These renter-friendly upgrades can turn a boring, impersonal, or underutilized space into something magical and cozy, while keeping you on budget.
If you’re willing to put in a little elbow grease and creativity, you can add color, storage, and cozy comfort with little to no skill.
From wall treatments and flooring upgrades to the best innovative and landlord-safe products, this post will walk you through stunning ways to update your space!
RELATED: 13 Incredible IKEA Hacks
Our Favorite DIY Renter-Friendly Upgrades
Have a boring rental like this?
But, prefer something cozy and aesthetic like this?
Below you’ll find renter-friendly and affordable upgrades anyone can do to achieve a personalized space that’s warm, inviting, and completely to your taste.
And the best part?
Your landlord never has to know!
These renter-friendly hacks include no damage wall treatments and décor ideas, easy fixture swaps that can be switched right back, and fun ways to incorporate your personal style in a landlord-approved way.
Be sure to also check out these thrifty decorating ideas!
Photo Credit: @hattieaspin
Incorporate Damage-Free Wall Décor and Reversible Wall Treatments
This mural shared by @handmadehome_durham is pasted on MDF and then hung on the wall, which makes it easily removable!
They also added trim around the MDF to create or more finished, ornate look.
You can recreate this DIY wall décor using any art piece of your choosing, secured to the wall with no-damage command strips.
The best part? You can take it with you when you go!
2. Removeable Wallpaper
Wallpaper is having a major come back, and for good reason!
It’s a relatively easy way to add big impact to any space. And with so many different colors and patterns available, you can liven up a room in a way that perfectly matches your personality.
Peel-and-stick options make it easy to install, and you can remove it without damaging your walls.
Here’s a beautiful example by @sierramhome. The before was already great, but the addition of wallpaper really makes this vintage-inspired bathroom pop!
3. Adhesive Tile
Peel and stick tile is a great way to update a kitchen or bathroom on a budget.
There’s no tile saw, mortar, grout, or expertise needed, making it a lot less work, but with a similar impact.
Plus, you can take it down when it’s time to move on.
Here’s a before and after that turns an outdated mod kitchen into more calming and cozy space.
Photo credit: @being.athome
4. Paint
Paint is one of the easiest reversible ways to transform a rental property.
Whether you go for a new solid wall color, or utilize trendy paint techniques to amp up the style of your home, paint can make a drastic difference in just an afternoon.
Here are some of our favorite painted wall makeovers from this post covering all the best DIY Modern Accent walls:
Inside the post, you’ll also find tutorials for board and batten, textured walls like cement, fun wallpaper options, and more!
When you’re ready to move, just prime the walls and paint them in the boring landlord greige color that they used to be before you breathed life into them.
Here are some more DIY modern accent walls for inspiration.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Utilize Wall Art
Don’t be afraid to put art pieces on your wall!
There are so many renter-friendly ways to secure artwork these days. Plus, it’s easier than you might think to patch small nail holes for holding light-weight pieces.
@being.athome hung these homey vintage plates using adhesive strips.
You could also use:
- Adhesive hooks
- Command picture strips
- Magnetic strips
- Minimal nail hooks — I’ve used these for large paintings and they’re great! The tiny holes are so easy to patch up with a little spackling putty.
- Low-tack putty — this is great for light decor, such as posters or DIY paper crafts.
Whatever option you choose, be sure to:
- Clean your wall first—dust and grease can reduce stickiness for adhesive options.
- Respect weight limits—make sure you carefully read product details to ensure the weight of your item is compatible.
- Use the proper release technique—again, read those instructions! Improper removal will often damage your walls!
- Test on a small area if you’re unsure how your wall paint will react.
Dress Up Floors
1. Peel and Stick Tile
Can you tell this bathroom floor is peel and stick?
You can easily make over rental floors with removable tile, like this simple installation shared by @sierramhome.
2. Cozy Rugs
Rugs are a great way to add warmth and color to a room. They can also hide ugly floors or flooring that just isn’t your style.
Here are some of our favorite modern farmhouse rugs that are actually affordable!
3. Paint Floors
If your floors are already painted (a solid color), feel free to paint them again in your own preferred colors and patterns. Just be sure you can match the previous paint color when you’re ready to move out.
Before you paint:
- Inspect the Existing Paint – Make sure the old paint isn’t peeling, flaking, or bubbling. If it is, you’ll need to scrape/sand it all off before starting.
- Clean Thoroughly – Degrease with a strong cleaner (like TSP substitute) to remove dirt, oil, or soap scum. Rinse well and let dry completely.
- Sand the Surface – Lightly sand the tiles and old paint with 120–220 grit sandpaper. This roughens the surface so new paint sticks better. Be sure to wipe off any dust after sanding.
- Repair Grout (if needed) – Patch any cracked grout with a grout repair product. Let it cure.
- Prime Properly – Use a bonding primer designed for slick surfaces (like Zinsser BIN, INSL-X Stix, or Kilz Adhesion). his step is critical for long-term durability.
- Paint with the Right Product – Use a porch & floor paint, epoxy paint, or a 2-part floor tile paint system. These are designed to handle foot traffic and resist chipping.
- Seal for Extra Protection (Optional but recommended) – Apply a clear water-based polyurethane or polycrylic sealer to protect against scuffs, scratches, and moisture.
Repeat this process when returning the floor to it’s original paint.
Here’s a step-by-step tutorial for how to paint ceramic tile floors if that’s what you’re working with! And here are some painted tile backsplash ideas if you want to paint kitchen or bathroom tiles, too!
Add Cozy Touches to Warm Up Sterile Spaces
1. Cozy Floor Seating
If you’re in a small rental or apartment, floor pillows are a great way to add additional seating in tight spaces.
They also double as décor when you choose aesthetic colors and patterns.
Here are some trendy examples shared by @thatyellowtrunk:
2. Table Décor
Showcase your personality, hobbies, and interests with cool table décor.
Think decorative plants, books, candles, and games just like this table setup from @hattieaspin:
I also have a ton of DIY decor ideas for you: DIY Farmhouse Decor, DIY Spring Art, 5 Easy DIY Projects.
3. Pillows
Pillows add color, interest, depth and texture to a room without needing to bust out a hammer, drill, or paintbrush.
They can also be really affordable, especially if you like to thrift or sew.
You can also change out your pillows for each season!
4. Indoor Plants
Whether you have a green thumb or not, plants are a great way to add life and serenity to your rental. They’re calming, and often improve the air quality, too!
Incorporate indoor herb garden ideas for a kitchen windowsill or a mini indoor herb garden for a desk or shelf, and consider aesthetic indoor plants for small spaces like snake plants, succulents, and air plants.
Succulents are one of the most forgiving indoor plants, so they’re a great option for beginners.
Here’s how to plant succulents inside if you want to give it a try, and a guide for how much water succulents need.
You can also choose bathroom plants that absorb moisture to combat humid spaces, like Pothos and aloe plants:
5. Textures and Textiles
Textures and textiles are another affordable way to add interest and dimension to your rental.
Here’s how @noluthandompama updated her space with modern wall art, a textured blanket, and faux plant décor.
The tall lamp also draws the eye up. More on lighting below!
This warm wood bath caddy is another great example of how textures can improve visual appeal. It’s functional, but also serves as a design element.
Photo credit: @sierramhome
6. Disguise or Hide Unsightly Features
Did you know you can use electric tape to frame out a mirror? Or replace vertical blinds with curtains?
@caromin.home did just that with these renter-friendly upgrades!
Here are some other design solutions to disguise unappealing features:
- Radiator → cover it with a removable slatted cover or soften the look by housing it under a shelf or putting plants next to it.
- Cords → use cord covers, baskets, or decorative boxes.
- Old closet or flat-panel doors → stick-on wood trim, peel-and-stick wallpaper, or temporary decals.
- Ugly sliding closet doors → replace with curtains on a tension rod.
- Metal entry doors → magnetic covers, removable wallpaper, or peel-and-stick panels.
- Mini blinds → swap for curtains or layered drapes (store the blinds to reinstall later).
- Old shower doors → cover with a tension rod and curtain in front of the glass.
- Exposed pipes under sinks → wrap with fabric or store inside a freestanding cabinet.
- Ugly fireplaces (non-working) → fill with candles, wood stacks, books, or a decorative screen.
Create Privacy
1. Window Privacy Film
Depending on your rental location/setting, you may want some additional privacy. Window film is a great way to keep people from seeing inside your space while still letting in soft light.
Here are some examples from @being.athome and @caromin.home.
2. Free Standing Room Dividers
You can also use room dividers to create dual purpose rooms. This is especially helpful in a studio rental.
3. Curtains
Take advantage of existing curtain rods or add some removable ones for warmth and privacy. You can even make your own curtains or upgrade plain ones with a personal touch.
Here are some examples from our list of easy DIY Ikea Hacks:
Erin from Top Shelf DIY created these beautiful farmhouse-style curtains:
And here are some modern metallic curtains by My Sister’s Suitcase:
Add Lamps and Upgrade Light Fixtures and Switches
1. Change Light Fixtures
With a little bit of novice electrical work, you can replace outdated light fixtures entirely. Just store the old ones away to put back up when you move.
Here’s a quick tutorial:
2. Dress Up Light Fixtures
But, if you don’t want to go that route, you can also dress up light fixtures with new lamp shades or covers like @caromin.home:
3. Add lamps or Peel and Stick Lighting
Need more light for dim spaces? Add peel and stick options or lamps!
Here’s an example of a peel and stick wall sconce shared by @caromin.home:
Get New Hardware and Faucets
You can also switch out door knobs, light switch covers and faucets.
Door knobs and switch covers are pretty easy to figure out, but faucets take a little more consideration. And again, be sure to keep the old once to re-install if your landlord prefers the old ones.
Here’s a short tutorial:
Utilize New Innovations in Peel and Stick
There’s peel and stick everything now!
This post has already covered tile, wallpaper, and even light fixtures.
But, there’s also peel and stick:
- Curtain rod hooks
- Paper towel holders
- Toilet paper holders
- Shelf brackets
- Stick-on bathroom organizers
- Cabinet & drawer liners
Get Creative with Tension Rods
You can always use tension rods to hang curtains like this:
Photo credit: @caromin.home
But, you can also use them for:
Kitchen
- Under-sink organizer – place a tension rod inside your cabinet to hang spray bottles.
- Spice rack divider – use short rods vertically in a drawer to keep spice jars from rolling around.
- Dish-drying helper – lay a rod over the sink as a temporary drying bar for cutting boards or dishcloths.
- Lid storage – mount rods inside a cabinet door to slot in pot and pan lids.
Closet & Bedroom
- Double closet rod – add an extra layer of hanging space for shirts or kids’ clothes.
- Shoe organizer – line up shoes by setting pairs between two rods on the bottom of a closet.
- Accessory display – hang scarves, belts, or jewelry with hooks on a tension rod.
- Room divider – create a soft partition with lightweight fabric in shared spaces.
Bathroom
- Shower caddy upgrade – hang baskets from a rod across the shower wall for extra storage.
- Towel drying rack – add one above or beside the tub for hand towels or bath toys.
- Sink skirt support – hide pipes or cleaning supplies with fabric draped over a rod.
Living Spaces
- Mini gallery wall – clip artwork or kids’ crafts onto a rod with hooks or clothespins.
- Window herb garden – place a rod in a sunny window and hang small planters.
- Entryway catchall – install a low rod with S-hooks for bags, hats, or umbrellas.
Laundry & Utility
- Drying rack – mount rods inside a laundry nook to dry delicates.
- Wrapping paper storage – slide wrapping paper rolls onto rods mounted vertically in a closet.
- Craft supply bar – hang ribbon spools, scissors, or tools with clips for easy access.
Kid-Friendly Uses
- Play tent frame – drape fabric over rods wedged in a corner for a quick play fort.
- Toy corral – create a “fence” with horizontal rods across a bookshelf to hold stuffed animals in.
- Bookshelf dividers – use rods to section off books so they don’t fall over.
Experiment with Vinyl Wrap and Contact Paper
Vinyl and contact paper are relatively cheap, and great for a quick cosmetic refresh.
Here are some simple renter-friendly upgrades.
1. Contact Paper Countertops
From dark to light, this countertop transformation by @being.athome creates a drastic difference.
For smaller kitchens, bathroom countertops, and laundry room work tops, you can make a change like this in an afternoon.
You can see more transformations like this on their website Being At Home Interior.
2. Vinyl Wrapped Cabinets
@being.athome further transformed this same kitchen space by wrapping the cabinets in vinyl, then painting them a calming shade of blue.
3. Vinyl Wall Decals
If you have a Cricut machine you can create your own vinyl wall decals! Here’s a link to see how it’s done: DIY Boho Wall Decals!
Add Storage
1. Freestanding Shelves
Free standing shelves serve a practical use for storing household items, but they also add height and dimension.
Look at how these shelves transformed this simple kitchen area to a much more considered space!
Photo credit: @noluthandompama
2. Over the Door Storage
Don’t forget to take advantage of your doors! You can use over the door storage in your pantry, bedroom, mudroom, laundry, and more.
Units like these can add extra hanging space for clothes, shoe and accessory storage, food and office supply storage and beyond.
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