When I first started working in the big city, my friends and I rented a house. I always tried to make my little room as cozy and personal as possible, beyond the basic bed and wardrobe that came with the place. And I made sure to leave it in as good, if not better, condition than when I moved in.
Later in life, I had the opportunity to rent out a property. Unfortunately, I experienced the frustration of having my place thrashed by renters who then disappeared, leaving me with thousands of dollars in repairs and countless hours spent getting it back into shape.
So I’ve been on both sides of the fence and know a thing or two about making rental spaces feel like home. Here are 17 creative, renter-friendly IKEA pieces (some with a bit of hacking) that will upgrade your home —without leaving a trace for your landlord to notice.
17 Essential IKEA Finds to Enhance Your Rented Home
1. Divide Up Your Space With IKEA Room Dividers
You can enhance the usability of your apartment with some thoughtful space planning and flow. Room dividers are a great way to create separation between areas, but don’t feel restricted to the traditional three-fold divider. Consider using bookcase dividers, dividers using plants, even lighted dividers to help you make the most of your space while adding to the style you want for your home.
See more room divider hacks.
2. Transform Ugly Linoleum Floors with IKEA decking
Many older kitchens still come with that dreaded linoleum flooring (often paired with the infamous boob light). If your landlord isn’t keen on replacing it with new flooring, don’t worry. You might want to try the MÄLLSTEN decking tiles instead. These tiles easily click together and feature a porcelain top, giving you the feel of real kitchen floor tiles underfoot.
3. Increase Kitchen Counter And Storage Space
Limited kitchen counter space in your rental apartment? Here’s a handy hack: repurpose old SNIGLAR cribs and LÄMPLIG cutting boards (or any butcher block) to create an affordable, extra row of countertop with open storage underneath. Alternatively, you can add a compact kitchen island using a KALLAX shelving unit topped with LÄMPLIG cutting boards. Both options are quick, budget-friendly solutions to expand your kitchen workspace.
See more kitchen hacks.
4. Transform Old Cabinets with IKEA Knobs and Handles
This is the oldest trick in the book. And it still works, every time. Swap out old knobs and handles to give the dated rental kitchen a facelift. (Keep the old hardware in a ziplock bag in one of the kitchen drawers. Reinstall them when you move out.)
We love the GRIBBOL brass knobs in brass. Install them with the stem facing up and they could function as a hook too. Besides the hardware, if you’re keen to DIY, you can makeover your cabinets with a fresh coat of paint or wrap them with removable vinyl wrap for a brand-new look. Just remember to get written permission from your landlord first.
5. Cover Dated Backsplash with IKEA Panels
Imagine upgrading your ugly backsplash without any permanent changes. Use 3M adhesive strips to stick on panels like the LYSEKIL for a stainless steel or brushed copper finish. It’ll also protect the surfaces and make cleaning easy. With this simple addition to your backsplash, you get a modern, functional upgrade.
6. Create Open Shelving Without Wall Mounting
Keep your countertop free from clutter with the SUNNERSTA Adjustable Rack With Hooks. It stores your kitchenware on the wall and makes use of the otherwise wasted space between your countertop and upper cabinets. It’s great for hanging up mugs and coffee-brewing accessories. Best thing? You don’t need to drill any holes.
7. Spruce Up Ugly Walls with IKEA Wall Art
Stuck with ugly, boring walls? Adhesive hooks are a renter’s best friend as they provide a way to hang artwork without causing any damage to the walls. IKEA’s version of the 3M Command Strip is called the ALFTA. It holds up pretty well and even sticks to wallpaper (except vinyl or textile wallpaper) and painted drywall. It removes cleanly when you want to change up your gallery wall.
8. Hide Worn-Out Furniture with IKEA Slipcovers
If your rental came furnished with an old IKEA sofa, you can refresh it with a new set of covers. Slip them over sofas and ottomans to give them a fresh, new look. They’re functional, easy to clean and change out, keeping your space looking great. If IKEA no longer carries the old model, try other slipcover companies like ComfortWorks or sellers on Etsy who may still make slipcovers for older sofas like the KARLSTAD. For non-IKEA sofas, stretchable slipcovers may be the answer, or simply add a new throw and plush cushions to inject freshness to the room.
9. Revamp Lighting with IKEA Lamps
Stuck with ugly boob lights? If your contract allows you to change them, then go ahead and install a new pendant lamp. However, many rental agreements prohibit altering existing fixtures, so a hack may be your solution. Suspend a pretty shade like the NYMÖ over the old ceiling light to disguise the fixture.
Pair it with a smart bulb like the TRÅDFRI series to adjust the brightness and color to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. These easy-to-install fixtures require no rewiring, making them perfect for renters looking to add a personal touch without breaking the lease terms.
10. Beautify Ugly Floors with IKEA Rugs
You may not be allowed to change your rental flooring but you sure can hide it. IKEA rugs can instantly cover up ugly floors, adding warmth and style to your space. Pick a vibrant rug to distract from the less-than-perfect flooring underneath – this is a quick and easy fix that you can take with you when you move out.
The TIPHEDE is a lightweight rug that’s easy on the pocket. When necessary, simply toss it in the washing machine for a quick clean.
11. Hide Unsightly Radiators with IKEA Shelving Units
While you may not be able to change your eyesore of a radiator, you can cover it aesthetically. IKEA’s shelving units can be placed over radiators to hide them while adding storage. The key is to use open shelving like the IVAR with a pair of rattan doors to allow heat and air circulation from the radiator.
The TOLKNING headboard can also be repurposed as a pretty radiator cover, without much obstruction.
12. Update Tired Bathroom With A Spa-Like Vanity
Bathrooms in rentals can often look tired and have hardly any storage. Use 2 IKEA RÅGRUND corner under sink shelving units to instantly add more storage and surround the plumbing. The bamboo looks chic and is suitable for humid conditions.
If your bathroom lacks a vanity, you can still achieve a rustic, spa-like feel without installing built-in cabinets. Consider using an IKEA kitchen island, like the FÖRHÖJA, to create a charming and functional vanity.
13. Upgrade Old Faucets with IKEA Faucet Attachments
Maybe you have a faucet that doesn’t spray how you want it to, the IKEA ÅBÄCKEN faucet attachment is a little gizmo that can solve this problem. You attach it directly to your existing faucet and turn the nozzle for different spray modes. It’s a simple, non-permanent solution that makes a difference to your water bill.
14. Add Interest to Boring Doors with IKEA Frames
Ever wish you could spruce up those plain doors or even your wardrobe doors? While adding trim to create molding is an option, there’s an easier way by using IKEA picture frames. Choose frames with interesting trim like the KNOPPÄNG and attach them to the doors using Command Strips. If you’re allowed, caulk and paint the frames and doors for a seamless look. You’ll wonder why you didn’t think of this sooner.
And why stop at doors? Add a few frames to your walls for an extra touch of style!
15. Add Hanging Storage With NORDLI Add-On Clothes Rail
If you can’t mount a rod or hooks to the wall, you may want to try this IKEA item. The NORDLI Add-On Rod can be fixed to the back of your NORDLI drawer unit to make use of vertical space. Hang a SKUBB organizer from it for even more versatile storage options.
16. Beautify The Bedroom with A Rattan Headboard
The TOLKNING free-standing headboard is a fantastic addition to your bed that can instantly elevate your space. It simply slots between your bed and the wall, and the pressure keeps it securely in place, so there’s no need to attach it to the wall.
If you’re looking for storage solutions in a smaller bedroom, consider the BRIMNES headboard with built-in storage. You can easily make it freestanding with a simple BRIMNES headboard hack. It’s a great way to combine style and functionality.
17. Add Drawer Storage To Basic Wardrobe
Many rentals come with a reach-in closet or a basic wardrobe that usually just has a clothes rail and not much else. If you’re a Marie Kondo fan and love folding clothes into small neat packages, you’ll definitely want some drawers to store them. Here’s where a little hacking comes into play: just slide a chest of drawers into your closet and you’ll have the drawers you need.
IKEA for Renters
Have you tried any of these IKEA products for rental homes or have other suggestions? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below. Let’s make renting stylish and easy together.