Renter Friendly Decorating Ideas

Renter friendly decorating ideas to cozy up your space – no tools, no drama. Just peel, stick, and vibe your way to a home that feels like you.

You know what’s fun? Trying to make a rental feel like home without your landlord entering panic mode. It’s like playing The Sims, but with real money and consequences.

I get it. Living in an apartment is not always glam… you’re staring at those blank beige walls (seriously, why is it always beige??) wondering how to make your space feel less like a waiting room and more like you. But you can’t go full HGTV demo day because, well… deposits.

So here’s the game plan: cozy, comfy, and zero power tools, even if you live in a small apartment. Just you, some double-sided tape, and maybe a glass of wine because I believe that, in some occasions, decorating under the influence (within reason) is the way to go.

Let’s get into it.

Peel-and-Stick EVERYTHING

Listen, peel-and-stick wallpaper is such a great trick of rental decor. I once covered an entire wall in this tropical print because I thought it would make my living room feel like a beach house. Spoiler: It did not.

But the room looked like Blanche from the Golden Girls would hang out here, and honestly, It was fun!

Peel-and-stick is like a giant sticker for your walls, and it comes off without drama when you’re ready to move, or change your vibe for the 18th time.

I’m currently obsessed with this black-and-white geometric one from Target that somehow makes a bathroom look like I read design blogs (guilty). But also, you can slap this stuff on furniture, your fridge, or even doors.

Just know that peeling it off will give you a small existential crisis. Like, will it take the paint? Will it not? It’s a surprise every time.

Lighting That Doesn’t Suck

Overhead lights = instant sadness. I don’t make the rules.

The right lighting can make a huge difference in your mood and your place. So grab a couple of floor lamps or plug-in sconces from Amazon. A couple mushroom lamps can make your living room look like a hip cafe, and it cost less than brunch.

Remember: Warm light = cozy. Harsh overhead light = feeling like you’re in an interrogation room.

Oh, and LED strip lights under your bed? Trust me. It’s giving vibey.

Command Hooks Will Save Your Life (And Walls)

These things are magic. I swear I have like 50 all over the place, and at this point, they’re holding up my emotional stability too.

Want to hang art but also not feel like patching 20 holes later? Command hooks.

Want to pretend you’re organized by hanging baskets on the wall? Command hooks.

Pro tip: Layer your art. Big frames, little frames, random thrift finds. The goal is to look eclectic, not like you tried too hard.

Rugs That Hide the Ugly Floors

Rugs are like makeup for your floor. Got some sketchy linoleum that looks straight out of a 90s diner? Cover it. Bonus points if it’s a fluffy rug because, comfort.

Wayfair has those big boho rugs that make you feel like you’re cooler than you actually are. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a bath mat that doesn’t look like it survived three college roommates.

Plants (Real or Fake, No Judging)

Plants make you look responsible… until you forget to water them for two weeks and suddenly you’re Googling ‘how to save a dead-looking plant.’

But hey, even if you end up with a forest of fake greenery, it still says ‘I kind of have my life together.’ They also make your place feel alive.

I can’t keep anything green alive, so I fully embrace the fake plant life. Target and IKEA have those fake little trees that say, “I pay my taxes and drink water” even if you’re eating mac-and-cheese for dinner.

Scatter some around and suddenly your living room is a Pinterest board.

Fabric is Your New Best Friend

Throw pillows, Blankets, Curtains… Fabric can cover a multitude of sins (looking at you, weird rental blinds).

I found these velvet curtains on Amazon that make my window look less like a sad square and more like it belongs in a cool loft.

And throw pillows? Layer those babies like you’re nesting for the winter.

Also, don’t be afraid to get weird with it. It’s your place (kind of).

Leopard print throw? Do it.

Grandma floral vibes? Honestly, chic.

The Art of Leaning Stuff Against the Wall

Who says art needs to hang? Not me, especially after that one time I tried to hang a gallery wall and ended up with 12 holes, two crooked frames, and a slight personal crisis. Lean it.

Lean Big mirrors, giant canvases, random cool stuff from HomeGoods. Just lean it against the wall like you meant for it to be casual and artsy.

Plus, no holes. We love that for us.

Personalize It (Without Breaking Laws)

Photos, postcards, random mementos. Pin them to a corkboard or tape them directly to the wall like a moody teenager.

Fairy lights with photos clipped on? Instant dorm vibes, but somehow still cute.

Basically, make your space scream you, but in a way that won’t have your landlord hyperventilating.