Looking for renter-friendly projects to liven up your space? From interior design tips to quick-and-easy home improvement projects, here are 13 top DIY decor ideas for renters!
Try Out Layered Rugs
Offered in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, rugs are a stylish and renter-friendly way to decorate your floor space. Layering rugs can help renters add some flair to their floors when there’s not enough flexibility to make permanent changes. This also allows you to get creative by mixing and matching different rug types, such as flat-weave and plush rugs, contrasting colors, or geometric patterns. You could even add a DIY touch by making your own rug or painting over an old one. Unless you’re layering rugs over carpet, it’s best to use non-adhesive rug pads or grippers to keep rugs in place and avoid damage to existing flooring.
Personalize with Arts & Crafts
If you love to use your imagination, give your space some character by creating your own home decor. This is not only one of the most affordable DIY apartment projects, but it gives you a chance to show off your creative talent, as well. Paint over mugs, vases, or pots for use as decorations. Try your hand at a watercolor canvas painting, or print and frame photographs you’ve taken. Build your own planter box, paint it with mood-boosting colors to match your home style, and set it on a display shelf. Or repurpose curtain rods, old fabrics, and other materials you have around the house to create a stylish headboard.
Decorate with Washi Tape
Decorative tape provides a great way to personalize specific areas of your apartment without having to complete a full wallpaper overhaul. Often used in scrapbooking, washi tape is a type of decorative adhesive tape that can be applied to most smooth surfaces. DIY enthusiasts can get artsy by using fun patterns and colors to create angular designs on walls and ceilings. You could even tape over everyday decorations like lampshades, picture frames, and more to give them a refreshed look. Best of all, washi tape can be peeled off and removed in seconds without damage, making it a perfect renter-friendly decorating idea.
Hang a Rent-Friendly Gallery Wall
Going big with art is one of the best ways to design a studio apartment. Show off your creative side by creating a temporary gallery wall made up of posters, canvases, photos, mirrors, and other flat objects. This doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor—consider going thrift shopping to find budget-friendly vintage decor to feature in your gallery! Once you’ve gathered your materials, use double-sided adhesive strips to hang everything. Using adhesive strips instead of nails or screws makes this a simple and renter-friendly wall decor project that’s suited to a variety of skill levels.
Swap Out Old Hardware
If you’re searching for a quick way to make a noticeable impact on your space, one of the best renter-friendly makeover ideas is to replace old hardware with your own custom decor. Toilet seat covers and shower curtains are examples of interchangeable home decor that can give your apartment a more personal feel. Further tweaks like replacing door knobs, faucet covers, shower handles, or bathroom and kitchen cabinet hardware are small touches that can make a big difference. As long as you hold on to the original hardware, you can simply put things back in place when you’re ready to move!
Construct DIY Light Fixtures
If you enjoy crafting, there are plenty of renter-friendly DIY lighting projects that can transform your existing light fixtures. Beginners can create paper lanterns and hang them up using removable hooks. More experienced DIYers can craft farmhouse chandeliers using wood beads and embroidery hoops for a farmhouse-style makeover. Prefer to decorate in Bohemian style? Create a boho pendant light using twine and glue, or craft a macrame chandelier. Or if you’re interested in an outdoor lighting idea, inexpensive materials like outdoor candles, string lights, and mason jars serve as the perfect base to brighten up your patio or balcony.
Create Custom Curtains
Does your rented space have big windows with shades that don’t match your taste, or no covering at all? DIY curtains are not only easy to make, but easy to remove when you need to relocate. Simply measure your window, acquire fabric that matches your space, and cut it down to the appropriate size. You can even skip the sewing by using curtain clips, or try your hand at no-sew DIY Roman shades. To make this DIY hack even more affordable, consider repurposing old bedsheets or tablecloths instead of purchasing fabric. Once your curtains are ready, hang them using tension rods to avoid having to install any hardware in your walls!
Get Creative with Shelving
Floating shelves are an attractive addition to any wall that can also provide some extra storage space. Save money on store-bought shelves and opt for a simple wooden board that you can cut to size with power tools. Floating shelves can be supported with drywall anchors or hidden shelf brackets, depending on how you plan to use the shelf space. Show off your personality by mixing and matching wood types, painting your shelves in bold colors, or going all out and creating a faux built-in bookcase. Once installed, decorate your shelves with books, plants, photos, small sculptures, or other trinkets to bring it all together!
Apply Temporary Wallpapers
There’s no better way to spruce up your walls and add a pop of color to your rented home than by using peel-and-stick removable wallpaper. These wallpapers come in several designs and can be applied to any smooth, clean surface—including accent walls, kitchen cabinets, and ceilings. You can even transform your stairs by applying patterned wallpapers to stair risers. If you’re looking for alternatives to the peel-and-stick options, you can also try using fabric as wallpaper, or keep things simple with removable wall decals—which you can even design and create yourself! If you’re into maximalist home decor, don’t be afraid to mix and match different textures and patterns.
Use Peel & Stick Backsplash Tiles
Perfect for those interested in renter-friendly kitchen remodels or bathroom remodels, peel-and-stick backsplashes are a simple, affordable way of installing a removable backsplash. Not only are they durable and easy to clean, but peel-and-stick backsplashes are also a fun way to customize your home—with options for everything from eye-catching pops of color and mosaic designs to unique textures and finishes, like realistic wood grain. Much like temporary wallpapers, backsplashes can be removed quickly, leaving behind little to no residue when it comes time to move!
Cover Appliances & Countertops
Customizing your kitchen counters, fridge, oven, and dishwasher can be a bold, yet renter-friendly way to help your space stand out. Apply contact paper to your counters for an easily-removable option that allows you to update your kitchen counters according to your taste. Or use magnetic appliance covers, vinyl refrigerator wraps, or vinyl decals to customize your kitchen appliances. All of these options can be peeled off without hassle, making them excellent solutions for a renter-friendly makeover.
Experiment with Faux or Removable Wall Paneling
Removable wall paneling allows you to make major adjustments without replacing or damaging existing infrastructure. If you’re feeling more ambitious, install renter-friendly board and batten as a DIY project. For more of a rustic cabin vibe, you can DIY a renter-friendly shiplap wall by mounting wooden planks with double-sided adhesive strips. Or use a level to create lines with tape, pen, or permanent marker to mimic the look of wall paneling for a low-effort faux shiplap idea.
Upgrade Your Floors
Even apartment floors can be customized in ways that are rent friendly! Vinyl floor decals function similarly to peel-and-stick wallpapers by safely sticking to clean, smooth surfaces. Vinyl flooring is also easy to clean, making it a great solution for upgrading your kitchen floors. For those seeking more durable options, consider installing a floating floor above your original floor. These floors typically come in laminate, luxury vinyl, or engineered wood, and generally feature interlocking panels for simple installation. Although floating floors are removable, you should still check with your renter before installation, as this involves a more intensive installation and removal process.
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