When Dean and I first got married, we rented for eight years—basement apartments, a condo, even a high-rise apartment. I remember the challenge of making those rental spaces feel like home without making permanent changes or spending a fortune. It taught me so much about creating a sense of home wherever you are, and I want to share those lessons with you.
If you’re feeling stuck on how to make your rental feel cozy and personal, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many of the same strategies we used back then still work today, and I’ve added a few new ideas to the mix. For even more inspiration, check out my post 10 Ways to Decorate For Free Using What You Already Have.
9 Ways to Make a Rental Feel Like Home
1. Get Inspired on Pinterest
One of the first things I did back when we rented was to look at magazines. Now I’d dive into Pinterest for ideas. It’s like a treasure trove of decorating inspiration! Create boards for your rental, pinning everything from color palettes to furniture layouts. Searching for phrases like apartment decorating ideas or how to decorate a rental will give you tons of practical and creative options.
2. Add Life with Plants
Bringing in plants was a game-changer for me. Even a small pothos or a vase of fresh flowers made our spaces feel more alive. If live plants aren’t your thing (no judgement here, I have a black thumb too), faux greenery works wonders too! I loved placing them on windowsills, tables, and shelves to make the rooms feel welcoming and full of life.
3. Use Non-Permanent Decor
I found that swapping out small decor items—like rugs, throw pillows, or blankets—had the biggest impact. Cozy bedding was always a must for me, and it made even the simplest room feel inviting. If you want more ideas, check out my budget decorating tips for even more inspiration!
4. Paint (or Try Alternatives if You Can’t)
Whenever I could, I painted accent walls in soft, neutral shades to give the space personality. In rentals where painting wasn’t an option, I got creative with oversized artwork, peel-and-stick decals, and colorful tapestries. Those touches made the walls feel anything but bland.
5. Upgrade Your Lighting
I can’t tell you how many rentals we lived in with terrible lighting! Adding floor lamps or string lights not only brightened the space but gave it such a cozy atmosphere. I also loved updating lampshades for a more personalized touch.
6. Invest in Quality Textiles
One thing I always did was add a plush rug and airy curtains to make the space feel like home. I didn’t mind spending a bit more on these pieces because they made such a difference and came with us to every new place.
7. Create a Gallery Wall
Putting up framed photos, prints, or even DIY artwork helped me feel more connected to our space. I used command strips to avoid damaging the walls and loved mixing in decorative mirrors to reflect light and open up the room.
8. Personalize the Entryway
Even the tiniest entryway can make a big impact. I used small rugs, a few hooks, and a basket for keys or mail to make it functional and welcoming. It’s such an easy way to set the tone when you walk through the door.
9. Use Scent to Set the Mood
I always made sure our rental smelled amazing. Whether it was through candles, diffusers, or stovetop simmer pots, the right scent instantly made the space feel more like us. My favorite combo? Vanilla and a hint of cinnamon—it always felt like home.
FAQs
Focus on low-cost updates like switching out curtains, layering rugs, and adding personal touches like family photos or DIY decor. Check thrift stores or online marketplaces for affordable furniture and accessories.
Use removable wallpaper, large artwork, or colorful textiles like tapestries and throw pillows to add personality without breaking the rules.
Choose multi-functional furniture, like ottomans with storage. Keep the color palette light, and use mirrors to create the illusion of more space.
Absolutely! Use command strips for hanging decor, washi tape for lightweight artwork, or freestanding shelving units to display personal items.
Work with what you have by creating zones for different activities. Use rugs or furniture placement to define spaces, add soft lighting to make the area feel warm, and bring in items that make you happy, like books, photos, or sentimental decor.
Absolutely! Large artwork, wall tapestries, or removable wall decals can add visual interest without paint. You can also rely on colorful decor, like pillows and blankets, to brighten up the space.
More Budget-Friendly Decor Ideas
Making a rental feel like home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. I’ve learned that little changes—like adding plants, upgrading the lighting, or using personal touches like photos and scent—can make all the difference. If I could turn those rentals into spaces I loved, I know you can too.
What’s your favorite way to make a rental feel like home? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your ideas!
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Good ideas for anyone! Especially if you’re terrified of commitment. Great way to try something out while being able to change it easily enough.
#sundaylinkparty
Katelynn, hampersandhiccups.com
Yes! If you aren’t sure, it’s good to have no commitment options. Even if you’re not in a rental!
Lovin the white and plastic chair in the bottom image! I’ve seen people use that fun stick-on wallpaper in rentals. I may try some in my own home. Pinned ! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Hope to see ya next week!
Kim
Yes! I’ve been tempted to use the temporary wall papers, even in our own house!
Great ideas, Shannon. Love your blog.
I’m glad you liked them. Thank you!
We also lived in rentals for many years especially while in the military. But now I own a rental house and it is very important to me that our future renters will feel like they stepped in to a place they can call home – even temporarily. Great tips. Visiting from the Inspire Me Tuesday party.
That is so awesome – I’m sure your tenants really appreciate that!
Great suggestions for making a rental a home. Thank you for sharing at Snickerdoodle. I am featuring you tomorrow at the party.
Thank you so much!
I love adding cozy textiles like a plush rug or velvety curtains to curtains to a room. They give any cold place a nice lived in feel. #sharefest #theswaylife
Yes! So true! 🙂 Thank you for sharing that.
Thanks for sharing at Inspire Me Monday. I wanted to let you know that you are one of my features this week. Check it out at https://www.farmhouse40.com/inspire-me-monday-165
Thank you SO much! 🙂
I’m so glad you brought up lighting! It makes such a difference in any home–especially rentals. I remember thinking that vandals must have left the ugly light fixture I inherited in one rental home. You need good lighting.
Lol. Yes! I remember so many of our rentals having terrible lighting!! It made such a difference when we realized and brought some in!