Moving into your first rental can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming when you realize you can’t make permanent changes. But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to make a rental feel like home without breaking the rules! These 11 rental-friendly interior design hacks will help you transform your space into a cozy, stylish haven.
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Whether you’re just starting or looking for new ideas, these tips will make it easy for you to create a space you love without losing your security deposit.
Removable Wallpaper
First on our list of creative interior design hacks is removable wallpaper. Removable wallpaper is your new best friend if you’re looking for a big impact without a long-term commitment. Gone are the days when wallpaper meant hours of steaming and scraping. Now, you can find peel-and-stick options that come off just as easily as they go on.
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Choose a pattern that speaks to your style and apply it to an accent wall or even the entire room. It’s how to add personality to your rental, and when it’s time to move, you can just peel it away without a trace.
Upgrade Your Lighting
It’s impossible to talk about interior design hacks without mentioning lighting. Good lighting can change the entire vibe of your home. If your rental doesn’t get much natural light or is stuck with outdated fixtures, don’t fret. A few well-placed lamps can easily add warmth and brightness.
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Floor lamps, table lamps, or even fairy lights can make a huge difference. For a more permanent feel, consider swapping out boring light fixtures for something more stylish. Just keep the old ones to reinstall when you move out.
Find a Statement Piece
A statement piece of furniture can be the focal point that pulls a room together. Whether it’s a bold sofa, a colorful rug, or a unique piece of art, choose something that reflects your personality and build your room around it.
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Not only will this anchor your space, but it will also give your rental a customized, cohesive look. Plus, investing in a statement piece is something you can take with you to your next home, making it a worthwhile addition to your decor.
Plan a Color Story
One of the easiest ways to make your rental look polished is to stick to a color palette. Coordinating the colors in your space feels more intentional and less thrown together.
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Start with a few key colors that you love and use them throughout the room in your furniture, textiles, and accessories. This approach not only makes your space look more put together but also creates a calming and cohesive environment, no matter what the actual layout of your rental might be.
Bring in Plants
Plants are a renter’s best friend. They bring life into your home, improve air quality, and add a touch of nature to your space. Whether you have a green thumb or are just starting out, there’s a plant for everyone.
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Choose plants that suit your lifestyle and your space, from low-maintenance succulents to lush ferns. Place them in pretty pots that match your decor, and watch how they instantly make your rental feel more inviting.
Mirrors for Light and Space
Mirrors are a magical tool in interior design, especially in rentals. They reflect light, making small or dark rooms feel bigger and brighter. Plus, they add an element of elegance to any space.
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Hang a large mirror above a sofa or in a hallway to create the illusion of more space, or group smaller mirrors together for a stylish gallery wall. Mirrors are easy to hang and take down, making them a perfect solution for renters.
Add Art Without Damage
Adding art to your walls is one of the quickest ways to make your rental feel like home. But if you’re worried about damaging the walls, command strips are a lifesaver. These handy little tools let you hang pictures, posters, and even shelves without leaving any marks behind.
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Choose art that speaks to you—whether it’s a collection of prints, a large canvas, or a series of framed photos. Create a gallery wall that showcases your style without compromising your security deposit.
Custom Curtains for a Finished Look
Curtains can do wonders for a rental space, adding warmth, color, and a finished look to any room. They also offer privacy and can help control the light in your home. Choose curtains that complement your color story and hang them high to make your ceilings appear taller.
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Even if your rental already has blinds or shades, adding your own curtains can give the space a personal touch. And the best part? They’re easy to take with you when you move!
Try Temporary Flooring Solutions
If you don’t like the flooring in your rental, there are plenty of temporary solutions to give it a facelift. Area rugs are a great way to cover up unsightly carpet or linoleum while adding color and texture to your room.
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For a more dramatic change, consider peel-and-stick vinyl tiles that mimic wood or stone. These tiles are easy to install and remove, giving you the look of a brand-new floor without a permanent commitment.
One of the Interior Design Hacks to Never Ignore: Use Creative Storage Solutions
Rentals often come with limited storage space, but that doesn’t mean you have to live in clutter. Get creative with your storage solutions by incorporating stylish bins, baskets, and shelving units that blend seamlessly with your decor.
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Use vertical space by adding shelves or tall bookcases, and choose furniture that doubles as storage, like ottomans with hidden compartments. These smart storage hacks will help you keep your space organized while enhancing your rental’s overall look.
Add Personal Touches And Make It Home
Finally, the best way to make your rental feel like home is to add personal touches. It’s one of the ultimate interior design hacks out there. Whether it’s displaying your favorite books, adding cozy throw blankets, or incorporating family photos, these small details make a big difference.
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Don’t be afraid to mix in items that have sentimental value or bring you joy. After all, your home should reflect who you are, even if it’s a temporary space.
