You Won’t Believe This is a Rental
Think renting means you’re stuck with boring, blah decor? Nope, I transformed my space from basic to breathtaking without renovations or blowing my budget.
Small changes like lighting, hardware, and textiles can make a huge impact without breaking any lease rules.
Swipe to see the easy, high-end upgrades that made my rental look luxe (and how you can do the same).
Statement Lighting Changed Everything
Changing your boring overhead lights is an instant way to invite glamour into your rental space. Swapping out my basic rental lighting was a game-changer. I installed a chic pendant chandelier in the dining area and added wall sconces with removable adhesive strips.
If hardwiring isn’t an option, plug-in sconces, and oversized table lamps create the same upscale effect. You can try dimmable smart bulbs that let you control the vibe of your home without touching the fixtures.
Luxe Curtains Make a Huge Difference
I ditched the flimsy blinds and installed trending floor-to-ceiling curtains. Let me tell you, even though my windows aren’t huge, mounting the curtain rod high made my ceilings look taller.
I kept it airy with light pink and white color sheer curtains for my bedroom, and heavy velvet ones in the living room. If you’re on a budget, look for linen-style or blackout curtains. Pairing sheer curtains with heavy ones on the sides can also create an amazing look.
Swapped Hardware for a Custom Look
You will agree with me that rental cabinets and doors come with some of the most boring handles. The first thing I did when I started my rental makeover was replace my kitchen knobs with brushed gold brass pulls and swap the bathroom faucet handles for sleek matte black ones.
It took minutes, but the impact? Amazing. I saved the old hardware and will pop it back on before moving out, of course.
The Power of an Oversized Mirror
Do you know a secret hack for making any small space feel bigger? Get an oversized mirror. I placed one behind my dining table, and suddenly, my rental felt double the size. I also placed one round mirror in my bedroom right across the bed to make the room feel more spacious.
Leaning a large mirror against the wall adds depth and reflects light. If you’re short on space, try a mirrored console table or metallic decor to bounce light around.
High-End Bedding for a Five-Star Feel
Think living in a rental means you have to deal with the basic bedroom? No. I gave my bedroom the hotel treatment with crisp white sheets, a plush duvet, and a few velvet and linen throw pillows. Layering different textures made my bed feel more comfortable.
A simple swap like a tufted headboard made a huge difference in making the space look custom. Draping fairy lights on the headboard will make it look extra cozy and inviting.
Peel-and-Stick Molding
My rental lacked that expensive home kind of character, so I faked it. Peel-and-stick molding and wainscoting gave my plain walls a custom look with zero damage. If molding isn’t your thing, try renter-friendly wallpaper in a chic print or textured finish for an instant upgrade.
There are many budget-friendly options available on Amazon with such cute and creative prints.
Styled Surfaces Like a Pro
Ever notice how high-end homes never have cluttered surfaces? That’s because of stylish and clever storage solutions and international decor pieces. I created a polished, curated look by using trays, coffee table books, and sculptural decor.
In the kitchen, I decanted pantry staples into glass jars. In the bathroom, I swapped mismatched bottles for uniform dispensers. These small and clever changes make my space feel so sleek and elegant now.
Used Art to Make a Statement
Blank walls are the enemy of a high-end home. I skipped generic prints and went for large-scale art for a custom look. A gallery wall with mix-and-match oil paintings and custom frames gave my living room personality, and in the bedroom, I hung an oversized canvas above the bed.
Use removable hooks or lean framed artwork against surfaces for a nail-free designer look.
Decorate the Entryway
Even in a rental, first impressions matter. I created an entryway moment with a chic wooden bench, a statement mirror, and a stylish catch-all tray for keys.
If space allows, you can add a console table. In case, you don’t have space for a big console, try out a wall-mounted hook rack and a woven basket for shoes. Make sure whatever you use makes the area look organized and intentional.
Bonus points for adding a scented candle to set the mood the second you walk in.
Styled My Bookshelves
I’m an avid reader, which means my TBR list is never-ending, but my overcrowded shelves were making my space feel cluttered.
What did I do? I styled books and arranged them by color, added sculptural decor, and left breathing room between pieces. I also stacked some books horizontally for a layered look.
Whether you have built-ins or a simple IKEA shelf, styling makes all the difference.
Invested in Matching Dinnerware
Mismatched plates and plastic cups don’t really give you the desired high-end look. I upgraded to a simple, elegant dinnerware set in a neutral color and instantly felt like I was dining in a chic restaurant. Matching glassware, sleek cutlery, and cloth napkins made my everyday meals feel fancy.
Investing in good-quality dinnerware is essential if you also like hosting small, intimate dinners or events in your rental.
Scent to Create a Luxurious Atmosphere
Beyond looks and decor, luxury is also about how a space feels. I made my rental smell expensive by using a mix of scented candles, reed diffusers, and linen sprays.
A signature home scent adds that high-end, hotel-like experience. My go-to scents are warm vanilla, lavender, and woody amber.
Did you know using a few drops of essential oil on lightbulbs makes the whole room smell amazing when the lights are on? Do try this out.
Upgraded My Closet Like a Boutique
My rental closet was small and uninspiring, so I knew it needed a makeover as well. I went all out with boutique style. Matching velvet hangers, stylish storage baskets, and an LED light strip made it feel high-end.
I even displayed my favorite handbags and perfumes, does it feel a bit extra? Not at all, it just gives my space the perfect luxe vibe.
Now, these small swaps didn’t just make my closet look luxe, they also solved my morning mayhem. When everything is in its specified place, getting ready every morning becomes easier than ever.
High-End Coffee Station
If you’re anything like me, you love to have your morning java in a peaceful place without any interruptions. Setting up a small coffee station in my rental kitchen right next to the window was game-changing for my mornings.
I spent a little extra on a coffee machine, stylish storage, and comfortable seating for my coffee station. I truly feel like I’m living a luxurious life when I wake up and get to enjoy my coffee in this curated place. Check out my top coffee corner must-haves for a functional and stylish coffee station.
Stylish Storage That Doubles as Decor
In a rental, storage can be tricky, but I made mine both functional and stylish. Woven baskets, decorative boxes, and open shelving helped me stay organized while adding personality to my space.
Even my everyday essentials like blankets and magazines became part of the decor with the right storage solutions.
Need more inspiration? Check out renters’ guide to stylish, nail-free wall decor.
Read More From This Brand: