The Art of Making a Rental Feel Like Home
Living in a rental apartment or house can feel limiting when it comes to decorating and making a space feel like you—but it doesn’t have to! I’ve lived in a rental for years, and I’ve worked with clients in all sorts of living situations. Whether you’re in a short-term lease or have been in your rental for years like I have, creating a homey, welcoming space is totally possible. Let’s talk about how to make it happen.
🛋️ Rethink Your Furniture Placement
One of the simplest ways to make a rental feel like home is to get creative with furniture placement. Don’t feel locked into pushing everything up against the walls just because that’s how it’s always been done. Try “floating” a sofa in the middle of a room to create distinct zones, or use a bookshelf as a room divider to carve out a little home office nook in your living space. Sometimes, your dining table can double as a workspace, and your living room can double as a yoga studio. It’s all about making the space work for you.
🪴Bring in Plants (Lots of Them!)
Adding plants is one of my favorite ways to breathe life and warmth into a rental. Whether it’s a lush fiddle leaf fig or a simple pothos trailing off a shelf, plants instantly make a space feel more alive and cozy. They soften hard edges, add color, and even clean the air! If you’re not sure where to start, try a small herb garden in the kitchen or a few tiny succulents on a windowsill. Plus, they’re portable—so if you move, they can come along for the ride.
💡Layer Your Lighting
Let’s talk lighting. Most rentals come with... well, let’s just say uninspired overhead lights. The key is to layer different types of lighting to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Add a couple of floor lamps, string up some twinkle lights, or scatter table lamps throughout the space. Flameless candles are another safe and renter-friendly way to bring in a warm glow—perfect for cozy evenings or just to add a little vibe.
🧶 Soften It Up with Curtains, Rugs & Textiles
Introducing softness through textiles can make a huge difference in how your space feels. Think throw blankets, pillows (with removable covers you can swap out with the seasons (and wash)), and cozy rugs to define different areas in your home. Don’t forget curtains—they’re a game-changer! Even simple, inexpensive curtains can instantly make a space feel more homey while adding color, pattern, or softness to the room.
🛏️ Invest in Comfort
This is one area I do recommend splurging on. High-quality bedding can transform the way your space feels—and the way you feel. There’s nothing like slipping into a soft, comfortable bed after a long day. Investing in nice sheets, a good duvet, and pillows that feel like a hug can make a rental feel like a sanctuary. Plus, it’s a simple upgrade that you can take with you to your next place.
🎨 Temporary, Damage-Free Upgrades That Actually Work
Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you’re stuck with beige walls and basic hardware. There are so many amazing damage-free upgrades out there!
Removable wallpaper, peel-and-stick tiles, and wall decals can transform a room or even just a backsplash.
Command hooks and strips let you hang art, mirrors, and even small shelves without leaving a mark.
Swapping out cabinet hardware in the kitchen or bathroom is a simple upgrade you can reverse when you move.
No-drill blinds are another renter-friendly way to upgrade your windows without any damage.
These small changes can make a big impact without risking your security deposit.
🖼️ Curate Your Decor (On a Budget)
Making a rental feel like home isn’t about buying a bunch of new stuff—it’s about curating what you love. I’m a big believer in mixing secondhand treasures with things that feel meaningful to you. Shopping secondhand at local thrift stores, yard sales, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace is a goldmine for finding affordable, unique pieces that make a space feel like you.
When you bring something into your space, ask yourself: Does this reflect my style? Does it tell a story? Does it make me smile when I walk by it? That’s the magic of curating your decor—you’re creating a home aesthetic that’s personal, layered, and full of character.
Your home should reflect you. Whether it’s art, family photos, books, or those quirky treasures you’ve picked up along the way, fill your space with items that matter.
🧺 Keep It Simple with Organization
A clutter-free space just feels better. But you don’t need fancy bins and a million organizing products to make it happen. Think simple organization systems that actually work for you: a basket by the door for keys and mail, a small tray for jewelry, hooks for bags and hats, or a rolling cart that doubles as extra storage in a tight kitchen.
The goal is to make your space easy to manage so you can actually enjoy it.
🏠 Add Personal Touches
At the end of the day, it’s the personal touches that really make a rental feel like home. Frame photos you love, display a few pieces of meaningful art, or create a little shelf of travel souvenirs. A few intentional details can tell your story and make the space feel like it truly belongs to you—even if it’s temporary.
📌 Create a Pinterest Board for Inspiration
This is your creative playground. Pin color palettes, layouts, DIY ideas, and furniture you love. It’s a fun, no-pressure way to explore your style and gather ideas that help you shape your space. Start that board and let it guide you—it’s a great way to stay focused and inspired!
💭 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a first-time apartment renter or have been living in rentals for a while, these tips can help you create a home that truly feels like you—without breaking the bank or bending any rules. For even more ideas, check out 15 Essential College Must-Haves Every Student Living Off-Campus Needs on Redfin, where I was recently featured. It’s packed with practical tips to help you turn your space into a comfortable, highly functional home.
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