Living in a rented apartment doesn’t mean you have to accept dull walls or a space that feels temporary. With some clever decorating ideas and renter-friendly improvements, you can create a home that shows off your personality while keeping your landlord satisfied. The secret is to focus on easy-to-reverse changes, natural textures, lighting, and thoughtful details that add warmth and comfort without causing damage. Whether you want to bring the outdoors inside, make rooms feel cosier, or add your personal touch, these ideas demonstrate how to turn a rented flat into a stylish and inviting home. Our list of ten simple ways to personalise a rented apartment gives you some helpful ideas to get started.
Ten Simple Ways To Make a Rented Apartment Feel Like Home
1. Start with plants: Bringing greenery indoors instantly enhances the atmosphere. Use potted herbs in the kitchen, hanging plants in the bathroom, or a tall indoor tree in the living room. Low-light plants are perfect for shaded flats.
2. Use freestanding furniture: Avoid drilling holes by choosing tall shelving, modular cubes, or ladder units that double as storage and display. They can define zones in open-plan spaces without altering the walls.
3. Layer textures: Soft furnishings help a space feel personal and lived in. Combine rugs, throws, and cushions made from natural fabrics, such as linen or cotton, for added comfort and warmth.
4. Light with purpose: Swap out harsh ceiling lights for table lamps and floor lamps that emit a gentler, more welcoming glow. Battery-powered LED strips can also accentuate features or create atmospheric lighting without electrical work.
5. Decorate walls creatively: Use adhesive hooks, art rails, or picture ledges to display prints and mirrors. For a cleaner look, use removable mounting tape such as Command Strips to hang artwork securely without drilling. They adhere well when applied correctly and can be removed later without leaving marks or residue. Lean larger pieces against the wall for a relaxed look that keeps your surfaces intact.
6. Bring the outdoors in: Use natural materials such as jute rugs, woven baskets, and wooden stools. A small balcony or window box filled with herbs or flowers can transform a neutral space and help you feel connected to nature.
7. Refresh with peel-and-stick wallpaper or frosted window film: These add pattern and privacy, are easy to remove, and perfect for renters seeking a temporary design upgrade.
8. Upgrade hardware and fixtures: Replace cupboard handles, light shades, or shower heads with modern alternatives. Keep the originals safely so they can be reinstalled when you move out.
9. Utilise scents and sounds: Fragrance significantly influences the atmosphere of a home. Diffusers, essential oils, and gentle background music can make even a dull space feel welcoming and personal.
10. Personalise with meaningful touches: Display books, art, or mementoes that tell your story. Even everyday items, such as ceramics or handmade textiles, help your apartment feel truly yours.
Final Notes on Decorating a Rental Apartment
The best rental makeovers are reversible, affordable, and easy to adapt. By layering texture, light, plants, and personal details, you can create a home that feels intentional rather than temporary. Focus on comfort and expression, not renovation, and your apartment will feel like a reflection of you rather than a set of rules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Decorating a Rental
Can I paint the walls in a rented apartment?
It depends on your tenancy agreement. Many landlords permit neutral tones if you promise to repaint before leaving. Always ask first and keep a record of approval.
What are the best damage-free methods to hang art?
Use removable mounting tape, such as Command Strips or adhesive hooks. Avoid nails or screws unless your landlord has given permission. For larger pieces, lean artwork against a wall or shelf safely.
How can I improve the appearance of a rental kitchen?
Swap cabinet handles, apply peel-and-stick tiles, or showcase stylish utensils and plants to make the space more welcoming. These simple updates create a significant visual impact without requiring renovation.
What can I do if my landlord forbids significant changes?
Focus on what you can easily add or remove, such as rugs, textiles, lighting, and décor. Minor upgrades often make the most significant difference.
How can I make a rented flat feel cosier?
Layer fabrics, add plants, and use warm lighting. Natural textures and soft colours help any space feel more inviting and relaxed.
We like these articles: Linda Merrill: Tips to decorate a rental home, and Better Homes and Gardens: 34 apartment decorating ideas to make your rental feel like home. You might also like this feature: Ten ways to make your small home look larger.