5 Renter Friendly Upgrades to Personalize Your Apartment

1. Peel and Stick Tiles

A backsplash can set the tone for an entire kitchen. Peel-and-stick tiles offer a way to experiment with colour, pattern and texture, whether you love a simple subway tile look or something a little more playful. 

For a makeover-video-inspired reveal, focus on one defined area, such as a suitable section of backsplash behind your counter. Pair the new pattern with a coordinating tea towel or utensil holder to bring the look together. 

The most useful hack? Plan the layout before peeling off the backing. Measure the space, check where each sheet will meet and work out cuts around edges in advance. This helps keep the pattern aligned and makes the finished result feel intentional. 

Renter tip: Choose tiles labelled for your intended surface and check both the installation and removal instructions. Adhesive products can lift paint or leave residue, so confirm permission with your property team and test a small, discreet spot first. Follow the product’s guidance for heat and moisture exposure, especially near a stove. 

Where to buy: Home Depot or Amazon  

There is something satisfying about opening a closet and having the light switch on automatically. Rechargeable or battery-operated motion sensor lights can add that little convenience to your daily routine. 

Try a light inside a wardrobe, beneath a suitable shelf or in another spot where you could use better visibility. For a softer evening feel, choose a warm white setting. If the light will be near your bed, look for adjustable brightness and sensor settings that suit the space. 

To borrow the atmosphere of a TikTok apartment reveal, think about what the light illuminates. A neatly arranged shelf or an organized closet can become a small feature of the room. 

Renter tip: Look for a clip-on option or a mounting system approved for the surface. Check the charging access before installing it and position the sensor where normal movement will activate it. 

Where to buy: Amazon or Wayfair  

These decorative outlet colours have been all the hype recently on TikTok proving that sometimes the smallest detail is the one that makes a room feel finished. Decorative outlet covers can add a pop of colour, complement your furniture or bring a playful accent to simple space like your home office. 

Think of them as an accessory for your room. A subtle finish can blend into the wall, while a patterned or colourful cover can pick up a shade from your artwork or rug. 

For a cohesive result, choose one finish or colour family for covers in the same room. It is a simple way to make a tiny update feel considered. 

Renter tip: Check with your property team before replacing electrical faceplates and ask how they would like the change handled. Choose compatible products intended for that use and keep the original covers. Leave the outlet itself, wiring and electrical work to qualified professionals. 

Where to buy: Etsy or Amazon  

Lighting gives you another way to play with the mood of your apartment. LED strips can create a soft glow behind a television, beneath a suitable shelf or along a desk. 

You can take this idea in several directions. Warm white lighting can complement a cozy living room, while adjustable colours let you switch things up for a movie night or gaming setup. Choose the effect you will enjoy every day. 

The styling trick is placement: hiding the strip behind an edge can help create a glow rather than a visible row of lights. Plan the power connection and cable route before attaching anything so the finished setup feels tidy. 

Renter tip: Choose a product suitable for the location and follow its ventilation, installation and removal instructions. Adhesive backing is not automatically damage-free; check surface compatibility and consider manufacturer-approved clips where appropriate. 

Where to buy: Home Depot, Amazon or Homesense 

A floating paper towel holder is a small upgrade with a useful payoff: it moves the roll off your counter while keeping it within reach. 

An under-cabinet holder can help create an organized kitchen setup. Pair it with a tray for everyday essentials or enjoy having a little more counter space available for preparing meals. 

Before choosing a holder, think about how you will use it. You should be able to pull a sheet comfortably, replace the roll easily and open nearby cupboard doors without anything catching. 

Renter tip: A slide-on holder that fits securely over a shelf or cabinet edge may suit your setup. Check the cabinet clearance and use protective pads where appropriate. For adhesive models, confirm surface compatibility, weight limits and removal instructions first. 

Where to buy: Amazon or Homesense