Styling a rental home can be challenging, especially with all the restrictions that come with most apartments-the awkward quirks-the rules. I imagine you want to refresh your home and make it personal, stylish, and functional, but yet permanent changes are off the table. Trust me, I get it. If you’re living in a small apartment, every square foot matters, and making it feel like yours without upsetting the landlord can feel like an uphill battle.
The Good news though is you don’t need to settle! There are so many creative ways to breathe new life into your space without drilling holes or breaking your lease. Whether you’re living in a studio apartment, a small one-bedroom, or just looking to update a few things without long-term commitment, these ideas will have your place looking fresh,stylish and functional in no time.
12 Renter-Friendly Ways to Refresh Your Home with practical, quick suggestions
(No Drills, No Stress!)
1. Add Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper For a Unique Reversible Focal Wall.
If you think wallpaper is outdated or too much work, peel-and-stick wallpaper will change your mind. This renter-friendly solution is a game-changer for adding personality to a boring white wall. It’s easy to install, completely removable, and comes in countless styles—from modern geometrics to soft, minimalist patterns.
Think of peel-and-stick wallpaper as a giant sticker for your walls. You can use it to create an accent wall in your living room, upgrade your bedroom with a stylish backdrop, or even refresh a small kitchen backsplash. When it’s time to move out, just peel it off without leaving a mark.
Try This: NuWallpaper Reusable Peel and Stick Wallpaper on Amazon. It’s stylish, affordable, and perfect for small spaces.
2. Switch Up Your Lighting.
Outdated or harsh lighting can really dull down your space. Swapping light fixtures might not be an option, but you can still elevate the mood with renter-friendly lighting solutions. Floor lamps, table lamps, and plug-in sconces are your best friends here.
Choose soft, warm LED bulbs for a cozy atmosphere, or go for statement lamps that double as decor. String lights or LED strips also work wonders for creating a cozy vibe—perfect for brightening up dark corners or small spaces.
Product Recommendation: Check out these stylish Brightech Modern Floor Lamps. They’re sleek, functional, and add just the right touch of personality.
3. Upgrade Your Window Treatments For a More Expensive Luxurious Look.
Blinds that came with your apartment? Not cute. Swapping them for something stylish and renter-friendly can make a huge difference. Hang beautiful curtains using tension rods—no drilling required! They’re an easy way to add texture, color, and warmth to your space.
Light, flowy curtains can make a small space feel bigger and brighter, while blackout curtains are perfect if you need better sleep or privacy. Plus, they’re an affordable way to upgrade a rental without long-term commitment.
Try This: Nicetown Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains on Amazon. They look expensive but are totally budget-friendly.
4. Embrace Area Rugs To Hide Imperfections.
If your floors are a rental nightmare (hello, old carpets and outdated tiles), area rugs are here to save the day. A good rug not only hides imperfections but also ties a room together and adds warmth to your space. For small apartments, a well-placed rug can create defined zones, like a cozy seating area or dining spot.
Stick to neutral tones or minimalist patterns to keep things airy and uncluttered. Washable rugs are a practical bonus for high-traffic areas—no stress over spills or stains!
Must-Have: Ruggable Machine-Washable Area Rugs. Stylish, easy to clean, and perfect for small-space minimalists.
5. Refresh Cabinets with Contact Paper.
Kitchen cabinets in rentals often feel outdated or just plain boring. Enter contact paper—the budget-friendly, damage-free solution you didn’t know you needed. With a variety of colors and textures (think marble, wood grain, or sleek black), contact paper can transform countertops, cabinets, or even appliances-And will instantly refresh your home.
It’s super easy to apply and remove when it’s time to move out. Plus, it’s waterproof and durable, so your kitchen will look fresh and functional for months to come.
Amazon Favorite: Self-Adhesive Contact Paper in Marble Finish. Perfect for kitchen upgrades or even bathroom vanities.
6. Create a Gallery Wall with Removable Adhesives.
Want to make your walls feel like home? A gallery wall is the perfect solution, and you don’t need nails or screws to make it happen. Use damage-free adhesive strips to hang lightweight frames, canvases, or even mirrors.
For a clean, minimalist look, stick to black-and-white photos or neutral artwork. You can also add dimension with framed quotes or decorative mirrors to reflect light and make your space feel bigger.
Pro Tip: Command Picture Hanging Strips work like magic for damage-free wall art.
7. Swap Out Hardware For a Sleek Modern Look.
Something as simple as swapping out cabinet knobs or drawer pulls can completely transform your space. It’s an easy upgrade that adds a stylish touch to rental kitchens, bathrooms, or furniture.
Keep the original hardware in a safe place so you can reinstall it before you move out. Look for modern, minimalist designs to keep your space looking polished and cohesive.
Shop This: Amazon Basics Modern Cabinet Knobs. Affordable, sleek, and easy to install.
8. Refresh Your Home With Mirrors To Open Up The Space.
Mirrors are a small-space dweller’s best friend. They reflect light, create the illusion of space, and double as stylish decor. Lean a large floor mirror against the wall or hang smaller ones using removable adhesive hooks.
In narrow hallways or dark corners, mirrors can brighten things up and make the space feel more open. For a minimalist vibe, opt for frameless or simple black-framed mirrors.
Check Out: NeuType Full-Length Floor Mirror. It’s sleek and renter-friendly.
9. Use Stylish Storage Solutions To Keep Clutter at Bay.
Let’s be honest—clutter can ruin even the cutest spaces. For small-space minimalists, storage that doubles as decor is key. Look for stylish baskets, rolling carts, or modular shelves to keep your things tidy and visually appealing.
Floating shelves installed with damage-free brackets are another game-changer. Use them to display plants, books, or decor while keeping your counters clear.
Amazon Find: Yamazaki Rolling Storage Cart. Sleek, versatile, and perfect for tight spaces.
10. Add Greenery With Low-Maintenance Plants.
Plants can instantly breathe life into any space. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, low-maintenance plants like snake plants, pothos, or faux greenery can make your apartment feel fresh and inviting.
Place plants in decorative pots or hanging planters. If floor space is limited, consider vertical plant hangers or shelves to add greenery without crowding your space.
Product Recommendation: Check out these Set of Modern Ceramic Plant Pots. Simple, clean, and renter-approved.
11. Use Decorative Throw Pillows and Blankets To Warm Up the Space.
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest impact. Swapping out old throw pillows or adding a cozy blanket to your sofa can instantly refresh your living room. Choose neutral tones with varying textures for a clean, cohesive look.
Layering throws and pillows also helps soften your space, making it feel more inviting without adding clutter.
Shop This: MIULEE Decorative Throw Pillow Covers. Minimalist, stylish, and perfect for small spaces.
12. Incorporate Multi-Functional Furniture To Maximize Space.
In small apartments, every piece of furniture needs to earn its keep. Look for pieces that offer storage or serve multiple purposes—like a coffee table with hidden compartments, a stylish storage ottoman, or a bed frame with drawers.
These functional pieces help maximize your space while keeping it stylish and organized.
Amazon Find: HOMCOM Ottoman with Storage. Sleek design meets practical storage.
Finally, On Simple Ways To Refresh Your Home.
It does not have to be complicated or expensive to refresh your home. With a little creativity and the right renter-friendly tools, you can turn your small space into a stylish, functional oasis—no permanent changes required. So go ahead, make your space yours. You deserve to feel at home, wherever you live!
With Love
-Dolorese
