Renters share their favorite ways to personalize their space

Renters often face challenges when it comes to personalizing their living spaces. This article presents a collection of creative and practical ideas for transforming rental homes into unique, personalized sanctuaries. Drawing from expert insights and real-world experiences, these tips offer renters innovative ways to make their mark without compromising their security deposit.

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  • Transform Spaces with Removable Wallpaper
  • Create Continuity Through Color Palettes
  • Enhance Ambiance with Strategic Lighting
  • Layer Textures for Reversible Design
  • Upgrade Hardware and Light Fixtures
  • Add Character with Peel-and-Stick Accents
  • Make a Statement with Oversized Lighting
  • Combine Plants, Photos, and Mirrors
  • Infuse Personality with Global Textiles
  • Incorporate Greenery Without Drilling Holes
  • Modernize Kitchens with Peel-and-Stick Tiles
  • Set the Mood with Portable Speakers
  • Elevate Spaces Through Intentional Lighting
  • Offer Customizable Welcome Packages
  • Jazz Up Rentals with Removable Decor
  • Bring Life to Spaces with Indoor Plants
  • Create Functional Areas in Unused Corners

Transform Spaces with Removable Wallpaper

My favorite way to add personality without permanence is using peel-and-stick wallpaper. It’s renter-friendly, easy to apply, and just as easy to take down when it’s time to move. In my own apartment here in Boston, I added a deep forest green removable wallpaper to one wall in the bedroom. It completely transformed the space; what felt like a plain box now feels calming and intentional. I paired it with floating shelves for books and small plants, which gives the room warmth and dimension without damaging the walls.

We’ve helped dozens of clients do the same, especially renters who feel stuck between clutter and constraint. One client, a young dad with two toddlers, was drowning in toys and lacked storage. We used freestanding shelving units, large labeled bins, and wall decals to create zones in his small living room. The change was dramatic, but nothing was permanent. When your space reflects who you are and works for your lifestyle, everything else starts to feel more manageable. Our mission is always to give people the tools to feel proud of their homes, even if they don’t own them. Whether it’s bold color, smart storage, or just carving out a peaceful corner, your rental can be a reflection of you without a single nail in the wall.

Lauren Hammer, Founder & Lead Organizer, Revive My Spaces

Create Continuity Through Color Palettes

My favorite way to personalize a rental without making permanent changes is by defining each room with a consistent color palette—even extending it to potted plants in outdoor spaces. That continuity makes the home feel intentional and “mine,” even if the lease says otherwise.

If you can’t paint, don’t stress. One of my favorite tricks is using foam board from The Home Depot, wrapped in fabric or covered with wallpaper, to create an accent wall. It’s lightweight enough to hang with a few small finish nails and totally removable when it’s time to move out. I’ve even done full wall panels this way—it gives you that bold statement without risking your deposit. It’s renter-friendly design with homeowner personality.

Melody Stevens, Owner, Design On A Dime Interiors

Enhance Ambiance with Strategic Lighting

When it comes to personalizing a rental space without making permanent changes, I believe it’s all about creativity and strategic design. One of my go-to methods is focusing on lighting—it’s an easy way to create ambiance and make a space feel uniquely yours. For instance, I invested in adjustable LED strip lights that I can wrap around shelves, under cabinets, or along the perimeter of the room to add a dynamic touch. They’re not only affordable but also completely removable when it’s time to move.

Another favorite approach of mine is statement furniture and upholstery. I love incorporating unique pieces like vintage chairs or modern, bold cushions to create a comfortable yet stylish space. Once, I added velvet throw pillows and a bold-colored rug in the living room to introduce color and texture without needing to redo the floors or walls. The great thing about these items is they make a lasting impact and can be easily transferred to new spaces.

I also swear by wall-mounted shelves that don’t require drilling holes. These are perfect for displaying artwork, plants, and personal items while leaving no trace behind. I once used floating shelves to display some of my design projects and personal treasures, creating an artful yet functional display.

By focusing on these non-invasive but impactful changes, I’ve been able to create an atmosphere that reflects my style while respecting the rental restrictions. It’s all about finding that balance between creativity and practicality, and it has worked wonders for me!

Shaofeng Li, Founder and Designer, popmasion

Layer Textures for Reversible Design

For me, the key to personalizing a rental without stepping on the landlord’s toes is focusing on layered, reversible design choices that transform the space without altering it permanently. In my opinion, it’s all about creating an environment that feels like your own, even if the property technically isn’t.

One of my favorite go-to moves is using removable wallpaper or peel-and-stick wall panels. You’d be amazed at how much character you can add to a room with just a feature wall. I once helped a client in a Kitsilano rental turn a bland white living room into a cozy, coastal-inspired space by adding a textured, removable wallpaper behind the couch and layering it with driftwood art and linen curtains. It completely changed the mood of the room without a single nail in the wall.

Another easy win—area rugs. Not only do they define your space, especially in open layouts, but they also let you bring in color, texture, and personality. In fact, I’ve done this in my own rentals when I was younger—layering a bold vintage rug over standard-issue beige carpet gave the space instant charm.

Lighting is another game-changer. Swapping out boring overhead lights (as long as you keep the originals to swap back later) or just adding smart, ambient floor lamps can make even the most sterile rental feel curated.

In my experience as someone who’s walked through hundreds of homes, the best way to personalize a space is by making small changes with big emotional payoff. Artwork, lighting, textiles, and scent all go a long way.

Adam Chahl, Owner / Realtor, Vancouver Home Search

Upgrade Hardware and Light Fixtures

I suspect you’re going to receive responses that promote peel-and-stick products, but there are many more ways to temporarily personalize a rental than using peel-and-stick products. Despite expert reassurances, these can actually damage existing paint or finishes. One thing I’d recommend is placing curtains and area rugs that match the mood or style you’re trying to achieve. Floor-to-ceiling curtains in a bold color or textured fabric can make even the most basic windows feel like a design choice, not an afterthought. Rugs can completely reshape a room’s energy. Try to layer them, mix materials, or create unexpected patterns, and you’ll be surprised at how much they can visually change your living space.

Another overlooked option is swapping out hardware and light fixtures. You don’t have to rewire anything. There are plug-in wall sconces with dramatic shades, portable floor lamps that look high-design, and plenty of lightweight pendant options that hang from hooks. Change cabinet pulls, bathroom towel bars, even closet knobs; just store the originals safely and switch them back when you leave. These small, tactile upgrades make the space feel curated and intentional. They also don’t rely on adhesives or paint, which is key when you’re trying to leave no trace behind.

Pete Evering, Business Development Manager, Utopia Management

Add Character with Peel-and-Stick Accents

My favorite way to personalize a rental without making permanent changes is using peel-and-stick wallpaper and interchangeable artwork. In one rental, I transformed a bland living room by adding a textured, removable wallpaper to one accent wall and swapping out the standard light fixture for a stylish, plug-in pendant. It gave the space character and warmth without violating the lease terms. When it was time to move, everything came down easily, leaving no trace.

Ross Darden, Owner, Darden Building Materials

Make a Statement with Oversized Lighting

I adore using statement lighting to make a rental space truly unique and create an immediate transformation without any lasting damage. Replacing an ordinary floor lamp with an oversized or vintage-style light immediately brings character into the space while still being renter-friendly. In one rental, I introduced a statement, oversized pendant light that became the centerpiece of the space. It revolutionized the mood of the room, creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere while also providing an elevated look. The best part about statement lighting is that it can make an area feel customized and deliberate without any drilling or construction.

Hassan Morcel, CEO, Keys please Holiday Homes Dubai

Combine Plants, Photos, and Mirrors

Plants, photos, and mirrors—an easy trio that stamps “mine” on any rental. I group a floor fig and hanging pothos by the window and lean a tall mirror behind them, doubling the greenery and daylight. Beside it, I string fairy lights with mini-clip prints for a rotating memory wall. A mirrored tray on the side table bounces candlelight at night. Zero paint, zero nails—full personality.

Dosiak Tetiana, COO, Chief Design Strategist, PlusObject

Infuse Personality with Global Textiles

One of my go-to methods for infusing a rental with personality and texture without making any permanent changes is through layers of textiles—rugs, throws, and curtains—particularly those that feature artisanal patterns or hints of global influence. In one rental, I made over a bland white living room by hanging handwoven Moroccan textiles as wall art and placing a bold kilim rug center stage. These artifacts brought warmth, color, and a sense of story to the space without touching a wall or fixture.

What was particularly effective about this approach was that I could bring these items with me when I moved. So, any time I entered a new living space, I could quickly create that curated environment for myself again. It’s an easy trick to make any rental feel intentional and reflective of your own aesthetic.

Guillaume Drew, Founder, Or & Zon

Incorporate Greenery Without Drilling Holes

I have encountered various clients who have struggled with personalizing their rental apartments or houses without making permanent changes. This can be a challenge for many renters as they want to make their living space feel like home but are limited in what they can do.

In my experience, the best way to personalize a rental is through temporary and removable decor and furniture. This allows tenants to add their own touch without violating any lease agreements or damaging the property.

One specific example that comes to mind is when one of my clients wanted to add some greenery to their apartment but was not allowed to drill holes in the walls for hanging plants. Instead, we found creative ways to incorporate plants using standing shelves and hanging planters that did not require any damage to the property.

Moreover, adding artwork and photographs on walls can also add a personal touch without causing any damage. Command strips and hooks are great alternatives to nails for hanging frames and canvases.

Ryan Nelson, Founder, PropertyBuild

Modernize Kitchens with Peel-and-Stick Tiles

One of my favorite ways to personalize a rental is with removable wallpaper or peel-and-stick tiles. They’re renter-friendly, easy to apply, and can completely transform a space.

In one of my past rentals, I used peel-and-stick subway tiles as a backsplash in the kitchen. It instantly made the space feel more modern and clean—plus, it matched my style way better than the beige wall behind it. When it was time to move, I just peeled them off with no damage left behind. It’s small changes like these that make a big difference and help turn a temporary space into something that actually feels like yours.

Steve Nicastro, Managing Editor, Real Estate Witch

Set the Mood with Portable Speakers

Sound is often overlooked when personalizing a rental, but it’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to create a space that feels like your own. Invest in a set of portable speakers that fit the room’s style. You can place them wherever you need them, whether it’s a speaker by the bedside for relaxing music or a set in the living room for entertaining. The right music can change the atmosphere of the entire room and add that personal touch to your living space without any modifications.

Another way to add a personal feel is through scent. Essential oil diffusers are an easy addition to any rental. They don’t require any installation, and you can choose from a variety of fragrances to suit the mood you want to set. Whether it’s a calming lavender scent or something energizing like citrus, the right fragrance can make your rental feel warm and inviting. It’s a simple, non-permanent way to personalize your space and enhance the overall atmosphere.

Mark Sanchez, Founder, Tropic Residential

Elevate Spaces Through Intentional Lighting

Lighting is the only thing I bother with. When I stayed in a mid-century rental during our Norwich showroom build, I refused to live under the basic ceiling fixtures. I brought in four different plug-in floor and table lamps with layered temperatures and added stick-on warm-tone LED strips under cabinets and behind the sofa. Suddenly, the whole flat looked like a curated hotel suite.

Then I wrapped the cords in braided linen sleeves to match the exposed copper plumbing. A detail no one else would care about—but to me, it grounded the space visually. Everything I brought in packed up in a single box. No tools. No screws. Just intentional lighting with a design heartbeat. That’s how you flip cold rentals into livable interiors.

Dimitri Zobnin, Managing Director, House of Enki

Offer Customizable Welcome Packages

We love to add a personal touch to rental apartments or homes. You can do two things that are both temporary and fun, and they should be reflections of the tenant and their daily life!

One way of doing this is by offering new tenants customisable welcome packages. These could include items such as temporary wall decals, customised lighting options, and small decorative elements like throw pillows and rugs that can be tailored to homebuyers’ personal preferences.

In one of our managed properties, for example, we gave residents the option to select a series of art prints and modular furniture that could be arranged in different configurations. This allows residents to inject their own personality into the space, while being ultimately adaptable and capable of being restored to its original state. This level of customisation adds value—not only for the current tenant but also for the next when they come to move in.

Peter Bigge, CEO, Town & City Management Limited

Jazz Up Rentals with Removable Decor

Last year, I jazzed up a bland rental living room by covering one accent wall in colorful, removable wallpaper and replacing ordinary light fixtures with bright, plug-in pendant lamps. This way, color and character were added to the space instantly without altering the original surfaces. I also brought in an extra-large piece of framed art that I propped against the wall, so no pounding nails or hanging hooks were necessary.

For renters, these tactics allow for maximum impact with minimal commitment; see: removable wallpaper and plug-in lighting, both of which have been gaining popularity for their lack of permanence. Layering area rugs and leaning, rather than installing, freestanding shelving also allows you to add personality to a space without jeopardizing your deposit. These easy swaps let renters show off their style while ensuring that everything can be returned to its original condition when the time comes to pack up and move.

Brian Davis, CEO, Handy Rubbish

Bring Life to Spaces with Indoor Plants

One way I love to make a rental feel like my own is by adding indoor plants. Bringing in some greenery can completely change the vibe of a place. In one apartment, I had a boring corner that I turned into a beautiful spot using a mix of tall potted plants, hanging planters on tension rods, and even a small herb shelf by the kitchen window. I didn’t need to drill any holes or make any permanent changes, but it made a huge difference. The space came to life and felt uniquely mine. Plants can make a plain rental feel cozy, showcasing your personal style with their shapes, sizes, and even scents. This is an easy and renter-friendly way to create a comfortable and personal feeling in any temporary home.

Samuel Davis, CEO or OWNER, London Gardeners

Create Functional Areas in Unused Corners

One of the most effective ways to personalize a rental is by setting up specific areas within the space to cater to your lifestyle. For example, creating a small home office or reading nook in an otherwise unused corner can make the place feel more tailored to your needs. A comfortable chair, a small desk, and a few personal touches like books or plants can quickly turn a space into something functional and unique. This doesn’t require permanent changes to the property, but it does make the space feel more like your own.

The key to this approach is to select items that are both stylish and portable. If you decide to move, everything can easily be packed up and taken with you. By creating these designated spaces, you’re not just filling the room with random furniture; you’re giving each part of your home a sense of purpose and personality. It’s a simple way to make the rental more inviting and suited to your needs without worrying about altering the property.

Allan Hou, Sales Director, TSL Australia

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