15 Rental Friendly Decorating Ideas (That Are Temporary!)

When faced with the challenge of decorating a rental home, it’s easy to feel stuck. However, with a dash of creativity, you can turn any space into a haven that truly reflects your personality. Rather than resigning yourself to the status quo, seize the opportunity to make meaningful changes and give your rental a personal touch. And, we’re here to help!

We’ve gathered 15 innovative and temporary decorating ideas from renters and designers who have mastered the art of making their rentals feel like home sweet home.

Peel & Stick Backsplash

To give their kitchen a fresh look, blogger Ana from Modern House Vibes didn’t stop at just installing a peel-and-stick temporary subway tile backsplash. She also took on the task of painting her kitchen cabinets and replacing an outdated light fixture to create a cohesive makeover. To add some personality to the space, she scoured her home for boho-inspired decor items to style her countertops, which were cleverly disguised as marble using high-quality contact paper.

Layered Rugs

In many cases, renters don’t have to settle for an unsightly carpet that can ruin the overall aesthetic of their space. A creative solution lies in spreading smaller rugs wall-to-wall, much like this designer did in this home office. By layering different textures and patterns, such as a sheepskin and Moroccan shag rug, it’s possible to create the illusion of a single, cohesive carpet – even if you’re a renter without the flexibility to replace the existing flooring.

Removable Arch

Imagine transforming a blank space into a vibrant oasis with a removable mural. One creative approach involves painting and cutting clear sticky-backed book covering vinyl into an arch shape for a custom design. Alternatively, you can skip the DIY route altogether and find a pre-made removable wall decal or mural that speaks to your personal style. This non-permanent solution allows you to add some visual interest to your rental property without making any permanent changes.

Renter Friendly Built-Ins

Imagine having a seamless, built-in bookcase design without the commitment of permanent installation. The PMQ for Two duo has cleverly figured out how to recreate this iconic IKEA look – minus the actual built-ins. In this creative solution, you’ll learn how to achieve the same visual impact as a traditional bookcase setup, but with the flexibility and freedom to move or remove it whenever you desire.

Renter Friendly Pendant Light

Transforming a rented space with a touch of elegance has never been easier. The solution lies in repurposing everyday items to create a renter-friendly pendant light. To get started, gather the following essentials: a Command hook, jute twine, an Ikea lampshade, and a battery-operated light. This clever hack allows renters to add a stylish touch without compromising their lease or breaking the bank.

Shiplap-Look Wall

While Sharpie-shiplapped walls may have been a trend in the past, there’s an even simpler way to achieve the look without breaking out the power tools: washi tape. By applying this versatile adhesive strip to your accent wall, you can create the illusion of shiplap with ease. Pair it with some charming farmhouse decor and lush greenery, and your guests will be none the wiser. The best part?

This DIY-friendly solution requires minimal effort and no special expertise, making it a great option for those looking to add some rustic charm to their space.

Command Strip Shiplap

For those seeking a cozier atmosphere without the hassle of extensive renovation, consider incorporating a statement-making shiplap accent wall into your home design. This stylish feature, made famous by interior designer and TV personality Mr. Kate, offers an easy and removable solution for adding a touch of farmhouse charm to any room.

Contact Paper Cabinets

Katie from Laugh Cry DIY masterminded a remarkable transformation by applying a clever hack: contact paper. To complete the look, she replaced the outdated cabinet hardware with sleek gold handles and incorporated peel-and-stick tile. The impressive part? This entire renter-friendly kitchen makeover was achieved for an astonishingly low budget of $150.

Vinyl Floor Stickers

While renting can be convenient, one common issue many of us face is the aesthetic letdowns that come with tile installations in various rooms. Whether it’s in the kitchen or bathroom, those dull, uninspiring tiles often leave a lasting impression – and not a good one. However, there is a temporary yet effective solution to this problem: vinyl floor stickers.

These versatile and stylish additions can instantly elevate the ambiance of any room, transforming it into a space that truly reflects your personal taste.

Customize Stairs with Removable Wallpaper

For those who appreciate wallpaper’s unique charm, this creative stairway makeover is an excellent opportunity to showcase your favorite pattern while giving a dated staircase the attention it deserves. The concept behind this project can also be applied to updating a front porch with peel-and-stick tile, offering endless possibilities for creative expression.

Renter Friendly Board & Batten

For those who adore the classic look of board and batten walls, The Styled Fox shares a clever trick for achieving this style with minimal disruption to your walls. In their tutorial, they reveal how to create the illusion of board and batten without causing excessive damage that would require subsequent patching.

DIY Faux Floating Shelves

For homeowners who rent or own their property, upgrading builder-grade wire shelving is a possibility that doesn’t require a full overhaul. A simple yet stylish solution is to add a wooden cover to the existing shelving unit, which can be easily slid onto place and give the space a high-end appearance.

Peel and Stick Picture Molding Accent Wall

Elevate the visual appeal of your rental property without breaking the bank by incorporating an accent wall. A peel and stick picture molding accent wall, in particular, is an ingenious way to add a touch of sophistication and artistic flair to cherished pieces of art, instantly transforming your space into a stunning gallery-like setting.

Cover An Ugly Flush Mount Light

The humble flush mount light fixture has undergone a transformation from nuisance to stylish statement piece, thanks to creative renters and designers alike. One such solution is inspired by Lulu & Georgia, where a DIY lampshade can be used to give an outdated lighting fixture a fresh makeover. The best part? This hack doesn’t require any permanent alterations, as the lampshade attaches securely to the ceiling using no-damage hooks.

Command Strip Gallery Wall

Gallery walls have stood the test of time, evolving yet remaining a staple in home decor. This versatile design element combines eclectic pieces, including one-of-a-kind artworks and cherished personal photographs, with vibrant DIY creations. By utilizing no-damage hooks, you can effortlessly reconfigure your arrangement to reflect shifting tastes and styles. With this flexible approach, you’re free to swap out photos or artwork as often as you like.

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