More and more young professionals and families are choosing flexible rental lifestyles, especially in fast-paced cities and growing suburbs. Because of that, making your temporary space feel personal, warm, and functional has never been more important. Just because it’s not technically yours, doesn’t mean it can’t feel like home.
Even when lease agreements and landlord rules are a firm no on painting or drilling, you don’t have to settle for living in a bland blank canvas begging for life. There are plenty of renter-friendly ideas and simple non-permanent updates to decorate a rental and bring your style to every corner with no nails or renovations required.
When you decorating as a renter is all about being flexible and layering your space with pieces that can move with you, adapt to different layouts, and feel lived-in, even if it’s not forever. With the right furniture, cozy textiles, layered lighting, and décor you can easily switch up, these ideas will help your rental feel like home, no matter how short the stay.
Window Treatments That Are Easy to Install
Most rentals come with basic blinds or sometimes no window coverings at all. Instead of settling for whatever’s there, bring a soft, inviting ambience to your rental space with stylish window treatments for an instant room transformation.
Neutral or Bold Curtains: Curtains can act as an extension of your walls, adding colour, texture, and softness that turn plain walls into a layered, cozy backdrop. Repeat the curtain colours in your accessories to keep them pulled together.
Tension Rods for No-Damage Hanging: Can’t drill holes? No worries. Tension rods fit snugly inside your window frame and let you hang curtains without a single mark. Super simple and renter-approved!
Roman Shades or Bamboo Blinds: Bamboo blinds add lovely texture and warmth, while roman shades soften the room with their elegant, tailored look. Both are great renter-friendly options to elevate your windows without fuss.
Light It Up with Ambiance
Overhead lighting in rentals is usually… not great. If your lease allows for small changes, swapping out those basic ceiling lights for a pendant can make a big difference. But even if rewiring’s off the table, there’s still plenty you can do. Add cozy light exactly where you need it with lamps on nightstands or anywhere that needs a little extra warmth. Skip the boring base and go for sculptural table lamps in frosted glass domes, unusual shapes, or natural textures like rattan and travertine.
In small rentals where every inch counts, floor lamps in slim styles with built-in shelves or adjustable arms work harder for you. And if you want to change the mood without changing the paint, try colour-changing smart bulbs. Set your lamp to a soft pink in the evening, or a crisp bright white for work-from-home mornings, no tools (or landlord emails) required.
Pro Tip: Keep the original fixtures in case you need to reinstall them when moving out.
Get Creative with Wall Decor (Without Painting)
If you’re lucky enough to get the green light to add colour to your rental, it’s an easy way to make the space feel more like home. Be sure to note the original wall colour, as you may need to restore it to its original state when you move out. If painting isn't allowed, there are still plenty of ways to bring vibrancy and style into your rental home.
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper: You can create a statement wall or add a subtle pattern without risking any damage. And when it's time to move out, it comes off easily, leaving no marks behind.
Art and Framed Photos: Your walls shouldn’t be boring just because you're renting. Hang artwork that reflects your style whether it’s abstract prints, framed quotes or artwork to the walls can instantly personalize a space. Use removable hooks or picture hanging strips to avoid putting holes in the walls.
Bedroom Updates That Pays Off
Most times, it’s your recharge zone, your comfort corner, and sometimes even your sofa or office, that’s why making your bedroom feel like your space really matters — no matter how temporary the setup. Investing in new bed linen such as high-quality sheets, soft blankets, and cozy duvets can have a huge impact on how restful and inviting your space feels. If you can’t install a permanent headboard, a tension rod can be placed behind your bed to hold a fabric panel creating the illusion of a stylish headboard without drilling into the walls.
If you’re short on storage (who isn’t?), a couple of baskets at the foot of the bed make it easy to stash extra blankets or stuff you don’t want out in the open. And instead of large nightstands, try using little stools or side tables you actually like. they’re lighter, more flexible and easy to move.
Use Multi-Functional Furniture for Rental Homes
Many rental homes in South Africa aren’t exactly spacious, which makes it all the more important for every piece of furniture to pull double duty. That’s where multi-functional pieces come in handy. From ottomans that moonlight as extra seating, fold-out desks for your WFH days, or storage benches that hide the clutter and still look good doing it. These smart, space-saving additions not only make the most of your square footage, they also bring in comfort, style, and functionality that feels anything but temporary.
Plants, Plants, and More Plants
Plants are an easy way to add a burst of colour and soften any space, making a room feel more inviting and alive. Whether you prefer real plants or you're someone who travels frequently, faux plants are a fantastic option. They look just as good as the real deal and require zero effort.
Small Potted Plants: If you’re someone who loves real plants but doesn’t want to worry about watering, try small, low-maintenance plants like snake plants or pothos plants. These can live in smaller spaces and don’t require much attention.
Realistic Faux Plants: High-quality artificial plants can look incredibly lifelike and require no maintenance. From fiddle-leaf figs to succulents, there’s a wide variety of faux plants available. Place them in stylish pots for a sophisticated look.
Plant Stands or Hanging Planters: To elevate your plants, use modern plant stands or hanging planters to add height to your decor.
Pro Tip: Dust faux plants regularly to keep them looking fresh, and if you choose real plants, go for hardy varieties that can tolerate some neglect.
Portable Furniture to Maximize Flexibility
When you’re decorating a rental, versatility isn’t just a bonus, it’s a must. That’s why we love portable pieces like garden stools and ottomans. They’re the kind of furniture that works overtime without taking up too much space.
A garden stool can easily double as a coffee table, a bedside table, or even an extra seat when friends pop by. Bonus points if you pick one in a bold colour or an interesting texture add personality without making any permanent changes.
And then there’s the ottoman a total lifesaver in small-space living. Use it for extra seating, stash one under a console for a quick pull-out perch, or top it with a tray and turn it into a side table.
Cover Up Floors You Didn’t Choose
Most rentals don’t exactly come with flooring you’d choose yourself. Whether it’s cold tiles or tired carpet, rugs are your go-to fix. A stylish rug for the living room gives that “always-been-here” feel and instantly brings warmth, comfort, and personality to a space. Layer them for texture, add one with a bold pattern, or stick to soft neutrals for a calm, grounded vibe. It’s one of the easiest non-permanent tricks to transform a room. And when it’s time to move, just roll them up and take them with you. Renter-friendly, and full of style.