Rental-Friendly Home Hacks: Easy Ways to Make a Rented Space Feel Like Yours

If you’ve ever lived in a rental, you know the feeling: beige walls, builder-grade lighting, basic flooring—and about 100 rules in the lease that make it hard to truly personalize your space.

But here’s the good news: you can absolutely make a rental feel like home—without breaking your lease. From peel-and-stick upgrades to clever styling tricks, there are so many renter-friendly ways to create a space that feels yours.

Whether you’re in an apartment, townhouse, or rental home, these are my favorite rental-friendly hacks to bring in warmth, charm, and personality—no permanent changes required. This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.

1. Removable Wallpaper = Instant Charm

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to add color, pattern, and life to your space.

Use it on:

• An accent wall in your living room or bedroom

• The back wall of built-ins or open shelves

• A statement powder room

Look for quality brands that won’t leave residue.

Amazon Favorite:

• Boho Peel and Stick Wallpaper

• Green and Blue Peel and Stick Wallpaper

• Gold Peel and Stick Wallpaper Vintage Floral Wallpaper Gold Birds

• Crane Baby Safari Wallpaper for Nursery

• Black Crocodile Peel and Stick Wallpaper

• Black and White Peel and Stick Wallpaper Modern Herringbone

2. Peel-and-Stick Countertops

Those dated laminate counters? You don’t have to live with them.

Peel-and-stick countertop films come in beautiful stone or marble-inspired designs and can easily be applied (and removed later).

Just make sure to follow the application instructions for a bubble-free finish. A few favorites: Instant Granite, DC Fix, or Tic Tac Tiles.

Amazon Favorites:

• Butcher Block Countertop Contact Paper Peel

• Black Marble Contact Paper Peel and Stick Marble

• Wide Gold Beige Marble Countertop Contact Paper Waterproof

• Glossy Marble Contact Paper White Peel and Stick Wallpaper

• Marble Wallpaper Granite White and Gray Wall Paper

3. Upgrade Your Cabinet Hardware

Most rentals have plain, builder-grade knobs and pulls. Good news: it’s super simple to swap them out yourself.

• Just save the originals and reinstall them before moving out.

• Vintage brass, matte black, or ceramic knobs can completely elevate your kitchen or bathroom.

Amazon Favorites:

• 20 Pack 3 Inch(76mm) Brushed Brass Kitchen Cabinet Handles

• 6pcs Round Solid Brass Cabinet Knobs Pulls

• Cabinet Pulls Matte Black Stainless Steel Kitchen Cupboard Handles

• Vintage Ceramic Cabinet Knobs

• Boho Wood Dresser Drawer Knobs- Handmade Rattan Woven Cabinet Knobs

4. Layer In Rugs (Yes, Even Over Carpet)

If your rental floors aren’t exactly inspiring, layering rugs is the way to go.

1. Use vintage-inspired washable rugs (hello, pets + kids!)

2. Layer flatweave rugs over basic carpet to define a space

3. Try runners in kitchens or hallways for instant charm

Amazon Favorites:

• Pata Hand Woven Chunky Jute Area Rug, Bohemian, Rustic, Cottage

• Floral Vintage Distress Print Pattern Medallion

• Premium Faux Cowhide Rug

• Living Room Rugs Boho Large Area Rug Machine Washable

5. Add Plug-In Sconces or Pendant Lights

Swapping out overhead lights can be tricky in rentals, but plug-in sconces and pendants are a renter’s best friend.

You can even use adhesive hooks or command strips to secure a sconce—just look for ones with cord covers for a clean look.

Amazon Favorites:

• Rattan Plug in Wall Sconce Set of 2

• Green Tulip Glass Lampshade Wall Light Plugin

• Khaki Plug in Wall Sconces

• Dimmable Wall Sconces Plug in

6. Rethink Window Treatments

Basic blinds? Swap them for curtain panels on tension rods, or use no-drill brackets to add softness to any space.

Opt for light, airy fabrics to keep your space bright—or rich velvet for a cozier, layered feel.

Amazon Favorites:

• Linen Curtains 96 inch Length 2 Panel Set

• Farmhouse Green Floral Print Curtains

• Light Filtering Toile Curtains

• Linen Semi Sheer Curtains 72 Inch Length

• Warm Gold Tension Curtain Rod

• Black Curtain Rods No Drilling, Heavy Duty Extra Long Tension Rod

8. Bring in Nature

Don’t underestimate the power of plants, flowers, and greenery to soften a space and make it feel more personal.

Even a small potted olive tree or some trailing ivy can instantly add life and warmth.

Amazon Favorites:

• White Artificial Tulip Silk Fake Flowers

• Nearly Natural 48-in Artificial Boston Fern, Set of 2

• PCS Artificial Light Blue Hydrangea Flowers

• Olive Trees Artificial Indoor

• Artificial Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

Final Thoughts

Living in a rental doesn’t mean you have to settle for a space that feels temporary. With a few thoughtful upgrades—most of which can come with you when you move—you can create a home that reflects you.

So go ahead: layer that rug, peel that wallpaper, swap those knobs. Your space, your style—no lease-breaking required. ✨