Looking for ways to spruce up a boring rental apartment? Here are 15 apartment friendly decorating ideas that are super inexpensive, are easy to do & can easily be reversed!
I know you're tired of not having a reliable source on apartment friendly decorating! You're probably feeling overwhelmed & tired having to search for AGES for renter friendly decor ideas & test them all out just to see if they ACTUALLY work!
Well, that's done with! Because you've found this guide!
As a renter myself, I've always felt super restricted when it comes to apartment friendly decor. There's tons of things you're not allowed to do, and the ideas that COULD work just don't make your apartment look better! Or they're super expensive! Or require tons of work!
That's why I've gathered all of my favourite trusted apartment friendly decorating ideas for you! I wanna help you freshen up your space, give it a new, totally personalized look without breaking the bank or sacrificing your security deposit!
So keep reading for the BEST practical solutions that are super easy to do & can easily be reversed!
APARTMENT FRIENDLY DECORATING: THE BEST IDEAS
01. Use peel & stick wallpaper
When you live in a rental apartment, there's nothing you can't solve with a little bit of peel & stick wallpaper!
Peel and stick wallpaper is a great way to decorate an apartment without damaging the walls. It's easy to install, affordable, and comes in a variety of colors and patterns to suit any style or taste!
Another great thing about peel & stick wallpaper, is that it's super easy to remove! So if you decide you don't like it or want to change the design, simply peel it off and start again!
And here's something very surprising: even though it's meant for your walls, you can easily wrap your cabinets, old furniture or even shelves in it!
So if you wanna lend your rental apartment a little personality without sacrificing your security deposit, definitely consider installing some fun colored or even patterned peel & stick wallpaper onto a boring wall!
02. And while you're at it, spruce up your floors too!
I mean, if you freshened up those boring white walls, why not do something to your nasty flooring as well?
Your floors are probably covered in scratches, have stains & bumps, I know that for a fact! Peel & stick floor tiles are not only a great option for those looking to update their rental apartment without investing in costly renovations, but they also let you personalize your space without having to make permanent changes!
So grab yourself a pack of patterned floor tiles & both disguise marks of previous tenants AND beautify your space! Use ones that resemble real tiles in your kitchen & bathroom, and go for a cute wood look in your living room & bedroom!
03. Switch out your old hardware
One of the simplest and most affordable ways to update the look of an apartment is by switching out the hardware on cabinets, drawers, and doors. This can be done quickly and easily with just a few basic tools, and it can make a big impact on the overall style and aesthetic of your space.
That's why they're literally one of the best apartment friendly decorating ideas like EVER!
To get started, you'll need to choose the new hardware you want to use. There are a variety of options available, including knobs, handles, and pulls in a range of colors and finishes. It's important to choose hardware that complements the existing decor and color scheme of your space!
Once you have your new hardware, you can begin the installation process. This typically involves removing the old hardware with a screwdriver and replacing it with the new hardware using the same screws and holes. So no, you don't have to ask your landlord for permission!
And there's a fresh new look for your apartment without breaking the bank or making permanent changes!
04. Decorate with linens
I always say that you should make use of what you've already got, instead of hoarding new stuff! With high quality linens, you can effortlessly elevate your basic rental apartment decor without having to invest in individual decorative items!
One of the most common ways to use linens is by choosing bedding that complements the color scheme and style of your apartment. This can include sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers in a range of colors and patterns.
Linens can also be used to decorate seating areas, such as sofas and chairs. Adding decorative throw pillows or blankets in complementary colors and textures can help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
And in addition to bedding and seating, linens can also be used to add texture and warmth to floors! Area rugs in soft, plush materials can help create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, while also providing a visual anchor for your furniture!
05. Install renter-friendly shelves & decorate
Without something accessorizing the boring walls of your rental apartment, you can never achieve the perfect apartment decor!
By installing wall shelves in a renter-friendly way using double sided tape or getting permission from your landlord to drill holes into the walls, you're providing yourself with extra surface to store your stuff & decorate!
So use that to your advantage!
Create a nice little composition on your new shelves with the help of decorative vases in different shapes, sizes & designs, versatile candle holders, potted plants, decorative books, sculptures & much more!
06. Use mirrors to enlarge your space
Mirrors will always be one of my favourite apartment friendly decorating ideas, just because they're so easy to implement into your decor!
They can help create the illusion of more space and light in a small or dimly-lit room. A strategically placed mirror can make a room appear larger and more open, while also reflecting natural light and brightening up the space! You'll feel SO energized!
One way to use mirrors is by hanging them on the walls in key locations, such as opposite a window or in a small hallway.
However, mirrors can also be used to create a focal point in a room, such as a large statement mirror over a fireplace or in a dining room. This can add visual interest and depth to the space, while also reflecting the surrounding decor and creating a cohesive look.
07. Go all in with your lighting choices
If there's one apartment decorating hack you actually implement into your own rental apartment decor, PLEASE make it this one!
Statement lighting can be a great way to add personality and style to an apartment. It can serve as a focal point in a room, drawing the eye and adding visual interest, also making your space look much bigger!
So go ahead & invest in a nice contemporary chandelier for your dining room, a set of glass pendant lights for your kitchen, vintage wall sconces for your entryway & a black hat chandelier for your living room / bedroom. Oh, and don't forget about floor lamps either!
08. Add artwork
Artwork can effortlessly make any rental apartment feel more put-together, timeless & full of life! There are TONS of options to choose from, it's super overwhelming!
But whether you go for a large textured canvas art, a boho wall macrame, a 3D metal wall art or a vintage painting / landscape, you're sure to instantly enhance your rental apartment decor without risking losing your security deposit!
Make sure you embelish your walls with artwork in each & every room, prop a few pieces of art against a wall or a shelf & accessorize window sills as well for maximum results!
09. Roll in a bar cart
A bar cart can be a stylish and functional addition to any apartment, providing both storage and a decorative element!
They're super versatile, that's why when it comes to apartment friendly decorating, they're definitely worth mentioning!
Whether you add one to your living room to use it as a display for all your decor or add one to your dining room to display your favourite beverages & snacks, you're sure to effortlessly elevate your rental apartment design with it!
10. Add fresh flowers & plants
Plants and flowers can be a wonderful way to bring life and color into your apartment. They can easily beautify your boring rental apartment without breaking the bank or sacrificing your security deposit!
So grab a few different types of potted plants & a couple of seasonal flowers ASAP! Scatter them all throughout your apartment, arrange them creatively in nice, decorative planters!
But remember, in addition to their aesthetic appeal, plants also provide health benefits, such as purifying the air and reducing stress. Enjoy the beauty and the added benefits of bringing nature into your apartment!
11. Decorative baskets are cute & functional
Did you know that decorative baskets are not only super cute, but extremely functional as well? That's why when it comes to apartment friendly decorating, they really ARE game-changers!
See, decorative baskets can be a great addition to any apartment decor, providing both style and functionality.
Place them in empty corners, along empty walls, under your coffee table & in front of your bed. Store magazines, bedding, throw pillows & blankets in them, but you can also use them as planters!
They're super versatile & will keep your space looking neat!
12. Your rug choices are important!
One thing that could either make or break your rental apartment decor is what kinds of rugs you choose for your space!
And it's not as easy as it might seem at first! There are TONS of features the perfect rug needs to have & you gotta consider lots of things, like size, color, texture, pattern & much more before deciding!
But here are a few tips I personally swear by to help you make it a bit easier:
Determine the function: The first step in selecting a rug is to determine its function. Are you looking for a rug to add warmth and comfort to a bedroom, or do you need a durable rug for a high-traffic living room? Understanding the intended use of the rug will help guide your selection!
Consider the size: The size of the rug should be proportional to the room, if you want the best for your space! A small rug in a large room can make the space feel disjointed, while a rug that is too large can overwhelm the space. So measure the area you want to cover before selecting a rug!
Choose a color scheme: Rugs can add color and texture to a room, so choose a color scheme that complements your existing decor.
- Select the right material: Rugs come in a variety of materials, from wool to synthetic fibers. Consider the durability, texture, and maintenance requirements of each material before making a selection!
13. Change ugly lampshades
One of the easiest, most low-bugdet, yet most impressive changes you can do to a boring rental apartment is changing all the ugly lampshades!
And no, this doesn't require drilling or making permanent changes to the apartment! You'll only be changing the lampshades, not the whole light fixture, don't worry!
What I love about this idea, is that it lets you fully personalize your space without having to consult with your landlord!
So be bold & experiment with different styles, colors & textures! Get a nice rattan lampshade for your bedroom, get glass lampshades for your kitchen island light fixtures or something modern for your living room! The choice is yours, really!
14. Don't forget to add mood lighting
When it comes to apartment friendly decorating, incorporating mood lighting is one key element that can effortlessly create a warm, inviting atmosphere without breaking the bank or risking your security deposit!
And contrary to popular belief, mood lighting doesn't stop at a few candles! There's SO much more than just that!
So here are some tips for using mood lighting to decorate your space that can really make a difference:
- Choose the right bulbs: The type of bulbs you use can impact the mood of a room. Choose bulbs with a warm color temperature (around 2700K) for a cozy and inviting feel!
- Add accent lighting: Accent lighting can highlight specific features in a room, such as artwork or architectural details. Use accent lighting to draw attention to these features and create a focal point: install wall sconces, table lamps, etc.!
- Consider candles: Candles can create a warm and romantic ambiance in a room. Use them sparingly and in areas where they can be safely monitored.
- Install string lights: String lights are a super cost-effective way to add some spark to your space! Hang them from your ceiling using self-adhesive or double-sided tape or add them on your shelves.
Use dimmer switches: Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the brightness of the lights to create the perfect mood. They are especially useful in living rooms and bedrooms where you want to relax and unwind. However, to install dimmer switches, you'll definitely need to contact your landlord beforehand! It requires a little bit of screwing, disassembling & electrical work!
15. Add hidden storage
Even if you have plenty of space in your rental apartment, it's nice to have a little bit of extra storage, isn't it?
Hidden storage can be a great way to maximize space and keep your apartment looking tidy and organized at all times. They essentially help beautify your apartment through making sure you have enough storage, which is crazy helpful!
So hidden storage solutions, like built-in shelves, storage ottomans, benches with storage, lift-top coffee tables or even storage beds are MUST-HAVES in a rental apartment!
This post was all about apartment friendly decorating.
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