15 Simple DIY Projects For A Beautiful, Rent-Friendly Space
When you’re renting a place, you might feel stuck with a bland interior because your lease says ‘no big changes.’ But that doesn’t mean you can’t personalize your space. There are plenty of rent-friendly DIY projects that can spice things up without causing damage or risking your security deposit. So let’s explore 15 DIY projects that are safe for renters and will turn your current place into your dream home.
Personalizing your rental space
Have you ever strutted into a room and thought, “This place looks just like the beige paradise I always dreamed of?” Yeah, me neither. Rental spaces often scream ‘temporary’ louder than a toddler who missed their nap time, which is why it’s crucial to add your own twist.
Think of it like adding a filter to a selfie; you want to show off your style without altering the original too much. From temporary wallpaper that peels right off when you move out, to swapping out hardware like drawer pulls and light fixtures (just keep the old ones to put back when you leave), there are ways to make the space feel more like ‘you’ without making permanent changes.
What “rent-safe” means
The term “rent safe” is like insurance for a rental agreement. This is about the idea of creating reversible change. Like cutting bangs knowing you won’t look like a 10-year-old holding a pair of scissors for the first time. To understand the contract, you need to understand how to make the rental space “yours” without incurring the landlord’s wrath.
So even with a strict lease, your rental can still reflect your personality. It’s all about finding the right temporary fixes that can make a house (or apartment) feel like home.
DIY: How it saves money & sparks creativity
DIY, or “Do It Yourself,” is like a thrift store for home decor. It’s an exciting world where old items are transformed into new, stylish pieces. For example, you can turn used jeans into cool bags or make mason jars into lovely centerpieces. DIY is a powerful way to change up your living space and let your creativity shine. The best part? You don’t have to spend a lot of money to do it.
Think of DIY as giving everyday objects a second chance to be something great. It’s perfect for people who want to personalize their homes without breaking the bank. And don’t worry if you’re not a pro at crafting; anyone can become good at DIY with a bit of practice and imagination.
Ready to start? All you need is your set of tools—and yes, even that fancy wine cork opener can come in handy! There are plenty of DIY projects that are safe for renters, which means you can make your place look amazing without making permanent changes. Let’s dive in and see what incredible things you can create!
Projects for Rental Walls
Project 1: Removable Wallpaper
Imagine being able to decorate your home with beautiful designs without worrying about damaging the walls and losing your security deposit. There’s a special type of wall accent that makes this possible: removable wallpaper. This innovative decor allows you to stick it onto your walls and peel it off later without leaving any marks or damage.
With a vast array of patterns to choose from, you can experiment with vintage floral prints reminiscent of your grandma’s house, dive into modern geometric shapes, or explore anything in between to suit your style. These wallpapers are not just versatile in design but are also eco-friendly, meaning they’re made with consideration for the environment.
So, with these removable wallpapers, you get to flex your interior design skills and express your personal taste all while being kind to our planet. It’s a win-win for both renters looking to personalize their space temporarily and for anyone interested in sustainable living.
- Peel-Stick & Removable
- Ready-to-use
- Self-adhesive
- No pastes or glues needed
- No residue left behind
Project 2: Picture Gallery Wall
Change your wall into a dynamic storytelling canvas by showcasing your cherished memories, from funny high school photos to awe-inspiring travel adventures. To avoid damaging your walls with numerous holes, use Command strips—a favorite tool for renters. These adhesive strips let you hang pictures and decorations securely without the need for nails or screws, keeping your walls intact. The beauty of this approach is its flexibility; you can easily update the display to match the season, reflect your current mood, or simply change things up whenever you desire a fresh look. This method allows you to keep your living space personalized and vibrant without the commitment of permanent changes. Your landlord will thank you for this.
- Works on a variety of smooth surfaces
- Easy clean removal
- Damage free handing
- It's not advised to hang the strips on wallpaper
Project 3: Washi Tape Designs
Washi tape is a popular tool for DIY enthusiasts, especially when it comes to decorating walls without causing damage. This Japanese masking tape is colorful and sticks lightly, so it’s perfect for temporary decorations like creating patterns, word art, or even pretend picture frames on your walls. It’s as easy to remove as washing off makeup at the end of a day.
Projects for Rental Floors
Project 4: Vinyl Floor Tiles
For those living in rentals with dull flooring, vinyl floor tiles are a game-changer. They’re affordable and won’t upset landlords since they can be applied without causing permanent changes. These tiles come in various designs and can turn any room into a stylish space quickly and easily. Just gather the right amount of tiles, put in some work to lay them down, and you’ll see an instant improvement to your room.
One Package Contains 10 Tiles That Each Measure . 06-In In Depth. Each Tile Measures 12 X 12 Inches, And Is 60In X 24In X 0.06In When Assembled
- Peel and stick to apply
- Easy Installation - No Grout Or Special Tools Needed
- Water Resistant And Washable
Project 5: Rug Layering
The concept here is about creatively dealing with elements that you cannot change, specifically rental floors that may not suit your taste or style. Instead of feeling stuck with a floor you don’t like, you can use decorative solutions to cover it up and enhance the appearance of your room, other than the previously mentioned peel and stick floor tiles.
One easy and stylish solution is to use fuzzy rugs. These rugs serve the dual purpose of concealing an unattractive or plain floor and adding a touch of personality to your space. They’re also convenient because when they need cleaning, you can simply take them to the dry cleaners.
Project 6: Faux Wood Flooring
For those who love the look of hardwood floors but can’t install real wood due to rental restrictions, faux wood flooring is a great alternative. This involves using vinyl panels that mimic the appearance of hardwood. To install these panels, you’ll need some specific tools (not just household items like a wine opener) and a bit of patience to lay them out properly.
In summary, if your rental’s flooring isn’t to your liking, you can still achieve a stylish look by covering it with rugs or installing vinyl flooring that looks like wood, both of which are reversible changes that won’t violate typical rental agreements.
Projects for Rental Windows
Project 7: No-Sew Curtains
No-sew curtains are a simple and cost-effective solution for anyone who wants to decorate their windows without the need to sew. They’re very easy to make, offering a variety of styles just like different flavors of pie. To create no-sew curtains, you only need some fabric that you think would look great as a curtain, along with clip rings or a tension rod to hang it up. Once you have these items, you can quickly transform your fabric into a curtain without any complicated steps, making you feel like an expert in window dressings.
Project 8: Window Decals
Window decals are another effortless option for enhancing your windows. They are stickers designed for glass that you can easily apply without any tools. These decals come in handy when you want to block an unpleasant view or maintain privacy while still letting natural light shine through. Applying them is easy peasy, and they prevent both the headaches of difficult installations and the sun’s glare. With window decals, you enjoy both decoration and functionality, making it a double win!
- Glue free sticker
- Easy to remove
- Anti-UV sun blocker
- Privacy film
Project 9: Roman Shades
Roman shades are a stylish type of window covering that can provide your room with adjustable sunlight and privacy. They are made from fabric and can be easily installed without the need for drilling holes into your walls or window frames. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a fabric that matches your decor and personal style.
- Get a tension rod that fits inside your window frame.
- Hang the fabric over the rod in a way that it creates soft folds, similar to the drapes in ancient Rome—hence the name ‘Roman shades’.
By pulling the fabric up or down, you can control how much light enters the room, giving you the luxury of filtered sunlight whenever you wish.
Projects for Rental Furniture
Project 10: Furniture Remodeling
Let’s face it. Sometimes, staring at the same ole’ furniture can be as exciting as watching paint dry. Luckily, with a little TLC, you can revamp that tired chair or sad-looking coffee table into something straight out of a design magazine. Just imagine turning grandma’s old rocking chair from drab to fab with just a lick of chalk paint—a killer look, wallet-friendly, and no new furniture needed!
Project 11: Contact Paper for Surfaces
Contact paper is perfect for a quick makeover for your old furniture. It sticks onto surfaces like tables and wardrobes, giving them a fresh look while also protecting them from scratches and spills. Imagine it as a superhero outfit for your furniture that’s not only stylish but also protective. The best part? When you’re ready for a new style, you can simply peel it off without leaving any sticky mess. I have this specific contact paper (or vinyl in this case) on my windowsills and it’s a big yes from me!
- Looks realistic
- Made of vinyl
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean
- Peel and stick
- Self adhesive
- Has lines on the back for straight cutting
Project 12: Building Your Own Shelves
If you’re renting and feel like you have too much stuff with nowhere to put it, don’t worry—it’s not as hard as it seems to add more storage. You don’t need to drill holes in the walls and risk your security deposit. Instead, get some wood or recycle old materials, find some brackets that can attach to furniture or be propped up without wall damage, and use a tape measure to plan out your new shelves. With these items, you can create extra storage space easily and keep your walls intact.
Projects for Rental Lighting
Project 13: Lamp Cover
A lamp cover is like a fashionable hat for your lamp. It’s a simple way to make your lamp look new and show off your personal style. You can use different materials, like cloth or an old basket, to create a unique cover that makes your room feel cozier and more interesting.
Project 14: String Lights Decoration
String lights brighten up any area with their charm. They are affordable and fun, giving a touch of magic to your living space. Plus, they’re perfect for people who rent because they don’t cause any damage and can be put up almost anywhere. With string lights, you can turn a dull room into a delightful and inviting space easily.
- USB powered
- 360° Rotatable hooks
- Will not get overheated
- Waterproof
- 8 Light Settings & Timer Remote
Project 15: Lighted Panels
Lighted panels are a creative solution for anyone looking to improve their home or office lighting without making it too bright or too dim. These panels provide a gentle, diffused light that can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in any space. To make your own lighted panels, you’ll need some basic materials and tools, along with clear instructions to follow.
What other DIY projects have you done to personalize your rental? Let us know!
