Renting a room has many benefits: flexibility, affordability, and the chance to live in exciting new places. However, it also presents a common challenge: how to decorate a rented room and make the space feel like your own without violating the lease agreement or jeopardizing your security deposit.
Most landlords prefer that tenants leave the space as they found it, meaning major renovations, drilling into walls, or painting bold colors are often off-limits. But that doesn’t mean your rental room has to feel sterile or impersonal. With a little creativity and the right decorating strategies, you can infuse your personality into your space while keeping it landlord-approved.
Renter-Friendly Décor: How to Decorate a Rented Room
How to decorate a rented room with renter-friendly ideas? Explore no-damage décor solutions like command hooks, peel-and-stick wallpaper, and stylish storage hacks.
In this guide, we’ll explore renter-friendly ways to decorate and personalize your rental room without breaking any rules or losing your deposit.
1. Use Temporary Wall Décor
One of the biggest challenges in a rental is dealing with plain, boring walls. Since painting or wallpapering may not be an option, consider these renter-friendly alternatives:
Removable Wallpaper
Peel-and-stick wallpaper has become a game-changer for renters. Available in countless designs, colors, and textures, this temporary solution allows you to add personality to your walls without the permanence of traditional wallpaper.
When it’s time to move out, peel it off without damaging the paint underneath.
Wall Decals and Stickers
If you love patterns, nature-inspired designs, or motivational quotes, wall decals are a perfect way to add flair. You can remove these easily without leaving a residue, which is what makes them a great option for short-term decorating.
Washi Tape Designs
For a budget-friendly solution, washi tape can be used to create geometric patterns, stripes, or even faux picture frames. This colorful, low-tack tape sticks well to walls but peels off cleanly when you’re ready for a change.
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2. Get Creative with Lighting
Lighting has a huge impact on the ambiance of a room, and fortunately, it’s one of the easiest ways to personalize your space without making permanent changes.
String Lights
Fairy lights or LED string lights add a cozy touch and ambiance to any rental room. Drape them along walls, frame your bed, or place them in glass jars for a warm, inviting glow. Use adhesive hooks or removable strips to hang them up without damaging the walls.
Plug-in Wall Sconces
If you want stylish, sophisticated lighting without hardwiring, plug-in wall sconces are the answer. They’re easy to install, and you can position them anywhere near an outlet for an elegant touch.
Smart Bulbs
Smart LED bulbs allow you to change the color and brightness of your lighting with a simple voice command or app. Whether you want a cozy, warm glow for relaxing bedroom or a more exciting color for a fun atmosphere, smart bulbs offer endless customization options that will bring personality into your rented room.
3. Bring in Stylish, Damage-Free Wall Art
Hanging art is a great way to add character to your space, but traditional nails and screws can leave holes that might cost you your deposit. Luckily, there are renter-friendly solutions:
Command Hooks & Strips
Command strips and hooks can securely hold lightweight picture frames, mirrors, or canvas prints. When it’s time to move, they peel off cleanly without damaging the walls.
Leaning Art & Mirrors
For a stylish, relaxed look, consider leaning large framed prints or mirrors against the wall instead of hanging them. This works especially well on dressers, shelves, or even the floor for a modern, casual vibe.
Fabric Wall Hangings
Macramé, tapestries, or fabric panels can instantly add texture and warmth to your space. Use removable hooks or a tension rod to display them without causing damage.
4. Try Removable Flooring Options
If your rental room has outdated flooring that doesn’t match your aesthetic, don’t worry — there are non-permanent ways to upgrade it.
Rugs & Runners
A well-placed area rug can define your space, add color, and make the room feel cozier. Layering rugs is a trendy way to mix patterns and textures while covering unattractive floors.
Peel-and-Stick Floor Tiles
Similar to removable wallpaper, peel-and-stick floor tiles let you revamp your flooring without any long-term commitment. These work well for covering outdated linoleum or tile floors and can be removed without residue.
5. Upgrade Furniture with Temporary Solutions
Most of the time, rental rooms come already furnished with a bed and closet. Here are some creative ways to personalize the furniture:
Slipcovers & Throws
If your rental comes furnished with pieces that don’t match your style, slipcovers are an easy fix. They come in a variety of colors and patterns and can transform an old couch or chair instantly.
Contact Paper Makeovers
Self-adhesive contact paper can give working desks, dressers, tables, and countertops a fresh new look. Try marble, wood grain, or bold colors to refresh your space without damaging the original surface.
Decorative Knobs & Handles
Swap out standard drawer knobs and cabinet handles for stylish ones that match your taste. Just keep the originals to reinstall before moving out.
6. Bring in Plants for a Lively Touch
Nothing transforms a room like greenery. Houseplants add color, purify the air, and make a space feel more inviting.
Low-Maintenance Plants
If you don’t have a green thumb, we recommend low-maintenance plants like snake plants, pothos, or succulents. These only need minimal care and thrive in most indoor environments.
Hanging Planters & Wall-Mounted Greenery
Use adhesive hooks to hang small planters or create a vertical garden with pocket planters that don’t need you to drill into the walls.
Faux Greenery
If live plants aren’t an option, high-quality faux plants can still give your space a fresh, vibrant look.
7. Use Storage as a Style Statement
Functional décor is perfect for rental spaces, especially when storage solutions double as stylish accents.
Floating Shelves (No-Drill Options)
Some floating shelves come with adhesive backing or tension systems that don’t require drilling, allowing you to showcase books, candles, and small décor pieces without damaging the walls.
Baskets & Decorative Bins
Wicker baskets, fabric bins, and decorative storage boxes help keep your space tidy while adding texture and personality.
Multifunctional Furniture
Consider furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes, like a stylish storage ottoman or a bed frame with built-in drawers.
8. Add Personality with Textiles
Soft furnishings play a huge role in setting the tone of your space.
Bedding & Pillows
A statement bedspread, colorful throw pillows, or a cozy blanket can make a rental room feel uniquely yours.
Curtains & Window Treatments
Replace standard blinds with lightweight, removable curtains in your favorite color or pattern. Tension rods make it easy to hang curtains without drilling.
Layered Textiles
Mix and match textures like faux fur, velvet, and linen to create a rich, inviting atmosphere.
Final Thoughts:
Personalizing your rental room doesn’t have to mean breaking the rules or risking your deposit. With temporary, non-damaging décor solutions, you can create a space that reflects your style while staying within your lease agreement.
By using renter-friendly decorating strategies, you can enjoy a stylish, personalized home without the stress of losing your security deposit.
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