How to Make a Rental Apartment Cozy Without Violating the Lease

You've been renting an apartment for half a year, yet you still feel like a guest? Gray walls press down, foreign furniture irritates, and the feeling of 'home' never comes. Many tenants live for years in a space that will never truly be theirs. But what if I told you that you can turn rental housing into a cozy nest in just a weekend and without breaking the lease?

Main points from the article:

• Textiles and decor can dramatically change the atmosphere without renovation;
• Mobile solutions for zoning work just as well as permanent partitions;
• Lighting creates 70% of coziness in any space;
• Plants and personal items make a foreign apartment feel like your own in just a few days;
• All changes must be reversible — the main rule of rental housing.

Study the lease agreement like a sacred text

Before moving even a single chair, re-read the lease agreement. Usually, construction work, drilling walls, replacing plumbing and wiring is prohibited. But rarely does a landlord object to textiles, furniture, or decor. The main rule — all changes must be easily reversible.

If the lease has a clause stating that any changes must be approved, don’t panic. Most property owners are calm about cosmetic improvements, especially if you're ready to restore everything to its original state upon departure.

Textile solves half the problems

The fastest way to transform a space is by adding textiles. Beautiful curtains instead of blinds instantly make a room livable. Choose dense fabrics — they not only decorate but also improve sound insulation.

Blankets and throws can hide old furniture or highlight the style of new pieces. A sofa in floral pattern will transform into a stylish interior element under a solid-color blanket. Several decorative pillows can create color accents.

Don’t forget about rugs. They visually unite areas, make the floor warmer and cozier. In a rental apartment, it's better to choose medium-sized rugs — they are easier to transport during a move.

Lighting creates wonders

One ceiling light in the center of a room is a death sentence for comfort. Table lamps, floor lamps, string lights, and candles create multi-level lighting that turns a rented space into a warm living area.

Warm light bulbs are especially effective. Cold lighting suits offices, but homes need warmth. A single floor lamp in a corner can dramatically change the atmosphere.

String lights are more than just New Year’s décor. Hung on walls or wrapped around the headboard, they create a romantic mood all year long.

Design: Bernara Kuznetsova and Yaroslav Kuznetsov

Walls without nails can also be decorated

“Don’t drill into the walls” doesn’t mean “live among bare surfaces.” Command hooks, double-sided tape for heavy items, and tension systems allow you to hang pictures, photos, and shelves without a single hole.

Decorative wall stickers create accents and hide minor imperfections. Choose high-quality vinyl stickers — they come off easily without leaving marks.

A large mirror visually expands the space and adds light. It can simply be leaned against a wall or securely mounted with safe fasteners.

Zone without partitions

A one-room apartment can be divided into functional zones without major renovation. Bookshelves, screens, tall plants in pots — all of this creates privacy and structures the space.

Mobile partitions on wheels are especially effective. During the day, they can be pushed against a wall, and in the evening, they can create a private bedroom zone.

Different textiles also work as zoning. A bright rug highlights the living area, while calm tones in the bedroom create an atmosphere for rest.

Plants bring life to any space

Living plants are the easiest way to make an apartment feel homey. They purify the air, create comfort, and don’t require approval from a landlord.

If you have no experience in gardening, start with low-maintenance plants: ZZ plant (Zamiokulkas), Sansevieria, Ficus. They will survive your experiments and delight with greenery.

Large plants in attractive pots can replace an entire decor corner. Hanging pots save space and create vertical accents.

Design: Natalia Chuvinova

Personal items make a home feel like home

• Family photos, favorite books, and a collection of mugs — these small touches transform a foreign space into your own. Don’t hide personal items in wardrobes, display them openly.
• Create a corner for your hobbies. If you draw, organize a mini-studio by the window. If you read, set up a reading nook with a comfortable chair and good lighting.
• Even scent can make an apartment feel like yours. Your favorite candles, a diffuser with essential oils, or simply coffee in the morning creates a special home atmosphere.

Transforming a rental apartment into cozy housing is a task that is fully solvable. The key is to remember: it’s not the walls or expensive furniture that make a home, but the atmosphere you create in it. A few thoughtful details, proper lighting, and a few personal items can work wonders. And the best part is that all these changes can be taken with you when moving to your own apartment.

Cover: Design project by Bernara Kuznetsova and Yaroslav Kuznetsov