Imagine coming home to a room with white walls, a sad lightbulb, and an even sadder light bulb, plus a lease saying you can't do anything to make it nicer. Good news! You can do renter-friendly bedroom makeovers that won't risk your deposit. This article provides you with 23 ideas that do not make holes, changes, or break your lease.
There are various projects you can complete over the weekend. They are inexpensive and won't look bad. Each idea is described so you can figure out what works best for your budget and how much time you have.
1) Swap in blackout curtains (room-darkening, no-drill rod brackets)
No drilling or painting means these blackout curtains can be great for improving sleep in a bedroom. If you are a renter, you can also use no-drill rod brackets or tension rods.
Find room darkening curtains with 90-99% light blocking ratings. Quality curtains may cost anywhere from $25-70, and no drill brackets or tension rods will be an additional $10-20. Be sure to measure the width and height of your window so the curtains can be hung slightly above the top and cover the window sill or floor.
One option is to choose thicker, more blackout curtains, which can appear bulky. Choose a texture that is calming or will blend in with the rest of your room. A little trick is to use curtain clips and add lightweight blackout liner to your existing curtains to achieve privacy without installing new curtain rods.
You can hang curtains in a day using either brackets or a tension rod.
2) Peel-and-stick removable wallpaper accent wall (patterned)
You can use stickers for a patterned accent wall, regardless of what restrictions your landlord may have. The stickers are bold prints and, due to the nature of sticking and un-sticking, can be removable. There is no permanent commitment.
The materials you need include no-paste wallpaper, a smoothing tool, a utility knife, and a measuring tape. Depending on the brand and the pattern, this will cost you about $30-$100. Good options can be found on sites like Etsy, IKEA, and Home Depot. Ensure the scale of the pattern fits your wall because smaller prints can get busy on a whole wall.
For the best results, work on a clean, dry wall, and be careful when trimming around corners and outlets. Leave a small overlap at seams to avoid being left with visible seams after rolling. WARNING: If walls are primed poorly or have a texture, then they might peel unevenly. Do a small test patch to see how the paint peels.
This is a quick weekend project. You should be able to finish this by Monday. Plan the project on Friday, buy the materials on Saturday, and work on it on Sunday.
3) Command-strip floating shelves for bedside plants and books
These shelves are great for rentals as they won't leave holes in the walls. Home, a plant, and a couple of books.
Buy some narrow floating shelves and heavy-duty Command strips rated for the shelf weight. Budget about $20-50, depending on what you use. Hang them so that they are at eye level, press and hold for the amount of time recommended, and then wait the amount of time the instructions say before placing anything on the shelf.
Avoid putting really heavy objects on shelves. Stacks of large books and large stones are a definite no. Use small planters, and stagger several shelves for a more visually appealing look.
Once you finish mounting and decorating them, this process should take you a couple of hours this weekend. When it's time to move, these will come off the walls easily.
4) Temporary peel-and-stick wood flooring planks
Peel-and-stick wood planks allow you to get the look of wood flooring without having to use nails or glue. Best of all, these peel-and-stick planks can be taken with you when you move. Renters also appreciate these peel-and-stick planks because they are able to be laid over clean.
You can purchase vinyl peel-and-stick planks or luxury vinyl tiles from a home center or online for about $1-$4 per square foot, depending on quality. A utility knife, a straight edge, and a floor roller (for good adhesion) are additional items you will need. Take care to measure accurately, begin with the longest wall, and stagger seams like real hardwood to achieve a more natural appearance.
One downside of thin planks is that they may show imperfections of the subfloor and will not be as durable as glued floors. If more cushion is preferred, a thin underlayment rated for peel-and-stick can be added. If you work consistently and trim accurately, covering a small bedroom can be done in a weekend.
5) Layer a thrifted rug with a smaller patterned runner
It's easy to remove when you move, and it adds texture and pattern without drilling holes or making permanent changes. Rug stacking gives you a nice cozy look and is good for cheap rental floors.
Buy a low-cost large rug from a thrift shop or online for $20-$80, then add a smaller runner ($10-$40) with a bolder pattern. Match tones so the runner pops but doesn't clash. Use non-slip rug pads under both pieces to keep them flat and protect floors; expect to spend $10-$25 on pads.
A tradeoff: if you have lots of foot traffic or pets, layered rugs can shift, so opt for heavier materials or secure the edges with double-sided tape. This is easily achievable in a couple of hours and is ideal for a weekend refresh.
6) Battery-powered plug-in wall sconces (LED)
With battery-operated wall sconces, you can have lamp-like lighting without the hassle of drilling holes or rewiring. These sconces stick or hang to the wall, and plug into an outlet, making them damage-free to move later.
Buy LED battery or rechargeable sconces, adhesive keyhole hooks, or removable 3M strips. Expect $20-$60 each at big-box stores or online. Look for warm LEDs and a switch or remote for easy use.
Batteries on most fixtures have to be changed or recharged, and heavier fixtures might need a small nail instead of adhesive strips. Here\'s a tip: Use a clamp lamp to test placement for the best height and angle.
You can install a pair in about an hour, and they will provide bedside reading lights while creating more space on your nightstand by the weekend.
7) Velcro-secured gallery wall of thrifted frames
With no use of nails that cleanly peel off, it's perfect for rentals where you cannot drill into things. It keeps your commitment to a minimum which gives a together look while guaranteeing safety for your security deposit.
Begin searching thrift or flea markets for mismatched frames, shooting for about 6 to 12. Then purchase Velcro picture hanging strips (about $5 to $15 a pack) and craft paper to use for laying out an arrangement. Once you get the frames, lay them on the floor and trace each of them, then stick the craft paper to the wall to test your layout spacing before using any adhesive.
Please refer to the Velcro package for instructions on how to apply Velcro to the wall and to the frames. Tradeoff: Velcro is great for medium and small frames, but if your frame is wood or glass, it can get a little sketchy, so stick to lighter frames or use two strips. This project is inexpensive, takes a couple of hours, and is completely reversible.
8) Fabric-covered headboard DIY with plywood and Command strips
With this system, you can bring a plush touch to your focal point and keep it renter-friendly and easy to take along because you won't have to drill any holes. The command strips won't leave any marks and will give a hand-sewn look.
Buy a thin plywood panel (cut to mattress width), foam batting, fabric you like, staple gun, and heavy-duty Command strips. Expect $30-$80, depending on fabric choice and whether you cut the plywood yourself. Lay fabric face down, center the foam and plywood, pull the fabric tight, and staple on the back edges.
Because they don't screw in, this won't be as sturdy as a headboard that is screwed in, so be sure to use a good number of command strips and pay attention to their weight limits. If you want to do some pattern matching, get some extra fabric so that you can tidy up the corners wrapping.
It can be completed in a single day, so it can certainly be an achievable weekend project. Additionally, feedback from customers suggests positive sentiment regarding this.
9) Under-bed storage bins with clear labels
Since no permanent changes are required, this is ideal for rentals, plus it frees up space in your closets and on the floor. You can store things out of the way, but still have them readily accessible when you need them.
Buy low-profile plastic bins or fabric drawers that fit under your bed. Look for wheels or cutouts for handles; thrift stores, big-box stores, or online marketplaces sell them for $15-40 each. Use clear bins or stick clear pockets on opaque bins so you can see contents.
Using a sticker and a label maker, you could write, say, "off-season clothes," "shoes," and "extra bedding." One thing to consider is that storage space under the bed can gather dust; you can use dust-proof lids or slide a mat.
By tonight, you'll have a tidier room. You could spend an afternoon sorting, labeling, and sliding the bins under the bed.
10) Peel-and-stick tile backsplash behind a dresser for personality
A removable decorative wall protection solution that also protects the wall in front of the dresser is a narrow strip of peel-and-stick tiles. It gives your wall decorative protection without making any permanent alterations. The wall protection will also work for renters and will leave an unblemished wall after it is removed.
Buy vinyl peel-and-stick tiles or a roll of faux subway tile from a home store or online for about $20-$60, depending on size. You'll also need a level, measuring tape, and a plastic scraper; many sheets cut with scissors. Clean the wall, mark a straight line, and apply slowly, smoothing bubbles as you go.
Test a small piece first to see if the adhesive will lift on textured or freshly painted walls. For a bolder look, overlap the tiles a little, or add some trim at the top secured with removable adhesive. This project can be done in a few hours. You could even finish it by the end of the day!
11) Window-seat cushion made from a foam mattress topper
Without having to drill or make any permanent changes, a thick foam mattress topper provides a comfy window seat cushion. Because it is renter-friendly, you can cover it, cut it, and remove it when moving.
Buy a queen- or full-size topper and cut a piece to fit the sill. Expect $30-$80 at discount stores or online. Wrap it in a washable duvet cover or upholstery fabric and secure with removable velcro or ties so it won't slip.
Trade off: foam can compress over time and can feel warm when sitting in the direct sun. Thicker lofting batting will create more loft, and using a zippered cover will allow for easy washing. You can complete this project by the end of the day and sit on it that same evening.
12) Stick-on dimmer switch for overhead lights (no hardwiring)
This provides soft, adjustable lighting that tenants can appreciate because there's no need for drilling or touching any wiring. It can be attached to either the light fixture or the wall, making it completely reversible.
Buy a battery-powered or plug-in LED dimmer that works via adhesive pads or a clamp. Plan to spend $15-$40. Look for ones that fit with your type of bulb and the ceiling canopy. I used one that clipped to the pull chain and one that was foam-taped to the light plate
Trade-off: Some dimmers do not dim certain LEDs fully, and there will be batteries or a visible unit by the fixture. You can test compatibility at a store and check the return policy regarding things being neat. You can hide the unit behind the lampshade or, if space allows, tuck the receiver into the canopy.
All you need is a screwdriver and some tape, and you can finish this upgrade in less than an hour.
13) Closet organizer with tension rod shelving
No drilling means more shelves are added, which makes this perfect for rentals that have hole bans or easy reversals. Tension rods, along with stackable wire or fabric shelves, can be positioned between walls or inside closets, and they're easy to remove.
You can spend $30-80 on 2-4 heavy-duty tension rods, hanging fabric shelves, wire stackers, and non-slip shelf liners. For the rods, set them at different heights to hang the shelves or baskets. Use bins to organize out-of-season socks, shoes, or clothes.
**Tradeoff**: When using these tension systems, remember they CAN sag under excessive weight. So, be sure not to overload the system. Also, use lightweight bins for stability and distribute your load evenly across multiple tension rods. Installation time is just a few hours, and you can use it the same weekend!
14) Reusable adhesive hooks for hanging string lights
You can achieve that nighttime aesthetic without damage to your walls! The hooks are even removable and damage-free. Perfect to keep your light strands in place in your rental without permanent damage.
Buy some lightweight clear or white sticky hooks from Command or another brand. A pack costs between $5 and $15. For the best hold, measure your walls, plan your route, and stick hooks on clean, dry walls.
The sticky hold might not work on textured walls or in humid areas. So, you can try hanging just one hook first. Additionally, you can improve the hold and decrease wire sagging with removable adhesive strips.
Wrapping lights around your bed, shelf, or window will only take a couple of hours, and is also a cheap and quick room upgrade.
15) Chair slipcover made from a full flat sheet
Using just one flat sheet, this method is no-sewing, no-nails, renter-friendly, and will cover up your old chair!
Full flat sheets, which can be found at thrift stores or big box retailers, cost around $8 to $25. Fold your sheet and drape it over the chair, using the excess to tuck under the seat. For a clean finish, knot the strap at the back, or if you prefer to hide the skirt, use some safety pins at the back legs. It's non-slip and peelable. If your tape is situated under the arms, then it is inexpensive and will serve its purpose.
Tradeoff: It won't look as nice as a custom slipcover and it might shift with more use. Tip: A thicker cotton or linen blend will hide lumps better and will hold its shape better. This is an afternoon project and is reversible for move-out.
16) Portable garment rack styled with matching hangers
You can get additional closet space while also avoiding the hassle of drilling holes, and an added benefit is that this is perfect for rentals, as you can take it with you when you move. A freestanding garment rack keeps clothes organized and accessible.
When thinking about organized garment racks, you can first go to your local big box store, an IKEA, or even check out a thrift store to find some simple metal or wooden racks. You can also purchase a set of matching wooden or velvet hangers to look even more put together. Depending on what materials are used, racks can cost anywhere from $30 to $120. A thrift store find might cut down costs a little! The lower shelves on the rack can be used to store some baskets, while the top bar can hold some scarves or even string lights.
Trade-off: racks take up some valuable space and reveal your clothing, so you should plan the location of the rack along a wall or in a corner. If you're looking for something a little more purposeful, go for neutral and uniform hangers so you avoid a disorganized look. This is a very simple weekend job that should take you an afternoon.
17) Removable mirror tiles to open the room visually
Using mirrors can help light bounce off different surfaces in your room while also giving you the illusion of more space. You also avoid the hassle of using a drill or making permanent changes to your space. For rentals or temporary spaces, you can get removable peel-and-stick mirror tiles that will work as mirrors on your surfaces.
You can order peel-and-stick adhesive mirror tiles or mirrored panels from home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe's. The price ranges from about \($20 - $80\) depending on size and finish. You can make a grid or create some depth by placing them behind a dresser. For straight rows, use a level and measuring tape. If you are concerned about sticky residue from the putty, edge the removable mounting putty.
One trade-off is that lighter tiles could warp over time and reveal their edges. For more durability, choose thicker acrylic mirrors. You may have to replace these tiles between moves, but they are simple to remove.
After spending an afternoon installing a small feature wall with mirror tiles, you will notice the room beginning to open up.
18) DIY macramé plant hangers using jute rope
With macramé plant hangers, you can bring in more greenery into your space without making holes in your walls for hangers. Because the jute rope is lightweight, removable, and easy to take off, the hangers can be used with tension rods or ceiling hooks.
You can also make your own macramé plant hanger. You'll need jute rope, a wooden ring, and instructions, which can be found online. The total cost will be around 8 to 20 dollars, depending on how long a rope you purchase. To create the plant holder, cut the rope into sections, tie some basic knots, and loop the ring through. To hang the planter, you'll need to use a small S-hook or an adhesive ceiling hook that can hold the weight of the planter.
Tradeoff: Jute may lose some fibers and stretch when wet, so it's best to choose pots that have saucers, and don't water them too much. By the end of the weekend, you'll have hand-crafted, hanging plants after a few hours of this project!
19) Swap bedding to a tonal bedding set for an expensive look
A tonal bedding set will look more grown up without any long-term commitment because a tonal bedding set uses different variations of one color. This is also good for renters since you don't have to paint, patch holes, or do any other lasting changes other than textiles.
You can find the same color family Duvet Cover Sets, sheets & pillowcases at thrift stores, online basics stores, or discount home goods stores. Prices range anywhere from $40-$120 depending on the fabric. For a more muted, high-end look, choose cotton or linen.
To add more depth to your set, use lighter and darker shades of the same color. The downside is that you may have to replace some mismatched pieces, and matching can take some planning. If you want a more composed look to your room by Sunday night, it will be easy to do with a bedding swap.
20) Thrifted dresser refinished with chalk paint and new knobs
A basic thrift store dresser will do the trick since you can redo it without any drilling or permanent changes. Chalk paint works for renters since you can skip the step of sanding down the old finish.
The supplies needed for this project include chalk paint \($10-20\), new knobs for \($5-30\) and either clear wax or a matte sealer for \($8-15\). To begin, clean the furniture. Then paint two thin coats using a foam brush. Once that is dry you can either wax or seal it. Finally, replace the knobs. Be sure to keep the same hole pattern or backplates to cover the larger holes.
Chalk paint needs a trade-off. To paint and finish your project, apply wax to your chalk paint so it is durable. It will require maintenance. You can finish this project in a weekend, giving you a fresh custom look to your room.
21) Temporary faux-shiplap panels attached with command strips
This idea gives the illusion of shiplap, and is renter-safe and easy to remove. It is perfect for offering a clear and textured wall without the risk of losing your security deposit.
For the corners, you can purchase MDF or foam shiplap panels which are lightweight, or you can get peel and stick shiplap wallpaper. You will also need Heavy-duty Command strips (which match to your panel weight), a level, and your chosen paint color. Expenses are between $40-120 depending on which paint and panel type you select.
Use strong command strips to press each panel. For the seams, leave small gaps, and caulk and paint over the edges if necessary. Trade-off: if they aren't stuck on perfectly, the tiles could peel in high humidity (so test a single panel first).
Over the weekend refresh, you can take it down when you move to do other things. You can install a number of panels in one afternoon, and paint in the weeks' stretch between coats.
22) Neutral linen curtains clipped to a decorative rod
No drill, no damage, and no trim change options can be soft like this. These linen look drapery and decorative curtain rods can be hung using no damage hooks or tension brackets. Easy to remove and change when you move.
Purchase lightweight (neutral) linen or linen blended curtains, clip rings, and curtain rods. Expect a total of $30 to $80 for economical panels (purchased at big box stores or bought at a thrift store), inexpensive clip rings, and a simple brass or black rod. A light color should be chosen to brighten the room and conceal the damage.
Clip rings may make the panels slide easier due to lessen friction, which could cause them to billow in a draft. If you want more privacy, you can add a blackout liner or combine it with shades using tension mounts.
You can do measuring, installing damage-free brackets, sliding rings, and hanging panels in an afternoon.
23) Renter-safe half-wall decal to redefine a reading nook
Without damaging a wall or risking a big deduction from your security deposit, a half-wall decal allows you to create a comfy boundary. It can easily be applied to any flat wall and, when you move out, will be just as easy to remove.
To cover the wall up to the half-wall height, you can buy a large peel-and-stick vinyl decal or removable wallpaper. Reasonably priced options can be found for $20-60, but you can save money by using thrifted fabric and double-sided removable tape. Be sure to take your measurements carefully and clean the wall beforehand. Starting in one corner and smoothing out the bubbles will give you the best finish.
One option is to try the adhesion on a corner first if it is tedious. To finish the nook, add a small shelf, some adhesive hooks, a floor lamp, and an easy chair.
By Sunday, you'll have time to source the materials, add the decal, and settle in with a good book.
Prioritizing Your Weekend Makeover
Pick removable updates that suit your budget and time constraints, then decide what will improve your use and enjoyment of the room.
Setting a Realistic Refresh Plan
You need quick updates that won't damage your walls or eat up your entire weekend. To get started, list your top three priorities, since most people have a limited time budget. These can include some function, a polished look, and lighting. Rank them 1-3 for importance and cost.
For the new look of this space, expect to pay $50-150 for peel-and-stick wallpaper ($15-40/roll), tension curtain rods ($10-25), mattress toppers ($30-80), and plug-in lamps ($20-50).
If you are looking for a more affordable option and take a lamp or topper as an example, it might not look as good up close. For example, when it comes to planning out the room, with this selection, it may look like there was some thought put into it, without the room really being affected at all. There's an opportunity to carry out the described actions over a weekend.
What to Tackle First for Maximum Impact
When changing your light fixture or bed, it's best to consider replacing one of the bulbs to a warm LED (60-100W, $5-10) as well as adding a plug-in lamp. Warmer and brighter light will improve your mood as well as instantly improve the cleanliness of your space!
It's time to fix that bed! Adding a mattress topper along with a new duvet cover and matching pillowcases works wonders! You could even go to a thrift or dollar store and grab a nice throw (about 10-30 dollars) that can cover any ugly marks or wear on the bed. If you have a storage problem, a simple solution is some under-the-bed storage bins (15-40 dollars) or even an over-the-door shoe organizer (8-20 dollars).
If you adjust the lighting and bed first and then add some more visual elements, like some renter-friendly curtains or a peel-and-stick accent, you will see everything start to come together. The full changes will be done by Sunday evening.
Smart Solutions for Temporary Upgrades
Here is a way to get ideas without making any permanent changes or drilling holes. The ideas pertain to simple purchases, a few tools, and some genuine weekend trades that allow you to 'move on with your life'.
Peel-and-Stick Tricks That Look Custom
Using peel-and-stick tiles or wallpaper, you can make a faux headboard or focal wall without using nails or paint. Select a design that spans the width of your bed. Each roll costs about $25-$60, with each covering 16 sq. ft. Be sure to clean the wall with rubbing alcohol prior to measuring. To remove bubbles, use the smoother. Trim the excess seams with a utility knife, and align the seams. A metal ruler is ideal for this.
Paint removal may come with some faint residue on some paints so budget 10-15 minutes to test a small corner where residue may form. Additionally, any large untrimmed sheets can be reused as drawer liners or covers for art panels. This is a project for the afternoon.
Easy Ways to Layer Textiles Without Drilling
Command hooks, tension rods, and over-door hangers can be used to hang curtains and canopies. You can buy a mixed pack of Command hooks for $5 to $12, and a tension rod with a length of 48-72 inches for $10 to $18. To make a canopy over your bed, you can either clip fabric to rings on a tension rod and then hang that up, or hang the fabric over a curtain rod that you've mounted with some strong adhesive hooks.
Select medium weight fabric so the hooks aren't affected (also try not to use solid wooden curtain rods as they will pull down). If you want to achieve a pulled-back look, you can add use curtain tiebacks or clips that are weighted to the fabric and not the wall. This technique will create layered textures and cover up wires or places where paint is uneven. The best part is that you can do this whole setup in under two hours!
