Living in a rental doesn’t mean you have to endure dull walls and uninspiring spaces. With a few clever, temporary décor hacks, you can transform your space into a cozy, personalized home—without jeopardizing your deposit. These eight renter-friendly tips help you add character and style while keeping your landlord happy.
1. Upgrade door knobs
© topntp26 / Freepik, © Joel Zar / Pexels
An easy yet often overlooked way to upgrade your rental’s style is by swapping out outdated cabinet knobs and drawer pulls. Those dull, worn-out handles in your kitchen or bathroom can make the entire space feel uninspired.
Fortunately, replacing them is a quick fix—just unscrew the old ones and attach stylish alternatives that suit your taste. Whether you love sleek modern finishes, vintage brass, or playful ceramic designs, this small change can have a surprisingly big impact. Just be sure to keep the original knobs so you can reinstall them before moving out.
2. Peel and stick flooring
Unattractive flooring can instantly drag down your space’s aesthetic, but you don’t have to settle for it. Peel-and-stick floor tiles provide a stylish, renter-friendly fix that’s both easy to apply and completely temporary. Whether you’re covering outdated linoleum or a worn-out surface, these tiles come in a variety of colors and patterns to suit any style.
If full coverage isn’t needed, layering rugs, mats, or textured runners is another great way to add warmth and personality while disguising imperfect floors. These simple upgrades refresh your home and make it feel inviting—without breaking your lease agreement.
3. Frames and artwork
A plain white wall doesn’t have to stay boring, even if your lease prohibits nails. Large mirrors are a great way to instantly brighten a space and make it feel bigger by reflecting natural light. Instead of hanging artwork, try leaning decorative frames against the wall or placing them on a shelf or side table for a chic, gallery-like display.
Command strips and removable hooks also offer a damage-free way to hang items. However, if you decide to drill into the wall for that oversized art piece, be prepared for an awkward conversation with your landlord when it’s time to move out.
4. Indoor plants
“I like interior decorating with my plants.” nic1010 / Reddit
Nothing adds life to a rental space quite like a bit of greenery. Indoor plants not only enhance your décor, but they also improve air quality and create a soothing atmosphere. If you’re limited on floor space, consider hanging planters (using removable hooks) or placing plants on floating shelves to showcase your leafy friends.
Low-maintenance plants are ideal for beginners, while larger statement plants can transform a dull corner into a design focal point. Whether real or artificial, plants bring warmth and personality to any home.
5. Temporary wallpaper
Who says rental walls have to stay plain white? Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a simple way to introduce color, texture, or bold patterns to your space without making permanent changes. Whether you prefer minimalist neutrals, floral prints, or striking geometric designs, there’s a removable wallpaper to suit your style.
An accent wall alone can completely transform the look of a room in minutes. The best part? When it’s time to move out, you can easily peel it off with no concerns about damage or repainting.
6. Window films
“My new privacy window film!” Unknown author / Reddit
If your rental has outdated blinds or lacks privacy, window films provide a simple solution. These adhesive coverings come in frosted, stained-glass, or decorative patterns, letting you filter light while maintaining privacy.
They’re especially ideal for bathroom windows, street-facing apartments, or spaces where curtains don’t fit the style. Unlike traditional window treatments, window films are completely removable—no drilling or permanent hardware needed.
7. Upgrade light switch covers
“I went back and bought all the fancy light switch plates. Couldn’t stop thinking about them.”Mimzy2000 / Reddit
A small but impactful detail many renters overlook is the light switch cover. If your apartment has outdated or mismatched covers, upgrading them is an affordable way to make your space feel more polished.
Opt for sleek metallic finishes, fun patterns, or vintage-inspired designs to suit your style. Most covers can be easily unscrewed, allowing you to swap them out and reinstall the originals before moving out. This simple update can subtly elevate your space with minimal effort.
8. Peel and stick tiles
“Updated our rental kitchen with peel and stick backsplash.” shockwavelol / Reddit
Old, stained, or outdated kitchen and bathroom backsplashes don’t have to be an eyesore. Peel-and-stick tiles provide a renter-friendly solution that mimics the look of real tiles but can be easily removed when needed.
Available in subway, mosaic, or textured designs, these self-adhesive tiles are perfect for adding personality to a dull space. Whether you want to refresh your kitchen backsplash or cover an unattractive bathroom wall, this quick, affordable fix can make your rental feel like new.
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