Need practical, but impressive renter friendly upgrades? With these 36 insanely clever & damage-free ideas you can easily update a boring rental apartment without upsetting your landlord!
By the end of this guide, you'll have a plethora of ideas to transform your rental into a cozy, personalized haven. So, let's dive in and explore some of the best renter friendly upgrades that you can use to revamp your living space!
THE BEST RENTER FRIENDLY UPGRADES
Kitchen Upgrades
01. Under-cabinet lighting
A well-lit kitchen is not only functional but also visually appealing.
While most rental kitchens come with standard overhead lighting, you can and SHOULD add a touch of elegance and practicality with under-cabinet lighting.
LED light strips are a great option as they're easy to install and remove without causing any damage to the cabinets, and the results are so worth it!
02. New hardware + faucets
Replacing old, worn-out hardware and faucets is one of the simplest ways to give your kitchen a fresh, new look.
Whether you opt for a sleek modern black metal set, an elegant gold set or a vintage brushed nickel set, you're sure to safely add a touch of style to your place without violating the lease!
Remember to store the old ones safely so you can replace them back when moving out.
03. Peel & stick tile backsplash
A peel & stick tile backsplash can add a pop of color and personality to your kitchen without the hassle of installing REAL tiles. That's why this is one of the best renter friendly upgrades for your kitchen!
These tiles are easy to install, affordable, and can be removed without leaving a residue, making them perfect for a renter friendly kitchen makeover!
04. Contact paper for cabinets
Want to freshen up those old, nasty cabinets full of scratches & stains? Contact paper is another great tool for renters looking to spruce up their kitchen!
Available in a variety of designs and colors, you can use it to wrap your cabinet doors, giving them a new lease of life. Contact paper lets you both cover anything unsightly previous tenants might have left AND add a touch of personality to your kitchen cabinets!
The best part is, it's easy to install and remove without causing any damage.
05. Peel & stick floor tiles
If your kitchen floor is worn out or simply doesn't match your style, consider peel and stick floor tiles!
These tiles are easy to install and come in a variety of designs and colors: fun geometric patterns and simple wooden patterns are all on the market!
They're also a breeze to remove when you're ready to move out.
06. Countertop makeover
Contact paper isn't just for cabinets! One of the most stunning renter friendly upgrades you can do is to use contact paper to give your countertops a fresh new look!
Whether you choose a marble design for a luxurious feel or a bold pattern for a pop of color, contact paper is a quick, inexpensive way to revamp your countertops!
07. Open shelving & wall sconces
Open shelving is a trendy and practical solution for adding extra storage to your kitchen, as well as a sense of modernity.
You can use them to display your favorite dishes, keep spices within easy reach, or even house small plants. Pair them with stylish wall sconces for an added touch of elegance!
To create a stunning display, mount some floating shelves on the walls using double sided tape & accessorize with vintage or modern stick on wall sconces!
If you don't have space to do that, you'll need to remove the cabinet doors using a screwdriver to open them up! Of course, this means no wall sconces! Store them in a safe place until you move out & screw them back on once you leave!
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Bathroom Upgrades
08. Upgraded shower system
A good shower system can do wonders in elevating your rental apartment! Not only that, but if you upgrade your shower system to a high-pressure, multi-setting shower head, you can also enjoy your showers much more.
There are TONS of beautiful options available on the market: from gold, to rose gold or black sets. These are generally easy to install without professional help, but contacting your landlord on this project is HIGHLY advised!
09. Peel & stick floor tiles
Just like in the kitchen, you can use peel and stick floor tiles to give your bathroom a fresh, new look. In fact, since they're one of the most easily reversible renter friendly upgrades, you SHOULD be using them!
Choose waterproof, durable tiles to make sure they last you a LONG time! Once again, they come in various designs from a simple black & white to intricate geometric patterns to match your bathroom decor, making them an excellent choice for a renter friendly bathroom remodel!
10. Contact paper
If your bathroom cabinets are looking a bit tired, consider giving them a facelift with contact paper! Just like you did in your kitchen!
Choose a design that complements your bathroom decor and watch as your cabinets transform from drab to fab! Solid colors are highly advised here, as they're evergreen choices, but if you want something more exciting, definitely consider flowery or geometric prints!
11. New hardware + faucets
New hardware and faucets can make a WORLD of difference in your bathroom's appearance.
Opt for modern designs in finishes that match your other bathroom accessories for a cohesive look! So for a bathroom that mainly features gold accents, opt for gold hardware, like cabinet pulls & knobs, as well as a gold faucet!
Remember to keep the original hardware to reinstall when you move out!
12. Peel & stick wall tiles
Peel and stick wall tiles can be a great way to add visual interest to your bathroom on a budget and without the fear of damaging the property.
Whether you use them as a backsplash over your sink or to accent a wall, or even in your shower, these tiles are a simple and effective way to spice up your space!
Just make sure you prep the walls nicely & apply them correctly, so that they don't come off with a splash of water!
13. Updated towel storage with stick-on towel holders
Towel hooks are a functional and stylish addition to any bathroom. But for renters, they might seem like a bad idea at first. However, just know that one of the most damage-free renter friendly upgrades for your bathroom are stick-on towel holders!
These towel holders can be installed without drilling, so no need to worry about leaving marks behind!
Opt for hooks that match your other hardware for a cohesive look! Towel rings are super trendy, towel bars are an evergreen choice!
14. New shower curtain, curtain rod + hooks
A new shower curtain can dramatically change the look of your bathroom. Yes, something so simple & affordable can make such a HUGE difference!
Opt for a curtain that complements your bathroom decor! For a boho design going on, definitely try a fringed, textured curtain! For a vintage / minimalist design, opt for a simple white linen curtain!
Oh, and don't forget to upgrade the curtain rod and hooks for a polished look! Make sure you get a shower curtain tension rod instead of a regular, damaging curtain rod!
Living Room Upgrades
15. Peel & stick wall decals / wallpaper
Wall decals and wallpaper can add a lot of personality to your living room without the need for paint or permanent changes! That's why they're considered to be one of the best renter friendly upgrades for a boring rental living room!
With a wide variety of designs available, you can choose the perfect pattern or image to match your style and decor: whether it's an arch wall decal, a solid color wallpaper (black & navy are STUNNING choices!) or a fun geometric one.
16. Upgraded lighting : table lamps, floor lamps & sconces
Good lighting can make your living room feel cozy and inviting.
It's super easy to upgrade your lighting as a renter: you'll need to get yourself a few new statement table lamps for your side tables, a new modern or contemporary floor lamp, as well as some stick-on battery operated wall sconces to illuminate your wall decor!
No need to drill, yet the outcome is SO impressive!
17. Decorative pillows & blankets
Decorative pillows and blankets can instantly make your living room feel cozier without having to make permanent changes to the property.
For a cohesive look, opt for decorative pillows that match the overall vibe of your living room. For a boho design, definitely opt for textured fringed pillows & some linen throw blankets!
For a more minimalistic, modern design, lay a solid color cotton throw across the sofa & pair it with a plain set of linen / cotton throw pillows in neutral colors. Basically copy the look from above!
18. Decorative sofa cover
A decorative sofa cover is an easy and affordable way to give your living room a fresh new look.
Whether your current sofa is worn out or simply doesn't match your style, a stylish cover can breathe new life into it!
You can get them customized for a more elevated look at IKEA & Crate & Barrel for example. Just know that they ONLY customize sofa covers for their own sofas! If you don't want to spend that much however, there are also tons of stunning linen couch covers available on Etsy or Amazon!
19. Area rugs
An area rug can add warmth and texture to your living room, helping to define the space and tie your decor together! So it's safe to say that getting an area rug is one of the most highly advised renter friendly upgrades on this list!
Choose a rug that complements your decor and is large enough to anchor your main seating area! Generally speaking, fuzzy white area rugs, moroccan area rugs & distressed rugs are great choices!
As a general rule of thumb, you'll want a rug that's a few inches larger on each side than the furniture it's under! But here's a very detailed, designer-approved guide on how to choose the right rug size for your living room!
20. Window treatments
Window treatments are a great way to add style and privacy to your living room, whether you opt for curtains, blinds, or shades. The results are SO worth it: you'll have more privacy, and can also add a touch of elegance to your space!
And no, putting up curtains doesn't have to damage the property! Either get a tension rod curtain holder or try placing a regular curtain rod on heavy-duty adhesive hooks on each side of the window!
For more creative renter friendly curtain ideas, try this practical guide on how to hang curtains in a rental!
21. Renter-friendly floating shelves
Floating shelves are a great way to add storage and style to your living room without taking up floor space!
Use them to display your favorite books, art, or decorative items. You can also store your stuff on them in cute decorative baskets & boxes!
Be sure to use renter-friendly installation methods, such as adhesive strips or brackets.
22. Damage-free gallery wall
A gallery wall can add a lot of personality to your living room without violating the lease! If you have a smaller living room, a nice gallery wall above your sofa or TV can also lock the eyes in, making them focus less on the tightness of the space!
Use adhesive strips or hooks to hang your favorite artwork or photos without damaging the walls!
Bedroom Upgrades
23. New headboard
A new headboard can transform the look of your bedroom instantly! They don't require drilling, so no need to worry about damaging the property! What's great about this idea is that you can easily take your headboard to your next apartment!
Whether you prefer a sleek, modern design or a plush, upholstered look, there are plenty of renter-friendly options available and they're all one of the greatest renter friendly upgrades EVER!
24. Contact paper for dressers + nightstands
Contact paper is SO versatile! Not only do they freshen up bathrooms & kitchens, but you can also use it to give your dressers and nightstands a fresh new look!
So if your nightstands are worn out & full of scratches or stains, OR you want something more stylish: contact paper to the rescue!
Watch your furniture transform with the help of a rustic / boho wooden contact paper, a simple solid color one or a fun geometric one! If you want something more contemporary, use contact paper ONLY on the drawers & not the whole dresser!
25. Decorative bedding, throw pillows & blankets
Decorative bedding, throw pillows, and blankets can instantly make your bedroom feel cozier & more high fashion!
Opt for natural materials, like cotton and linen to add a touch of calmness & sophistication to your space! Minimal patterns & neutral colors are totally recommended!
26. Decorative bedside lamps
Good lighting can make your bedroom feel inviting without breaking the bank or making you sacrifice your security deposit!
Consider upgrading your bedside lamps with stylish options that match your bedroom decor. Statements table lamps are SO in! I'm talking those with hammered metal, ceramic or stone bases!
Stick-on battery operated wall sconces could also be great ideas!
27. Area rugs
An area rug is a MUST in your bedroom too! It defines your space nicely & adds a decorative touch.
Choose a rug that is large enough to extend at least 2 feet beyond the sides of your bed. This is a general rule, feel free to use a bigger rug if you want!
Once again, distressed, fuzzy & boho rugs are all highly decorative choices that'll elevate any bedroom design like a dream!
28. Bed canopy
A bed canopy is one of the greates renter friendly upgrades for any bedroom design! It can add a touch of elegance and romance to any bedroom, so couples, definitely consider DIY-ing one!
If you have a canopy bed, that's great. No more to do!
If you don't, but REALLY don't want or can't get a new bed, simply get a few adhesive hooks for your ceiling, apply them on the well-prepared surface and hang a regular curtain rod from these hooks! Add the curtains & you're done!
Here's a detailed guide on DIY renter-friendly bed canopy from Hunker!
Whether you opt for a simple, sheer canopy or a more elaborate design with patterned or thick curtains, a canopy is sure to transform your bed into a cozy retreat!
29. Peel & stick wallpaper
Peel and stick wallpaper is an easy and affordable way to add personality to your walls. you already know that. And this might be even truer for your bedroom!
With a wide variety of patterns and colors available, you can create a unique look that reflects your style and a room that aids relaxation & calmness!
Flowery & geometric wallpapers are such good choices for a bedroom, but solid colors will also work! Install them on the wall behind your bed or on the one behind your dresser for best results!
Entryway Upgrades
30. New hardware for console table / Dresser
Replacing the hardware on your console table can give it a fresh new look on a budget! It's one of the easiest, yet most impressive renter friendly upgrades for sure!
Opt for modern, sleek designs that match your style preference! Wow your guests right at the doorstep with a glamorous gold drawer pulls & knobs set or a vintage brushed nickel set on your entryway table / dresser!
Remember to store the old ones safely so you can replace them back when moving out!
31. Contact paper for console table / Dresser
Yes, AGAIN! But contact paper is so versatile! It can instantly give your console table or entryway dresser a fresh new look.
Choose a design that complements your entryway decor! A solid beige, olive or blue could be stunning choices that work well in all interiors! But a simple wooden patterned contact paper will also make your space feel elevated!
32. Peel & stick wallpaper
Peel and stick wallpaper can be a great way to add visual interest to your entryway & take your guests off of their feet right at the entrance without damaging the property in the process!
Whether you use it on an accent wall or to line the back of a bookshelf, this wallpaper is a simple and effective way to spice up your space! Opt for more eye-catching wallpapers to really elevate your space: flowers, solid geometric lines, dots & brush strokes are all great ideas!
33. Extra seating
One of the most practical, but still gorgeous renter friendly upgrades for your entryway is to add extra seating into your space!
Whether it's stylish ottomans, poufs, stools or entryway benches, they all help you get ready comfortably & also add to the aesthetics of the room! Like a TON!
34. Renter-friendly wall lights & sconces
Once again, good lighting is KEY in an entryway design! It creates a warm ambience & invites your guests right in, BUT it's also a stylish addition to your decor!
Consider adding wall lights or sconces to illuminate your wall decor or your mirror, place a few candles across the entryway table and don't forget to get a statement table lamp as well!
If you want to enhance the beauty of your space even more, consider getting a backlit mirror or use renter-friendy LED light strips under the dresser / console table!
35. Non-damaging wall decor
Add personality to your entryway with wall decor, but make it damage-free!
One of the most stunning renter friendly upgrades for an entryway is to use either double sided tape or adhesive hooks to hang your cherished photos & beloved artwork on the walls! They won't leave any residue behind, but they'll let you personalize your space!
36. Decorative baskets
Decorative baskets can be a great way to keep clutter at bay in your entryway! They're one of the best renter friendly upgrades for an entryway because they're both functional AND pretty!
Use them to store shoes, umbrellas, and other items that can make your entryway look messy! Make sure to place under your console table & right next to it, so that they can be reached easily & seen quickly.
This post was all about the best renter friendly upgrades.
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