35 Best Renter-Friendly Home Updates Ever

Renting is fun… until you realize you can’t go full HGTV and knock down walls, install marble countertops, or paint your kitchen in that trendy sage green everyone’s obsessed with.

It’s a bit of a bummer when your space feels more “temporary beige” than the dreamy Pinterest home you envisioned. But hey, just because you rent doesn’t mean your place has to look like a basic landlord special!

There are so many creative, renter-friendly updates that can turn your apartment into the stylish pad of your dreams—all without getting a passive-aggressive email from your landlord.

Make sure you get my home decorating book, which includes bonus resources to help you style your home like an absolute pro - yours FREE today!

As an affiliate partner of various brands and sponsored content, we may earn commission on qualifying purchases. Disclaimer | Advertise With Us

So today, I’ve got 35 ways to make your rental feel like yours (without sacrificing that security deposit). Let’s dive into the magic of temporary transformations!

Wall Decor Without Permanent Changes

Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Honestly, peel-and-stick wallpaper is like magic. You can give your walls the glow-up they deserve without the hassle of repainting or dealing with that weird old landlord who probably wouldn’t approve.

Go wild with fun prints or subtle textures—you can peel it right off when you’re ready to move, no commitment necessary. It’s basically the Tinder of home decor.

Removable Crown Molding Wall Decals

Want to make a statement but don’t want to paint an entire mural? Wall molding decals are the perfect middle ground. They make any boring wall look like a classy colonial home. They are easy to remove when you’re over it (or moving)!

Art Gallery Wall with Command Strips

You don’t need to be a fancy art curator to have a gallery wall—just a ton of Command strips and an eye for good Instagram inspo. Arrange your fave prints, photos, Amazon art prints, and random thrift store finds on the wall, and boom, instant style. Command strips = no holes = no angry landlord vibes.

Temporary Paint (Chalkboard Paint Strips)

Painting a whole wall might get you in trouble, but what if it’s removable? Pick up some chalkboard paint strips or removable panels, slap them on the wall, and voilà—you have a chalkboard that you can doodle on (or leave motivational quotes for yourself like, “You got this, bestie”). And when you’re done, just peel them off like they never existed.

Framed Fabric Panels

Want a giant, colorful “art piece” but don’t want to pay the price (or put holes in the wall)? Frame some fabric! It’s super easy, and fabric comes in any pattern or color you can imagine. Plus, it makes you look like you have an eye for interior design. Win-win.

Rental-Friendly Flooring Fixes

Removable Vinyl Plank Flooring

Want the look of hardwood without, you know, having hardwood? Removable vinyl planks are the answer. They’re surprisingly easy to install, look totally legit, and the best part is you can just pull them up when you move out. Fancy new floors without any drama. Yes, please!

Peel-and-Stick Floor Tiles

Landlord flooring giving “old dentist office”? Upgrade it with peel-and-stick tiles. They come in all kinds of cool patterns (think faux marble, fun geometric designs), and they’re easy to peel up when it’s time to say goodbye to your rental. Your floors will go from tragic to trendy, and no one has to know it’s all temporary.

Area Rugs for Every Room

Let’s face it, rentals tend to have some questionable flooring choices. Area rugs are your best friend here. Layer them like you’re playing Tetris, and suddenly, that ugly beige carpet or cold tile is hidden under cozy, stylish rugs. Plus, it’s an easy way to add color and pattern without doing anything permanent.

Carpet Tiles

If rugs aren’t cutting it, try carpet tiles. They’re basically like giant, soft stickers for your floor. Arrange them however you want, and if one gets dirty, just replace it! Perfect for covering those “what even is this?” spots in your rental’s flooring.

Rental-Friendly Lighting Enhancements

Wireless Wall Sconces

If you have sad, overhead lighting that makes your apartment feel like a hospital waiting room, listen up. Battery-operated wireless wall sconces can change everything. They look like they’re hardwired but aren’t, so you can easily install them for instant cozy vibes. Plus, they’re perfect for adding a little drama to any room.

String Lights

String lights = instant ambiance. Whether you’re going for fairy-tale magic or just trying to make your space feel less “dorm room,” string lights are an easy (and renter-friendly) way to up the mood. No electrician required, just plug them in and let the glow do its thing.

Rechargeable Stick-On LED Lights

If your kitchen or bathroom lighting situation is giving “dungeon,” using stick-on LED lights are your savior. They’re rechargeable, which means no wiring, and you can pop them under cabinets or in closets for extra light where you need it most. I use these ones in my closet for an instant high-end look.

Floor Lamps with Personality

If you want to make a statement and brighten up your space, a funky floor lamp is the move. Go bold with an unusual design, because when you move, it’s coming with you. Lighting can totally change the vibe of a room, and floor lamps are the easiest, most renter-friendly way to do it.

Kitchen Updates Without Renovating

Peel-and-Stick Backsplash

No one has to know your chic subway tile backsplash is actually peel-and-stick. It’s renter-friendly, looks amazing, and doesn’t require you to rip out any actual tile. Just peel it off when it’s time to move out, and your landlord will never know you had a mini kitchen makeover.

Change Out Cabinet Hardware

The secret to making your kitchen look a little less “rental generic”? Swapping out the cabinet hardware. It’s like giving your cabinets a mini facelift. Choose trendy knobs or sleek pulls that match your vibe, and when you move, just pop the old ones back on.

Contact Paper Countertop Makeover

Dreaming of marble countertops but stuck with 90s laminate? Enter contact paper. It’s like a temporary tattoo for your counters—looks chic, totally removable, and costs a fraction of a real remodel. Just make sure to smooth out the bubbles for that flawless finish.

Removable Magnetic Spice Racks

Small kitchen? No problem. Removable magnetic spice racks can go right on the side of your fridge, saving you counter and cabinet space. Plus, it’ll make you look like you have your life together when, let’s be real, you’re just trying to find the paprika.

Over-the-Sink Cutting Boards

You know you’ve reached peak efficiency when your cutting board doubles as counter space. Over-the-sink cutting boards are a lifesaver for small kitchens, and they look fancy while being totally renter-friendly. Who needs an island when you’ve got this?

Temporary Open Shelving

Want that open-shelving look without having to take down cabinets? Freestanding shelves are the key. Add some stylish kitchen storage and display your prettiest dishes, all while avoiding the stress of having to reinstall cabinets when you move out.

Renter-Friendly Bathroom Refreshes

Stick-On Floor Decals

Bathroom floors can be… questionable. Give them a glow-up with stick-on floor decals. They’re water-resistant, stylish, and can cover that suspiciously stained tile without you having to explain anything to your landlord. And yes, they peel right off when you’re done!

Tension Rod Shower Storage

Tension rods aren’t just for hanging curtains anymore. Place this in your shower vertically and voila! Shampoo, conditioner, body wash—everything is suddenly organized. And when it’s time to move out? Just slide it off without a trace.

Removable Showerheads

Upgrade your shower experience by swapping out that sad, low-pressure showerhead for one that makes you feel like you’re in a 5-star hotel spa. Best part? It’s a quick unscrew-and-swap situation, and you can take your luxe showerhead with you to your next place.

Non-Damaging Towel Racks

Running out of places to hang towels? Command hooks to the rescue! You can add extra towel racks or hooks without drilling into walls. No holes, no stress, and way more storage. Plus, it’s perfect for keeping your bathroom from turning into a towel avalanche.

Swapping Out Shower Curtains and Rods

Shower curtains can either make or break your bathroom’s aesthetic. Go for something fun or chic, and even switch out the rod for a curved one (they make your shower feel bigger, trust me). It’s the easiest way to give your bathroom a makeover without doing any actual renovations.

Furniture and Fixtures

Automatic Curtain Opener

Simply hook this device onto any curtain rod and use a remote to have it open your blinds. Get the look of automatic shades without any install!

@justatinabit Saves us so much time from manually opening and closing curtains every day! #smarthome #switchbot #amazonfinds ♬ original sound – justatinabit

Get the automatic curtain openeer device here!

Temporary Window Treatments

Curtains and blinds are an instant upgrade, and you don’t even need to drill holes in the wall. Tension rods to the rescue again! You can install whatever window treatments fit your style—without messing up your rental’s walls. Want velvet drapes for the winter and airy curtains for the summer? Go for it.

Slipcovers for Sofas and Chairs

If your rental came with furniture that looks like it came from a 2005 waiting room, don’t panic. Slipcovers are here to save the day. They can completely transform your couch or chairs and give them a fresh new look that matches your vibe. Plus, they’re washable, which is a win if you spill snacks as often as I do.

DIY Headboard

No headboard? No problem! You can create a DIY headboard with peel-and-stick panels, wall decals, or even a fabric-covered plywood board that you lean against the wall. No drilling or permanent damage needed. Plus, it’s a great way to make your bedroom look more put together.

Bookshelves as Room Dividers

Got an open floor plan that’s making your space feel more like a giant studio? Use a stylish bookshelf as a room divider.

It adds storage and separates the space into cozy little zones, without needing to build any walls. Plus, you can always reconfigure it when you want to switch up the layout.

Storage Solutions

Over-the-Door Organizers

Small space? No worries. Over-the-door organizers are the real MVP when it comes to storage. Whether it’s for shoes, cleaning supplies, or that random assortment of things you swear you need, they keep everything out of sight and out of mind—without taking up precious floor space.

Rolling Kitchen Islands

A rolling kitchen island gives you extra counter space, storage, and even a breakfast bar if you’re feeling fancy. Plus, when you move out, it’s portable and goes with you! It’s the multi-tasker your small kitchen needs.

Stackable Storage Bins for Closets

Closet storage is usually tragic in rentals, but stackable bins can make a huge difference. Maximize vertical space and keep your closet from looking like a total disaster zone. Organize clothes, shoes, and random stuff that usually ends up on the floor. It’s a game-changer.

Freestanding Wardrobes

When your rental apartment’s closet is basically a black hole of nothingness, a freestanding wardrobe can step in and save the day. It gives you more hanging space, looks stylish, and—bonus—comes with you to your next place.

Outdoor Space Ideas for Renters

Temporary Patio Flooring

If your outdoor area feels like a dull slab of concrete, cover it with removable patio tiles. They’re weather-resistant, renter-friendly, and can turn your balcony or backyard into a stylish hangout spot. And yes, you can take them with you when you move.

Portable Planters and Vertical Gardens

Bring some green into your outdoor space with portable planters or a vertical garden. They’re perfect for renters because they don’t require digging or landscaping, and you can move them around as needed. Plus, they add instant curb appeal (or, you know, balcony appeal).

Genius Renter-Friendly Home Updates – Conclusion

Alright, what do you think about these 35 of the best, most creative ways to update your rental without losing your security deposit?

Renting doesn’t mean you’re stuck with boring decor or outdated spaces. Whether you’re sprucing up your floors, swapping out hardware, or adding a little extra lighting, these renter-friendly hacks let you create a home that reflects your style—without leaving a permanent mark (literally).

When it’s time to move on, you can just pack up your upgrades and start the process all over again in your next place.