Looking to transform your rental without breaking the bank? Discover 12 of the best budget friendly upgrades for renters that are sure to freshen up your space!
Are you a renter looking to upgrade your living space without breaking the bank? Look no further! In this article, we will explore budget-friendly upgrades that will help you transform your rental into a stylish and personalized home!
And it's all coming from someone who's been through the same!
I'll be sharing my top tips with you, from creative furniture makeovers to easy decor hacks.
With these ideas, you can breathe new life into your space and make it truly your own without risking your security depost.
So get ready to discover how to use contact paper to revitalize furniture, switch out boring ceiling lights, add mirrors for a spacious feel, and so much more!
THE BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY UPGRADES FOR RENTERS
01. Use contact paper to bring furniture to life again
Tired of looking at worn-out or outdated furniture? Your dresser or kitchen cabinets have a bunch of unsightly marks you want to cover up? Contact paper is your new best friend then!
This versatile material comes in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to breathe new life into your old furniture, tabletops, dressers or kitchen cabinets and countertops without having to spend a fortune!
Whether you want a solid pastel blue or black color, or a more funky, flowery or geometric pattern for your furniture, or faux marble for your countertops, you're sure to find one that suits your style!
Simply measure, cut, and apply contact paper to your chosen surfaces. It's such an easy and affordable way to give your furniture a fresh and stylish makeover, isn't it?
02. Switch out those boring ceiling lights
Good lighting can completely transform the ambiance of a room. That's why even though it might feel like throwing money down the drain at first thought, it IS super important that you invest in statement light fixtures!
So replace those dull and outdated ceiling lights with modern fixtures that suit your style!
Contemporary multiple light chandeliers are excellent choices for living rooms, a farmhouse style kitchen island lighting or a simple set of glass pendant lights will look good in kitchens.
For your bathroom, choose either a vintage ceiling light or a glass pendant, trust me! For your bedroom, opt for a cute rattan chandelier!
Not only will you feel at least 10 times better in your apartment thanks to the stunning ambience your new light fixtures provide, BUT you'll probably also have much better, more practical illumination in your home!
03. Add mirrors into your space
Mirrors are not only functional but also great for creating an illusion of space and light in smaller rooms! They're literally one of the BEST budget friendly upgrades for renters, believe it or not!
So hang a decorative mirror on a blank wall or strategically place it opposite a window to maximize natural light! Especially in your living room! DIY a cute mirror wall in your entryway and place full-length mirrors in every awkwardly empty corner!
Mirrors come in various shapes, sizes, and frames, making them a versatile addition to any room. For a more modern finish, consider frameless mirrors or even backlit mirrors, for an evergreen elegant touch, opt for mirrors with gold painted frame!
What's more, they'll also serve as stylish focal points, adding depth and character to your space. Could they be any more versatile?
04. Install removable wallpaper
Wallpaper is an excellent way to add color, pattern, and texture to your rental without the commitment of permanent changes. And of course, without the financial constraints of a renovation.
Don't just stop in one room, if you want maximum results! Apply wallpaper into your entryway to make a big first impression, apply one in your bathroom to spice that boring space up, try one in your bedroom and living room as well!
Whether you prefer a bold statement wall or a subtle accent, removable wallpaper offers endless possibilities for personalizing your space - without violating the lease & making you lose your security deposit!
05. Apply LED light strips for a modern look
Ready to add a modern touch to your space but don't want to spend too much to achieve the perfect finish?
By incorporating LED light strips into your decor -bathroom, kitchen, entryway & more! - you can get a captivating ambiance on a budget! Not only are LED light strips super beautiful, but they're also much more energy efficient, and in the long run, using them as task lighting will pay off!!
These flexible strips can be easily attached under shelves, cabinets, or behind furniture, or even around mirrors. They won't leave a single mark behind!
Choose from a range of colors and install them strategically to highlight architectural features for best results!
06. Try temporary flooring options
If you're not a fan of your rental's flooring, fear not! Temporary flooring options are here to save the day! No matter their type (peel & stick tiles or vinyl plank flooring), temporary flooring options are one of the most budget friendly upgrades for renters on this list!
Not only will a cute set of peel & stick floor tiles or vinyl plank flooring instantly elevate your apartment, BUT they'll also help cover up scratches and stains! And if that wasn't enough, they also help keep the original flooring intact, safe from YOUR stains.
And what's great about these is that installing them and removing them is an absolute breeze! This lets you experiment freely! If you don't like the current design, simply take the temporary flooring off and try another one!
07. Swap out cabinet + dresser hardware
Sometimes, the smallest changes can make the biggest impact. And this is acutely true for rental apartments, so you'll definitely want to use this fact to your advantage! Here's how to:
Replace the standard cabinet and dresser hardware with stylish knobs, handles, or pulls. Yes, it is THAT easy and THAT affordable to create an impressive space!
See, these inexpensive upgrades can instantly elevate the look of your old, cheap-looking furniture and add a personal touch to your space.
For the best deals, explore local hardware stores or online retailers for a wide range of options that suit your taste and budget!
08. Get a statement headboard
Give your bedroom a focal point by investing in a statement headboard!
Statement tufted headboards, boho rattan headboards or sleek wooden headboards don't have to cost you a fortune, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available! If you want to, you can also DIY one, here's the best guide you'll ever find with the step-by-step instructions for all the different styles of DIY headboards from Country Living!
All in all, a well-chosen headboard can instantly transform the entire look of your bed and add a touch of luxury to your space -without breaking the bank, and of course, without damaging the property.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to measure your bed frame before purchasing to ensure a perfect fit!
09. Peel & stick tiles are a must
Are your kitchen or bathroom tiles less than inspiring? Don't even have a kitchen backsplash or bathroom tiles to begin with? Don't worry, not all is lost!
Introducing: peel-and-stick tiles! They're are a game-changer, they're one of the best budget friendly upgrades for renters EVER!
Why? Because first of all, these self-adhesive tiles are easy to install and can instantly refresh the look of your backsplash or bathroom walls without having to permanently alter the property! Secondly, they're super easy to remove, so you'll be able to move out without worrying about leaving any residue behind.
And my personal favourite: they'll help protect that boring coat of white paint in your bathroom or kitchen! So no need to worry about spilling anything on the walls!
And with a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from, you can easily create a custom look you've always dreamed of!!
10. Hang curtains in a non-damaging way
I know what you're thinking: "I'd hang curtains, if it wasn't damaging!" Well, let me tell you exactly how easy it is to add curtains into your apartment even as a renter!
Definitely don't let the fear of damaging walls hold you back from hanging curtains in your rental, because with these ideas, it is NOT possible!!
Curtains not only add privacy but also contribute to the overall aesthetic of a room, you already know that. You absolutely NEED them in your living room and in your bedroom, but if you have windows in your kitchen, install them there too!
Here's the twist: as a renter, you'll want to be using tension rods instead of curtain rods, or adhesive hooks to install curtains without drilling holes! It's super easy, isn't it?
11. Quality area & runner rugs will change your life
Rugs are a great way to define different areas within your rental and add a cozy touch underfoot. They're a must both when it comes to functionality AND aesthetics, and they won't cost you your monthly salary, that's for sure!!
So invest in high-quality area rugs that complement your decor and provide comfort.
If you have long hallways or narrow walkways, consider using runner rugs to add visual interest and protect high-traffic areas. BUT runner rugs are also exceptional choices for your kitchen + bathroom!
Rugs not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also dampen noise and make your space feel more inviting, so they're definitely worth the money! AND you'll also be able to them to your next place so easily!
12. Open up your kitchen cabinets & decorate
Give your kitchen a fresh and inviting look by opening up your cabinets and displaying your favorite dishes, glassware, or cookbooks! Yes, you CAN open them up, it's not violating the lease!
Removing cabinet doors can create an open and airy feel, making your kitchen appear larger! Simply unscrew the doors & keep them in a safe & secure place, where they won't get damaged. Once it's time to move out, simple put the doors back on & you're good to go!
For maximum aesthetical value, showcase your personality by arranging items in an organized and visually pleasing manner: add a few potted plants, patterned plates, your glass collection and other decorative accents to complete the look!
This post was all about the best budget friendly upgrades for renters.
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