10 Home Improvement Hacks That Are Perfect for Renters

Living in a rented home doesn’t mean you can’t make it feel like your own. Many renters hesitate to personalize their space because of lease rules or fear of losing their deposit. But there’s good news—home improvement is still possible without breaking the rules!

This blog is all about renter-friendly hacks. These ideas are easy, affordable, and completely reversible. From simple décor tips to smart storage solutions, these tricks will help you create a cozy, stylish space you’ll love.

Ready to transform your rental? Let’s dive into 10 home improvement hacks that are perfect for renters!

Hack 1: Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Bright living room with colorful peel-and-stick wallpaper and modern décor.

Tired of boring walls? Peel-and-stick wallpaper is an easy way to add personality to your space without committing to paint. It’s available in countless patterns, colors, and textures so that you can match it to your style.

Applying it is simple. Just peel off the backing and stick it onto the wall. If you make a mistake, no problem—it’s easy to remove and reposition. When it’s time to move, you can take it down without leaving any damage.

Recommended Products:

Peel and Stick Wallpaper: Great for bold designs like floral or geometric prints.
Repositionable Wallpaper: Perfect for a modern and minimal look.

49%

Marble Peel and Stick Wallpaper Granite Wall Paper for Old Furniture Self Adhesive and Removable 17.7 inch x 78.7 inch Marble Contact Paper for Countertops Easy to Apply

$9.99 ($1.04 / Sq Ft)

Erfoni Black and White Peel and Stick Wallpaper Modern Herringbone Contact Paper Bathroom 17.7inch x 118.1inch Geometric Removable Wall Paper Peel and Stick Self Adhesive Contact Paper

Hack 2: Command Hooks for Instant Storage

Entryway wall with command hooks holding bags, hats, and keys neatly organized.

Command hooks are a renter’s best friend. They help you add extra storage or decorate walls without drilling or hammering. Use them to hang bags, keys, or even lightweight shelves.

They come in different sizes and weight capacities. You can also find stylish options that look great for your décor. The best part? They’re easy to remove when you’re ready to move out, and they don’t damage walls.

Recommended Products:

Large Utility Hooks: Ideal for heavier items like coats or backpacks.
Decorative Wall Hooks: Stylish options for hanging art or accessories.

24%

Adhesive Hooks for Hanging Heavy Duty Wall Hooks Self Adhesive Towel Coat Hooks Waterproof Transparent Hooks for Bathroom Shower Kitchen Keys Door Outdoor Home Improvement Utility Hook 12 Pack

$16.99 ($1.42 / Count)

32%

Umbra Picket 5 Hooks, Wall-Mounted Rail, Doubles as Art, Beveled Pine Wood Dowels, Natural Finish

$55.00

Hack 3: Removable Vinyl Floor Tiles

Kitchen with peel-and-stick vinyl tiles in a modern gray design.

Old or unattractive flooring can bring down the look of your space. Removable vinyl floor tiles are an easy solution. They’re peel-and-stick, just like wallpaper, and can instantly refresh your floors.

These tiles come in various designs, including faux wood and marble. They’re perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or even living rooms. They’re also waterproof and easy to clean, making them a practical choice.

Recommended Products:

Peel and Stick Floor Tiles: Great for a chic and durable flooring option.
Art3d Vinyl Flooring Planks: Perfect for a realistic wood-look finish.

17%

Gym Flooring Set – Interlocking EVA Soft Foam Floor Mat, 18 Pieces Puzzle Rubber Tiles Protective Ground Surface Protection, Play Workout Exercise Mats Underlay Matting Sports Pool Home Fitness Garage

$41.99 ($2.34 / Sq Ft)

Art3d Peel and Stick Vinyl Floor Tiles 30-Pack 12 x 12 inch, Self Adhesive Waterproof Flooring Wood Planks for Kitchen, Dining Room, Bedrooms, Cover 30 Sq. Ft, Taupe Ash

Hack 4: Over-the-Door Organizers

Bathroom door with an over-the-door organizer holding toiletries and towels.

When space is limited, over-the-door organizers can save the day. These clever storage solutions make use of doors, giving you extra space without the need for drilling.

You can use them in closets for shoes, in the bathroom for toiletries, or in the kitchen for spices and cleaning supplies. They’re easy to install—just hook them over the door and start organizing.

Recommended Products:

Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer: Great for keeping shoes neat and accessible.
Over-the-Door Bathroom Organizer: Perfect for holding towels and toiletries.

54%

Gorilla Grip Over the Door Shoe Organizer, 24 Large Breathable Mesh Pockets, Space Saving Hanging Storage Holder, Closet Rack Hanger Holds Up to 40 lbs, Hangs on Closets for Shoes, Accessories, Black

$24.99

ULG 1 Pack Over Door Organizer with 5 Large Pockets 10 Mesh Side Pockets, 44 lbs Weight Capacity Hanging Storage Organizer with Clear Window Kids Toys, Shoes, Diapers, Dark Grey, 5 Layers

$32.99

Hack 5: Add Soft Lighting

Cozy bedroom with warm string lights and a stylish bedside lamp.

Lighting can completely change the mood of your space. Soft, warm lighting makes a room feel cozy and inviting. For renters, plug-in or battery-powered lights are ideal since they don’t require permanent installation.

String lights are perfect for adding charm to your bedroom or living room. Clip-on or wall-mounted lamps work well for task lighting. Smart bulbs are another excellent option, allowing you to adjust brightness and colors to suit your vibe.

Recommended Products:

Twinkle Star LED String Lights: Ideal for creating a magical, cozy atmosphere.
Philips Hue Smart Bulb: A versatile option for customized lighting.

20 Pack Fairy Lights Battery Operated 3.3ft 20 LED Mini String Lights Twinkle Lights Copper Wire Firefly Starry Lights for Mason Jars Wedding Party Christmas Centerpiece Table Decorations, Warm White

Philips Hue A19 LED Smart Light Bulb – White and Color Ambiance – 60W Indoor Light Bulb – Control with Hue App – Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Homekit – 3 Pack

Hack 6: Temporary Backsplash for Kitchens

Kitchen with a peel-and-stick subway tile backsplash in white.

If your kitchen feels outdated, a peel-and-stick backsplash can give it a fresh, modern look. It’s an affordable way to upgrade without touching permanent fixtures.

These backsplashes come in stylish designs like subway tiles or metallic patterns. They’re easy to apply—just clean the surface, peel the backing, and stick. They’re also water-resistant and wipe clean with a damp cloth, making them practical for cooking spaces.

Recommended Products:

Art3d Peel and Stick Backsplash Tiles: Great for a sleek subway tile look.
Vamos Tile Hexagon Backsplash Tiles: Perfect for a trendy and modern design.

Art3d 10-Sheets Peel and Stick Kitchen Backsplash Tiles, 12″x12″ Self-Adhesive Marble Grey Wall Tiles for Kitchen and Bathroom

Vamos Tile Long Hexagon Peel and Stick Backsplash Tile – 10 Sheets Stick on Backsplash for Kitchen and Bathroom 12.4 x 12 Inch Dolomite Marble Look PVC Self Adhesive Mosaic Wall Tiles

Hack 7: Furniture Pads for Space Definition

Living room with an area rug defining the seating area and furniture pads protecting the floor.

If your rental has an open layout, furniture pads, and area rugs can help define separate spaces. Use a cozy rug under your couch to create a living room feel or place one under your dining table to set it apart.

Furniture pads also protect your floors from scratches, especially if you’re using heavy or frequently moved furniture. They’re an inexpensive way to keep your space functional and stylish.

Recommended Products:

Moroccan Area Rug: Perfect for adding a cozy touch to your living room.
Felt Furniture Pads: Great for keeping floors scratch-free.

33%

JONATHAN Y MOH101B-8 Moroccan Hype Boho Vintage Diamond 8 ft. x 10 ft. Area-Rug, Bohemian, Southwestern, Casual, Transitional, Pet Friendly, Non Shedding, Stain Resistant, Easy-Cleaning, Cream/Gray

$163.00 ($2.04 / Sq Ft)

Felt Furniture Pads 300 Pieces, Furniture Pads for Hardwood Floors, Felt Pads for Chair Legs Furniture, Floor Protectors for Furniture Black

Hack 8: Upgrade Cabinet Hardware

Modern kitchen cabinets with sleek black handles replacing outdated hardware.

Your kitchen or bathroom cabinets can get an instant facelift by switching out the knobs and handles. It’s a quick and easy way to modernize the look of your space.

You don’t need any special tools—just a screwdriver to remove the old hardware and install the new ones. Keep the original pieces in a safe place so you can reinstall them when you move out.

Recommended Products:

Cabinet Knobs: Affordable and available in multiple finishes like black, gold, and nickel.
Ravinte Cabinet Pulls: Sleek and modern designs that fit a variety of styles.

Ravinte 30 Pack 1-1/4 inch Kitchen Cabinet Knobs Drawer Dresser Knobs Matte Black Zinc, Drawer Pulls Door Handles Knobs

29%

Ravinte 30 Pack | 5 Inch Cabinet Pulls Matte Black Stainless Steel Kitchen Drawer Pulls Cabinet Handles 5 InchLength, 3 Inch Hole Center

$37.99 ($1.27 / Count)

Hack 9: Use Temporary Shelving Units

Small apartment kitchen with freestanding shelves storing dishes and pantry items.

When you’re short on storage, temporary shelving is your go-to solution. Freestanding shelves or tension rod shelves are perfect for adding extra space without damaging walls.

These units work well in kitchens, bathrooms, or even closets. Use them to store dishes, toiletries, or folded clothes. Look for adjustable or stackable options for maximum flexibility.

Recommended Products:

Yoobure Tree Bookshelf: Stylish and sturdy, great for living rooms or offices.
Corner Shower Caddy Tension Pole: Perfect for small spaces.

33%

Yoobure Tree Bookshelf – 6 Shelf Retro Floor Standing Bookcase, Tall Wood Book Storage Rack for CDs/Movies/Books, Utility Book Organizer Shelves for Bedroom, Living Room, Home Office

$59.99 ($10.00 / Shelves)

Corner Shower Caddy Tension Pole: Adjustable Rustproof 4-Tier Inside Bathroom Organizer – 47-121 inch Quick Installation Bathtub Shelves for Shampoo Storage – Rod Floor Standing Bath Rack – Black

Hack 10: Wall Decals and Art

Bedroom wall with colorful decals and lightweight art pieces displayed neatly.

Plain walls can feel dull, but wall decals and lightweight art can bring them to life. Decals are easy to apply and remove without leaving any residue. You can create anything from a gallery wall to an accent design with decals.

For framed art, use adhesive strips instead of nails. They’re strong enough to hold lightweight frames and won’t damage the walls. This lets you personalize your space without breaking the rules.

Recommended Products:

RoomMates Wall Decals: Fun and creative designs for every room.
Command Picture Hanging Strips: Perfect for hanging lightweight art or photos.

RoomMates Bluey Family and Friends Peel and Stick Wall Decals, RMK5457SCS

Command 20 lb XL Heavyweight Picture Hanging Strips 16 Pairs (32 Command Strips), Damage Free Hanging Picture Hangers, Heavy Duty Wall Hanging Strips for Home Decor, White Adhesive Strips

$13.06 ($0.82 / Count)

Conclusion

Making a rental feel like a home doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With these 10 renter-friendly hacks, you can transform your space while staying within the rules. From stylish peel-and-stick solutions to clever storage ideas, there’s something here for everyone.

Thank you for reading! We hope these tips inspire you to create a space that feels uniquely yours. Happy decorating!

FAQs

Can I use these hacks without risking my security deposit?

Yes! All the hacks mentioned, like peel-and-stick wallpaper, removable backsplashes, and command hooks, are designed to be non-damaging and reversible, making them safe for renters.

Are peel-and-stick products durable enough for daily use?

Absolutely. Peel-and-stick wallpapers, backsplashes, and floor tiles are made to last, but they’re also easy to remove when needed. Just ensure you apply them to clean, smooth surfaces for the best results.

What’s the best way to hang art without nails?

Command Picture Hanging Strips are a great alternative to nails. They’re strong, easy to use, and won’t damage your walls when removed.

How do I ensure temporary shelves or organizers are sturdy?

Choose high-quality freestanding shelves or over-the-door organizers with good weight capacity. Always distribute weight evenly and avoid overloading them to ensure safety and stability.