DIY Hacks and Tips for Making Your Rental Chic

Installing traditional wallpaper is one surefire way to kiss your security deposit goodbye. Luckily there are so many great peel and stick options on the market now. You can channel cottagecore with toile wallpaper, bring the outside in with florals, or go for a graphic pattern to make an impact. The best part? Both install and takedown are less stressful than traditional wallpaper, not to mention the better prices. And when it is time to move out, you can take a deep breath knowing your walls won’t be damaged.

We can all collectively agree that there’s nothing worse than a “boob light,” those overhead fixtures you’ll find in most rental apartments. Thankfully, these days there are easy hacks to cover up those dated light fixtures. Tulip makes a light shade that sticks to your ceiling so you don’t even have to remove that dreaded, and a rice paper shade works in every space and oozes style.

While we’re on the topic of lighting…don’t forget to set the vibe with lights lower to the ground. Table lamps and floor lights will emit a soft glow and grant immediate coziness.

While we all dream of hand selecting Spanish tiles for a bathroom floor or kitchen backsplash, it’s likely that your landlord doesn’t share that dream. To cover up lackluster backsplashes and floors, look to peel and stick tiles. These will save you the headache of a demo (no need for grout or glue!) while transforming your space.

Walking into a rental can feel stark and cold at first. But a few blankets, drapes, and rugs go a long way. Adding curtains to your windows will add both softness and color (plus, you could even use a tension rod). Rugs can bring in a new texture and don’t forget the power of a throw blanket or quilt on a couch or your bed. If you’re really up for a DIY project, make a trip to your fabric store and fashion a table skirt for your kitchen carts, islands, or other storage areas that you’d rather not stare at.