Your Guide to Renter-Friendly Upgrades and the Truth on Which Ones Really Work
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Renting can often feel like you’re destined for a life of plain white walls, bad lighting, and outdated finishes… But luckily, that isn’t the case anymore. These days, there are more renter-friendly upgrades than ever—and so much Instagram, TikTok, TV, and Youtube video inspiration to get you started. That being said, there’s plenty of “renter-friendly” content out there that doesn’t quite live up to that title, either, whether it’s because the projects are incredibly difficult for beginners, or because they’re not actually something you can easily remove.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the most popular apartment decorating ideas and renter-friendly projects—including shelves, flooring, wallpaper, and more—and giving you the scoop on whether or not it’s actually worth the hype. Plus, we’ll tell you the truth about projects might cost you your security deposit, and why they’re not worth taking on. Each product is ranked on a scale of 1 to 5 in terms of ease, usefulness, and impact, so you can feel confident going into your next quick home refresh.
Renter-Friendly Shelves
Renter Friendliness Rating: 4/5
Floating shelves are one of the easiest ways to give an apartment the look of built-ins without custom shelving. But, it’s important to note that not all “damage-free” shelf options you see will truly live up to the name. Look for lightweight adhesive shelves, which can work in bathrooms, kitchens, or above desks—as long as they’re truly removable, applied according to the directions, and you adhere to the weight limits. For heavier shelves or those that will be required to hold heavier items, you’ll want to drill them into the drywall. And fear not: Those can be patched up with some spackle before you move out!
Renter-Friendly Flooring
Renter Friendliness Rating: 2/5
Temporary flooring can make a huge difference in a rental, especially when you’re facing cracked tile floors or grout that’s beyond the possibility of whitening. But this is one that renters have to be very careful with, because many peel-and-stick floor tiles can leave residue or damage, especially on laminate or wood floors. If you do want to use removable floor tiles, make sure to try them out on a small spot first, and avoid any kind of permanent adhesive. Safer alternatives include interlocking deck tiles, which are perfect for balconies or small patio spaces. Washable rugs layered over floors are also a nice alternative, as are vinyl floor mats.
Temporary Backsplash Tile
Renter-Friendliness Rating: 3/5
Peel-and-stick backsplash tile can completely transform a kitchen, especially if you’re dealing with dated materials or no backsplash at all. Plus, there are plenty of great options that truly make it look like you have perfect porcelain tiles. Vinyl options can be removed more easily than the thicker tile styles, which can pull paint up or leave some of their adhesive behind.
Choosing a temporary tile for bathrooms is tougher because steam and moisture can break down the adhesives, causing them to fall off, or even worse, cause mold problems behind the tiles (yuck!). To avoid this, stick to temporary tiles in low-moisture areas.
And one more note: Never stick tiles over textured walls—you risk ruining them, and they often don’t stick correctly.
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Renter Friendliness Rating: 4.5/5
This may be the one renter-friendly makeover that truly lives up to the hype. You just have to make sure to do your due diligence first. That starts by buying the right kind. Premium peel-and-stick papers are designed to reposition cleanly and peel off easily. But there are others that can bubble up, curl (due to moisture), or even take off wall paint. The best thing to do? Research! Take a moment to look at reviews before you buy. And make sure to follow the directions carefully, laying the paper only on clean, untextured walls. It can be tricky to lay down, so consider using wallpaper in smaller areas like behind shelves or on the back of a bookcase, if diving into a more major project feels intimidating.
Lighting
Renter-Friendliness Rating: 5/5
Lighting is probably the highest-impact renter-friendly upgrade out there. Most of the changes are completely reversible, and they require little time or handiwork to install. Smart bulbs, plug-in sconces, rechargeable picture lights, and puck lights can dramatically change the mood of a space without having to call in an electrician. And don’t feel that you have to stop at the lights themselves! Simple upgrades like changing switch plates or lamp shades can make a rental feel more polished and styled, too.
Paint
Renter Friendliness Rating: 4/5
This one needs little introduction, but yes, painting is a great way to update your apartment and technically it is reversible (you just have to paint the walls back to their original color before you move out.) Some landlords do prohibit it entirely, though, so it’s important to check with yours first.
Before you paint, keep track of the details like the original paint color (get the brand, paint number, and paint finish), and whether or not the baseboards and trim were painted the same shade. You’ll also want to avoid very dark colors that will take layers and layers of primer to get back to their original hue.
If you do decide to paint but don’t want to put in too much work (or money into multiple gallons of paint), consider using the paint more sparingly on a statement wall, small room, or bathroom.
Window Treatments & Blinds
Renter-Friendliness Rating: 4/5
Apartment blinds can be dingy and flimsy, but luckily, swapping them out is incredibly easy! Buying a new tension rod in a fun color and using adhesive rod brackets is the easiest way to do this, though no-drill Roman shades are also readily available. Note that heavier curtains, like velvet or blackout curtains, may need drilled-in hardware for safety; as is true with more substantial shades and blinds.
Hardware
Renter-Friendliness Rating: 5/5
Hardware may seem like a small thing, but it can actually make a huge impact on a space. Changing cabinet knobs and drawer pulls can instantly brighten up a kitchen and make it feel updated, and most hardware swaps only require a screwdriver. Stick to pieces that match existing measurements so you don’t have to drill new holes into cabinets.
Molding & Wall Treatments
Renter-Friendliness Rating: 1/5
This is the category social media tends to oversell. Temporary molding and faux architectural details can look stunning, but many require strong adhesives, nails, and paint—none of which are particularly renter-friendly. Foam molding strips can also get super expensive and, though safer than wood options, can still damage the walls. If you do want to try this, it’s best for long-term rentals where you have time to do repairs later. If you’re looking to add architectural detail, consider peel-and-stick wallpaper options with texture like beadboard.
Best Overall Renter-Friendly Tools
Whether you’re hanging art, installing wallpaper, or upgrading your shelves, a few key tools make any DIY project much easier to do and help minimize any damage.
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Erica Finamore
Erica Finamore is a writer and editor with more than ten years of experience telling stories about homes, travel, food, and everyday living. Most recently, she was the Home & Travel Director at Real Simple, where she shaped design features, curated gift guides, and helped bring the brand’s annual showhouse to life. She’s also worked with HGTV Magazine, Food Network Magazine, and InStyle. When she’s not writing about inspiring spaces or dreamy destinations, she’s probably out walking her dachshund, Leslie Knope, or scrolling Facebook Marketplace for vintage art finds.
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