Rental-Friendly Home Styling Tips That Feel Built-In (Without the Commitment)
- Emily Wordsworth
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean your apartment has to sit in limbo between how you’d like and skirting your landlord's rules.
Whether you’re in a walk-up in Sheung Wan or a family flat in Mid-Levels, there are plenty of rental-friendly ways to decorate your home in a way you love. All without breaking your lease terms and losing that 2-month deposit!
These renter-friendly home decor ideas bypass even the strictest Hong Kong landlords. No drilling, painting or damage to worry about. Here’s how to bring personality, comfort, and style into your rental apartment, room by room.
No Damage Decor Ideas for the Living Room
Your living room is the heart of the home, and in a rental, it’s often the first space guests see. These simple, renter-friendly updates add warmth, personality, and style, without a single hole in the wall.
Rugs to define space + hide flooring –Rugs instantly warm up a room and disguise tired tiles or laminate. Choose a size that sits under at least the front legs of your furniture to anchor the space. Need a guide on how to choose a rug? Look no further!
Battery-operated wall sconces –We always recommend our clients have more than one light source in any given room, and these give you the look of custom lighting without the wiring. Perfect for creating cosy corners and ambience!
Peel-and-stick moulding –Plain white walls not your thing? We get it! Add subtle architectural detail to your rental with removable mouldings. Easy to remove when you move out and instantly make your apartment feel more upscale.
Rental-Friendly Home Styling for Dining Room Decor
Dining spaces in rentals can feel overlooked, especially if they’re part of an open-plan living area. These quick changes make your dining zone feel intentional, inviting and pared down.
Mismatch dining chairs –Replacing just two chairs from your dining set with something bolder in colour or texture can instantly refresh the whole space. Think cane backs, velvet seats, or a pop of colour to break up the uniformity.
Plug-in pendant light –Create the illusion of a hardwired feature by hanging a plug-in pendant from a ceiling hook and covering the cord. It’s a quick, renter-friendly way to add atmosphere to the dining table.
Bar cart or open storage –A stylish bar cart or open shelving doubles as decor while keeping essentials on hand. Use it to display glassware, coffee gear, or your favourite ceramics. This trick allows you to be functional and decorative!
Removable Home Decor Ideas for Your Kitchen
Kitchens can be tricky in rentals, with dated finishes and no opportunity for renovation. But the right temporary upgrades can transform it into a space you actually want to cook and entertain in.
Style open shelves or countertops –Here’s a trick to turn everyday items into part of your decor by grouping them by material or colour. Wooden boards, glass jars, and ceramic bowls add warmth and style without changing anything structural.
Change cabinet hardware –New handles in brass, matte black, or wood can completely transform tired cupboards which you don't love. Keep the originals so you can easily swap them back before moving. Keep this trick in mind for furniture you have that might need updating. E.g. sofa legs, cabinet facades or lamp shades.
Peel-and-stick backsplash –Self-adhesive tiles add colour, texture, and personality behind your sink or stove. They’re waterproof, easy to clean, and peel off without a trace. They take a little trial and error to get right, but make a worthwhile difference!
Temporary Bedroom Home Styling Tips
Your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary, even if your landlord picked the paint colour. These small changes make it personal, polished, and easy to update whenever you feel like it.
Layer your textures –Mix rugs, curtains, bedding, and cushions in complementary tones for a finished, cosy look. Textiles are the easiest way to make a rental bedroom feel designed and personal. To get it just right, pick a base colour and two accent colours.
Switch up your headboard –If your bed doesn’t have a headboard or you don’t like the one it came with, don't just settle! Pick a new one, use a tapestry, add an oversized artwork, or peel-and-stick panels to create a statement wall.
Add a leaning mirror –A tall, leaning mirror makes any bedroom feel bigger and brighter without hassle. It adds a designer touch without drilling into the walls.
Decorate Your Kids Room Without Drilling
Kids’ rooms need to be fun, flexible, and easy to adapt as they grow. These rental-friendly solutions let you update their space without making permanent changes.
Colour via textiles, not paint –Bedding, rugs, curtains, and storage bins in cheerful colours instantly brighten the space without breaking lease rules. White walls are boring and kids need colour to keep creative, so the more the merrier!
Defined play zones –Mats, low shelving, or modular cubes help create clear areas for reading, playing, or crafting. It’s an easy way to keep toys contained and the room organised.
Temporary wall decor –Decals, corkboards, or washi tape frames let kids personalise their space with little effort and no risk of damage. When it’s time for a refresh, you can remove everything easily.
Rental-Friendly Home Styling Bathroom Decor Ideas
Bathrooms in rentals often come with outdated tiles, odd fixtures, and awkward storage, but you don’t need a full renovation to make them feel fresh. These quick, no-damage updates can instantly lift the space to your liking!
Swap small fixtures –A new shower head, towel hooks, or toilet roll holder can make a world of difference. Pop on some new fixtures to give the space some personality, and just remember to replace them before you leave.
Baskets and trays –Keep toiletries organised and stylish at the same time, a little basket or golden tray can elevate your vanity nicely
Faux plants –A little greenery goes a long way; even if it's a faux plant, it adds to the fabric of your space instantly, plus you don't have to worry about humidity or light.
No Damage Home Office & Study Decor Ideas
Even in a rental, no matter how small the space, your workspace can feel intentional, inspiring, and entirely suited to how you work.
Custom storage for your needs –Modular shelves, rolling carts, or freestanding bookcases keep your workspace organised without attaching anything to the walls, and you can reconfigure or move them easily. Want to know the best shops to buy office essentials in Hong Kong? Check out our handy guide.
Large art or mirror with Command hooks –One oversized piece creates a focal point for the office, reflects light, and adds personality, no nails required.
Wooden ladder rack –A wooden ladder allows you to decorate without commitment. Lean it against a wall to display plants, throws, or decorative items, then move it to another room when you want a change.
No Drilling Solutions Glossary
With the right tools, you can hang art, add lighting, or even upgrade surfaces—all without picking up a drill or leaving damage behind. Here’s our go-to list of rental-friendly home styling decor ideas that are removable and work in Hong Kong apartments.
Wall-Friendly Hanging Options
These are perfect for adding personality to your walls without losing your security deposit.
Command strips or hooks – The classic for renters. Use them for lightweight art, mirrors, small shelves, or even curtain rods. Peel them off cleanly when you move.
Washi tape – Decorative tape that won’t damage paint. Great for framing photos, posters, or kids’ artwork in a playful way.
Adhesive picture hanging strips – Slightly stronger than standard hooks, these can handle framed art without nails.
Tension rods – Fit them inside window frames, door frames or alcoves to hang curtains or create a room divider, no holes required.
Over-the-door hooks and racks – A quick way to add hanging space for towels, coats, or accessories without hardware.
Adhesive wall hooks or suction cup hooks – Perfect for kitchens and bathrooms where you need a spot for utensils, towels, or small plants.
Furniture & Storage Without Mounting
Not every storage solution needs to be bolted to the wall.
Freestanding shelves and bookcases – Add height, display space, and storage in one move. They can also act as room dividers in open-plan rentals.
Modular storage cubes and stackable drawers – Easy to move, rearrange, and reuse in your next home.
Ladder racks and blanket ladders – Lean them against a wall for extra storage and style, ideal for towels, throws, or magazines.
Rolling carts – From bar carts to kitchen trolleys, these versatile pieces bring extra storage anywhere you need it.
Lighting & Electrical Workarounds
Good lighting changes everything—and you don’t need hardwiring to get it.
Plug-in sconces and wall lights – Mount them with adhesive strips or brackets that don’t require drilling.
Cord covers and organisers – Keep cables neat and less noticeable by running them along walls or skirting boards.
Battery-operated puck lights and LED strips – Add light to shelves, cabinets, or dark corners without touching the wiring.
Temporary Surface Updates
Cover, disguise, or upgrade surfaces without permanent changes.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper – Add colour, pattern, or texture to walls, furniture backs, or even stair risers.
Vinyl flooring and tile decals – Ideal for transforming bathroom or kitchen floors without removing the existing tiles.
Removable contact paper – Perfect for countertops, tables, or cabinet doors for a quick style refresh.
Furniture leg pads and anti-slip grippers – Protect your floors and keep furniture in place on slippery tiles.
Your Hong Kong rental apartment might not be forever, but it can still feel like home! From no drill wall decor ideas to removable home decor solutions, small, thoughtful touches can completely transform your space without leaving a trace.
Need help pulling it all together? Our styling service makes your home look and feel like you, no matter how long your lease is!
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