BEST Hacks + DIYs for Your Apartment!

Moving into an apartment, especially for the first time, can be both exciting and daunting. Personalizing your rental without violating lease terms requires creativity and ingenuity. Here are some of the best hacks and DIYs to make your apartment feel like home, all while being renter-friendly. From decorative touches to practical improvements, these ideas will help you enhance your living space without causing any damage.

1. Transform Your Walls with Removable Wallpaper

Removable wallpaper is a game-changer for renters. It allows you to add personality and style to your walls without permanent damage.

How to Apply Removable Wallpaper:

1. Measure Your Space: Measure the height and width of the wall you want to cover.
2. Cut to Size: Cut the wallpaper to match your measurements, ensuring the pattern aligns.
3. Use a Level: Use a level to ensure the wallpaper is applied straight.
4. Apply Slowly: Start from the top, peel away the backing, and smooth it down slowly to avoid bubbles. Use a putty knife to help smooth out any bubbles.
5. Trim Excess: Use a utility knife to trim any excess wallpaper gently.

Benefits:

• Variety: Available in numerous styles and patterns.
• Easy Removal: Peels off without leaving residue.

Source: Statista reports that the home decor market, including wallpapers, is expected to reach $838 billion by 2027.

2. Add Style with Beadboard

Beadboard is a fantastic way to create an accent wall that is also removable.

How to Install Beadboard:

1. Purchase Sheets: Beadboard can be bought in large sheets or individual boards that click into place.
2. Paint: Choose a paint color that complements your decor.
3. Attach with Command Strips: Use Velcro command strips to attach the beadboard to the wall. Hot glue the strips for extra security.

Benefits:

• Customizable: Paint in any color to match your decor.
• Removable: Easily detachable without damaging walls.

Source: Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer a wide variety of beadboard options.

3. Modernize with Outlet Covers

Outdated fixtures like outlet covers can detract from your apartment’s aesthetic. Modernizing these is an easy fix.

How to Upgrade Outlet Covers:

1. Purchase Renter-Friendly Covers: These can be found at hardware stores and are designed to fit over existing outlets.
2. Install: Simply snap them over the old outlets. No tools required.

Benefits:

• Instant Modernization: Updates the look of your apartment.
• Easy Installation: No need for tools or permanent changes.

Source: Data from Home Depot shows an increase in the sale of decorative outlet covers, indicating their popularity among renters.

4. Create a Board and Batten Wall

A board and batten wall adds depth and character to any room.

How to Create a Board and Batten Wall:

1. Clean the Wall: Ensure the wall is free from dust and dirt.
2. Measure and Cut Contact Paper: Use removable contact paper as a base. Cut to the desired height and width.
3. Apply Command Strips: Attach the command strips to the wall where the boards will go.
4. Attach Boards: Use project boards that are pre-cut to size. Attach them to the command strips.

Benefits:

• No Power Tools Needed: Easy to install with basic tools.
• Removable: Can be taken down without damaging the wall.

Source: Lowe’s offers various project boards and contact paper options perfect for DIY projects.

5. Elevate Fixtures with DIY Lampshades

Hide ugly flush mount light fixtures with a DIY lampshade.

How to Make a DIY Lampshade:

1. Cut Cane Webbing: Measure and cut cane webbing to the desired size.
2. Finish Edges: Use veneer edging and an iron to finish the edges.
3. Assemble: Use hot glue to form the webbing into a cylinder.
4. Attach Hooks: Attach eye hooks to the lampshade and ceiling.

Benefits:

• Customizable: Match to your decor with paint or stains.
• Removable: Easily take down when you move out.

Source: Etsy offers a wide range of cane webbing materials suitable for DIY projects.

6. Upgrade Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds can be unsightly, but you can easily hide them.

How to Hide Vertical Blinds:

1. Install a Curtain Rod: Place a rod above the blinds.
2. Hang Curtains: Slide on curtains that match your decor.

Benefits:

• Stylish: Adds a decorative element to the room.
• Functional: Blinds remain usable for privacy.

Source: Apartment Therapy suggests using curtains to improve the look of rental spaces without permanent changes.

7. Cover Unsightly Fixtures

Old fixtures like phone jacks can be hidden creatively.

How to Cover Fixtures:

1. Use Canvas or Shelves: Hang a large canvas or install shelves over the fixture.
2. Decorate: Use the shelves for decor items to further conceal the fixture.

Benefits:

• Disguises Eyesores: Hides unattractive elements.
• Adds Storage: Shelves provide additional space for decor.

Source: IKEA provides affordable shelving options ideal for renters.

8. Layer Rugs for Style

Adding a rug on top of carpet can enhance the look of your apartment.

How to Layer Rugs:

1. Start with a Rug Pad: Ensure the rug stays in place.
2. Place the Rug: Lay the rug over the carpet to add texture and color.

Benefits:

• Personal Touch: Customize your space with colors and patterns.
• Conceals Wear: Covers worn or outdated carpet.

Source: According to a study by the National Floor Covering Institute, layered rugs are increasingly popular in home decor.

9. Faux Roman Shades

Elevate the look of your windows with faux Roman shades.

How to Create Faux Roman Shades:

1. Cut Fabric: Measure and cut fabric to the width of your window plus an extra five inches.
2. Sew or Glue: Fold and hem the fabric, then sew or glue to create folds.
3. Attach with Command Hooks: Use clear command hooks to hang the shades.

Benefits:

• Stylish: Adds a polished look to windows.
• Functional: Blinds remain usable for privacy.

Source: Joann Fabrics offers a variety of fabrics perfect for DIY window treatments.

10. Battery-Operated Picture Lights

Enhance your gallery wall with battery-operated picture lights.

How to Install Picture Lights:

1. Purchase Lights: Choose battery-operated lights in your preferred finish.
2. Install: Follow the manufacturer’s guide to install.
3. Customize: Use paint or rub and buff to match your decor.

Benefits:

• No Wiring: Easy to install without electrical work.
• Remote Control: Convenient operation with a remote.

Source: Amazon offers a wide range of battery-operated picture lights, making them accessible and affordable.

11. Basket Light Fixtures

Transform a basket into a chic light fixture.

How to Create a Basket Light Fixture:

1. Cut Basket: Remove the bottom of the basket to fit over the light fixture.
2. Attach: Secure the basket to the ceiling fixture with wires or command hooks.

Benefits:

• Affordable: Reuse items to create stylish decor.
• Removable: Easy to take down when you move out.

Source: Good Housekeeping highlights creative uses for baskets in home decor.

12. Outdoor Privacy Curtains

Add privacy to your balcony with outdoor curtains.

How to Install Outdoor Curtains:

1. Install Eye Hooks: Place eye hooks at the top and bottom of your balcony.
2. String Clothesline: Use a clothesline to hang the curtains.
3. Secure Curtains: Ensure the curtains are taut for maximum privacy.

Benefits:

• Privacy: Creates a private outdoor space.
• Versatile: Curtains can be removed and reinstalled easily.

Source: Home Depot offers a variety of outdoor curtains and installation materials.

Final Thoughts

Personalizing your apartment with renter-friendly hacks and DIYs can make your space feel like home without violating lease agreements. These projects are designed to be affordable, easy to install, and removable, ensuring that your security deposit remains intact. From transforming walls and fixtures to adding personal touches with rugs and curtains, there are endless ways to customize your rental space creatively.

Sources

1. Statista - Home decor market trends and statistics.
2. Home Depot - Sales data on decorative outlet covers.
3. Apartment Therapy - Tips for improving rental spaces.
4. National Floor Covering Institute - Trends in home decor.
5. Good Housekeeping - Creative uses for home decor items.

By incorporating these hacks, you can enjoy a stylish and comfortable apartment without permanent changes. Happy decorating!