If you’re one of the34% of Americans who rent their home, you’re probably all too familiar with the boring beige walls, generic lighting fixtures, and the long list of don’ts from your landlord. However, just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your space! With some creative thinking, decorating a rental home can turn even the most cookie-cutter apartment into a space that feels like yours without sacrificing your security deposit.
The best part is most of these ideas can pack up and move with you when the lease ends, so it’s not money lost. Ready to make your rental feel like the home you deserve? Let’s dive in!
Can You Decorate Your Rental Property?
Before you start pinning inspiration or shopping for peel-and-stick wallpaper, take some time to understand what’s allowed. Most landlords draw a pretty clear line between temporary decorating and permanent changes. While some property owners might be flexible, others stick strictly to their lease terms, meaning your security deposit could be at risk if you don’t follow the rules.
Some deal breakers that could affect your deposit include:
Permanent damage to walls, floors, or fixtures
Changes that violate specific lease terms
Alterations made without prior approval
Not restoring the home to its original condition upon move-out
Questions to Ask Your Landlord Before Decorating
Instead of assuming, talk with your landlord about what you want to change in your space. Ask questions like:
Can I paint the walls if I repaint before moving out?
What’s your policy on hanging things on walls?
Would you consider sharing the cost for upgrades that improve the property?
Can I switch out cabinet hardware if I keep the originals?
Could we add an addendum to the lease documenting approved changes?
The last point is especially important, as having written documentation protects both parties and ensures there is no confusion later on.
How to Decorate a Rented Home
Having a thoughtfully designed space doesn’t just look great, but it can actually change how you feel. Studies show that intentional interior design can boost mood, increase productivity, reduce stress, and spark creativity. In other words, your home vibe matters.
Renter-Friendly Wall Decor
Walls are the largest visual space in any room, yet they’re often the most restricted area for renters, as many lease agreements prohibit paint, wallpaper, and hardware drilled into the walls. That being said, you can still add personality without causing any significant damage:
Removable wallpaper has come a long way in recent years! Use it to create an accent wall behind your bed, define zones in studio apartments, or update old kitchen backsplashes (the 90’s called–they said it’s time for an upgrade). Go bold with a botanical print or keep it simple with a textured neutral.
Command strips and hooks are a renter’s best friend, but be smart about using them. Match the weight rating to your decor. For example, don’t try to hang your 40-pound mirror on an adhesive hook that’s better suited for lightweight objects.
Use colorful washi tape to frame your favorite prints, postcards, or those random Polaroids from last weekend’s game night for a casual display you change whenever you feel like it.
Designers love leaning art, and renters should too! It creates a natural focal point and makes small spaces feel larger. Try propping a large print behind a dresser or layering smaller pieces on a console for visual interest.
Get creative with tension rods. Use them to hang lightweight fabrics as room dividers or to create floating shelves with no-drill brackets.
Pro Renter Tip: Always test peel-and-stick wallpaper or decals in a hidden corner first. It’s better to lose a square inch of paint than a chunk of your deposit!
Statement Rugs
If you’re not loving the yellowed linoleum floors and raggedy, stained carpet in your rental, don’t worry! A statement rug is the easiest way to make the space feel more like you. A bold and colorful rug under the couch can bring life to a dull living room, while a super soft faux fur rug by your bed makes your space feel more intimate and cozy.
In open-plan rentals, rugs can define separate living areas, such as a reading nook or a dining space. Have a vintage-inspired office packed with rare historical treasures? Try adding an antique rug for a touch of sophistication and class. Or if you’re craving a bit of old-school glamour, an art deco rug adds instant Hollywood elegance and luxury to any room.
Multipurpose Furniture and Accent Pieces
When standard-issue rental units all start to look the same, the accent pieces make a space feel like yours. Strategically using colors, patterns, and textures can take any room from “meh” to “wow.”
First, let’s talk about color. If your space is looking a little bland, try adding bold-colored pillows to a neutral couch or a lighter-colored chair to complement dark furniture. This simple trick will breathe some personality into your space.
Then, you’ll want to think about texture. Soft velvet cushions, woven baskets, and chunky knit throws bring comfort and create visual interest in basic spaces. Mix and match materials like wood, metal, glass, and textiles throughout your rental for more variety.
Another game-changer is multifunctional furniture. Having furniture that does more than one job adds functionality, especially in rentals where space can be tight and layouts are fixed. For example, cordaroys’ convertible bean bag chairs function as a chair during the day and turn into a bed for overnight guests. Plus, with over 200 cover options, you can easily change up the look whenever the mood strikes.
So, how do you tie all of these elements together? Takeour plush corduroy bean bag in saffron, for example. The golden hue adds a rich warmth that pairs beautifully with earth tones, terracotta accents, or deep olive greens, while the plush corduroy fabric makes your space feel layered and lived-in. It’s that easy!
Pro Renter Tip: Don’t push all of your furniture against the walls, thinking it’ll make your space feel bigger. It does the opposite! Pull your sofa out to create better traffic flow and a more intentional layout.
Plants and Greenery
Adding plants to your rental is one of the best ways to make any space feel more alive. They even improve indoor air quality, a nice bonus for those stuck with old ventilation systems!
Low-maintenance plants like snake, ZZ, and pothos are perfect for rental living because they thrive in less-than-ideal lighting conditions and can survive occasional neglect (we’ve all been there). Display your green friends on shelves, hang them from the ceiling, or use big floor plants to fill those awkward empty corners.
Pro Renter Tip: Don’t get much natural light in your rental? High-quality faux plants can still add that pop of greenery without water or sunlight.
Lighting Fixtures
It might not seem like it, but lighting can have a big impact on a space. Fortunately, you can still have good lighting in your rental, no electrician required:
Layer floor and table lamps at different heights for more focused lighting than standard overhead fixtures.
Swap harsh bulbs for smart ones you can control from your phone. This is perfect for transitioning from work mode to family movie night.
Install plug-in wall sconces with adhesive strips for custom lighting without damage.
Add string lights or lanterns for a cozy, intimate vibe.
With landlord approval, replace dated fixtures (just save the originals)
Pro Renter Tip: Before swapping any fixture, take pictures of the wiring and store all original hardware in a labeled bag taped to the fixture. Future you will be grateful when it’s time to restore things on move-out day.
Can You Get Your Security Deposit Back After Decorating Your Rental?
Yes! With some planning and approval from your landlord, you can personalize your rental AND reclaim your deposit. Here’s a quick move-out checklist:
Repair wall damage and touch up paint
Reinstall original hardware and fixtures
Remove all adhesive residue
Deep clean thoroughly
Document the restored condition with photos
Pro Renter Tip: For tiny nail holes in white walls, try toothpaste! Mix a little crushed aspirin with toothpaste to create a paste, apply it to the wall, and let dry.
Turn Your Rental into a Home with cordaroys!
You don’t have to lose your security deposit or break any lease agreements to decorate your rental. From removable wallpaper and statement rugs to bright lighting and multifunctional bean bag chairs, you can create a home that reflects your personality while respecting your landlord’s property.
Furnishing an Airbnb or setting up a space for guests? These tips work for that too because comfort and style matter no matter who’s staying there.
Make every corner of your rental comfortable and cozy with cordaroys. After all, it's your happy place in any space.
