15 Rental-friendly Decorating Ideas

Finding a perfect home to rent is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with limitations imposed by landlords. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t personalize your space and create a cozy atmosphere.

In this article, we explore a range of renter-friendly decorating ideas that will breathe life into your home while keeping your landlord happy.

1. Opt for modular seating

Modular seating is an excellent choice for renters who value versatility and adaptability in their furniture. These customizable seating arrangements consist of individual pieces that can be easily rearranged to suit different spaces and needs.

The Dawson Extended Sofa is a modular option that allows you to configure various units together. Picture credits: @ayeshasehra

With modular sofas, you can create various seating configurations to accommodate guests or simply change the layout to refresh the look of your living area. The best part is that modular seating can be taken apart and reassembled easily, making it an ideal option for those who frequently move or want to maximize seating options in limited spaces.

Recommended read: Sectional vs Modular Sofas: What's the Difference?

2. Invest in multi-functional furniture

Investing in multi-functional furniture is a smart choice for renters looking to optimize space and make the most out of the rental. These innovative pieces serve multiple purposes, combining functionality and style to enhance the functionality of your home.

A sofa bed is a classic example of multi-functional furniture. It doubles up as a sofa by day, and a bed by night. Ottomans can be used in place of large sofas, and wall-mounted drop-leaf tables are excellent multi-functional, space-saving solutions for dining or working areas.

3. Use temporary wallpaper

Using temporary wallpaper or wall art is an excellent way to personalize your rental space and add visual interest without permanently altering the walls.

Temporary wallpaper is designed for hassle-free installation. It features a self-adhesive backing, eliminating the need for glue or paste. This makes it easy to install and remove, without causing damage to the walls.

Temporary wallpaper can also be applied to other surfaces like cabinet doors or even shelves. This allows you to extend your creative possibilities and give furniture pieces a refresh.

4. Incorporate plants and greenery

Bringing plants and greenery into your rental is a fantastic way to infuse life and a sense of tranquility into your space.

There are various options such as hanging planters, adhesive hooks, or freestanding plant stands that allow you to display your plants without causing damage to the walls or floors. If you don’t have much space for plants, you can include terrariums and moss frames to still add natural elements to your home without taking up valuable floor space.

5. Layer with rugs

Layering rugs is a creative and renter-friendly way to add texture, warmth, and color to your floors. Using rugs in your home is a temporary and non-permanent decor option that allows you to add personality and style without making any permanent changes to the flooring.

The Owen Chaise Sectional Sofa in Natural Ash and Desi Wool Area Rug. Picture credits: @sabrinalatoya_

Rugs are a great way to conceal imperfections or unappealing flooring without having to invest a ton of money. Additionally, rugs provide an extra layer of protection for the floors, preventing scratches or damage that may occur during everyday use.

6. Use furniture slipcovers

If your rental unit already comes with furniture, but it isn’t to your liking yet you don’t want to spend a bomb on investing in new pieces, just use slipcovers! They are a practical and renter-friendly solution for updating the look of your furniture without causing damage or costing a fortune.

They also provide an extra layer of protection for your furniture, shielding it from stains, spills, pet hair, or general wear and tear. They are especially beneficial if you have children or pets, as they can be removed and cleaned as needed.

7. Choose furniture with removable cushions and covers

When purchasing new furniture, opt for those with removable cushions and covers, making maintenance and cleaning a breeze. This is particularly advantageous for renters who want to keep their furniture looking fresh and clean, as removable covers can be easily taken off and laundered as needed.

The Hamilton Sofa has removable cushions and covers for easy cleaning. Picture credits: @lindseypedey

In the long run, if you plan to sell your furniture when you move out of your rental, you can easily fetch a good price for a clean and well-maintained piece!

8. Use temporary room dividers

If you have an open-layout apartment and desire some separation between areas, consider using temporary room dividers. These include screens, bookshelves, or even curtains held up with adjustable rods that don’t cause damage or cost a lot.

They can be easily moved and repositioned whenever you want to change the layout or adapt to different living arrangements. This flexibility allows you to reuse the room dividers in future rentals or different rooms within the same space as needed.

9. Utilize smart storage

Utilizing smart storage is essential for renters looking to maximize their living areas while keeping their belongings organized and easily accessible. Take advantage of vertical space by using tall bookcases, shelving units, or wall-mounted storage systems.

The Dalton Storage Bed has 3 roomy drawers to store your essentials. Also pictured: The Lilou Jute Area Rug.

Invest in under-bed storage containers or built-in drawers to keep items such as extra linens, out-of-season clothing, bedding, or shoes neatly organized and easily accessible.

Make use of the often-neglected space behind doors by installing over-the-door organizers or racks. These often cause no damage to your doors or walls, which makes it a great option.

10. Add open shelving

Open shelving is a popular and rental-friendly decorating idea that adds both functionality and style to your space. By displaying items on open shelves, you can showcase your personality, create visual interest, and optimize storage without the need for permanent changes.

Furthermore, open shelving is relatively easy to install without causing damage to the walls. Most come with brackets or wall-mounted systems that can be easily attached to the wall, making it a convenient option for renters without having to make any permanent alterations.

11. Use window treatments

Window treatments like curtains, shades, or glass stickers not only add style and privacy but also serve as a functional and rental-friendly decorating idea. Whether you prefer curtains for the soft and flowy look, or blinds to provide a sleek and adjustable solution, you can easily change them to refresh the appearance of your space.

Additionally, they help shield your interior and furniture from harmful UV rays that can fade fabrics or damage surfaces over time. By installing window treatments, you can prolong the lifespan of your furnishings and maintain their appearance.

12. Create a brighter and bigger space with mirrors

If your space feels cramped, invest in mirrors to create the illusion of a bigger and brighter space.

@gregoryvelvet has the Miles Mirror placed beside the bed to create a brighter environment.

Mirrors reflect light and brighten up your space, making it appear more open and airy. Placing a mirror near a window allows it to capture and amplify natural light, dispersing it throughout the room. This effect creates a brighter, more welcoming atmosphere and gives the impression of a larger space.

However, do take note of the placement of your mirrors in the bedroom if you believe in bedroom feng shui principles!

13. Add personality with artwork

Artwork is a wonderful way to incorporate personality, style, and a sense of individuality into your rental. It allows you to express your taste, evoke emotions, and create a visually captivating space.

And, placing artwork in your home doesn’t have to damage walls!

@alchemists_design adds artwork in the dining area to brighten the space. Pictured: The Miles Dining Table with Bench and Chairs.

Removable adhesive hooks, picture-hanging strips, or tension rods with hanging wires are excellent alternatives to nails and screws. These solutions allow you to securely display your artwork without causing damage to the walls, making it easy to revert to the original state when you move out.

14. Make use of magnets

Magnets are a great way to decorate your rental without causing damage. Harness the power of magnets by using magnetic boards, strips, or even paint to display artwork or photos. This allows you to easily change and update your displays whenever you wish.

15. Use mood lighting

Mood lighting is a fantastic way to transform the ambiance of your rental, create a cozy atmosphere, and add a touch of sophistication to your living space.

By adjusting the intensity, color, and placement of lights, you can create a warm, inviting, or even romantic atmosphere. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, enjoying a relaxing evening, or simply unwinding after a long day, mood lighting allows you to tailor the ambiance to suit the occasion.

Just because you're a renter doesn't mean you can't create a space that reflects your style and personality. By following these renter-friendly decorating ideas, you can transform your rental into a home that you love, all while ensuring that you get your deposit back.