Decorating a rental comes with its challenges—no painting, no drilling, no permanent changes—but that doesn’t mean your space has to feel generic. In fact, some of the best design ideas come from working within those limits. Whether you’re styling your first apartment or refreshing your longtime rental, we’ve rounded up our favorite renter-friendly decor tips that are big on personality and low on commitment. Trust us—your space is about to feel a whole lot more like home.
Peel and Stick Wallpaper and Tiles
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is the perfect opportunity to add a pattern or pop of color to a space. Click here to see The Home Depot’s guide to hanging up peel-and-stick wallpaper. Here are some materials you will need before you stick your wallpaper:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Level
- Sanding block
- Sponge or cloth
- Wallpaper
- Hobby knife
- Smoothing tool
Add Warmth With Lighting
Overhead lighting can be harsh, especially at nighttime. Want to give your space a cozy look and feel? Decorative table lamps, cordless kitchen lamps, floor lamps, and string lights are renter-safe ways to add ambiance!
Creative Ways to Hang Wall Art
No nails, no problem! Command strips are the perfect substitution for nails when hanging your wall art. We also recommend buying your prints and then putting them in lightweight frames. Lightweight items are easier to hang with command strips.
Prioritize Storage
To maximize your space, which is especially important in an apartment, try adding hooks or some hanging shelving for additional storage. Many decorative hooks need to be nailed into the wall, so check with your apartment to see the size of the hole you are allowed to nail into the wall. To eliminate the need for nails, you can opt for Command Hooks.
Statement Furniture
Adding statement furniture can help add some personality to your space. This could include items such as a simple couch or chair, large mirrors, wardrobes, coffee tables, bookshelves, and nightstands. Before buying statement furniture for your apartment, make sure it matches the vision you have for your space. Try looking at thrift stores to find unique pieces.
Throw Pillows and Blankets
For a milder pop of color or pattern, this is the way to go. We recommend buying pillow inserts from Amazon so you can just swap out the covers when you’re in need of a refresh. You can also try looking at places like HomeGoods, TJMaxx, and other local furniture stores to find the pillows or blankets that would work best in your space. Plus, you will be able to feel the different textures and see what you prefer.
Area Rugs
Area rugs make your space feel cozy and add personality. Area rugs can also be expensive, so make sure you find a rug that is worth the investment. Easy stain removal is one of the biggest considerations to have. Some rugs can even be thrown in the washing machine for an easy and fast clean. Additionally, make sure to measure your space before buying a rug. This will prevent the hassle of the return process.
By now, we hope you have some inspiration to add a little flair to your home. Our biggest piece of advice is to plan ahead. Decorating your home can be a large investment, making a pre-planned color palette crucial. We also recommend making a list of decorations you want so you do not end up overbuying items that leave your space feeling cluttered. Have fun decorating!
