01
Best kitchen transformation
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Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Tile
Covers a dated backsplash in an afternoon with no grout or mess. Test a small piece first to be sure it removes cleanly.
07
Whole home · Change everything, lose nothing
Renter-Friendly Upgrades
You shouldn't have to own a place to like living in it. These upgrades change how a rental looks and works, and they come off cleanly when you leave, so your deposit stays with you.
Our picks
8 worth your money.
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02
Best accent wall
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Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
An accent wall with no commitment. It works best on smooth, fully cured painted walls.
03
Best lighting mood
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Plug-In Wall Sconce
Wall lighting without an electrician. Tidy the cord with a paintable cord cover.
04
Best smart lighting
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Philips Hue Starter Kit
Smart bulbs you can dim, schedule and colour-tune from your phone. Screw them in and take them with you when you move.
05
Best smart starter
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Kasa Smart Plug
Makes any lamp or appliance schedulable and controllable from your phone. The cheapest way into a smart home.
06
Best damage-free hanging
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Command Hooks Variety Pack
Hang art, keys and cords without nail holes. Pull the tab straight down to remove.
07
Best dark-corner fix
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Motion-Sensor LED Closet Lights
Rechargeable stick-on lights for closets, cabinets and dark hallways. No wiring.
08
Best for sleep
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Thermal Blackout Curtains
Blocks streetlights and morning sun, and helps with winter drafts. Pair with a tension rod or the existing hardware.
Before you buy
What the pros check first.
Photograph everything on move-in day
Before you change anything, take date-stamped photos of every wall and fixture. That's your proof at move-out.
Keep the originals
Swapping a shower head, light fixture or cabinet pulls? Bag the originals and label them so you can put them back.
Test adhesives in a hidden spot
Peel-and-stick products and hooks behave differently on fresh or flat paint. Test one piece somewhere hidden first.
FAQ
Common questions.
Will peel-and-stick damage my walls?
On well-cured paint it usually removes cleanly, but results vary with paint type. Always test first and remove slowly at a low angle.
Can I swap light fixtures in a rental?
It's generally a lease question. Plug-in sconces and smart bulbs avoid the issue entirely.
Do smart plugs work with Alexa and Google?
Most mainstream smart plugs, including Kasa, work with both. Check the listing for the ecosystem you use.
Related guides
Keep reading.
Renter-Friendly Upgrades That Won't Cost You Your Deposit
Peel-and-stick, plug-in lighting, smart bulbs and damage-free hanging: how to make a rental feel like home and leave it exactly as you found it.
Read the guide
How to Choose Your First Cordless Drill (and Not Regret It)
Voltage, brushless motors, drill vs impact driver, and why you're really buying a battery platform. A plain-English guide to your most important tool.
Read the guide