29 Genius Apartment Makeovers You Can Undo Anytime!

Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you have to live with boring walls, outdated fixtures, or a space that doesn’t feel like home! The good news? There are plenty of creative, affordable ways to upgrade your apartment without risking your security deposit. From peel-and-stick solutions to budget-friendly décor tricks, these renter-friendly makeovers will transform your space without leaving a trace. Whether you’re looking to add personality, maximize storage, or make your home feel more luxurious, we’ve got 30+ brilliant ideas that are easy to install—and just as easy to remove. Ready to give your rental a glow-up? Let’s dive in!

DIY Removable Cedar Shower Floor Mat

Materials: cedar 1″x2″ lumber, miter saw, drill, pilot bit, countersink bit, rotary sander, sandpaper, pre-stain conditioner, 1 5/8-inch deck screws, framing square. Step 1: Finding straight cedar 1″x 2″ lumber is crucial for this project. Step 2: Use a miter saw to cut 20 pieces of wood to the length of your shower (34 inches) and four pieces to the width of your shower (35.25 inches). Step 3: Take one of the four support pieces and mark the spacing for the slats. This is a bit challenging as the spaces need to be about 27 inches. Take your time and make sure the spacing is correct.

Step 4: Drill pilot holes for the screws. Use a larger drill bit to countersink the screws by drilling about 1/4-inch into the wood. Step 5: Sand all pieces of wood with a rotary sander to smooth the flat sides, then sand all edges and ends by hand to round them. Step 6: Conditioning and Staining Treat all the boards with a coat of pre-stain conditioner. Step 7: Assemble the mat upside down, starting at one end and using the spacing guidelines to determine the board placement. Use 1 5/8-inch deck screws to attach all boards to the first support board. Use a framing square to ensure the two outside boards are square, and attach the support board to the other side. Space the final two support boards evenly.

Wrap steam pipes in rope

Wrap exposed pipes in durable rope for a more textured, reversible cover-up. It works well for the steam pipes in most New York City apartments and guards against burns should you unintentionally touch a hot pipe.

It has totally changed rusty, hot pipe in a bathroom into a “decor moment” that will make you very happy. Suppose you ever want to cover up a pipe and provide some minimal insulation. In that case, this is a far nicer fix than insulation foam.

Paint the nooks

To make alcoves appear less visually deep and more traditional, paint them in a light color that complements the style. Your nooks will visually retreat if you choose a dark tone, and the full effect will appear more dramatic.

Choose fabrics and furniture in similar shades to your wall paint to help them blend in rather than stand out. This will help create a calm, uncluttered space that feels bigger than it is. Shades of green work particularly well for this. Finally, style your alcove with little things so it is not the center of attention unless you want it to be.

Use a bookshelf as a divider

To create the feel of a separate, private bedroom in a one-room apartment or studio, enlist a tall, sturdy bookshelf. It feels almost like a complete wall but can be packed in the moving van (and repurposed elsewhere if you move to a bigger place).

Freestanding bookshelves and shelving units with cubbies are the perfect non-permanent way to divide a small space. They create physical and visual separation while providing new storage surfaces for books and decor. Light flows effortlessly through the shelves, which brightens the entire space. The ample squares allow for plenty of storage for books, plants, and trinkets.