Renting has its perks—no maintenance worries, flexible leases—but you also get stuck with design choices you didn’t make.
That outdated tile? The walls that scream “beige forever”? The super-dull light fixtures? Not exactly inspiring.
But hey, just because you can’t knock down walls doesn’t mean your space has to look like a blank rental template.
Okay, so with the right tricks, you can actually make your place feel more like home—without risking your security deposit.
Some really good renter-friendly upgrades are easy to install (and remove) and won’t make your landlord give you that look. Let’s dive in.
Removable Wall Molding Decals
Want a fancy, classic look without actually committing? These decals mimic real molding—wainscoting, decorative trim—whatever fits your aesthetic. And when you get tired of it, just peel it away. Done and done.
Gallery Walls with Command Strips
No nails? No problem. Just grab some Command strips, arrange your favorite prints, and you have an instant gallery wall before you know it.
Mix and match frames, go eclectic or minimalist, whatever works. And if you change your mind (or need to move), just pop them off—no holes, no drama.
Peel-and-Stick Floor Tiles
Hide that ugly tile with these. Seriously, they come in all kinds of cool patterns (faux marble, geometric, whatever), and you can just take them off when you leave. Why do landlords even pick such bad floors anyway?
Fabric Panels as Art
Big art can be expensive. Instead? Frame some cool fabric. It’s lightweight, easy to swap out, and makes you look like you totally know what you’re doing with interior design. Win-win.
Layered Area Rugs
When in doubt, cover it up. Rugs can hide weird flooring choices, add coziness, and make your space look put together—even if you totally just threw it together last-minute. Plus, layering rugs? So chic.
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Listen, this stuff is genius. Peel-and-stick wallpaper instantly changes up your space—patterns, textures, colors, whatever vibe you’re into.
And when you’re ready for something new (or moving out), just peel it off. No mess, no stress. Seriously, why didn’t I do this sooner?
Carpet Tiles
If you want actual carpet, carpet tiles are the move. They stick down easily, and if one gets ruined (spills happen), just swap it out instead of replacing the whole thing. Brilliant.
Wireless Wall Sconces
Overhead lighting is harsh. Battery-powered sconces are soft, cozy, and way more stylish. They look hardwired, but no electrician is needed. I recommend them 10/10.
Temporary Vinyl Plank Flooring
If your floors are giving off “dentist office” vibes, temporary vinyl planks might save the day. They look and feel like hardwood, but they peel right up when you move out. So yeah, an upgrade with zero commitment—yes, please.
String Lights for Ambiance
String lights are not just for college dorms. Wrap them around a bookshelf or drape them over your bed—suddenly, your space feels way more inviting. Warm white bulbs = instant cozy.
Stick-On LED Puck Lights
Kitchens and bathrooms can have the worst lighting. Stick-on LED puck lights fix that. They’re rechargeable, have no wires, and can be placed where you need extra light. Seriously, why don’t all rentals come with these?
Statement Floor Lamps
Lighting makes a huge difference. A cool floor lamp adds personality and soft lighting; you can take it with you when you move. Get one that’s a little funky—trust me.
Magnetic Spice Racks
Tiny kitchen? Maximize space with magnetic spice racks on the fridge. They’re functional and kind of stylish. Plus, they almost make you look like you have your life together.
Peel-and-Stick Backsplash
It looks like real tile, but surprise—it’s just stickers. Subway tile, marble, geometric, whatever fits your vibe. And the best part? It peels right off when you leave.
Swap Out Cabinet Hardware
The easiest kitchen glow-up: new knobs and pulls. Go modern, go vintage—just switch them back before you move out. Instant upgrade, minimal effort.
Contact Paper Countertops
Contact paper is your new best friend if you’re stuck with ugly countertops. Faux marble, granite, even wood textures—just apply, and suddenly, your kitchen feels fancy. Pro tip: smooth out the bubbles for that “real” look.
Over-the-Sink Cutting Boards
Extra counter space is a must. An over-the-sink cutting board adds more prep area and makes your kitchen look more organized. Win.
Freestanding Open Shelving
Want open shelving without committing? Freestanding shelves give you that trendy look without making permanent changes. Bonus: You can take them with you when you move.
Freestanding Wardrobes
Oh, and if your closet is a joke, grab a freestanding wardrobe. It’s stylish, has more hanging space, and you can take it with you when you leave. It’s a simple solution.
Swapping Out Shower Curtains and Rods
Shower curtains? They either make or break your bathroom, right? So, just switch it out. Add some flair. You could even do a curved rod—trust me, it makes your shower feel bigger. No renovations, no mess. Just a quick switch.
Tension Rod Shower Storage
Okay, tension rods. Not just for curtains, right? You can put one in your shower vertically, and boom—shampoo, conditioner, body wash- it’s suddenly organized. And when you’re moving out, just slide it out. It is so easy; there is no drilling or damage. Perfect, right?
Non-Damaging Towel Racks
Running out of places to hang towels? I mean, who isn’t? Anyway, Command hooks are amazing.
Add some extra racks or hooks without drilling into the wall. There are no holes, no hassle, just way more storage. Plus, there is no towel avalanche.
Removable Showerheads
Those sad, low-pressure showerheads? Get a removable one. Seriously, just unscrew the old, depressing thing and swap it out for something that actually feels like a spa. You can even take it with you when you move—how awesome is that? It’s just a quick fix. Done.
Bookshelves as Room Dividers
Got an open floor plan? Yeah, those can feel like a giant studio. But hey, just use a bookshelf as a room divider. You get extra storage, giving the space some definition. Plus, you can rearrange it whenever you want.
Portable Planters and Vertical Gardens
Portable planters are perfect for a little greenery. You can plop them wherever, no digging, no mess. You can move them around, and they add that fresh outdoor vibe—instant curb appeal.
Stick-On Floor Decals
Bathroom floors can be questionable. But hey, stick-on floor decals are a total game-changer. Water-resistant, cute designs cover up all that weirdly stained tile, no problem.
You don’t even have to explain anything to your landlord. Just slap them on. And guess what? They peel off when you’re done. So, no mess, no fuss.
Speaking of renter-friendly bathroom upgrades, our apartment bathroom ideas guide offers even more ideas for transforming your space.
DIY Headboard
No headboard? No big deal. You can make one yourself. Peel-and-stick panels, fabric-covered plywood, whatever. No drilling, no holes. And honestly, it makes your bedroom look way more put together.
Automatic Curtain Opener
Okay, this is random, but it’s an automatic curtain opener. You just hook it onto your curtain rod, and voilà—your curtains open with a remote. Like, who doesn’t want that? It’s just there, doing its thing while you focus on other stuff. It’s no big install; it’s super easy.
Temporary Window Treatments
Tension rods again, yep. They’re great. Stick some curtains or blinds up without drilling into your walls. Want velvet for winter? Airy stuff for summer? Totally doable. It’s like… having two different vibes without the commitment.
Slipcovers for Sofas and Chairs
If your rental furniture is not the best, consider slipcovers. Seriously, they work. You can just throw them on, and you have a new couch and a new vibe. And if you spill snacks, no worries—you can wash them. Honestly, they are a lifesaver.
Over-the-Door Organizers
Small space? Over-the-door organizers are your best friend. Shoes, cleaning supplies, random stuff—everything stays out of sight, off the floor. There is no drilling and no damage; it just keeps things organized.
Rolling Kitchen Islands
Okay, if your kitchen needs extra space, get a rolling island. It adds counter space, storage, and even a breakfast bar. Plus, it’s easy to take with you when you move, like a kitchen upgrade that goes wherever you go.
Stackable Storage Bins for Closets
Closet space in rentals is usually a nightmare. But stackable bins are a game-changer. You can pile them up, keep your closet organized, and avoid that disaster zone look. It just works.
