I'm a veteran DIYer and these are the 12 best rental-friendly hacks to upgrade your apartment and st

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• Living in a rental apartment or house doesn't mean you can't personalize your space.
• Renters can make simple upgrades to customize their homes and still get their security deposit back.
• Temporary upgrades like applying peel-and-stick wallpaper and swapping fixtures can make a huge visual impact.

Living in an apartment or house rental does not preclude you from adding personality and warmth to your home. 

As someone who is passionate about design and who has lived her entire adult life in rentals, I've done more than my fair share of rental-friendly DIY projects, from mounting TVs and shelves to painting every room in my apartment.

I encourage others to get creative in decorating their rentals, too, no matter how long their lease is. 

Over time, I've discovered plenty of easy upgrades people can make that won't affect their security deposit. Things like adding a peel-and-stick backsplash, swapping out light fixtures, and even replacing the showerhead are all reversible when it's time to move out. Just be sure to save any existing hardware or fixtures so you can easily reinstall them. 

Here are 12 renter-friendly upgrades to make your space functional and create a home that reflects your personality and aesthetics.  

Swap out the showerhead

A good showerhead can elevate a daily routine to a spa-like experience. Showerheads are easy to replace. With a wrench, you just need to unscrew the existing showerhead from the pipe affixed to the wall and screw on the new one.

Our tester is not handy by any means, but this one was easy for them to install on their own with just a wrench. The affordable showerhead has several flow options.

If you’re looking for a particularly luxurious shower experience, a rainfall showerhead drops water down from overhead like a soothing rain shower. This one from Moen has a handheld attachment and comes in four finishes to match your bathroom.

Upgrade cabinet hardware

Replacing dated cabinet hardware is one of the easiest and highest-impact upgrades you can make to a rental. Just unscrew the pulls or knobs with a screwdriver or drill, and screw on the new ones. I saved all the original cabinet hardware in my apartment in a zip-top bag, so when it's time to move out, I can put the old ones back and bring the new ones with me.

Unfinished brass hardware is having a huge moment due to the way it develops a beautiful patina, so installing brass pulls in your kitchen will ensure they’ll only get better with age.

The matte black color of these knobs won’t clash with other metallic fixtures in a room, making them a nice choice.

You can’t go wrong with the classic silhouette of cylindrical cabinet hardware. This matte black pull pairs well with most colors and stains.

Add a peel-and-stick backsplash

Whether your rental kitchen has an unsightly backsplash or is without one entirely, a peel-and-stick backsplash is a temporary way to customize your kitchen. These backsplashes are typically made of thick vinyl so you can easily trim them with a pair of scissors. 

If you're installing the backsplash near the stove, it should be rated for long-term heat exposure or placed 15 inches above the stovetop for breathing room. To prevent mold from accumulating behind the peel-and-stick tile, make sure the surface is completely dry before installation and keep moisture away from the finished project. 

When it comes time to remove the backsplash, apply heat with a heat gun or hair dryer while peeling it off to ensure the adhesive isn't left behind. For any stubborn residue, wipe it clean with Goo Gone or a similar product.

I used these peel-and-stick tiles to give my kitchen a backsplash, and they were easy to apply. Because they’re three-dimensional, it looks like real raised tile with grout lines.

If you want to channel pre-war charm or European influence in your kitchen, these peel-and-stick tiles are a great option. They are textured and detailed enough to look like real tin tiles. Wall Pops also sells copper and brass designs.

Chasing Paper’s floor tiles actually double as backsplash tiles when applied behind the countertop. We like this simple farmhouse pattern, but the brand also makes a range of modern and transitional styles that will fit any kitchen.

Replace builder-grade door knobs

Replacing door knobs is a little more involved than cabinet knobs or pulls, but if you closely follow the instructions included in the replacement knob package, you'll be good to go. 

First, you'll need to unscrew the existing door knob and remove any plates along with the locking mechanism. Then install your new knob according to the manufacturer's directions. Before you order, measure the door knob diameter and door depth to ensure you're choosing the correct size.

I replaced all the outdated door knobs in my apartment with matching matte black door levers. It made such a difference in the overall look of the apartment because it feels custom and up to date.

A lower-profile knob like this one instantly modernizes a space.

Brass doorknobs have made a comeback in the last few years, especially ones with an antique finish. The plate behind the knob is also just detailed enough to add a bit of character without being over the top.

Paint the walls

Not every lease allows painting, but in my experience, asking your landlord if you're able to paint usually results in a "sure, as long as you paint it back before you leave." Paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make a big impact in your home, and it's just as easy to paint it back white when you leave. You'll need a paint roller, a small brush, a paint dish, and a good playlist to get the job done. 

Behr is one of the most popular names in paint, and in the case of its Premium Plus paint, you'll get both stain and UV resistance.

One of Benjamin Moore’s higher-end paints, painting pros like how thickly it covers and its durability.

One of Sherwin-Williams’ most popular paints, the Duration line is very forgiving, making it a great choice for DIYers.

Use Command hooks to hang cafe curtains

While you can always install curtains and patch the holes when you leave, it's easier to play it safe with this genius Command hack that employs two Command hooks, a small rod, and curtain clips to create a cafe rod that hangs halfway down your window. The hooks hold the rod horizontally across the window, and the clips make it easy to attach curtains or tea towels.

This adhesive hook is easy to attach and remove. 3M's versatile Command hooks can be used to hold curtain rods or as hangers for purses, tote bags, dog leashes, and more.

This minimalist black rod is small enough in width to fit inside a Command hook. It extends from 28 to 48 inches.

These curtain clips will hold onto a short curtain or even tea towels to create a makeshift curtain.

Trade 'boob lights' for thoughtful fixtures

I've changed out lots of light fixtures in my previous apartments and my current one. Purposefully chosen lights instantly elevate a home and are an easy fix for the dreaded boob light. 

If you've never changed a light fixture before, I recommend watching a number of YouTube tutorials. Always double-check that you've turned off the breaker. You can also hire a professional to do a couple at once.

For smartly designed light fixtures with a modern aesthetic, AllModern offers lots of conversation-starting fixtures at a fraction of the price of other retailers, like this midcentury-inspired semi-flush mount light.

Ikea is a reliable source for all kinds of light fixtures. This light is a great replacement for a boob lamp, since it’s a low-profile flush mount, just with more detail and more inspiring materials.

West Elm has some of the most unique and modern light fixtures on the market. This wicker globe pendant comes in two sizes and black or natural colors.

Mount sconces without hardwiring them in the wall

If you have a space that's begging for accent lighting but don't have the ability to hardwire it, a corded sconce or a puck light hack may work for your space.

If there's a sconce you really love, you can insert a battery-operated puck light where the lightbulb would go. Mount the sconce according to the manufacturer's directions, and stick the puck light in by resting it where the lightbulb would go or by securing it with a Command strip.

Sconce lights with cords that plug right into a wall outlet are also gaining popularity. They're perfect for mounting above your nightstands.

This battery-operated puck light will turn any sconce into a neat and tidy, plug-free fixture.

I recently added these wall sconces to either side of my bed, and while I chose to plug them into an outlet below, they can also be hardwired or have a puck light inserted to make them plug-free.

Wall sconces with fabric shades are perfect contenders for puck lights since they’ll hide the light. These ones have the added bonus of some sculptural mounting bracket.

Cover the walls in peel-and-stick wallpaper

If you're afraid to paint but still want to add some character to your walls, peel-and-stick wallpaper is an excellent alternative. Applying wallpaper can be a tedious process since you'll have to match up the pattern, applying it panel by panel, but the impact is worth it. Pro tip: Smooth the paper down as you go with a plastic bench scraper, and pop any stubborn bubbles with a pin. 

I’ve worked with multiple peel-and-stick wallpaper brands, and nothing quite compares to the quality and ease of installation of Chasing Paper. The wallpaper is thick, textured, and won’t stretch and curl during installation.

This bright, poppy floral wallpaper is part of Wall Pops’ collaboration with iconic Finnish textile design company Marimekko.

Backdrop, known for their pared-back selection of interior paints, has peel-and-stick wallpaper in several different prints, patterns, and colors. The peel-and-stick itself has a slightly fibrous texture and is thick enough not to stretch during installation.

Opt for more attractive switch plates

You might not think twice about the switch plates or outlet plates in your rental, but this is actually a place to make a statement. Since switch plates are used daily, and often by guests, they're a high-reward area to add some style and cohesion, whether they're a bright pop of color, a detailed piece of art, or just a fresh white plate that hasn't been painted over countless times. They couldn't be easier to swap out either.

Anthropologie has some of the most detailed and lovely little switch plates, like these that add whimsy and cottage core vibes to even the simplest rental space. During Cyber Monday, you can take 30% off whether you need a single toggle switch or an outlet cover.

For a sleek upgrade to yellowed and cracked switch plates, try a screwless plate that hides mounting screws and blends seamlessly into the wall.

It doesn’t get more luxe than brushed metal switch plates, and these ones come in five different finishes to coordinate with existing hardware in your home.

Cover unsightly floors with peel-and-stick tile

If there's one thing I know about rentals, it's that they almost always have less-than-ideal flooring. Whether the builder or landlord installed the cheapest available product or the floors are simply outdated, peel-and-stick flooring is a reversible way to update your flooring.

When installing the tile, be sure to thoroughly wipe down your existing floor, then cut pieces of peel-and-stick to fit with scissors or a utility knife, making templates out of paper for hard-to-fit places as you go along.

I’ve had great success with Chasing Paper’s line of peel-and-stick flooring, which comes in 12-by-12-inch tiles and larger 2-by-4-foot panels that can cover more square footage at once.

I covered the unattractive brown and yellow tile in my previous bathroom with these faux carrara marble vinyl tiles. It was a beginner-friendly project, and I’m happy to report they were still going strong three years later.

Wall Pops has a huge selection of peel-and-stick floor tiles, ranging from traditional penny tile to bright, Mediterranean-inspired tile. These hexagonal tiles measure 12 by 12 inches.

Invest in LED smart bulbs

If you're not ready to swap out entire light fixtures, consider replacing the bulbs in your existing fixtures with smart LEDs. Not only do they use less power than traditional incandescent bulbs, but they can also be controlled with your phone or by voice with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

“If you're new to smart lighting, then the Philips Hue Starter Kit is a great place to begin,” says reporter Simon Hill. The bulbs are highly versatile (think: a huge range of dimming and warmth, plus colorful LEDs for ambience) and reliable.

Wyze bulbs are an example of exemplary tech at an accessible price, with each bulb ringing in at just $9.99 each. They don’t change color, but they have “a temperature range that goes from 2,700 kelvins to 6,500 kelvins, so you can transition between warm white to a cooler white that's more like daylight,” says Hill.

The Cree Connected Max Tunable White + Color Bulb is one of the most affordable color-changing bulbs out there.

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