
Renting a home comes with its perks—no mortgage worries, maintenance is often covered, and there’s the flexibility to move when needed. But there’s one major drawback: the decorating restrictions. Many landlords have strict rules against drilling, painting, or making permanent changes. This can leave renters feeling stuck in a space that lacks personality.
But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for bland walls and generic interiors. There are countless renter-friendly DIY hacks that allow you to transform your space without damaging a single surface. From adhesive solutions to clever furniture choices, these ideas will help you create a stylish, cosy home—with no risk of losing your deposit.
Adhesive Magic: Hooks, Strips, and Stick-On Décor
Gone are the days when hanging a picture or a shelf meant drilling into the wall. Thanks to strong adhesive technology, renters now have a wealth of options to personalise their space without causing damage.
Removable Hooks & Strips
Command hooks and adhesive strips are game-changers for renters. These allow you to hang artwork, mirrors, and lightweight shelves without a single hole in the wall. The best part? When it’s time to move out, they peel off cleanly, leaving no residue or marks.
💡 Tip: Always check the weight limit on adhesive hooks before hanging heavier items. For added strength, make sure the surface is clean and dry before applying.
Peel-and-Stick Wall Decor
For renters craving more than just framed prints, peel-and-stick wall decals are a brilliant option. Available in countless designs, from geometric patterns to botanical prints, these decals mimic the look of wallpaper or murals without the commitment.
📌 Try this: Create a gallery wall using removable photo tiles. Many brands offer adhesive-backed frames that can be repositioned whenever you fancy a refresh.
Stick-On Shelving & Storage Solutions
Adhesive shelving isn’t just for decoration—it can be practical too. Floating corner shelves, spice racks, and even stick-on bathroom organisers are available in no-drill, removable formats.
🏡 Bonus idea: Stick-on LED lights can brighten up dark corners or under cabinets, adding both function and ambience to your home.
Temporary Wall Treatments: Peel-and-Stick Wallpapers & Decals
One of the biggest frustrations when renting a home is staring at dull, uninspiring walls that you can’t paint or change permanently. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with them! Peel-and-stick wallpaper and removable decals are perfect solutions for decorating a rental home without breaking the rules.
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper: A Game-Changer for Renters
Temporary wallpaper has come a long way. Modern peel-and-stick options come in high-quality designs that mimic real wallpaper, from bold patterns to soft, minimalist textures. Unlike traditional wallpaper, these can be easily removed without damaging the walls—making them ideal for rental homes.
✨ Best Uses:
- Feature walls behind the bed or sofa
- Creating a stylish backsplash in the kitchen
- Adding character to a hallway or entryway
💡 Pro Tip: Always test a small section before applying large sheets to ensure it removes cleanly when it’s time to move out.
Wall Decals for a Personal Touch
If wallpaper feels like too much commitment, removable wall decals are a great alternative for decorating a rental home. They’re affordable, easy to apply, and just as simple to remove. You can find oversized botanical designs, motivational quotes, or even faux brick and wood panel effects—all designed to stick on and peel off effortlessly.
📌 Try this: Use a set of vinyl decals to create the look of a headboard in a bedroom or add a pop of colour in a small bathroom.
With the right peel-and-stick solutions, renting doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice personality in your home. Whether you love bold colours or subtle textures, there’s a temporary wall treatment to suit your style—without risking your security deposit.

Smart Space Upgrades: Modular and Freestanding Furniture
When decorating a rental home, furniture plays a crucial role in transforming the space without needing to drill or make permanent changes. The right furniture choices can help you maximise storage, define living areas, and add style—all while remaining completely movable when it’s time to relocate.
Freestanding Shelving for Instant Storage
Built-in shelves may not be an option in a rental, but freestanding bookshelves and modular storage units can give you the same functionality without any wall damage. Tall bookshelves, ladder shelves, and open shelving units create vertical storage, making small spaces feel larger.
🏡 Bonus Tip: Use stylish storage baskets and boxes to keep shelves looking neat and clutter-free.
Modular Furniture: Adaptable for Any Space
Modular furniture is perfect for renters because it can be reconfigured to fit different layouts. Whether you move to a new home or just want to refresh your space, modular sofas, cube storage units, and stackable tables offer flexibility that traditional furniture doesn’t.
✨ Why It Works for Renters:
- It adapts to different room sizes and layouts.
- No installation or drilling is required.
- It’s easy to move when relocating.
Room Dividers: A Renter’s Secret Weapon
For those renting a home with an open-plan layout, room dividers can help create defined spaces without needing to put up walls. Folding screens, curtain dividers, or open shelving units act as stylish partitions while keeping the space flexible.
📌 Try this: Use a bookshelf as a room divider between a living and dining area. It provides storage while visually separating the space.
With the right furniture choices, renting doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or practicality. By choosing freestanding, modular, and adaptable pieces, you can create a home that feels both stylish and functional—without any permanent changes.
Finishing Touches: Soft Furnishings and Lighting Hacks
When it comes to decorating a rental home, the smallest details can have the biggest impact. Soft furnishings and clever lighting tricks can instantly make a rental feel warm, stylish, and inviting—without a single drill or nail in sight.
Layering with Soft Furnishings
Soft furnishings like rugs, cushions, and curtains can completely transform a space without any permanent changes. They’re also one of the easiest ways to bring colour, texture, and personality into a rental home.
🏡 Ways to Style Your Space:
- Rugs: Cover bland carpets or cold tile floors with large area rugs for an instant style upgrade.
- Curtains: Swap out basic blinds for luxurious curtains using tension rods—no drilling needed!
- Cushions & Throws: Mix and match different textures to create a cosy, layered look.
💡 Tip: If your rental home has outdated flooring, a large rug can make all the difference. Choose a design that complements your décor and adds warmth to the space.
Lighting Hacks for Renters
Lighting can make or break the atmosphere of a home. Many rental properties come with harsh overhead lighting, but luckily, there are renter-friendly ways to improve it.
✨ No-Drill Lighting Ideas:
- Plug-in wall sconces: Mount stylish sconces using adhesive strips—no electrician required.
- LED light strips: Add soft, ambient lighting under cabinets, around mirrors, or along shelves.
- Battery-powered puck lights: Stick them inside wardrobes or bookshelves for extra illumination.
📌 Try this: Use floor and table lamps to create layered lighting. Soft, warm-toned bulbs will make your rental home feel instantly more inviting.
With these easy upgrades, you can transform even the most basic rental into a space that feels truly yours—without breaking any tenancy rules.
>>Love Your Rental, No Drilling Required
Renting a home doesn’t mean you have to live with plain walls, bad lighting, or a space that lacks personality. With the right renter-friendly DIY tricks, you can customise your space, maximise storage, and create a home you love—all without a single drill or permanent change.
By using adhesive décor, peel-and-stick wallpapers, freestanding furniture, and clever lighting solutions, you can make any rental feel stylish and personal while keeping your landlord happy.So whether you’re renting short-term or planning to stay for years, these renter-friendly decorating ideas will help you transform your space—without risking your deposit.