Brighten Up Your Rental with These Genius Hacks
Strategies to alter your living space while avoiding landlord confrontations, involving 43 different methods.
Get ready to transform your living space without breaking the lease or your landlord's heart! Here are some creative ideas to elevate your rental without drilling any holes (lord knows you don't want to spend your hard-earned money on repairs when moving out).
1. Instantly classy curtains
No-drill brackets, AKA tension-rod clips, are lifesavers for renters who seek style without the hassle. These bad boys clip onto existing blinds, allowing you to hang curtains without annoying drilling or spackling. And guess what? They require no tools to install. What more could you ask for? Grab a set from Amazon and get ready to impress your landlord (or yourself).
Price: $21.95 (also available in brown)Amazon
2. Blackout beef curtains
You love catching those natural rays, but Aunt Nature has a knack for waking you up at the crack of dawn. Never fear, blackout curtains are here! These thick babies will make sure your room stays as dark as a vampire's coffin (or dungeon, whichever you fancy). Plus, they regulate indoor temperature to keep you cozy. Reddit user The Raccoon swears by 'em:
Price: $35.29 (available in six sizes & 21 colors)Amazon
3. Window filter
For rooms that bask in eternal daylight, a window film can provide a bit of privacy without sacrificing light. This is perfect for those of you who've transformed your rental apartment into a bright and breezy escape. Plus, it's easy to remove when you transport your temporary dwelling to a sunnier locale.
4. LED sunset projector lamp
If your place is living in the shadow realm, consider an LED sunset lamp projector with a 180-degree rotation. This nifty gadget will bring the warm hues of a sunset to your chilly rental abode and enable you to enjoy your sunset-themed Jasper The Doll figurine without it seeming excessive.
5. Prismatic rainbow suncatcher
Add a touch of whimsy to your living room with a rainbow prism suncatcher. It will refract sunlight and create a spectacular (and Instagram-worthy) display. Who said renting has to be dull?
6. Faux-sheepskin rug
Feeling slightly under-furnished in your rental? Don't fear; a faux-sheepskin rug can transform even the most basic furniture into a chic, luxurious oasis. Throw one on a chair or at the foot of the couch, and you've got yourself a homey retreat.
7. Fireplace refresher
If you've got a wood-burning fireplace but it looks like a coal mine, consider a bottle of Quick N Brite Fireplace Cleaner. This magic elixir blasts away soot, smoke, creosote, and ash from your fireplace, whether it's brick, stone, tile, or rock. Plus, since painting it isn't an option, this cleaner is your best bet for getting that charming hearth back to its former glory.
Price: $5.97Amazon
8. Cleaning titan
When your kitchen faucet has seen better days—and those days are a distant, murky memory—reach for The Pink Stuff, a cleaning paste that conquers even the stickiest, grimiest surfaces. Reddit user Micaela Gunderson is a fan:
Price: $5.97Amazon
9. Hideous dents cover-up
Tapestries, posters, or print-sized embellishments can skim over any dents, unsightly utility panel doors, scuffs, or other marks that detract from your aesthetic. This is a simple yet effective way to make a temporary rental livable.
10. Indoor/outdoor rug
For outdoor spaces that could use a bit of love, or interior spaces with questionable flooring, an indoor/outdoor rug made of durable material is a sound investment. It can weather the elements and add a layer of coziness to your living space.
11. Invisible power strip
If you've got outlets on unusable walls, consider an electrical outlet cover with a built-in power strip. This will allow you to make full use of your square footage by scooting your couch flush with the wall, creating a sleeker appearance.
Price: $33.95 (available in four lengths)Amazon
12. Easy-peasy wood filler
Hide smaller scratches on wood surfaces with a set of wood scratch cover. This product requires no sanding or refinishing, making it a renter's dream come true.
13. Wood repair markers
Got a ratty piece of furniture that you can't bear to part with? Wood repair markers can help you make minor repairs and touch-ups so your beloved, well-lived-in furniture remains serviceable.
14. Velvet slipcover
Slip a velvet slipcover over that worn-out couch, and voilà—brand-new styling. Plus, the straps ensure the cover stays put, saving you from constant fiddling.
Price: $42.92 (available in five sizes & ten colors)Amazon
15. Stretch armchair slipcover
Transform even the ugliest, secondhand furniture with a stretchy armchair slipcover. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and turn that tired chair into your new favorite spot.
Price: $23.99 (available in 19 solid colors)Amazon
16. Washable chair covers
Got a free set of table seats from your dear, eccentric auntie? Washable chair covers will make them stylish enough to fit your sophisticated, grown-up home. Plus, they're easy to install and clean.
Price: $34.99 (available in 35 solid colors & prints)Amazon
17. Bookish cable management
Cinderella was ugly, and your network cables shouldn't have to be. Hide your Internet cables behind a decorative bookcase—you'll never see them again, but their beauty will shine from the inside.
Price: $29 (available in a variety of colors & sizes)Covogoods on Amazon Handmade
18. Stain remover savior
From coffee stains to Sharpie marker (Tisk, tisk!), this powerful stain remover can handle a multitude of messy situations, even on suede furniture. Say hasta la vista to those aggressive stains that never seem to budge.
Price: $19.97Amazon
19. Awesome cleaning scouring paste
Tackle any sticky, gross surface you've deemed unsalvageable with this all-natural cleaning scouring paste. It's perfect for grout, sinks, tubs, and any other pesky nooks and crannies. Every renter knows that the cleaning crew that "deep-cleaned" your place probably just took a dustpan to the dirtiest corners.
Price: $15.95 (originally $15.95+; available in two sizes)Humble Suds on Etsy
20. Ambassador of flavor
Magnetic stove shelf? Who knew? This fantastic unit holds your most-used spices close by so you don't have to go on a deep-dive expedition into your cabinet while the oil is popping on your stove top.
Price: $39.99 (available in six types & three sizes)StoveShelf on Amazon
21. Faux windows
Carly Simon may have sung about elegant, carved wooden carriage doors, but you can achieve that same curb appeal at a fraction of the price with magnetic garage handles and faux windows. These beauties will leave your landlord green with envy without breaking the bank.
22. Pawsome pet stain remover
"Accidents" happen, but with this bargain-priced miracle worker, you'll have your carpeting looking like new in no time. Farewell, ancient hallway stain (who knew the dog caused it?).
Price: $19.97Rocco & Roxie Supply Company on Amazon
23. Drill-assisted cleaning
If your oven is the bane of your existence, this drill brush cleaning kit is the perfect solution. It lets you attack stubborn grime and keep the elbow grease at a minimum.
Price: $14.95 (available in five color combos)Useful Products on Amazon
24. Ivy admirer
Adorn your unsightly wire fencing or railing with an array of faux ivy vines. It's the ideal way to add some greenery (or at least the illusion of it) to your living space.
25. Teak tile drop
Revamp your hard, lifeless flooring with interlocking Teak tiles. These bad boys don't require tools for installation and are easy to move when it's time to pack up and leave. They're a renter's dream come true.
26. Globe light extravaganza
Illuminate your living space with waterproof globe lights. They make a significant impact when hung along your roofline, draped over pergolas, or strung up solo as an enchanting nighttime display.
Price: $14.40 (available in three styles & lengths)Amazon and Amazon
27. Fairy-tale flowers
You know the drill—plant some light-up flowers in your flowerbeds, surround your seating areas with them, and feel like you're in a fairy tale once the sun goes down.
28. Fruit showpiece
Clear up some counter space and display your farmer's market haul with a charming fruit hammock. It comes with hooks for hanging, making it renter-friendly.
29. Shower-transforming gel
Say goodbye to moldy shower stalls and hello to a gleaming freshness with a mold and mildew removing gel. You'll feel like a new person as you emerge from your refurbished sanctuary.
Price: $14.99Amazon
30. Corner sink organizer
Make the most of your under-utilized corner sink space with an expandable shelf unit that fits around awkward pipes, providing extra storage for cleaning essentials. No more cabinet avalanches!
Price: $22.87 (available in two finishes)Amazon
31. Outlet-overload eliminator
Put your bathroom mirror to work with an outlet shelf that holds your electric toothbrush, hairdryer, etc., without requiring any mounting on the walls. Everything can have its place!
32. Sock & drawer organizer
Keep your underthings in neat, organized rows with an adjustable sock and underwear organizer. Your unmentionables will never be buried in a disorganized sight again.
33. Bright cube flooring
Liven up a boring, cracked floor with a grout pen. It'll restore your floor's former glory, making it look as fresh as daisies.
34. Outlet revamp
Turn your vertical outlet into a modish bookshelf with an outlet shelf that offers just enough room for your phone and remote. No more wires hanging around!
35. Wood filler wonders
Fix chips, dents, cracks, and other distractions with a set of 50 wood fillers. No more dog claw marks ruining your hardwood floors!
36. Expandable cabinet shelf
Maximize your under-sink storage space with an expandable shelf kit that fits around awkward pipes and offers sturdy support for bottles and toilet paper rolls. No more cabinet implosions on laundry day!
Price: $22.87 (available in two finishes)Amazon
- The no-drill brackets for hanging curtains are available on Amazon, making them a convenient choice for renters seeking a stylish solution without making permanent modifications.
- Blackout curtains can regulate indoor temperature and provide maximum darkness for sleep, as described by Reddit user The Raccoon, who finds them ideal for creating a sensory deprivation environment.
- A window film can offer privacy in rooms that receive abundant daylight while still allowing light to pass through, making it an excellent choice for those who want to maintain a bright and breezy living space.
- An LED sunset projector lamp with 180-degree rotation can transform a dark rental abode by projecting warm hues reminiscent of a sunset, enhancing the ambiance of sunset-themed decor.
- A rainbow prism suncatcher can create a vibrant and Instagram-worthy display by refracting sunlight, adding a touch of whimsy to a living room.
- A faux-sheepskin rug can elevate basic furniture and create a luxurious, cozy atmosphere in a temporary rental.
- Quick N Brite Fireplace Cleaner can help renters restore the appearance of a wood-burning fireplace by removing soot, smoke, creosote, and ash.
- The Pink Stuff, a cleaning paste, has been praised by Reddit user Micaela Gunderson for effectively removing tough stains on stove tops.
- Tapestries, posters, or print-sized embellishments can be used to cover unsightly marks or dents on walls, scuffed surfaces, or utility panel doors, helping to make a temporary rental feel more appealing.
- Indoor/outdoor rugs made of durable materials can withstand the elements and provide a layer of comfort in outdoor spaces or rooms with questionable flooring.
- Electrical outlet covers with built-in power strips can help renters maximize their square footage by allowing them to place furniture close to the wall, creating a sleeker appearance.
- A set of wood scratch covers requires no sanding or refinishing, making it an easy solution for small wood scratches on furniture.
- Wood repair markers can help renters make minor repairs on furniture, extending the life of their possessions.
- A velvet slipcover can transform worn-out furniture into a chic, luxurious piece, without the need for expensive replacements.
- Stretch armchair slipcovers can be used to transform even the oldest or most worn-out furniture, allowing renters to revamp their spaces on a budget.
- Washable chair covers can make inexpensive or secondhand furniture more stylish and appealing for a grown-up home, and they are easy to clean and install.
- A decorative bookcase can be used to hide network cables, making a clean, organized appearance while keeping cables accessible.
- A powerful stain remover can handle various types of stains, including coffee and marker, on furniture and other surfaces.
- An all-natural cleaning scouring paste can effectively clean pesky, stubborn areas like grout, sinks, tubs, and other nooks and crannies, leaving surfaces looking renewed.
- A magnetic stove shelf can organize and keep frequently used spices close at hand, reducing the need for frequent cabinet digging.
- Magnetic garage handles and faux windows can help renters achieve curb appeal on a budget, making their living spaces feel more polished and attractive.
- A pet-friendly stain remover can quickly and easily eliminate pet accidents from carpeting, leaving the area looking like new.
- A drill brush cleaning kit can make cleaning a stubborn, grime-covered oven more manageable, reducing the amount of physical effort required.
- Faux ivy vines can be used to cover unsightly wire fencing or railings, adding a touch of greenery to the living space.
- Teak tiles can be installed easily without tools, providing an attractive and durable alternative to boring, lifeless flooring.
- Waterproof globe lights can create a significant impact when hung along rooflines, over pergolas, or used as standalone displays, illuminating the space at night.
- Light-up fairy-tale flowers can be planted in flowerbeds or used to surround seating areas, creating the illusion of greenery and adding a whimsical touch to the living space.
- A fruit hammock can be used to display fresh produce from the farmer's market, clearing up counter space and showcasing the produce in an attractive manner.
- A mold and mildew removing gel can eliminate mold and mildew from shower stalls, restoring them to a fresh, sanitary condition.
- An expandable shelf unit can make better use of under-utilized corner sink space, providing extra storage for cleaning essentials.
- An outlet shelf can hold electronics like a phone or remote, freeing up space on the bathroom mirror and keeping cords hidden.
- An adjustable sock and underwear organizer can keep unmentionables neatly organized and prevent them from becoming buried in a disorganized pile.
- A grout pen can refresh and restore the appearance of cracked or worn-out flooring, making it look renewed and fresh.
- An outlet shelf can transform a vertical outlet into a bookshelf, offering just enough room for a phone and remote while maintaining a modern aesthetic.
- A set of 50 wood fillers can repair chips, dents, cracks, and other distractions on furniture, saving renters from permanent damage.
- An expandable shelf kit can maximize under-sink storage space, fitting around awkward pipes and offering sturdy support for bottles and toilet paper rolls.
