Decorating a rental home or apartment can feel restrictive. There are often clauses in the lease about what you can and can’t change, and any permanent alterations are usually off the table. With a little creativity, you can still create a space that reflects your style without violating your lease. Here are a few easy ways to do it.

Refresh Your Walls

One way to add personality to your rental unit is by refreshing the walls. Many landlords are open to tenants painting the walls, as long as they are restored to their original color before moving out. Alternatively, you can use removable wallpaper or decals to add color and pattern without causing damage. It’s a good idea to check with your landlord before making these changes just in case it’s against their policy, however.

Update the Lighting

Lighting can also play a big role in setting the mood of a space. Consider adding floor lamps, table lamps, or string lights to create a cozy atmosphere. Plants and flowers are another great way to add life and color to your rental unit. They are inexpensive, easy to add and remove, and can even help purify the air. Note that if your lighting option requires drilling into the walls or ceiling to hang, you might need to get permission before installation.

Use Plant

Plants and flowers are an excellent way to add color and life to your rental space. They’re inexpensive, portable, and a great way to bring nature indoors. Plants can help purify the air and create a calming atmosphere. There are also plenty of indoor plants that are low maintenance - perfect for those of us who don’t have a green thumb.

Build DIY Furniture

Filling up your space with the right furniture can add to the overall aesthetic. However, finding the right pieces to create a cohesive look may be a challenge. A great way to furnish your space is to build DIY furniture. With DIY, you have total control over the look and design of your furniture so you can mix and match however you like.

Pipe furniture is affordable, easy to build, and adds an industrial chic vibe to your space. It can also be easily disassembled and packed when you’re ready to move out. PIPE DECOR® has a variety of furniture kits to choose from that can make your space stand out.

Add Area Rugs

Rentals often have outdated flooring, but area rugs can instantly add warmth and coziness to your space. You can add different rugs to each area and even layer them to change up the vibe of your home. This is especially useful for studio apartments, as the different rugs can create the illusion of different spaces within the same room.

Add Throw Pillows

Want to add more visual interest but don’t want to go overboard? You can accessorize any room with some throw pillows. They’re an easy and affordable way to add color and texture to your space. Choose ones with colors that complement your existing aesthetic. It’s also easy to swap them out seasonally to keep things fresh and interesting.


Living in a rental home can make decorating feel restrictive with all the rules you need to follow. But that doesn’t mean you can’t personalize your home to make it feel your own. We hope these tips can help you create a space that reflects your style and personality without breaking your lease.