Temporary Home Improvements for Renters: Stylish Upgrades with No Damage
How to Make Renter-Friendly Home Improvements Without Losing Your Deposit
Renting a home doesn’t mean you have to settle for dull walls, outdated fixtures, or lack of personal style. While most rental agreements prohibit permanent changes, there are plenty of temporary, stylish, and reversible upgrades that can transform your space without violating your lease or risking your deposit.
This guide will walk you through smart renter-friendly home improvements, from decorating tips to clever storage solutions—all while keeping your landlord happy.
1. Use Removable Wallpaper or Wall Decals
✔ Why? Adds colour and pattern without permanent damage.
How to Do It:
- Choose peel-and-stick wallpaper for an instant style upgrade.
- Opt for wall decals for easy-to-remove accents.
- Stick to lighter colours to avoid leaving adhesive marks.
✔ Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, and accent walls.
🚫 Avoid: Using wallpaper on textured walls, as it may not stick properly.
2. Upgrade Lighting with Plug-In Fixtures
✔ Why? Better lighting improves the look and feel of any room.
How to Do It:
- Replace harsh ceiling lights with stylish plug-in pendant lamps.
- Add stick-on LED strip lights under kitchen cabinets or bookshelves.
- Use battery-powered motion lights in dark corners or hallways.
✔ Best For: Kitchens, bedrooms, and living spaces.
🚫 Avoid: Hardwiring new fixtures without landlord approval.
3. Swap Out Cabinet & Drawer Handles
✔ Why? Small details can make old furniture and kitchens look new.
How to Do It:
- Replace dated cabinet handles with modern or vintage knobs.
- Store the original handles safely to reinstall when moving out.
✔ Best For: Kitchens, bathrooms, and bedroom furniture.
🚫 Avoid: Drilling new holes—stick to the existing screw layout.
4. Use Rugs to Cover Ugly Floors
✔ Why? Covers outdated or damaged flooring while adding warmth.
How to Do It:
- Choose large area rugs to cover worn-out carpets or cold tile floors.
- Use ruggable or machine-washable options for easy cleaning.
- Try peel-and-stick vinyl tiles for a quick, removable floor upgrade.
✔ Best For: Living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms.
🚫 Avoid: Double-sided tape or glue that might damage the flooring.
5. Install Temporary Shelving & Storage Solutions
✔ Why? Maximises space without drilling holes.
How to Do It:
- Use freestanding bookshelves instead of mounted ones.
- Install command hook shelves for small decorative items.
- Try rolling storage carts for extra kitchen or bathroom organisation.
✔ Best For: Small kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices.
🚫 Avoid: Wall-mounted shelves that require drilling.
6. Hang Curtains Without Drilling Holes
✔ Why? Adds privacy, style, and warmth without permanent damage.
How to Do It:
- Use tension rods for window curtains—no drilling needed.
- Try adhesive curtain rod brackets for a damage-free alternative.
- Layer sheer and blackout curtains for both style and function.
✔ Best For: Bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens.
🚫 Avoid: Screwing brackets into walls without permission.
7. Stick-On Backsplash for Kitchens & Bathrooms
✔ Why? A quick, removable way to modernise tiles.
How to Do It:
- Use peel-and-stick backsplash tiles for a stylish kitchen refresh.
- Try contact paper for an easy, wipeable surface.
- Choose heat- and water-resistant options near sinks and stoves.
✔ Best For: Kitchens and bathrooms.
🚫 Avoid: Using adhesives that may peel off the original tiles.
8. Add Personality with Temporary Wall Art
✔ Why? Personalises your space without nails or permanent fixtures.
How to Do It:
- Use command strips or adhesive hooks to hang lightweight frames.
- Try a photo collage with washi tape for a creative touch.
- Lean larger framed art against walls instead of hanging it.
✔ Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
🚫 Avoid: Heavy wall hangings that might damage plaster or paint.
9. Upgrade Your Bathroom Without Renovating
✔ Why? Makes a rental bathroom feel more modern and spa-like.
How to Do It:
- Swap the showerhead for a high-pressure, detachable version.
- Use suction cup shower caddies for extra storage.
- Place a peel-and-stick bath mat inside the tub for safety and style.
✔ Best For: Rental bathrooms that need a modern refresh.
🚫 Avoid: Drilling new towel bars or permanent fixtures.
10. Use Smart Home Gadgets That Don’t Require Wiring
✔ Why? Enhances convenience and security without modifying the rental.
How to Do It:
- Install smart plug-in lights and WiFi-controlled bulbs.
- Use a battery-powered video doorbell (if allowed by your landlord).
- Get a removable security camera for peace of mind.
✔ Best For: Apartments and rental houses where permanent security systems aren’t an option.
🚫 Avoid: Installing hardwired security systems or drilling holes for cameras.
Tips to Keep Your Deposit Safe
✔ Check your lease agreement before making changes.
✔ Take photos before moving in to document existing damage.
✔ Get landlord approval for any semi-permanent upgrades.
✔ Keep all original fittings (door handles, light fixtures) and reinstall them before leaving.
✔ Use removable adhesives instead of nails or screws whenever possible.
Conclusion
Renting doesn’t mean you have to live with a space that doesn’t feel like home. With these renter-friendly improvements, you can add style, comfort, and personality without causing damage or risking your deposit.
By focusing on temporary, removable, and landlord-approved upgrades, you can enjoy a personalised living space while ensuring a hassle-free move when the time comes.
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Still Got Questions? Here's 10 FAQs!
Check with your landlord first. Some allow neutral repaints, while others require you to restore the original colour before moving out.
Use command strips, adhesive hooks, or washi tape for lightweight frames.
Use stick-on backsplash tiles, new cabinet handles, and removable counter covers.
Yes, as long as you keep the original fixtures and reinstall them before moving out.
Try freestanding shelves, over-the-door storage racks, and rolling carts.
Yes, temporary upgrades like a new showerhead or suction-based storage are great options.
Yes, use tension rods or adhesive brackets to avoid drilling into walls.
Use rugs, warm lighting, soft furnishings, and temporary wallpaper to create a homely feel.
Some landlords allow it, but if not, use plug-in smart heaters for better temperature control.
Battery-powered, non-permanent cameras are usually fine, but always check with your landlord first.
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About The Author
Matt
Matt is a master at gathering relevant information and rolling it into a ball of digestibility. Fuelled by caffeine and metal bands, you'll usually find him in the office either writing blog posts with verification from our most experienced flooring fitters, creating new ad designs, working on our social media and website or finding ways to improve our customer's whole experience with us. Matt is part of the background force that keeps the Pay Weekly side of Easipay Carpets growing.