Living in a rental can sometimes feel like you’re stuck with beige walls, suspicious carpet, and light fixtures that look like they came straight out of a 1990s office supply catalog. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to break your lease—or your bank account—to make your space feel like you. With a few clever (and totally landlord-approved) hacks, you can turn “meh” into marvelous. Bonus: most of these are so easy you could knock them out during one Netflix binge.
10 Real Life Cheap Rental Upgrades:
1. Use stick on wall tiles to create a temporary backsplash for your kitchen
2. Replace your doorknobs and drawer handles
Image: Alice Lane Home
As an example, you may be tempted to replace your outdated drawer handles with sleek, stainless steel handles.
3. Purchase new modern light fixtures
By simply switching out your rental’s current light fixtures you’ll be able to transform the look of your rental. As an example, you may want to invest in a stylish bedside lamp, that will express your unique sense of style.
4. Use bright throw pillows in different textures to decorate your living room, study, and bedroom
Image: jamjustyna
To achieve a vibrant atmosphere, simply purchase a few bright textured throw pillows, that you’ll be able to place on your sofa, chaise, and bed. Some examples of textures that you may want to experiment with include fluffy pillows, linen pillows, and sequined pillows.
5. Give yourself extra storage space
Image: Rafa Oliveira
Get organized with extra storage space!
6. Select an inspiring wall decal to express your personality
Image: williamraedesigns
As an example, you can’t go wrong ordering a wall decal which boasts an insightful quote, that you find inspiring.
6. Select an inspiring wall decal to express your personality
Image: williamraedesigns
As an example, you can’t go wrong ordering a wall decal which boasts an insightful quote, that you find inspiring.
8. Hang a wallpaper in your rental
In order to give your home a cozy, warm vibe, it’s a great idea to hang a wallpaper on one of the feature walls in your rental property.
9. Hang a chaise cushion behind your bed instead of using a headboard
If your bed doesn’t feature a traditional headboard, you may want to hang over your bed a chaise cushion from a shelf. To add a bit of glamor to your master bedroom, simply opt for velvet curtains in a rich hue, instead of opting for traditional curtains.
10. Display your decorative items in an empty bookshelf
If you’re not allowed to put up shelves in your rental property, simply choose to display your decorative items such as your framed photos in an empty bookshelf.
11. Swap out your shower curtain for a bold, stylish one
Anthropologie Embroidered Scalloped Cotton Shower Curtain
Bathrooms often get neglected, but a shower curtain can make or break the vibe. Go graphic, botanical, or chic neutral—it’s like a dress for your bathtub.
12. Add a peel-and-stick rug (yes, they exist!) or layered area rugs
If your rental flooring screams “college dorm,” cover it up with a stylish area rug—or layer a few for that effortlessly eclectic look. Zero commitment, maximum cozy.
Whether you rent a tiny studio or a sprawling pad, these cheap-but-genius upgrades prove you don’t need to own your place to love where you live. Try one, try five, or go all in—you’ll thank yourself the next time you walk through the door and think, “Dang, I did that.”
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