Renting an apartment is exciting. It’s a new adventure in living and being independent and then it’s a new home that’s all yours. But it’s not really yours—not in the way that lets you knock down a wall or change the countertops. But that doesn’t mean it has to feel like a cold, impersonal box. There are plenty of ways to add warmth, personality, and comfort without losing your deposit. You just have to be a little clever about it. Here are some more strategies to make an apartment home while renting.
Rethink Wall Décor Beyond Paint
Landlords don’t usually want tenants painting. In fact, there are usually strict rules about it in your contract. But plain, off-white walls don’t have to dictate your entire aesthetic. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is the easiest way to bring color or texture into a space without a brush ever touching the wall. Or go rogue to make an apartment home while renting. Another idea: use command strips to hang up big tapestries, oversized art prints, or even a fabric-covered canvas to give some visual interest.
Floor Upgrades Without Commitment
Floors. You’re stuck with them, but you don’t have to live with them as-is. A giant area rug can work miracles, covering up ugly carpet or scuffed hardwood while making everything feel cozier. Temporary vinyl floor stickers exist, and they actually work—just peel them off when you’re done. Layering different textures, like woven rugs over smooth tiles, instantly adds depth and warmth.
Lighting That Transforms Everything
Lighting is a powerful tool. It can be a game changer when you learn how to make an apartment home while renting. Overhead lighting is great for dining but it’s the enemy of coziness. Nobody wants a room bathed in harsh brightness. Table and wall lamps, fairy lights, LED strips—these are your allies to creating a streaming chill zone for you and your friends.
Floor lamps in dark corners. Table lamps for softer glows. Even battery-operated sconces can also fake a high-end look without wiring anything into the wall. Smart bulbs let you dim or change colors depending on your mood. In fact, the right lighting makes even the most generic rental feel intentional and personable.
Temporary Backsplash For Kitchens And Bathrooms
Rental kitchens are often bland. Beige. Boring. But removable backsplash tiles exist, and they’re a game-changer. Peel-and-stick options come in every style—marble, subway tile, even funky patterns. If that’s too much effort, then simple adhesive decals work just as well. The best part? They peel right off when you move out, leaving no trace behind.
Greenery for Instant Life And Freshness
Plants make everything better. A tiny studio, a boxy apartment, even a dimly lit rental—it doesn’t matter. Greenery brings a sense of calm. So consider hanging planters, window boxes, and ladder plant stands that help maximize space. No green thumb? No problem. Faux plants also do the job without the maintenance. If you have an outdoor space, eco shed bases can create a stable, damage-free foundation for garden storage or a mini greenhouse. Small touches, big impact.
Personalized Entryway
First impressions matter. And in a rental, that starts with your entryway. A small console table for keys and mail, a stylish doormat, even a temporary coat rack—these details make the space feel intentional. If your rental door is particularly uninspiring, a wreath adds instant charm.
Soundproofing For Comfort And Privacy
Hearing neighbors through the walls is an all-too-common rental reality. If your neighbor’s TV is practically part of your nightly routine, soundproofing tricks can make a difference. Thick curtains dampen noise. Large bookcases against shared walls absorb sound. Rugs help too, especially thick, plush ones.
Even something as simple as weatherstripping around doors can block out noise from the hallway. And a white noise machine–that’s an air cleaner–can always help create a bit of distance and healthier indoor air quality to boosts.
Make an Apartment Home: You Make It Happen
Renting is temporary, but that doesn’t mean your space has to feel that way. With a little creativity, you can make an apartment home. It can feel like yours—without risking your deposit.
