5 Ways to Make Your Rental Feel Like Home

Renting gives you flexibility and freedom, but it can also feel like you’re living in someone else’s house. This is especially true when the walls are beige and you’re not allowed to paint or renovate. The good news? There are ways to inject personality into your rental and make it feel truly yours without upsetting your landlord.

Here are five renter-friendly tricks to make your place feel more like home

Add personality with textiles

Think rugs, curtains, cushions, and throws. These can completely transform a bland space into something warm and inviting.

A bright rug can add a pop of colour, while layered throws and cushions create comfort and style. Best of all, textiles move with you when you leave — so it’s an investment in your style, not the property. Plus a rug can be a great way of protecting the carpet so there’s no chance of losing that deposit.

Make the most of wall art (without drilling)

Bare walls are one of the quickest giveaways that you’re in a rental. Luckily, there are plenty of landlord-friendly ways to hang things up.

Command hooks and strips mean you can put up prints, mirrors, or photo walls without damaging the paint. You could even lean large frames or canvases against the wall for a more relaxed vibe.

Switch up the lighting

Most rentals come with uninspiring ceiling lights, so don’t underestimate the power of lamps. Floor lamps, table lamps, and even fairy lights instantly add warmth and atmosphere.

A cosy glow in the evening makes a huge difference compared to stark overhead bulbs. And who wants to use the big lights?!

Bring in plants (real or faux)

Plants are the ultimate home-maker. They add life, colour, and a calming feel to any room. If you don’t have the best track record with greenery, faux plants are your friend (and ikea are great for them!) So many fake plants look realistic and still give the same homely vibe.

Style with your everyday items

Sometimes it’s the little touches that make the difference. Display your favourite books, stack pretty storage boxes, or keep a stylish tray for your coffee station. Even practical items like blankets, mugs, or storage baskets can double as décor.

When your things are on show, it feels less like ‘a rental’ and more like your space.

Peel and stick tiles/ coverings

Now you do need to be careful to do your research for ones that can be pulled off easily. But peel and stick tiles can help transform your bathroom, or kitchen. And you can even get coverings for things like kitchen cabinet doors.

Making a rental feel like home

It isn’t about big renovations — it’s about clever little tweaks that reflect you. With a few smart changes, you can create a cosy, personalised space you love coming back to at the end of the day.

If you’ve rented what hacks did you use on your home?