How to Decorate a Rental Home on a Budget?

Decorating a rental home can feel like walking a tightrope. You don’t own the space so that landlord restrictions might limit your options, and you probably don’t want to spend a fortune upgrading something that’s not yours. Yet, you still want it to feel cozy, stylish, and, most importantly, yours!

Good news? It’s possible to transform your rental into a beautiful, personal living space without breaking the bank. Using creative solutions and budget-friendly ideas, you can craft a beautiful home that feels like you’ve lived there forever.

This guide offers practical tips and tricks broken down into three budget-friendly categories: decorating for under $300, $500, or $1000. So you can choose what works best for your wallet. Get ready to turn your rental into a place you’ll love coming home to.

Budget Tier 1: Decorating Under $300

Do you think you can’t make a significant impact with a small budget? Think again! With under $300, you can achieve stylish upgrades by focusing on high-impact, low-cost changes.

1. Add Temporary Wallpaper or Peel-and-Stick Decals

Nothing transforms a space quite like an accent wall. Temporary wallpaper or peel-and-stick decals allow you to add personality without upsetting your landlord. Look for patterns or muted tones to suit your bold, dramatic, calm, and minimalistic style.

Cost: $20–$50 per roll.

2. Layer with Rugs

Rented homes often come with less-than-great flooring. Fix that quickly by layering rugs! Choose an area rug for your living room or a smaller, washable one for your kitchen. Rugs instantly add warmth and style, giving the illusion of a cohesive design.

Cost: $50–$80 per rug.

3. Upgrade Lighting

Most rental properties have basic, uninspiring light fixtures, but no rule says you’re stuck with them. Swap in stylish table or floor lamps to provide layered lighting and a cozy atmosphere. LED strip lights work wonders under kitchen counters or behind your TV for extra flair.

Cost: $20–$80.

4. Inject Life with Plants

Plants are a decorator’s best friend. They bring life, freshness, and a pop of color to any room. If you don’t have a green thumb, opt for low-maintenance plants like pothos, snake plants, or succulents.

Cost: $10–$30 per plant.

5. Gallery Wall Magic

Command hooks are renter-friendly lifesavers! Use them to create a cohesive gallery wall with affordable prints or personal photos. Mix and match sizes for a layered, impactful look.

Cost: $5–$30 for prints and frames.

Budget Tier 2: Decorating Under $500

If you have more to splurge, $500 can go a long way toward making your rental truly shine. Here’s how to expand your decorating options.

1. Invest in Multifunctional Furniture

Look for furniture that offers both style and utility. A chic ottoman with hidden storage, a sleek console table, or a comfortable futon for overnight visitors can take your functionality to the next level while looking fabulous in your space.

Cost: Around $150–$250 per item.

2. Dress Your Walls

Don’t settle for blank walls! Add lightweight, removable shelves for books or decorative items to showcase your personality. Mirrors can also make small spaces feel larger and beautifully reflect light.

Cost: $40–$100 per item.

3. Refresh Window Treatments

Curtains make a big statement in home decor. Replace bland blinds with stylish, sheer panels or patterned curtains. Tension rods are a great alternative if you cannot swap hardware.

Cost: $30–$80.

4. Upgrade Your Bedroom

Your bedroom should be your sanctuary. Upgrade it with comfortable and stylish bedding, like a duvet set in luxurious textures or a chunky knit throw. Don’t forget supportive pillows for both style and comfort!

Cost: $60–$120.

5. Statement Pieces

Set aside part of your budget for a statement item, such as a bold armchair, colorful pouf, or oversized art. These pieces instantly elevate your space and can move when you leave.

Cost: $80–$150.

Budget Tier 3: Decorating Under $1000

Have a larger budget to work with? For $1000 or less, you can make your rental feel upscale and intentionally designed by going beyond surface-level changes.

1. Upgrade Key Furniture Pieces

Consider investing in a timeless sofa or a sturdy dining table—two items that set the tone for your living space. Mid-century modern or minimalist furniture designs often work well with any style and can easily transition to your next home.

Cost: $300–$700 for a sofa or table.

2. Create a Home Office Space

If you work remotely, create a stylish and functional workspace. Invest in an ergonomic chair and a sleek, compact desk. For extra flair, add a desk lamp, organizers, or a pinboard.

Cost: $150–$300.

3. Swap Fixtures

If your landlord allows minor adjustments, swapping dated cabinet handles, faucet fixtures, or towel rods can make a surprising difference in modernizing a rental. Just be sure to keep the originals handy to reattach when you move.

Cost: $30–$120.

4. Add Personalized Decor

Splurge on meaningful decorative accessories, such as throw pillows, vases, artisanal ceramics, or coffee table books. These small touches help tell your home’s story and reflect your personal taste.

Cost: $100–$200 total.

5. Repaint (If Allowed)

For renters lucky enough to have permission to paint, a fresh coat of color can transform any space. Opt for light, neutral tones for versatility or soft accent walls to create zones within open spaces.

Cost: $50–$200 (depending on the area).

Decorating Do’s and Don’ts for Renters

To make your rental feel like yours while staying within your landlord’s good graces, keep these tips in mind:

Do:

• Check Your Lease: Always review rental agreements before making changes.
• Focus on Key Areas: Prioritize the living room and bedroom, where you spend the most time.
• Choose Removable Options: From peel-and-stick products to Command hooks, temporary materials are your friend.
• Invest in Versatile Pieces: Consider how items can fit future spaces when you move.

Don’t:

• Skip Measurement: Measure twice before buying rugs, furniture, or art.
• Make Permanent Changes: Avoid drilling, painting, or other alterations your landlord might object to.
• Overcrowd the Space: Stick to a clean, minimalist look to avoid feeling cramped.

Turn Your Rental into a Home You Love

Renting a home doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Whether you have $100, $500, or $1000, you can create a comfortable and Pinterest-worthy space with simple, cost-effective ideas. Focus on temporary solutions, versatile items, and personal touches that reflect your taste without compromising your lease agreements.

Are you decorating your rental on a budget? Please share your favorite DIY hacks or tag us with your transformations. We’d love to see your work!