How to Make Your Rented Space Feel Like Home

Tired of bland beige walls and boring floors in your rental apartment? Moving into a rented space often means living with someone else’s design choices—and rules. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to own a place to make it feel like home.

At Spacejoy, we know exactly how to transform any space into one that feels truly yours. Our real love affair has always been with homes—and we design each one to be as unique as the people who live in them. Your dream space? We bring it to life in just 7 days.

With these renter-friendly decor hacks, you can personalize your space, express your style, and still get your full security deposit back. No holes, no damage—just cozy vibes and clever solutions.

1. Add Personality with Peel-and-Stick Everything

Temporary doesn’t mean boring. Peel-and-stick products are a renter’s best friend when it comes to easy, reversible upgrades:

• Removable wallpaper: Instantly add character to a room—perfect for accent walls or even the ceiling!

• Peel-and-stick floor tiles: Cover up outdated or damaged flooring without a contractor.

• Backsplash stickers: Upgrade your kitchen or bathroom with zero grout or mess.

Pro Tip: Go bold in one area like the entryway or powder room for maximum impact without overwhelming the space.

2. Don’t Play with Hearts—Play with Lighting

Most rentals come with harsh overhead lighting that kills the mood. So skip the heartbreak and light your space your way:

• Add floor lamps, table lamps, and fairy lights to create cozy layers.

• Use smart bulbs to adjust brightness and color temperatures—set the vibe for any mood.

• Try plug-in wall sconces for a designer look that won’t get you in trouble with your landlord.

3. Style Your Walls—No Holes Needed

Wall art without the worry. You can decorate without drilling a single hole:

• Use Command hooks, no-drill shelves, and washi tape for renter-safe gallery walls.

• Hang fabric art or framed prints with damage-free strips.

• Lean oversized mirrors or art pieces against the wall to open up your space without lifting a tool.

4. Furniture That Does Both (Just Like You)

You’re dynamic—your furniture should be too. Choose pieces that can adapt and serve multiple purposes:

• Think ottomans with storage, foldable desks, and nesting tables.

• Stick with neutral base pieces, then style them with bold cushions, throws, and accessories.

• Make space for one statement piece—a sculptural chair, unique console, or bold light fixture.

5. Get Your Greens In

Plants add instant life and personality. Whether you're a plant parent or just pretending to be:

• Go for low-maintenance plants like pothos, snake plant, or ZZ plant.

• Prefer the zero-effort route? High-quality faux plants are stylish and stress-free.

• Use cute planters and stands to blend your greenery into your overall decor.

6. Soft Launch Your Furnishings

Textiles are the soft power move of interior design. They make a space feel polished, intentional, and homey:

• Swap out curtains, pillow covers, and bedding for an instant refresh.

• Mix textures and fabrics to create warmth and visual interest.

• Layer your textiles—throws, rugs, cushions—for a cozy, luxe feel that’s anything but temporary.

7. Roll With It: Rugs That Do the Most

Rugs aren’t just for looks—they’re your rental’s secret weapon.

• Hide unattractive or outdated flooring with bold area rugs.

• Define zones in open-plan layouts or studio apartments.

• Layer rugs for added texture, coziness, and that effortless designer feel.

• Use rugs with grip or rug pads to avoid slipping (and protect your floors, too).

Whether you go bold with a patterned statement piece or keep it neutral and textured, rugs help ground your space—literally and visually.

8. Final Touch: Make It Yours

All these upgrades are great—but nothing makes a place feel like home quite like you.

• Display your books, candles, framed photos, souvenirs—anything that brings joy.

• Create a special “me zone”—a reading nook, meditation corner, or your perfect cozy chair.

• Add personal scents with candles or diffusers to create a space that smells like home.

You Don’t Need to Own It to Love It

Home is a feeling—and with these simple, non-permanent upgrades, your rental can feel just as you as a forever home.

Want help designing your rented space without breaking the rules?
Let Spacejoy give your home a virtual makeover in just 7 days—fully customized to your style and completely renter-approved.

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