Make Your New Rental Feel Like Home With These Decor Tips and Tricks

CNET

13-05-2025

You've finally made it into your new place -- and there's no doubt it was hard work. Now comes the fun part: making it feel like home.
Don't worry, decorating doesn't have to drain your wallet, especially if moving already put a strain on your budget. With a little creativity and a few smart moves, you can turn your new space into something that's totally you -- without spending a fortune.
From giving tired walls a fresh coat of paint to doing a deep clean before unpacking -- there are plenty of easy, affordable ways to make your place feel cozy and personal. We've rounded up some of our favorite tips to help you settle in and style your space with minimal fuss and maximum charm.
For more moving tips, check out the best moving companies for 2025 and six common moving day mistakes to watch out for.
Clean, clean, clean
If you're fortunate enough to move into a spotless apartment, consider yourself lucky. However, that's not always the norm. More often than not, your new place might be a bit dusty or slightly grimy.
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Before diving into unpacking boxes or tackling that stack of flat-pack furniture, take a moment to give your space a thorough clean. Sweep or Swiffer the floors, wipe down the windows, scrub the kitchen counters until they shine, freshen up the bathroom and finish with a solid vacuuming session.
This is the start of a new chapter -- don't let it begin with someone else's mess.
Give your walls a new layer of paint or some wallpaper
When I moved into my new home in Florida, I knew white walls would not suit the stunning beach vibes of my new neighborhood. Now, my walls are blue and orange and gray -- and perfect for my bungalow.
Simply painting the walls was a simple fix that breathed new life into the home and made it feel like this was my space, not just another rental.
With your landlord's approval, try switching up the vibe of your new place with colors that reflect who you are and what you want your apartment to be. Don't succumb to the wall colors given to you -- seek out funky wallpapers and compelling tones to make this space yours.
Note: If your landlord agrees to let you paint, it'll probably be on the condition that you paint the walls back to their original color when you leave.
Simply painting the walls can be a simple fix that breathes new life into the home.
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Add scents that remind you of home
Candles can be an easy way to make your rental feel more like yours.
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Create a space that feels like home with scents that take you back to your old one. Maybe that means adding a sugar cookie scented Yankee Candle to your shopping cart for old times' sake or plugging your Glade clean linen air freshener into that living room outlet. This tip also works if you're trying to get a pesky stench out of your apartment.
Rugs, curtains, mirrors and throws
Liven up your new home with special decor.
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A few key home decor pieces can instantly liven up your space with minimal effort. Adding curtains to your windows can bring warmth and personality to an otherwise plain living room or bedroom.
For smaller apartments, strategically hanging mirrors in bright areas can make the space feel larger and help natural light bounce around. To add a personal touch, try incorporating vibrant rugs and patterned throw pillows that reflect your style.
Light it up
The general rule, according to interior designers, is to have three to four sources of light per room.
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To give your rooms a generous warm glow, consider adding multiple layers of light. Don't solely rely on that overhead light or desk lamp.
The general rule, according to interior designers, is to have three to four sources of light per room. Some of these sources can be purely functional, and others can add some personality, character and funk to the space.
For smaller spaces, consider smaller light sources, like desk lights and floor lamps, while larger spaces, like a living room or kitchen, could require overhead lighting fixtures instead. Don't forget dimmers -- use them to control the ambiance of your room by dimming your lights based on the time of day and the vibe of your space.
Hang it up
Decorate your walls with your favorite artwork and photos.
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Add personality to your space by decorating your walls with your favorite artwork and photos. Print out cherished family pictures or pieces you love, and use them to transform blank walls into something uniquely yours. A little wall art goes a long way in making your home feel truly personal and lived-in.
Liven it up with plants and cacti
Plants can add beauty to your space, while also boosting your mood.
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Not only do plants and cacti add some life and green to your apartment, but they also purify your air and can boost your mood.
Choose plants that suit your plant caretaking style. Opt for an unfussy pothos if you kill any plant you buy, or go for a funky cactus or string of pearls succulent if you're an intermediate to professional plant parent who is very attentive to your flora.
For more home tips, here's how to lift heavy boxes and furniture and not hurt your back, and here's what you should know before you move.