For those of us who rent our homes, decorating a temporary place can feel like a waste of money and time. But I’m here to convince you that upgrading your space from a bland white box to an intentional, personality-filled home isn’t so difficult, nor must it put you at risk of losing your security deposit. Use the picks below as a starting point to elevate your rental—bonus: they’re mostly with things you can take with you for your next place—without estranging your landlord. It’s worth it!
Eames Hang-It-All Coat Rack by Herman Miller x HAY
No coat closet, no problem. This Eames-designed hanging rack does the trick, with style-conscious design to boot.
$345, store.moma.org
Marcel Cordless Picture Light by Pooky
This rechargeable, remote-control picture light by Pooky is an instant upgrade. It will make even found-in-the-attic art look elevated.
$245, us.pooky.com
Lily Natural Jute Rug by Ernesta
Start from the ground up. These Ernesta rugs are an absolute game-changer. They’re designer quality and completely customizable to whatever odd size you might need.
From $500, ernesta.com
The Palio Paint by Backdrop
Paint is a renter’s best friend: It’s the best way to create interesting architecture in a blank-slate box (with your landlord’s permission, of course). This rich espresso shade is chic, chic, chic!
$89 per gallon, backdrophome.com
Gem Shade by Tulip
Camouflage (or eliminate) the ugly, ubiquitous ceiling “boob light” with a fabric Tulip shade. Bonus points for easiest installation ever!
$169, tulipshades.com
Form Bed with Storage by Sundays
If it’s the biggest piece of furniture in your room, it needs to be multifunctional. I love that this storage bed has rounded edges to protect against middle-of-the-night stumbles.
$3,100, sundays-company.com
White Lotus Peel & Stick Wallpaper by Backdrop
Looking to raise the bar without wrecking your walls? Peel-and-stick wallpaper can completely transform a white cube. Backdrop has a great selection, including this elegant White Lotus pattern.
$34 per yard, backdrophome.com
Patch Medium Red Screen by True
Open floor plans are great for maximizing natural light, and not so great for privacy and room differentiation. Here to solve that trade-off is this chic room-dividing screen, inspired by the shape of an abacus.
$3,175, artemest.com
Clover Swing Arm Hook by Matilda Goad
It’s the little things. Switch-out your plastic Command hooks to take your space from sterile to stylish.
$75, us.matildagoad.com
Marbleized Switch Plate Cover by John Derian
Just don’t forget to save your old white plastic ones for when your lease is up!
$140, johnderian.com
Faux Grasscloth Peel and Stick Wallpaper by Society Social
Adding texture to a space instantly creates a feeling of lived-in warmth. This colorway is neutral but not bland—an excellent (and removable) alternative to sterile white walls.
From $50, societysocial.com
Forged Iron and Bamboo Drawer Pull by Nickey Kehoe
Attention to detail goes a long way. Replace your standard drawer pulls with these hand-forged iron ones for an easy, well-crafted upgrade.
$20, nickeykehoe.com
The Windmill AC
An air conditioner should be neither seen nor heard. Until they invent invisible window units, this is the next best option for those without central air.
From $339, windmillair.com
Custom Curtains by YUMU DECOR
A surefire way to make your space feel polished. Pro tip: Hang them high and wide to make your space feel bigger.
From $237, etsy.com
Porto Tile Decals by Chasing Paper
Boring backsplash begone! These peel-and-stick tile decals add Portuguese-inspired charm to any kitchen or bathroom.
From $50, chasingpaper.com
Vendome Cordless Double Sconce by Visual Comfort
With no hardwiring necessary, this cordless sconce by Thomas O’Brien is all style, no struggle! A no-brainer for a dose of impermanent luxury.
$629, visualcomfort.com
Everything on our website was hand-picked by a FREDERIC editor. We may earn commission on items you purchase.
