DIY doesn’t have to mean drilling holes or breaking lease rules. In fact, some of the best DIY tricks are simple, cheap, and totally reversible.

Here are five smart ways to upgrade your rental without crossing any landlord lines:

Paint One Wall (Yes, Just One!)

DIY doesn’t have to cover the whole room. An accent wall is bold enough to shift the vibe, but easy enough to repaint later. Pick one wall and hit it with a splash of color, something rich like navy, forest green, or terracotta.

This trick instantly adds mood and personality without a full-room commitment.

Use a quality paint that goes on smoothly and comes off clean. It is cheap, fast, and makes your place feel more like your place.

Swap Out That Boring Hardware

DIY doesn’t stop at shelves and walls. The small stuff matters too. Think cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and even switch plates. Rentals usually come with basic, builder-grade hardware.

Swapping those out for something with a little edge, like matte black, brass, or even funky ceramic, can completely change the look.

The best part? You can keep the originals, toss them in a bag, and put them back when you move out. This upgrade is low effort, high impact, and doesn’t cost much. It is one of those DIY moves that feels way more expensive than it is.

Stick-On Wallpaper = Instant Wow!

DIY doesn’t always need a hammer. Peel-and-stick wallpaper has come a long way, and it’s a renter’s secret weapon. It is easy to apply, easy to remove, and makes a huge statement.

Go bold with patterns, soft with neutrals, or graphic with shapes, whatever fits your vibe.

Apply it to one wall, inside a closet, or even behind open shelves. It turns bland white walls into something you actually want to look at. Just make sure the wall is clean and dry before you start, and save the backing paper for when it is time to peel it off.

Add Storage That Looks Good

DIY can also solve your storage problems. Rentals are famous for having zero shelves and nowhere to put anything. Use freestanding storage you can take with you, like ladder shelves, stacked crates, and rolling carts. Or go vertical with stick-on hooks and tension rods.

Don’t just stash stuff! Make it part of the room.

Frame It Up

Remember, DIY decor doesn’t need to be nailed to the wall. Instead of hanging art with nails or screws, lean it. Use oversized frames and prop them against the wall on the floor, on shelves, or on top of furniture.

It looks intentional, modern, and best of all, zero holes.

Want to hang something lightweight? Use adhesive strips or removable hooks. They hold surprisingly well and come off clean. No damage, no stress. This trick works for mirrors, too, and makes your place look finished fast.

Just one reminder: Always check your lease and ask before making changes. Even the easiest DIY can turn into a headache if you skip that step. Once you have got the green light, go for it.