6 Simple Tricks to Make Your Rental Feel Like Home – No Redecorating Needed

Tricks to Make Your Rental Feel Like Home

After spending nearly 20 years owning homes and completing a massive renovation project, we sold our last house and found ourselves in a rental while searching for the perfect place to call our own. Even though this 200-year-old house has history, most of its charm has been erased. The owners, running it as a rental for quite some time, have kept things neutral—think white walls, gray cabinets, and a clean but unremarkable aesthetic.

And yet, instead of diving into a decorating frenzy, I chose to embrace the plainness and make it feel like home through small, meaningful changes. Here are the tricks I used to transform this space without touching a paintbrush—ways you can make any rental feel like home, too.

1. Styling the Sofa: The First Step to Comfort

One of the first things we did after moving in was style the sofa. Amidst the chaos of unpacking and cleaning, my husband calmly positioned our corner sofa in the perfect spot, carefully placing cushions across it. At first, I thought, Why bother with this now? But the moment the sofa was arranged with our cushions, the room felt warmer, cozier, and more like home.

The soft cushions, particularly the throw pillows, immediately brought a sense of comfort and personality to an otherwise cold room. Designer Lisa Gilmore agrees: “Anything that creates lushness is a great idea, especially things you can take with you and that are inexpensive.” Throw pillows are not only practical but also transformative. They add texture, color, and warmth instantly.

Quick Tip:

• Add a mix of throw pillows: Choose a variety of textures and sizes to create depth and interest on your sofa or bed. Don’t be afraid to layer different patterns for a more dynamic look.

Throw Pillow

Accent cushions with original art, for that instant zhuzh factor in any room

REDBUBBLE

2. Books as Art: More Than Just Reading

I wasn’t even planning on unpacking my books. I’ve shifted to using a Kindle, and I prefer keeping shelves minimal. However, the few books I did have—coffee table beauties that I’ve collected over the years—deserved a spot in this new space.

Books can add an artistic touch to any room even if you’re not a bibliophile. Lisa Gilmore mentions, “I have an embarrassing amount of coffee table books, and not a lot of space for them. So I started stacking them in creative ways.”

By placing your favorite books in strategic spots—on shelves, under lamps, or even as part of a vignette—they serve as both functional and decorative pieces.

Quick Tip:

• Use books to tell your story: Even a small collection can make a big impact when placed thoughtfully around the room.

3. Grouping Plants in Pot Colonies: Bring Life to the Space

Houseplants are the unsung heroes of rental living. Not only do they breathe life into a room, but they also allow for endless experimentation. Lisa Gilmore, a proud “plant mom,” loves how plants can create different feelings within a space. “I like placing one on an antique stool or hanging them,” she says.

For us, creating “pot colonies” around the home gave the space an organic, lived-in feel. The ferns and philodendrons that we brought from our previous home have become part of our story, quietly thriving in their new corners.

Quick Tip:

• Group plants in clusters: Create small “colonies” of plants to add visual interest and a sense of greenery throughout the room. Mixing different plant types, sizes, and pots can create a dynamic display.

Rattan Console Table with 3 Drawers

Boho Entryway Table with Storage, Narrow Long Sofa Table with Open Shelf, Foyer Table Hallway Table Behind Couch Table for Living Room, Natural Wood

AMAZON

4. Changing Light Fixtures: A Simple Yet Powerful Update

I knew I wouldn’t touch the harsh spotlights in the kitchen or the cold wall lights in the living room. Instead, I focused on something simpler: swapping out a few lampshades. It was a quick fix that made a massive difference.

Lighting can transform a room, and personalizing even small fixtures can shift the ambiance. Lisa Gilmore suggests, “It’s not a big deal to switch out a chandelier and stash the owner’s one in a box.” Just make sure you can put everything back as it was when you moved out!

Quick Tip:

• Use your light shades: Whether it’s floor lamps, table lamps, or hanging fixtures, swap out what you can to bring in a softer glow and create a warmer atmosphere.

5. Propping Up an Art Collection: Personalize the Space

Art can be one of the most personal touches you bring into a rental. Over the years, I’ve collected art pieces that speak to me—some original, some gathered during travels. Lisa Gilmore notes that even in a rental, you don’t have to nail anything to the walls. Propping up art on shelves, mantels, or even on the floor can make a bold statement.

“Place the larger painting on the bottom, with smaller pieces perched on top,” Lisa suggests, “to create a quirky, layered look.”

Quick Tip:

• Rotate your art: Don’t be afraid to rearrange your art and decor now and then. It refreshes the room and keeps the space feeling dynamic and alive.

6. Throw Pillows and Blankets: The Instant Comfort Boost

Nothing says “home” quite like cozy pillows and blankets. Whether you’re styling the sofa, the bed, or even a reading nook, these soft accents immediately add warmth and personality to any space. Throw pillows are a renter’s best friend—easy to change, affordable, and always impactful.

I found that layering throws and pillows on the sofa not only made it look better but also added an instant sense of relaxation. The room went from sterile to lived-in in minutes.

Quick Tip:

• Mix and match textures: Combine soft knits with woven fabrics or faux furs for a more interesting and inviting look.

Final Thoughts: The Little Things Make the Biggest Impact

With just a few simple tweaks—like styling the sofa, displaying books, grouping plants, swapping out light fixtures, and propping up art—you can transform any rental into a space that feels personal, warm, and uniquely yours. Throw pillows and blankets are the finishing touches that bring it all together.

This house may not be our forever home, but with these small adjustments, it feels like our home. And that’s the key to making any rental feel special—focus on the little things that have the biggest impact.