12 Easy Renter Friendly Upgrades
Here are some renter friendly upgrades to try that are both easy and impactful!
Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you have to live with plain walls or bland décor! There are plenty of ways to refresh your space that are landlord-approved and easy to remove when it’s time to move out.
We’ve lived in several rentals through the last decade, and I know how important it is to make a space feel like your own.
With a little creativity, you can transform your rental into a cozy, personalized home without risking your security deposit. Here are some renter friendly upgrades you can try.
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Renter Friendly Upgrades: How to Refresh Your Space Without Breaking Your Lease
1. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a renter’s best friend. It’s easy to apply, removable, and comes in a wide variety of designs, colors, and patterns. Whether you want to create an accent wall, add texture, or completely transform a room, peel-and-stick wallpaper can make a big impact.
Plus, it doesn’t leave any residue behind, so it won’t damage the walls when you decide to take it down.
We added this pretty peel-and-stick wallpaper to the end of our hallway, and it was so easy to put up and made a big impact. You can read all about that process here!
2. Temporary Backsplashes
Upgrade your kitchen or bathroom with a temporary backsplash. Peel-and-stick tiles or adhesive backsplashes are perfect for covering outdated tile or plain walls.
They come in many styles—like subway tile, faux brick, or mosaic—allowing you to give your space a more modern, polished look. When it’s time to move, they peel right off without leaving a trace.
We added a subway tile adhesive backsplash to our previous kitchen, and I LOVED it! Literally no one knew it wasn’t real tile unless I told them.
3. Command Hooks and Strips
Command hooks and strips are lifesavers for renters. They allow you to hang artwork, mirrors, or shelves without drilling holes in the walls.
Available in different sizes and finishes, command hooks are strong enough to hold everything from lightweight frames to heavier wall décor. We used these black adhesive hooks in an apartment bathroom for our towels.
When you’re ready to move out, just pull the tabs, and they come off without damaging the paint.
4. Area Rugs
If your rental has drab carpeting or cold, hard floors, an area rug is an easy way to bring warmth, color, and personality into your space.
Area rugs can define different areas of a room and help absorb sound, making your space feel cozier and quieter.
Plus, you can take them with you when you move, making them a great long-term investment.
5. Removable Floor Tiles
Peel-and-stick floor tiles are a game changer for renters who want to upgrade their floors without committing to permanent changes! These tiles are great for kitchens, bathrooms, or even hallways, and they come in a wide range of patterns and colors.
You can easily cover up old or unattractive flooring and remove the tiles without any damage when your lease is up.
6. Lighting Upgrades
Changing the lighting in your rental can make a huge difference in the overall ambiance of the space. Swap out outdated or dull light fixtures with more modern, stylish options—just make sure to keep the originals to reinstall when you leave.
Plug-in wall sconces, floor lamps, and string lights are also great alternatives that don’t require any rewiring and can make your space feel more inviting.
We’ve added a few battery-operated wall sconces like these black vintage lights in our hallway and these brass fixtures in our girls’ room.
7. Window Treatments
Personalizing your window treatments can instantly change the look of a room. Most rentals come with basic blinds or no window coverings at all, but you can easily add curtains or drapes that reflect your style.
Tension rods or no-drill curtain rods are perfect for hanging curtains without putting holes in the walls.
8. Furniture Upgrades
Renter friendly upgrades aren’t limited to walls and floors. Updating your furniture can also help transform your space.
Consider swapping out old cabinet hardware, knobs, or pulls on furniture like dressers or side tables to give them a new look. You can also use furniture covers or slipcovers to refresh worn-out sofas or chairs.
9. Bathroom Upgrades
You can make a big difference in your bathroom with a few small, rent-friendly changes. Try switching out the showerhead for a more luxurious, high-pressure one (just be sure to save the original to put back when you move).
You can also replace the toilet seat or add peel-and-stick tiles to the bathroom floor for an easy, budget-friendly refresh.
10. Decorative Contact Paper
Contact paper is a versatile tool for renters looking to upgrade their space. Use can literally use it to cover countertops, dressers, or even the inside of cabinets for a fresh, new look- its super durable!
It comes in various finishes like marble, wood, and granite, allowing you to achieve high-end looks without the price tag—or commitment. When it’s time to move, it peels off easily.
To learn more about how to upgrade with contact paper, visit our post on how I upgraded a desk with this awesome faux wood contact paper.
11. Plants and Greenery
If you can’t make permanent changes, bring the outdoors in by adding plants. Houseplants not only make your space feel more vibrant and alive, but they also help purify the air.
Use plant stands, shelves, or hanging planters to incorporate greenery into your home. If you don’t have a green thumb, faux plants can also give you that fresh look with zero maintenance.
12. Personalized Décor
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of personalized décor. Add your own touch with framed artwork, family photos, or decorative mirrors.
Use washi tape to create temporary designs on walls or to hang prints without damaging the paint. Layering cozy throws and cushions on your bed or couch can also make your rental feel more like home.
Renter friendly upgrades allow you to refresh your space without breaking the rules of your lease or worrying about repairs when you move out.
With these simple changes, you can create a personalized, stylish, and comfortable home that reflects your taste—even if it’s just temporary!
