Modernizing Your Home: Upgrades Renters Can Make on a Small Budget

Renting can be a great option for many — you have a stable but flexible living situation, and the cost of any major projects or repairs doesn’t fall on you. Even if you’re only planning to stick around for a few years, you still want your space to feel like a home. For some landlords, big changes like painting the bathroom will be totally fine, but for others, a hole in the wall made by a thumbtack could be a deal breaker.

Thankfully, there are plenty of affordable upgrades renters can make on a small budget. With some creativity and a little elbow grease, you can do small things that will freshen up your modern space. 

Replace Light Bulbs With LED Lights

LED lights use a fraction of the energy and last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also give off less heat, which can reduce how often your HVAC needs to run on warm days. You can upgrade to LED lighting in your most-used room, or you could swap out all of the lightbulbs throughout your entire home with LEDs for just around $100. You get bright, long-lasting light that will save you money in the long run.

Add New Lighting

A great way to give any space a more modern feel with simple home improvements is to add some new light sources! No, we’re not talking about replacing the fixture hanging from the center of your living room ceiling. Floor lamps and other plug-in light sources are great options. There are many styles available for under $100 that would be an awesome fit in your living room, bedroom, dining area, and even bathroom! 

Bonus: A plug-in hanging lamp is a unique and interesting way to add light to a room while cutting down on valuable floor space.

Change Up Your Mailbox

This is a small but impactful change that can make a home feel more like yours. Flowers and garden statues around the base are an easy way to add some character to your mailbox. You could even grab some spray paint and give it a fresh color that matches your style, provided that your landlord gives you the green light.

Give The Front Door Some Attention

Your front door gives people the first impression of your home. Similar to your mailbox, you can ask your landlord if they mind if you paint your front door or simply add easily removable decorations like potted plants or a doormat.

If you’ve just moved in, make sure to know the lock security rating and ask the landlord to change the codes on the smart lock so a previous tenant would not have access to your place — it’s important not to overlook this detail!

Get Removable Backsplash

Do you have a thing for color and unique shapes, but you’re stuck in a rental with plain and outdated backsplash in the kitchen or bathroom? Your landlord probably isn’t going to give you the okay to rip out the old ones for something new, but there are in fact some temporary solutions available. There’s a variety of peel-and-stick tiles you can easily remove before you move or when you decide it’s time for a change. It’s a small upgrade for your bathroom decor, but it will make a big difference every time you get ready for work, go out on the weekends, or relax at home with friends and family. 

Try a New Rug

Rugs are a great way to give some personality and color to a room whether you rent or own the home. They also protect the floor and can even hide some imperfections on the existing flooring. Whether you’re not a big fan of the existing floor or you just want to add a touch of your personal style, rugs are always an excellent choice.

Install Blinds or Drapery

Having blinds or curtains is the best way to have privacy while controlling the flow of natural light in your modern home, especially if you live with roommates. Blinds and drapery can add color and personality to any room. Make sure to get some that are easy to take down and put back up when it’s time to move out.

Bring in Plants

Adding plants to your home is a beautiful way to improve air quality, give a touch of natural beauty, and live sustainably. Plants also help reduce stress levels, so they’re perfect for any room in the house. If you don’t have a green thumb, no problem — there are plenty of low-maintenance plants that will thrive in your home. Succulents and cacti are perfect for people who don’t have a lot of time to take care of plants, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes so you can find the perfect fit for any room in your home.

Get Rid of the Clutter 

This may seem like a no-brainer, but doing otherwise is an easy way to make your home feel cluttered and small. A little bit of organization will go a long way in making your space feel larger and more comfortable.

These are just a few ideas to get you started on modernizing your home. With a little creativity and thought, you can make any rental feel more like your own. By following these tips you can breathe life and add freshness into even the smallest apartment, no matter how much money is available for upgrades. Enjoy making your space uniquely your own!