Just because you live in a rental apartment doesn’t mean you can’t make it feel like home. The key is to balance style with flexibility, so your pieces work both now and in any future home you might move into.
I’ve been through this myself, and here’s how I transformed a rental into a space that truly reflected my personality, without wasting money on things that wouldn’t adapt later.
Think Versatile From the Start
When choosing furniture and accessories, I always kept in mind that they should fit into a different property in the future. That meant avoiding overly custom pieces and leaning toward versatile, neutral designs that could blend into any space.
My first rental was small — about 970 square feet (90 m²) — so making the most of every inch was essential.
Bedroom: Storage + Style
In the main bedroom, I invested in a storage bed. The lift-up base was perfect for storing bedding and bulky items like comforters, keeping them out of sight but easy to reach.
Instead of traditional nightstands, I installed a full-width wall panel with two slim side panels and floating shelves on each side. These shelves acted as nightstands for essentials like water, a phone charger, or small decor. Bonus: my dog’s bed fit perfectly underneath.
Creating a Closet Room
One of the small bedrooms became a dedicated closet. I used modular wire shelving systems from Walmart — affordable, adaptable, and easy to take with you when you move. This setup held all of our clothes, shoes, and accessories neatly in one space.
Dining & Living Room: Bigger Pieces, Fewer Pieces
For the dining area, I chose the largest table that fit the space — seating six comfortably (three chairs per side). In the living area, a sofa with an extendable bed feature served both as a cozy TV spot and an extra sleeping space for guests.
Neutral colors — wood tones, off-white lacquer, and soft fabrics — kept the open-concept space airy and cohesive. A large mirror above the dining table added brightness and made the room feel larger.
Balcony: Small Space, Big Impact
We furnished our small balcony with a wall-length outdoor sofa, a round table with four chairs, and planters for greenery. Plants added life without overwhelming the space.
Kitchen & Storage Hacks
With limited kitchen cabinets, I added two extra shelving units — one deep and narrow for pantry goods and one long and shallow for cookware. A small rolling cart provided extra workspace when needed.
In awkward corners, I used compact pieces like a coffee station with my Nespresso machine and capsules, plus a small flower arrangement for a decorative touch.
The Golden Rules for Decorating a Rental
Here’s what made the biggest difference in making the rental feel stylish yet practical:
- Choose fewer, larger pieces to make the space feel bigger and less cluttered.
- Keep furniture neutral so it adapts to future homes.
- Use light wall colors to make rooms feel more spacious.
- Add mirrors to create a sense of depth and light.
- Maximize natural light for a warm, airy feel.
- Incorporate plants for life and texture.
- Use corner shelves and vertical space in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Avoid excessive wall drilling — use removable hooks, panels, or tension rods.
Decorating a rental apartment doesn’t mean compromising on style. With smart choices and versatile furniture, you can create a space you love — one that moves with you when the time comes.
