When you’re renting an apartment, it can feel like your decorating options are limited. But a little creativity goes a long way when it comes to landlord-friendly apartment upgrades. Making it feel like your own can be a challenge. Focus on reusable fixes, like paint or furniture that can move with you to your next apartment. These simple, inexpensive changes can have a big impact.

There are many easy and affordable ways to give your rental home or apartment a more personalized touch without breaking the bank. You can spruce up the walls with inexpensive DIY wall art, add window treatments, improve lighting and even make your floor a little more comfortable with rugs that you can take with you when you move.

Don’t let your rental agreement restrict you from putting a personal stamp on your apartment’s décor. These clever ideas will make your apartment feel like a home without risking your security deposit! Here are a few cheap apartment  improvement ideas to help you get started.

Paint the Walls

If you’re allowed to paint and decorate, try a simple color upgrade with a bold or neutral paint that will brighten up the space. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way to make an apartment feel more like home. Renters often paint because it’s a cheap, easy DIY project with an instant aesthetic payoff. If you plan to repaint, try to identify the original color so you can return it to that shade when your lease ends. This will help save you a potential hefty security deposit refund.

The neutral paint color that is applied to this wall makes your apartment feel brighter, simple colors that are not too flashy help add a warm feel to the room. Paint the Walls from @apartement_painting_dubai

Change Lighting Fixtures

Although changing out lighting fixtures is not typically allowed in rental properties, it may be worth asking your landlord if it’s OK to upgrade the existing fixture to something more modern. This will help to improve the look and feel of your living space while saving you money on your energy bill. Ugly light fixtures are a common apartment problem. Replace the bulbs with energy-efficient fluorescents in a cool tone, which can brighten the space and give it a more comfortable and inviting feel.

The design of this neon light bulb is very unique and modern, adding to the aesthetics in the room, you can try it yourself. the resulting light color is cool, energy efficient also gives a more attractive impression. Fluorescent Light Bulb from @plumen

Add a Multipurpose Bookcase

If you have a little extra money to spend, you can easily add an upgrade to your apartment’s shelving. You can display decorative plates, vases, and photos on updated shelves that match your style. It’s also an easy way to make your apartment feel more organized.

Place a multipurpose bookshelf in the corner of the apartment so that the arrangement is more orderly, very multifunctional, it can display decorative ornaments, flower vases, and books according to your style. Multipurpose Bookcase from @nyumbarembo

Pay Attention to The Floor

Ugly floors are one of the most common eyesores in rental apartments. Floors are one of the biggest eyesores in many rental apartments, especially old and worn carpeting or mottled linoleum. Camouflage the flooring with a large area rug that can also serve as a decorative focal point in the room. Adding a rug is a quick and easy way to dress it up. It also helps to define a space in open-plan apartments.

Consider a floor rug for your main furniture, the pattern is attractive, the solid color blends with the items above it makes the room appear wider. Floor Rug from @alanawillisstyle

Hang Mirrors

Hanging mirrors is one of the most inexpensive ways to make a room appear larger. It is also can be used as a decorative item in your apartment. You can choose various kinds of mirrors that suitable to your style and need. When hanging a mirror, try to place it slightly lower than eye level to prevent people from craning their necks in an effort to see their reflection, she adds.

Creative arrangement by adding a stylish hanging mirror in a certain area as decoration in your main room the design is attractive, the thin frame looks very proportional. Hanging Mirror from @urbanzw

Add Throw Pillows

Infuse your apartment with personal style by adding fun throw pillows. They’re inexpensive and easy to change as you get bored of the look. You can even buy pillow covers separately from the pillows themselves, so you’ll be able to update your color scheme without splurging on new furniture.

Pillows with cute motifs using only two colors, with circles neatly arranged on the pillow, can add to the beauty of your room without spending a lot of money. Throw Pillows from @throw_pillows

Install Wall Art

Wall art is a huge part of what makes a rental feel like it’s your own. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable and creative options available online. Look for a local shop that sells artisan-made pieces or head to home goods stores for inexpensive framed prints. Then, mix and match to add texture and interest to your walls. You can even swap the flat art out seasonally to keep things fresh.

Creative floral wall art, neutral tones, and light wood frames give walls a unique texture and fresh look at an inexpensive price. Wall Art from @danipd