Blog

Renting doesn’t mean you have to settle for plain white walls and boring layouts. Whether you're sprucing up your first apartment or maximizing a cozy rental home, there are countless renter-friendly DIY projects that let you personalize your space—without risking your security deposit.

At American Heritage Credit Union, we believe your home should feel like your own—no matter where you live. And with the American Heritage Cash Reward Mastercard, you can earn 3%* cash back on home improvement purchases like décor, tools, furniture, and supplies. It’s the perfect way to make your space feel like home while earning rewards on every peel-and-stick wallpaper roll, under-the-bed storage bin, or battery-powered sconce you add to your cart.

Plus, with smart budgeting tools and flexible financing options, you can bring your DIY vision to life without putting your finances at risk.

Here are some budget-friendly, reversible upgrades that transform your rental space while keeping costs and commitments low—and that qualify for valuable cash back when you use your American Heritage card.

1. Stick-on style made simple

Peel-and-stick wallpaper or backsplash is a renter’s best friend. It hides imperfections, refreshes outdated tiles, and adds personality to kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms—no grout or glue required.

What to Look for When Choosing Peel-and-Stick Products:

• “Easy to apply” – Save yourself frustration with products that go on smoothly and can be repositioned if needed.
• “Doesn’t leave residue” – Important for protecting your walls when it’s time to remove.
• “Stays in place” – Look for reviews that mention the adhesive holds over time, especially in humid areas like bathrooms.
• “True to color” – Review photos can help ensure the product looks as good in real life as it does online.

Pro Tip: Try a bold pattern for an accent wall in your home office or bedroom, or use peel-and-stick subway tiles behind your kitchen counters for a clean, modern look.

Other Peel-and-Stick Ideas:

• Peel-and-stick floor tiles to refresh vinyl or outdated linoleum
• Decorative decals to add quotes, botanical elements, or geometric patterns to walls
• Contact paper for countertops to create a marble, granite, or wood-look finish in your kitchen or bathroom

These options are ideal for renters looking for quick, impactful design without long-term damage.

2. Let there be light

Rental lighting can be… uninspiring. Upgrade your space without touching any wiring.

• Battery-powered sconces add style to hallways or gallery walls—just stick and switch on.
• Wireless LED puck lights go under cabinets or inside closets.
• Socket fan lights replace recessed bulbs and offer airflow for hot summer days.
• Touch-activated LED strip lights under beds or along hallways for nighttime safety and ambience.
  

• Smart LED bulbs that change color or dim using your phone.

These small upgrades make a big difference in how cozy and functional your space feels. 

3. Sprouting style

A touch of greenery can breathe life into any room.

• Get a raised planter for your own herb garden on the patio
• Place potted plants (real or faux) in corners, on shelves, or in window sills to make the space feel lived-in and vibrant.
  

• Add wall planters for small-space greenery that doubles as wall art
• Use faux ivy wall panels to hide unsightly outdoor fixtures or fences.

Even adding a small snake plant or pothos in your living room can improve air quality and mood. If you're tight on natural light or travel often, opt for realistic faux plants to maintain that fresh, vibrant look year-round and maybe even grow your own basil for pasta night! 

4. Upgrade storage & functionality

Rentals are notorious for limited storage. But clever organization can help you reclaim space and reduce clutter.

• Use command hooks to hang coats, kitchen utensils, or create your own stylish hook.
• Add expandable shelf risers inside cabinets and closets to maximize vertical space.
• Try an over-the-door organizer for pantry goods, spices, or cleaning supplies

• Consider a stylish fold-out shoe cabinet and accessories rack in the entryway for a functional first impression that matches the rest of the room.
• Under the bed storage bins to store off-season clothes or extra linens.

Simple additions like these don’t just help organize your home, they make day-to-day life easier.

5. Furniture focused on use AND style

Multi-purpose furniture can make even small rentals feel spacious.

• Add a narrow console table behind the couch to hold charging stations, lighting, or remotes. No more crawling under furniture to find outlets!
• Upgrade your kitchen with a rolling island for additional counter space or coffee nook that includes storage and built-in trash bins to hide clunky looking receptacles.

• Satisfy comfort and style. Consider a Murphy bed that folds up into a cabinet, perfect for studio apartments or home offices doubling as guest rooms.
• Use storage ottomans or benches to hide blankets, shoes, or games.
• Add a ladder shelf for plants, books, or picture frames without putting holes in the walls

Furniture that serves double duty not only saves space but saves money in the long run. 

6. Bathroom boost

Small bathroom? No problem. A few renter-friendly upgrades can make it feel more organized and polished.

• Freestanding over-the-toilet cabinet: Maximize vertical space while adding room for towels, toiletries, and decor. No drilling required—and you can take it with you when you move.
• Peel-and-stick tile accents: Use in the shower, on the backsplash, or as a trim to give your bathroom a colorful refresh.
• Removable beadboard panels: Add charm and texture without permanent changes—perfect for giving your bathroom that cozy, cottage-style look.

Bonus tip: Enhance your bathroom even more by swapping out basic hardware like towel bars, cabinet knobs, or showerheads. Just store the originals and reinstall them before you move out. These small swaps can make your space feel custom without a major investment—and they’re easy to reverse when it’s time to go.

Other Easy Bathroom Upgrades:

• Add a shower caddy that hangs over the door or tension rod.
• Use drawer dividers in bathroom vanities for better organization.
• Install a stick-on vanity mirror with LED lights for better makeup lighting.
  

These affordable upgrades add function and personality to one of the most-used rooms in your home.

Make your rental feel like home

All of these renter-friendly DIY projects are affordable, portable, and reversible. But if you’re looking to make several upgrades at once, using your American Heritage Credit Union Credit Card can help you spread out the cost while building your credit.

When used responsibly, credit cards offer:

• Upfront purchasing power to get your materials and tools now
• Opportunity to build credit when you pay your balance on time
• Rewards on purchases like home improvement and décor
• Special promotional rates on large purchases, perfect for bundling multiple DIY upgrades

Ready to refresh your space?

Learn more about our American Heritage Credit Union Credit Cards and start turning your rental into your dream home, one DIY project at a time.

Disclosure:

*How to earn Cash Back: Purchases made through third-party technologies such as P2P or mobile wallets may not receive higher reward depending upon how the technology platform is configured to process the purchase. American Heritage is not responsible for codes used by merchants. Essential merchants defined as gasoline, grocery stores, home improvement, pharmacies, dairy, or meat locker. Travel merchants defined as restaurants, cafes, fast food chains, airlines, ride sharing and hotels. See American Heritage Credit Union Cash Reward Program Terms and Conditions for more information about your rewards. We reserve the right to cancel, modify or extend this offer at any time without notice. See account Terms and Conditions for information on fees. Not a member? Join today. Equal Opportunity Lender.