Decorating a furnished rental apartment can feel like walking a tightrope. On one side, there’s the excitement of making the space feel like home. On the other, there’s a long list of restrictions: no painting, no drilling, no changing the furniture permanently. Landlords everywhere—from Berlin to Barcelona, New York to Sydney—tend to be cautious about what tenants are allowed to modify.

But living in a furnished rental doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. With some creativity and smart choices, it’s absolutely possible to personalize a space without violating the lease or risking the security deposit. Here’s a practical guide to decorating a furnished rental apartment without stepping over the line.

Work With What’s Already There

Furnished apartments come with a set lineup of furniture—and often it’s neutral, basic, or simply not aligned with personal style. Instead of seeing these pieces as limitations, think of them as a base to build upon.

How to enhance existing furniture:

• Rearrange the layout: Most leases allow tenants to move furniture around. Repositioning sofas, tables, and beds can change the entire feeling of a room without spending a cent. Try floating furniture away from the walls or creating cozy conversation areas.
• Cushions and throws: Add layers of color and texture to basic sofas and chairs with stylish throw pillows and blankets. These elements can shift the tone from cold and impersonal to cozy and inviting in minutes.
• Temporary slipcovers: If a sofa or chair’s fabric isn’t appealing, a fitted slipcover can completely change its appearance—and it can come with you when you move.

Create Visual Interest With Textiles

Textiles are one of the easiest ways to personalize a furnished apartment. They bring color, pattern, and warmth into a space without causing any damage or needing landlord approval.

Practical textile upgrades:

• Area rugs: Rugs define spaces and add comfort, especially in rentals with cold floors or dull carpeting. Even a small rug under a coffee table or bed can transform a room.
• Curtains and window treatments: Many rentals come with basic blinds or curtains. Installing your own curtains using tension rods or clip-on curtain rings (no drilling required) can add personality and softness.
• Bedding: Personalize the bedroom with bold or soothing bedding that reflects personal taste. It’s one of the quickest ways to make a furnished bedroom feel distinctly yours.

Light It Up: Better Lighting, Better Mood

Furnished rentals often come with only the standard overhead lighting, which can be harsh or uninspiring. Supplementing lighting changes the atmosphere dramatically without altering the property.

Smart lighting upgrades:

• Floor lamps and table lamps: These can create cozy pools of light around seating and sleeping areas, perfect for reading or relaxing.
• String lights and fairy lights: Hung creatively (without nails), these lights add a whimsical or cozy feel.
• Battery-powered sconces: For a touch of elegance, these stick-on wall sconces bring style without needing electrical work or drilling.

Add Personality With Portable Decor

Decor items that don’t require installation are key to decorating rentals. These pieces move with you from apartment to apartment, making them a worthwhile investment.

Flexible decor ideas:

• Freestanding shelving units: These can house books, photos, plants, and personal collections without needing to attach anything to the walls.
• Decorative trays: Use trays to organize and style surfaces like coffee tables, kitchen counters, and bedside tables. They’re easy to move and instantly make spaces feel curated.
• Accent chairs or side tables: Bringing in one or two personal furniture pieces can change the entire balance of a room without overwhelming the landlord’s existing setup.

Wall Decor Without Commitment

Decorating walls without drilling is a common challenge, but there are many creative solutions that won’t leave a mark.

Easy wall decor options:

• Removable wallpaper or decals: These peel-and-stick options allow renters to add color or patterns and remove them cleanly at the end of the lease.
• Command strips and hooks: Perfect for lightweight frames, mirrors, or even small shelves.
• Leaned artwork: Place larger framed pieces on top of dressers, sideboards, or even directly on the floor for a relaxed, stylish look.

Bring Nature Indoors

Plants breathe life into a furnished apartment—literally and visually. Whether it’s a single large monstera or a collection of tiny succulents, greenery adds vibrancy without modifying the space.

Plant styling tips:

• Vary plant heights and types to create visual interest.
• Stylish pots and planters enhance the decor without being fixed installations.
• Hanging plants using tension rods or free-standing plant stands avoid drilling or damaging walls.

Scent and Sound: The Invisible Finishing Touches

Atmosphere isn’t just about what you see—it’s also what you smell and hear. These sensory layers are subtle but essential in creating a space that feels like home.

How to enhance with scent and sound:

• Scented candles, diffusers, or incense: Choose a signature scent to define the home environment.
• Speakers or sound systems: Background music can create different moods depending on the time of day or personal preference.

Storage Solutions: Functional and Stylish

Furnished rentals often lack personal storage space, but it’s easy to add without changing the structure.

Storage ideas for renters:

• Baskets and bins: They work for everything from laundry to books and keep the apartment organized while adding texture.
• Foldable storage furniture: Ottomans that open up for hidden storage or collapsible shelves are perfect for renters who might move again.
• Door hooks and over-the-door organizers: Add storage for coats, accessories, or shoes without drilling into walls.

Practical Advice: Always Check the Lease First

Before making any modifications—even those considered temporary—check the lease agreement or consult the landlord. Some rental contracts are stricter than others, and it’s always safer to clarify rather than assume. In many cases, landlords appreciate tenants who care enough to ask before making changes, and this simple gesture can build goodwill for the future.

Final Thought: Home Is How You Make It

Furnished rental apartments are designed for convenience, but that doesn’t mean they have to feel impersonal. With a smart combination of textiles, portable decor, lighting, greenery, and sensory elements, any furnished rental can be transformed into a stylish, welcoming home.

The key is to focus on personalization without permanence—investing in pieces that enhance everyday life now and can come along for the next chapter later. Every apartment is a blank canvas, even if it comes fully furnished. The brushstrokes just need to be flexible.