear, pocket-style shoe organizer on the back of a pantry door to store snacks, spices, or cleaning supplies.
• In a bathroom, use one on the back of the door to hold toiletries, hair tools, and makeup.
• This adds a huge amount of storage without taking up any floor or shelf space.
• They require no installation; they simply hang over the top of the door.
• This is a classic and incredibly effective storage hack for small apartments and dorm rooms.
• They are very affordable and can be found almost anywhere.
• Choose a sturdy one made from a durable material.
• They are completely hidden when the door is open.
• This is a perfect solution for a rental that is short on closet or cabinet space.
• When you move, you just take it off the door and pack it up.

28. A Stylish Bar Cart

A bar cart is a chic, versatile, and completely mobile piece of furniture. It is not just for drinks.

Hacks & Tips

• A bar cart can be used as a mobile coffee station in the kitchen.
• Use it in a bathroom as a stylish and open storage solution for towels and toiletries.
• It can be a portable craft station, holding all your art 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.
• Because it is on wheels, you can easily move it around as your needs change.
• 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’s ever-changing needs.

Finishing Touches

These are the small, personal details that truly make a rental feel like a home. They are easy to add and take with you when you leave.

29. The Impact of Houseplants

Plants are one of the easiest and most effective ways to make a space feel alive, fresh, and personal.

Hacks & Tips

• A few well-placed plants can completely transform the atmosphere of a room.
• Choose plants that are appropriate for the amount of light in your rental. Snake plants and ZZ plants are great for low-light situations.
• Use beautiful, decorative pots and planters that act as accessories in their own right.
• Hanging planters are a great way to add greenery without taking up any floor or shelf space.
• A large, statement floor plant in a corner can make a huge impact.
• Plants help to purify the air and can boost your mood.
• They add a beautiful, organic shape and color to your decor.
• A small, potted herb on your kitchen windowsill is both beautiful and functional.
• Even a simple vase with a few fresh or faux eucalyptus stems can make a space feel more stylish.
• When you move, your plant collection can simply come with you.

30. Command Hooks & Strips

These damage-free, adhesive hooks and strips are the renter’s absolute best friend. They are a revolutionary product for temporary decorating.

Hacks & Tips

• Use them to hang lightweight art, framed photos, and mirrors without making any holes in the walls.
• Always check the weight limit on the package and use the appropriate size for your item.
• Use the small, clear hooks to hang string lights or lightweight garlands.
• Place a few hooks inside a kitchen cabinet door to hang measuring cups and spoons.
• Use them in an entryway to hang keys, hats, and lightweight jackets.
• Make sure to clean the wall surface with rubbing alcohol before applying the strip for the best hold.
• When it is time to remove them, pull the tab straight down, slowly, to release the adhesive without damaging the paint.
• They are a must-have for every renter’s toolkit.
• They allow you to personalize your walls completely, without any fear.
• Stock up on them in various sizes; you will find endless uses for them.

31. Decorative Throws & Pillows

One of the easiest ways to add color, pattern, and personality to a rental living room or bedroom is with textiles.

Hacks & Tips

• Swap out your throw pillows and blankets seasonally to give your space a quick and easy refresh.
• A few new pillow covers can completely change the look of a neutral sofa.
• Choose pillows with a variety of textures, like a chunky knit, a soft velvet, or a classic linen.
• Drape a beautiful, colorful throw blanket over the arm of a chair or the foot of your bed.
• These soft furnishings are what make a space feel cozy and inviting.
• They are a great way to experiment with trends or bold colors without a big commitment.
• They are completely portable and will come with you to your next home.
• Use them to tie all the colors of your room together.
• A beautiful set of bedding can be the main design statement in a rental bedroom.
• They are a simple and affordable way to make a big impact.

32. A Statement Shower Curtain

A shower curtain takes up a huge amount of visual real estate in a small bathroom. Changing it is a simple and powerful rental upgrade.

Hacks & Tips

• Swap out the boring, standard-issue liner for a beautiful, high-quality fabric shower curtain.
• This is your chance to add a bold pop of color or a fun pattern to an often-neutral bathroom.
• Choose a shower curtain that acts as a piece of art.
• An extra-long shower curtain, hung from a tension rod placed high near the ceiling, can make a small bathroom feel much taller and more luxurious.
• Coordinate your shower curtain with your bath mat and towels 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.
• When you move, you simply take your beautiful shower curtain with you.
• Choose a high-quality, weighted liner to use with your fabric curtain.
• This is a simple swap that makes a huge difference.

33. Removable Cabinet Liners

Add a pop of color and personality to the inside of your rental kitchen or bathroom cabinets with removable shelf and drawer liners.

Hacks & Tips

• This is a fun, hidden surprise of color and pattern that will make you smile every time you open a drawer.
• Modern shelf liners are adhesive-free and stay in place with a grippy texture.
• They also protect the shelves from scratches and spills, which your landlord will appreciate.
• Choose a fun, colorful pattern that makes you happy.
• This is a very easy and affordable way to upgrade the inside of dated rental cabinets.
• It makes them feel cleaner and more personal.
• They are easy to cut to the exact size of your drawers and shelves.
• When you move out, you simply lift them up and take them with you.
• This is a small detail that makes a rental feel more like your own.
• It is a great way to cover up old, stained, or worn-out cabinet interiors.

34. DIY Headboard Ideas

Many rental bedrooms lack a headboard. You can create the illusion of one with several creative, damage-free ideas.

Hacks & Tips

• Use a large, removable wall decal to create a beautiful headboard shape on the wall behind your bed.
• Paint a large, lightweight artist’s canvas a solid color and simply lean it against the wall behind your bed.
• Hang a beautiful, lightweight textile, like a small rug or a macrame wall hanging, from a few small, removable hooks.
• Use washi tape to create a simple, geometric outline of a headboard on the wall.
• A folding screen placed behind the bed can also act as a beautiful and dramatic 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.
• They add a lot of style and personality to a rental bedroom.
• A very simple and affordable option is to use a row of large, firm pillows propped up against the wall.
• This is a creative challenge that can have a stunning result.

35. A Welcoming Entryway Mat

The very first thing you and your guests see is your entryway. A stylish doormat can set a welcoming and personal tone.

Hacks & Tips

• Choose a doormat with a fun, welcoming message or a stylish, modern pattern.
• This is a small detail that shows you care about your home’s first impression.
• Layering your doormat on top of a slightly larger, flatweave outdoor rug is a very trendy and stylish look.
• A good doormat is also functional, helping to trap dirt and keep your rental floors cleaner.
• This is a very affordable way to add a pop of personality to your front door.
• You can easily change your doormat seasonally.
• Choose one made from a durable material like coir.
• This is an easy way to make the outside of your rental feel like your own.
• It is a small touch that makes a big difference.
• It is the first “hello” your home gives to the world.

Conclusion

Renting does not mean you have to live in a bland, personality-free box. It just means you need to get a little more creative with your decorating.

With these clever, temporary, and damage-free 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.