Creating a stylish and personalized living room in a rented apartment can feel like walking a tightrope.
You want to make your space feel like home, but without upsetting your landlord or sacrificing your security deposit.
The good news? There are countless renter-friendly DIY decor ideas that can transform your living room without requiring permanent changes.
Whether you’re dealing with blank white walls, limited space, or a tight budget, this guide is packed with inspiring, practical, and affordable ideas to elevate your space — no power tools or paint cans required.
From removable wallpaper and statement lighting to clever furniture hacks and cozy textile layers, these 18 decor ideas are designed to bring warmth, style, and personality into any apartment living room.
Let’s dive into these DIY upgrades that you can confidently implement — and later undo, if needed — all while making your rental feel like a true reflection of your taste.
1. Removable Wallpaper Accent Wall
Removable wallpaper is a game-changer for renters who want a pop of personality without a permanent commitment.
Whether you prefer bold patterns, subtle textures, or minimalist prints, there’s a peel-and-stick wallpaper to match your aesthetic.
Apply it to one wall as an accent to instantly elevate the vibe of your living room.
Pro Tip: Focus on a central wall behind the sofa or TV for maximum impact.
2. Layered Area Rugs for Depth and Comfort
Area rugs are perfect for defining spaces, especially in open-plan apartments.
Layering a smaller patterned rug over a larger neutral one adds depth and visual interest.
It’s also an excellent way to hide outdated flooring or personalize a space without altering it.
Why it works: Rugs add texture, warmth, and color — all without damaging a thing.
3. Floating Shelves for Display and Storage
Floating shelves are an elegant, semi-permanent way to showcase your personality.
Use them to display books, art prints, candles, plants, or travel souvenirs.
Many versions require only small nail holes, which are easy to patch later.
Tip: Keep shelf styling minimal and cohesive with a consistent color scheme.
4. DIY Framed Art Gallery Wall
Create a gallery wall using thrifted or DIY frames and printable art.
Stick-on hooks or damage-free strips allow you to hang without leaving marks.
This adds personality and creates a focal point without expensive investments.
Theme Ideas: Black-and-white photography, colorful abstract prints, or a collection of personal sketches.
5. Peel-and-Stick Tiles for a Faux Fireplace or Wall Niche
Don’t have a fireplace? Create a visual feature with peel-and-stick faux brick or stone tiles.
Frame the space with LED candles, books, or plants to mimic a cozy hearth or architectural niche.
It adds charm without construction.
Extra Touch: Add battery-powered sconces on either side for dramatic effect.
6. DIY Window Treatments with Tension Rods
Skip the drill and use tension rods to hang lightweight curtains.
You can even layer sheer panels for softness and privacy.
Opt for linen, cotton, or gauze fabrics to create an airy, relaxed atmosphere.
Design Hack: Match curtain color to the wall for a seamless, elevated look.
7. Statement Lighting with Plug-In Fixtures
Lighting can define the mood of a space — and you don’t need an electrician to upgrade yours.
Use plug-in sconces, pendant lights, or stylish floor lamps to add personality and ambiance.
Suggestion: Install wall sconces using adhesive hooks and disguise the cords with a painted cord cover.
8. Multi-Functional Furniture with Storage
Opt for furniture pieces that double as storage — like ottomans with hidden compartments, storage benches, or coffee tables with built-in drawers.
These help keep your space tidy without adding visual clutter.
Style Tip: Stick to neutral tones for larger pieces to keep the room feeling open.
9. DIY Couch Cover or Throw Blanket Styling
Can’t afford a new sofa? Give your existing one a makeover with a tailored slipcover or oversized throw blankets. Add some colorful, textured pillows to complete the transformation.
Pro Styling: Use three textures — velvet, linen, and cotton — to give a layered, designer look.
10. Mirror Placement to Expand Light and Space
Mirrors can visually enlarge a small space and bounce natural light around the room.
Hang a large framed mirror across from a window or lean a full-length mirror against the wall for a laid-back vibe.
Bonus: It doubles as functional decor for outfit checks.
11. Decorative Ladder for Blank Corners
Lean a wooden ladder against a wall to create vertical interest in a corner.
Use it to hang blankets, fairy lights, or even magazines.
It’s a great way to add texture without drilling or mounting anything.
Quick Fix: Paint the ladder to match or contrast with your existing palette.
12. Clipboards as Swappable Art Displays
Hang a series of clipboards to easily change artwork, quotes, or photos.
They’re renter-friendly and let you rotate your decor seasonally without investing in frames.
Fun Idea: Use vintage or painted clipboards for a quirky twist.
13. Greenery in Stylish Planters
Plants breathe life into any space. Choose low-maintenance varieties like pothos or snake plants, and place them in baskets, ceramic pots, or hanging macrame holders.
Eco Tip: Use recycled containers and wrap them in jute rope for a DIY planter.
14. Chalkboard or Dry-Erase Wall Panels
Install adhesive chalkboard or whiteboard panels for notes, doodles, or grocery lists.
It’s both functional and fun — especially for creatives or families.
Placement Tip: Use on a side wall or next to your entry area to create a mini “command center.”
15. Coffee Table Styling with Trays
Style your coffee table using trays to contain and organize decorative items like candles, books, or vases. It adds polish without looking cluttered and makes cleaning easier.
Composition Tip: Use the rule of three — group items in odd numbers for balance.
16. Removable Decals for Quick Wall Art
Peel-and-stick wall decals are a perfect alternative to paint or wallpaper.
From botanical themes to geometric designs, they allow for playful, on-trend wall styling — and peel off cleanly.
Budget Tip: Use decals behind furniture to act as a faux headboard or mural.
17. Personalized Book Stack or Color-Coded Shelf
Arrange your books by color or theme to create an artful shelf.
or extra charm, add labels to spines or stack your favorite reads on the coffee table with a trinket on top.
Bonus Decor: Add a small framed photo or plant between stacks for visual rhythm.
Related Post: 18 Eclectic Gallery Wall Frame Ideas to Elevate Any Room Instantly
18. DIY Fragrance Corners with Reed Diffusers
Scents shape how a space feels. Create a DIY fragrance station using reed diffusers, essential oils, and stylish containers.
It adds a layer of comfort and makes your space more inviting.
Pro Tip: Place diffusers near entryways or windows for maximum scent distribution.
Conclusion
Renting doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style.
With a few clever, affordable, and reversible ideas, you can turn your apartment living room into a personalized haven.
Each of these 18 DIY decor solutions offers a creative way to express yourself — without drilling holes, breaking the bank, or risking your deposit.
Ready to give your space the upgrade it deserves? Start with one idea, snap a few photos, and share your transformation.
Or better yet — bookmark this post and try a new decor project every weekend. Your rental has never looked this good.