Making the most of a small space is an art form.
When you’re renting an apartment, you don’t always have the luxury of choosing your layout or making major renovations.
However, there are plenty of clever hacks and affordable tweaks you can make to customize your rental, maximize every inch, and make it feel more like home.
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Display Artwork Without Damaging Walls
Making holes in the walls to hang artwork is usually forbidden in rentals.
However, you can still decorate with your favorite prints and photographs using damage-free displays.
Look for lightweight art hangers that attach to walls using removable adhesive strips or hooks.
Options like poster rails, hanging wiring systems and magnetic wall strips hold artwork without leaving marks.
Get creative displaying art propped on shelves, layered against textiles or mounted to removable wallpaper.
Use sleek leaning or floating ledges to perch framed pieces.
Clip photos and notes to hanging strings or wires with clothespins for an eclectic gallery wall.
When possible, opt for frameless prints, photos and canvases that are easier to swap out.
Avoid heavyweight materials that could fall and always check adhesive strips regularly for security.
With a little creativity, you can show off artwork in rentals without a single nail hole!
Use Wallpaper or Removable Wallpaper to Transform a Room
One of the biggest challenges renters face is not being able to paint or make permanent changes to their walls.
However, removable wallpaper is a game-changing hack that allows you to give any room a quick makeover without angering your landlord.
Temporary wallpaper is easy to install, won’t damage walls, and peels off cleanly when it’s time to move out.
When choosing removable wallpaper, look for durable vinyl prints that are residue-free.
Avoid paper-based options, which can rip easily.
Measure the wall space carefully and order wallpaper panels a few inches longer than you need to account for mistakes.
Thick, high-quality removable wallpaper can last for years without fading or curling at the edges.
Once your wallpaper order arrives, make sure you have a smooth, clean wall surface to install it on.
Fill any holes, sand away bumps, and clean off dirt or oil to help the wallpaper adhere.
Use a wallpaper smoothing tool as you hang the panels to push out air bubbles and wrinkles.
Take care lining up the edges for a seamless look.
An eye-catching removable wallpaper is one of the fastest ways to give a basic rental closet, bedroom or kitchen a stylish facelift.
Opt for uplifting patterns, soothing neutrals or even faux architectural details to elevate the space.
Change it up whenever inspiration strikes without putting a single nail hole in the wall!
Build Custom Shelving for Awkward Nooks and Crannies
The quirky angles and irregular dimensions of apartments often leave awkward, wasted spaces that are a pain to decorate.
However, with a little DIY spirit, you can build custom shelving to transform those odd cavities into stunning storage nooks!
Start by taking careful measurements and creating plans for shelving units tailored to the exact dimensions of the space.
Using pre-cut shelving boards from the hardware store, you can assemble basic box shelves secured with finishing nails, wood glue and L brackets.
For a more polished look, add trim pieces along the edges.
Paint or stain your custom shelves to match your apartment’s color palette before installation.
Make sure all units are securely anchored to wall studs for safety.
Now you can fill your new display nooks with practical storage baskets or decorative accessories!
This hack is great for making use of the oddly slanted walls beside chimneys, the empty space above doorways, awkward corners or unused niches.
Building customized shelving lets you take advantage of every square inch while showing off your DIY skills.
Add Hidden Storage with Curtains and Tension Rods
Lack of storage space is one of the biggest drawbacks of apartment living.
However, you can instantly increase your storage options with the clever use of curtains and tension rods!
Tension curtain rods easily install in any doorway or opening without screws or making holes.
Choose spring-loaded rods that extend snugly from wall to wall.
Then pick lightweight, opaque curtain panels to hang, allowing the fabric to conceal whatever you stash behind it.
Use this renter-friendly storage trick in entryways to conceal coats, shoes and bags.
Mount rods inside closets to hide shelves or clutter.
You can instantly double your pantry space by hanging a curtain across the front of a shelf unit.
Even the space under sinks or beds can be veiled behind curtains to stash cleaning supplies or linens.
When tackling this project, measure carefully so the rods fit the openings snugly without sagging.
Choose fabric in neutral solids or simple patterns that won’t clash with your decor.
Slide storage containers and organizers behind your new curtained space to maximize every inch without cluttering up the room.
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Optimize Closets with Adjustable Storage Units
Tired of playing Tetris when it comes to cramming things into your apartment’s cramped closets?
Modular storage units with adjustable shelves are a game changer for optimizing limited closet space.
Look for storage systems made of durable melamine, metal and wood that allow you to customize the interior to suit your needs.
DIY kits make it easy to assemble storage units to fit your closet’s dimensions from top to bottom.
Once installed, adjustable shelves, drawers and hanging rods let you tweak the layout to storeitems of different heights.
Sturdy organization tools like shoes racks, belt and tie holders, drawer dividers and smart storage bins keep everything in its place.
When installing a closet organizing system, don’t overlook the back of the closet door!
Use over-the-door racks and pouches to stash small items like jewelry, socks, accessories and toiletries.
With a fully customized closet, you’ll finally be able to see (and find!) everything you own.
Use Space-Saving Furniture to Maximize Square Footage
Trying to cram all the furniture you need into a pint-sized apartment can feel like playing Tetris.
The layout just doesn’t work until you starting thinking vertically and opt for space-saving furniture.
For the living room, a convertible ottoman with hidden storage is a savior.
Use it as a coffee table or extra seating by day, then open it to stash blankets and board games at night.
Floating wall-mounted shelves remove bulky bookcases from the floor plan while displaying photos and decor.
In the bedroom, a loft bed creates both a sleeping and lounging zone, while under-bed drawers provide valuable clothing storage.
For the kitchen, mobile rolling carts double as extra counters and hide away easily.
Search for fold-down tables, nesting side tables and stools that slide under couches to make the most of your precious square footage.
When furnishing a small rental, stick to sleek, compact pieces in lighter colors to keep things from feeling cluttered.
Multi-functional furniture that converts from one use to another is a renter’s best friend for fitting more function into less space.
Use Floor Mirrors to Visually Expand Small Rooms
Installing oversized floor mirrors is one of the simplest and most effective tricks for making a small apartment feel instantly larger.
Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of more space by showing off more of the room.
Position a large, leaning floor mirror in living rooms or bedrooms to make the area appear bigger.
A floor mirror near the front door also visually expands a tight entryway.
To make the space seem longer, place mirrors at the end of a hallway.
Just be sure to anchor floor mirrors properly so they don’t topple over.
When choosing mirrors, look for beveled edges and lightweight frames that won’t dominate the room.
Floor mirrors work best when they take up a significant portion of the wall to strongly reflect the rest of the space.
Go for height over width for the biggest visual impact.
Remember, mirrors show everything, so keep them clean and uncluttered.
Hang decorative curtains or plants alongside a mirror to create an attractive vignette that highlights the reflective surface.
With smart placement, a few choice mirrors can make a cramped rental feel bright and spacious.
Multi-Task Your Furniture for Double the Function
Finding furniture that serves more than one purpose is the holy grail for small space dwellers.
Dual-purpose furnishings allow you to get double the function and style payoff from a single piece.
For example, a trunk that doubles as a coffee table offers both storage and a surface for entertaining.
Look for a console that can convert into a dining table with removable legs.
Upholstered ottomans pull triple duty as seating, footrests and sneaky storage units.
Even something as simple as a bed with drawers underneath kills two birds with one piece.
A multifunctional wall desk with a fold-down front transforms from a workspace into a handy kitchen island.
With creative multifunctional furniture, the possibilities are endless!
When evaluating convertible finds, make sure all functions work smoothly and transition seamlessly.
Sturdy hardware and joints are key for pieces that fold out or transform.
High quality construction ensures your functional furniture will endure frequent use and position changes.
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Install Vertical Bike Racks for Garage-Free Storage
Avid city cyclists know how tricky it can be to store bikes in a small apartment without a garage.
However, with the right vertical bike rack, you can hang your bicycles upright and out of the way along an empty wall.
Freestanding bike racks provide an organized storage solution that keeps bikes off the floor and walls unscratched.
Look for sturdy racks that allow you to stack two bikes vertically with rubberized hooks that won’t scratch the frames.
Make sure to confirm your bike measurements and wheel size will fit properly in the rack dimensions.
For security, choose racks with built-in locks to immobilize back tires and prevent theft.
Consider a rack with smooth-rolling casters so you can wheel bikes out of the way as needed.
Install your bike rack in an entryway, mudroom, laundry area or next to the back door if space allows.
Pro tip: Hang bikes horizontally if you have the ceiling clearance.
Vertical bike racks work best in apartments with at least 8 foot ceilings.
Install Multi-Tiered Hanging Rails for More Closet Space
Trying to cram all your clothes into a tiny apartment closet can feel downright impossible, especially if you’re sharing.
However, you can nearly double your hanging space with a DIY trick: installing a second rail to create more tiers.
This hack allows you to hang shorter items like shirts, skirts and jackets on a higher rod.
On the existing closet rod below, you can then hang dresses, coats and pants with extra room
Measure carefully so the upper rod is at least 12 inches above the original to leave sufficient space between tiers.
Opt for an adjustable double hanging rod kit from the hardware store.
Install securely into wall studs for safety and stability.
If possible, paint the new rod the same color as your existing closet rod for a streamlined, built-in look.
By splitting your hanging clothes into two zones, you make room for everyone’s wardrobe.
It also reduces wrinkling and clinging items by giving clothes more breathing room.
Add matching shelving above the rods to complete the expanded storage space.
Use Tension Rods to Instantly Add Extra Shelving
Don’t have much closet space or shelf room in your apartment?
No problem!
You can easily MacGyver additional storage using tension rods and brackets.
Tension rods are adjustable poles that wedge snugly between walls or inside closets.
Look for strong steel rods that you can customize to fit different width spaces.
Then, attach bracket shelving securely on top of the tension rods to build instant ledges and surfaces.
Use tension rod shelves inside closets to double hanging space or stack sweaters and shoes.
Place them along blank walls to hold books, plants and display items without making holes.
You can even install tension rods across open cabinets or pantries to add more storage surfaces.
When planning this project, measure the space and buy rigid shelves that are a few inches shorter than the width to rest on the rods securely.
Test weight limits before loading up your instant shelving to prevent accidents.
With the right brackets and rods, you can conquer clutter by creating storage anywhere it’s needed.
Install Discreet Under-Cabinet Lighting
The harsh overhead lighting found in many rentals can cast unflattering shadows and create a sterile vibe.
For a softer, warmer glow, install discreet under-cabinet lighting to illuminate countertops and work zones.
LED strip lights are an easy under-cabinet solution that stick to surfaces with removable adhesive backing.
Look for ultra-thin flexible strips that produce even, bright light.
Install the strips underneath upper cabinets to indirectly illuminate counters and sinks.
For a professional finish, drill small holes to thread wiring behind cabinets and conceal connectors.
Use remote controls or app connectivity to dim and control lighting effects.
Extend strips into closets to gently illuminate shelves when doors open.
Under-cabinet lighting creates the perfect ambiance for prepping meals, doing crafts or getting ready for work.
The subtle lighting warms up cold rentals and makes dingy kitchens feel bright and inviting.
Just be sure to get landlord approval before drilling any holes.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Make a Room Divider for Private Zones in Open Floor Plans
If you live in a studio apartment or space with an open floor plan, carving out designated living zones can be a challenge.
However, you can easily create separate sleeping, working and lounging areas using a simple room divider.
To DIY a divider, attach two or three folding privacy screens together securely.
Choose screens with durable frames and sound-muffling fabric panels that complement your decor.
Position your customized partition to block off parts of the room and delineate different functional spaces.
Use screens to divide a studio into a bedroom nook plus living area.
Place them diagonally to hide an office corner from the rest of the open layout.
Get creative mixing panels of different heights, materials and colors for a unique look.
When positioning dividers, make sure they don’t obstruct lighting, ventilation or access to doors and windows.
Furnish and decorate each zone differently so they feel like distinct rooms.
Your handcrafted divider instantly turns one blob of a space into multiple stylish, private areas.
With clever solutions like space-saving furniture, convertible designs and expandable organization tools, you can comfortably settle in without breaking the lease.
Strategically placed mirrors, multi-functional textiles and custom DIY touches turn bland into bold without making permanent alterations.
Renting doesn’t mean living with impersonal decor you don’t love.
With these renter-friendly hacks, your apartment can be as welcoming and you-filled as any home you own.
What small space solutions will you try first to transform your rental into a space that inspires you?
Get ready to DIY your apartment into a personalized oasis designed to maximize every inch!
