{"id":347127,"date":"2025-08-21T05:54:16","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T10:54:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/21\/8-interior-design-tips-for-renters\/"},"modified":"2025-08-21T05:54:16","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T10:54:16","slug":"8-interior-design-tips-for-renters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/21\/8-interior-design-tips-for-renters\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Interior Design Tips For Renters"},"content":{"rendered":"

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We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

I have lived in rented homes all of my adult life. In my early 20s, I didn\u2019t think it was worth the effort to personalize a rental. (This was a temporary space, so why bother?) Over time, however, I realized I didn\u2019t feel relaxed or at ease in my home. The beige walls, overhead lighting and thrown-together furniture<\/a> and decor I had left me feeling unsettled. Learning how to turn my rented apartment into a home was the beginning of my love affair with interior design.<\/p>\n

Featured image from our interview with Radhi Devlukia Shetty<\/a> by Michelle Nash.<\/em><\/p>\n

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10 Interior Design Tips for Renters<\/h2>\n

Through trial and error, I\u2019ve discovered that living in a rental doesn\u2019t mean you have to sacrifice style or a personalized space just because you don\u2019t own your home. There is so much you can do\u2014from paint<\/a> and wallpaper to upgrading fixtures and lighting. Ahead, I\u2019ve rounded up the best interior design tips for renters from my personal experience in turning beige boxes into warm and stylish homes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Paint<\/h2>\n

Rental walls usually come in a safe, neutral beige which may appear\u2026 well, a bit boring. The best interior design tip for renters I can give is to love up on your walls. Give them a makeover by adding a bit of color or by choosing a neutral that suits you better. Even taking your walls from a beige to a crisp white will brighten up your space significantly. Most landlords have no problem with paint as long as you\u2019re willing to paint the walls back to the original color once you move out, or they may even let you keep it.<\/p>\n

One of my favorite things to paint is the interior of my front door. My current landlord, as well as my previous one, said I can leave it as is when it\u2019s time to move out. I love pink, so my front door is Sherwin-Williams Coral Perfection. It\u2019s a delightful pop of color that makes me smile every time I look at it. Plus, it makes our entryway is cheery and inviting. The whole project was less than $20\u2014proving that paint is an affordable way to make a big impact in your space.<\/p>\n

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Peel-and-Stick Products<\/h2>\n

A round-up of interior design tips for renters wouldn\u2019t be complete without giving peel-and-stick a major shout-out. Peel-and-stick is incredible for renters, since they\u2019re temporary solutions for bigger projects that would normally require renovation. Here are a few of my favorites.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Peel-and-stick wallpaper<\/h3>\n

If painting is a no-go, peel-and-stick wallpaper is an excellent option for zhuzhing up your walls. I am a huge fan of adding peel-and-stick wallpaper anywhere your heart desires. Create a statement wall in your living room<\/a> or make your powder room pop with a bold color or pattern. I\u2019ve added peel-and-stick wallpaper to my kitchen, my laundry room, and most recently in my home office.<\/p>\n

Wallpaper has completely transformed these spaces, and I couldn\u2019t be more pleased with how they\u2019ve turned out. Plus, removal is a breeze\u2014I\u2019ve had no wall damage when I\u2019ve removed peel and stick wallpaper. There are tons of installation YouTube videos you can watch, but I will say from personal experience that it\u2019s not quite<\/em> as easy as it looks. Don\u2019t be afraid to hire a TaskRabbit or wallpaper pro to get the job done!<\/p>\n

Peel-and-stick floor tile<\/h3>\n

Renter floors can range anywhere from vinyl to tile to even hardwood. Peel-and-stick floor tile now makes it possible for renters to update their floors in a temporary and affordable way. I\u2019ve never tried them myself, but peel-and-stick floor tiles look fantastic in a kitchen or powder room. They can make an outdated floor feel current without costing a ton as well.<\/p>\n

Be sure to thoroughly clean your floors and allow them to dry before applying, and map the tiles out before sticking them to the floor. There are adorable floor tile designs out there, from checkerboard tile to starbursts, and loads of color options as well. And just like with any renter-friendly project, check in with your landlord and be prepared for removal when it\u2019s time to move out!<\/p>\n

Peel-and-stick backsplash<\/h3>\n

One day, when I have an unlimited budget for my home, I will add gorgeous tile to my kitchen. Until then, a peel-and-stick backsplash will do the trick. It is totally possible to update a rental kitchen without a big renovation. Peel-and-stick backsplashes range from thin sheets to peel-and-stick ceramic tiles, so you can pick and choose what works best for you, your budget, and your rental.<\/p>\n

Be sure to look for a peel-and-stick backsplash that is heat and water-resistant, and make sure the product is appropriate for your specific project. Peel-and-stick tiles are not only suitable for kitchen backsplashes, but also bathroom vanities, fireplaces, and laundry rooms.<\/p>\n


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Add Puck Lights<\/h2>\n

Overhead lighting is my personal nemesis. Interior design tips for renters must include lighting! Instead of relying on big overhead lights, fill your rental with both table and standing lamps. This will create a much more relaxed atmosphere. For an even cozier touch, utilize puck lights. These battery-operated lights often come with a sticky adhesive so you can place them under cabinets for gorgeous accent lighting that looks especially lovely at night.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve added puck lights to my rental kitchen multiple times, and most recently I\u2019ve added them to my hosting cabinet. You can turn them on simply by tapping them, or most come with a remote control. You can even personalize the color and intensity, as well as put them on a timer. Scheduling them so they turn on as the sun sets and turn off when it\u2019s time for bed is such a vibe!<\/p>\n


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Try Renter-Friendly Wall Sconces<\/h2>\n

Puck lights also make wall sconces renter-friendly, with no hardwiring required. Sconce lighting instantly elevates your space and can add a cozy, personalized lighting effect. Add them to your entryway, bedside, or over framed art or pictures. If you prefer to not use puck lights, there are also plug-in wall sconces with easy install you can do yourself. A win!<\/p>\n

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Update Lighting Fixtures<\/h2>\n

Ah, the dreaded boob light. Most rentals are full of them, but that doesn\u2019t mean they have to stay.\u00a0An interior design tip for renters that many aren\u2019t aware of is that it\u2019s possible to update lighting fixtures. You can do it yourself (just be sure to turn off all the breakers!) or bring in an electrician. I\u2019ve swapped a dated dining room light fixture for a woven pendant that is much more my style and it makes a huge difference in our space. <\/p>\n

I have my eyes set on swapping our overhead entryway light, and even bathroom light fixtures as well. Personalized lighting fixtures can take a boring, neutral space and turn it into one full of character. Just be prepared to take your incredible vintage chandelier with you when it\u2019s time to move out.\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Swap Cabinet and Drawer Pulls<\/h2>\n

Most rental kitchens include the bare necessities. They\u2019re usually not known for their design or style, but that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re stuck with a space void of personality. If your kitchen cabinets have outdated knobs (or none at all!), consider adding your own. You\u2019d be surprised by how much the look and feel can change in your space with a simple upgrade like drawer pulls. Just be sure to save the original knobs so you can switch them back when it\u2019s time to move out.<\/p>\n

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Give Your Shower Head an Upgrade<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s nothing more deflating than a shower with dismal water pressure. My current home came equipped with a handheld shower head that had a very gentle flow of water. I\u2019m not especially fond of shower heads that detach and the water pressure just wasn\u2019t doing it for me. A simple swap couldn\u2019t have been easier, and I now have a spa-like shower with water pressure I find suitable. Most shower heads can be removed simply by unscrewing them, and I applied my fixed shower head in minutes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Read more: We tested the viral Jolie shower head\u2014these are our honest thoughts<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Swap Out Your Switch Plates<\/h2>\n

The little details in your home are everything. Even the smallest of swaps can make an impact in your space. One of my favorites is swapping out switch plates. Your renter switch plates probably match the beige walls, which is less than exciting. But there are many decorative options to choose from to match whatever your aesthetic may be. <\/p>\n

Decorative switch plates usually don\u2019t cost more than $20, and they come in brass finishes, different colors and prints, and some even have wavy perimeters. Switch plates don\u2019t come with matching screws, but a little bit of nail polish on the top is an easy way to blend the screw in with the rest of the plate.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n