Makeover Your Rental: Simple DIY Projects To Update And Personalize Your Space

Life in a rental, after all, is frequently about making peace with a space that isn’t quite “yours.” Permanent changes are typically not an option, and big-budget renovations are a rarity. But you don’t have to own a home or spend a fortune to bring that chill and charm to your living space. With a bit of ingenuity and a few inexpensive decor tricks, you can turn your apartment rental into a space that feels truly your own and cozy, stylish (in 2019), and yet also not at risk of losing your deposit. Prepare to learn how to personalize your pad, one renter-friendly hack at a time.

Table of Contents

Embrace Removable Accents

Your rental best friends are things that can be taken down or updated.

Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper/Decals: A feature wall, backsplash or piece of furniture can be transformed in a snap using removable wallpaper or vinyl decals. It’s a commitment-free addition of color and pattern.
Command Hooks & Strips: Hang art, curtains, or even light shelves without leaving holes in the wall. They are available in different sizes and strengths for a range of uses.
Temporary Lighting: Screw hardwired fixtures we’d opt for plug-in pendant lights, string lights, or floor lamps for a bit of atmosphere and personality.

Focus on the Textiles and Soft Furnishings

Fabrics can be real mood setters, in that you can use them to add warmth, color and texture.

Rugs: An oversized area rug can establish a room, provide warmth and hide less-than-ideal flooring without having to install (or pay for) anything new.
Curtains: Ditch the crap blinds and get some decent long, flowing curtains. They provide height, softness and can be a game changer in a room’s aesthetic. Back against both sides of the window and attach with screw hooks you can get from the hardware store, or use a tension rod if you that won’t damage the wall or trim.
Pillows & Throws: Refresh couches and beds with new throw pillows and blankets. They are a great budget friendly option and come in a million colors and pattern combinations.

Small Touches, Big Impact

These are the contents you can easily pack and unpack when you move.

Plants: Add life and freshness to any space. Opt for easy-care selections that do well indoors.
Art & Photos: Design a gallery wall using framed prints, family photos or artwork. Now you can hang them with Command Strips.
Mirrors: Opt for a large mirror that will make the room look bigger and brighter by reflecting the light.
Storage Solutions: Keep your clutter to a minimum with these stylish storage solutions.

Smart Furniture & Styling

Existing furniture can even be updated, or fresh pieces selected with flexibility in mind.

Arrangement of Furnishings: Try different arrangements of furnishings to create maximum space and flow.
Repurpose & Upcycle: Breathe new life into old furniture with contact paper, a fresh coat of paint, or new hardware (make sure it’s reversible for rentals).
Accessorize: Put books, candles, interesting little tchotchkes that have meaning for you on shelves, coffee tables, windowsills. When there are entertainment options, some people who prefer to stick with a live casino instead, have made a wise choice, but for me, personalizing your home offers an entirely different kind of lasting satisfaction.

Wrapping Up

You don’t need to empty your bank account or violate the terms of your lease to transform your rental. Think removable accents, textiles, personalized portable decor, and smart styling to really turn a place into your own. These cheap-and-cheerful ideas will help you enjoy life at home in completely personal ways, even in a rented space, and prove that whether it’s forever, or just for now, home is more than where the heart is.