5 Budget-Friendly Ideas to Personalise Your Rental Space

Renting a place is great. No long-term commitment, no mortgage stress. But let’s be for real, most rental spaces come with zero personality. The good news? You can still refresh your space without drilling holes, repainting walls, or making it a whole Thing™ with your landlord.

And since full-on renovation is a no-go, here are 5 easy, budget-friendly, reversible changes that’ll make your home feel more you.

1. Swap Out the Curtains.

Trust, changing your curtains can change everything. The light hits different, the colours pop, the whole space just feels more intentional. And yes, those beige, questionably dusty, nenek core curtains have got to go.

Don’t want to mess with the current curtain rods? Simple. Get a tension rod, hang your own, and stash the old ones in a box. 

2. Add Rugs. Everywhere.

If you’re dealing with cold tiles, ugly floors, or just a lack of The Vibe, rugs are your best friend. They add texture, colour, and comfort. Plus they’re easy to roll up and bring with you when you move.

Tip: Layer different rug sizes if you're feeling extra. It makes you look like you know what you're doing (even if you don’t). 

And okay, one more extra tip: You don’t have to splurge just for rugs. Check out IKEA or Shopee for affordable picks, or scour Carousell for great secondhand finds.

3. Stick It Like You Mean It.

Forget boring. With removable decals, murals, and wraps, your space can finally match your Pinterest board. Whether you’re dressing up a wall or hiding those crusty cabinet panels, peel-and-stick is the way.

We do custom prints too, so you’re not stuck with some lame cookie-cutter designs. Make your rental yours.

And the best part? When it’s time to move out, it all comes off clean.

4. Fix the Lighting to Fix the Vibe.

Default ceiling lights are harsh. Like, interrogation-room harsh. Soft, warm lighting? Instant mood shift. Add lamps, LED strips, or fairy lights. It flips the vibe from “clinic waiting room” to “your favourite cosy indie cafe.”

Battery-operated lights are also perfect if you want zero wires and zero hassle.

5. Add Plants. (Yes, Even If They’re Fake.)

Plants are the easiest way to make a place feel alive. Even a tiny succulent on your desk or a hanging pothos in the bathroom can make a difference.

If you’re not ready for the plant parent life, no shame in going faux! But they’re low maintenance, not no maintenance, ya? Remember to dust them once in a while. Don’t be lazy!

Final Tip: Save the Old Stuff

Trust us, future you will thank you for this.

If you swap out anything like curtain rods, knobs, or cabinet handles, keep the original parts safely packed. That way, when it’s time to move out, you can return everything just the way it was. No complaints, no deduction from your deposit, just a sweet, smooth exit.

Your creativity deserves more than plain walls. Rental or not, you can make it work. Just a little creativity, a bit of double-sided tape, and you're good to go!