17 Apartment Remodel Ideas

Living in an apartment often means working with limited square footage, tricky layouts, and landlord restrictions. But that doesn’t mean you can’t create a space that feels completely your own. Whether you own your unit or rent and want reversible upgrades, the right apartment remodel ideas can turn a bland box into a beautiful, functional home. The key is focusing on high-impact, low-commitment changes think lighting, color, smart storage, and clever furniture placement. In this guide, you’ll discover 17 creative, practical, and stylish ways to remodel your apartment without breaking the bank or losing your security deposit. Let’s dive in.

1: Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Transformation

A boring kitchen or bathroom backsplash can make the whole space feel dated. Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles are a renter-friendly miracle. They come in subway, mosaic, marble, and geometric patterns. Installation takes a few hours, and they peel off cleanly when you move. This small change instantly adds personality and makes your apartment feel more custom.

Tips

• Choose heat-resistant tiles for behind the stove.
• Use a level and roller for bubble-free adhesion.
• Buy extra tiles for future repairs.

2: Smart Zoning with Room Dividers

Open-concept apartments are trendy, but lack of separation can feel chaotic. Use bookshelves, folding screens, or curtain rods to zone your space. A slim console table behind the sofa creates a hallway feel. A ceiling-mounted track curtain can hide your sleeping area from the living room. These dividers add function, texture, and visual flow.

Tips

• Use open shelving as a divider to keep light flowing.
• Choose light-colored curtains to avoid darkening the room.
• Add plants on top of dividers for freshness.

3: Built-In Look with IKEA Hacks

Nothing says “remodel” like custom built-ins. But in an apartment, you can fake it. Use IKEA Besta or Billy units, add legs, crown molding, and matching paint to make them look permanent. Install them along a wall for a media center, library, or entryway storage. The result looks expensive but costs a fraction.

Tips

• Paint the units the same color as your wall for a seamless look.
• Add puck lights inside glass-front cabinets.
• Use shims to level units on uneven floors.

4: Lighting Upgrade with Plug-In Sconces

Overhead apartment lights are often harsh and ugly. Swap or supplement them with plug-in wall sconces. No hardwiring needed. Use cord covers that match your wall color to hide wires. Place sconces beside the bed, above the sofa, or flanking a mirror. Dimmable bulbs add instant warmth.

Tips

• Use Command hooks to secure cords neatly.
• Choose sconces with a switch on the cord.
• Add a smart plug for voice control.

5: Removable Wallpaper Accent Wall

Paint is great, but removable wallpaper is a game-changer. Use it on one wall behind the bed, sofa, or desk. Choose bold patterns like tropical leaves, geometric shapes, or soft watercolors. When you move, it peels off without residue. It’s the easiest way to add drama and depth.

Tips

• Test a small patch first to check your wall’s texture.
• Use a smoothing tool to eliminate bubbles.
• Buy from brands like Tempaper or Wallshoppe.

6: Refresh Cabinet Hardware

Swapping out old, generic cabinet knobs and pulls is a five-minute remodel. Choose leather pulls, matte black handles, or brushed brass knobs. This tiny change modernizes a kitchen or bathroom instantly. Keep the old hardware in a bag to reinstall before moving out.

Tips

• Use a paper template for perfect alignment.
• Go for longer pulls on drawers for easier grip.
• Mix knob and pull styles for a designer look.

7: Under-Bed Storage Drawers

Small apartments need smart storage. Build or buy low-profile rolling drawers that slide under your bed. Use them for shoes, out-of-season clothes, or extra linens. For a polished look, face the drawers with panels that match your bed frame. You gain a closet’s worth of space.

Tips

• Use vacuum-sealed bags for bulky items.
• Label each drawer with a tag.
• Choose wheels that lock for stability.

8: Mirrors to Expand Space

A large mirror is the oldest interior design trick and it works. Lean a floor mirror against a wall or hang a huge one opposite a window. It doubles natural light, makes rooms feel twice as large, and acts as art. Choose arched, round, or frameless styles.

Tips

• Place mirrors near light sources for maximum bounce.
• Use adhesive mirror clips if you can’t drill.
• Avoid placing mirrors facing a cluttered area.

9: Flooring Fix with Peel-and-Stick Tiles

Ugly beige carpet or dated linoleum? Use peel-and-stick vinyl tiles. They come in wood, stone, or cement looks. Install them over existing hard floors or even low-pile carpet (with a barrier sheet). They’re durable, water-resistant, and rent-friendly when installed without permanent adhesive.

Tips

• Let tiles acclimate in the room for 24 hours.
• Stagger seams like real flooring.
• Use a hairdryer to soften tiles for tricky cuts.

10: Closet Door Makeover

Boring bi-fold or sliding closet doors can be upgraded without replacement. Add removable wallpaper to each panel. Paint them a bold color. Or swap the knobs for leather or brass pulls. For a high-end look, add cane webbing panels inside the door frames.

Tips

• Remove doors and work flat for easier application.
• Use magnetic latches for smoother closing.
• Match door color to wall trim for a subtle look.

11: Window Film for Privacy + Style

Sheer curtains are nice, but decorative window film offers privacy without blocking all light. Choose frosted, stained glass, or geometric patterns. Apply it directly to the glass. It’s perfect for bathrooms, street-level windows, or any room where you want soft, filtered light.

Tips

• Spray soapy water on the glass before applying.
• Use a squeegee to push out bubbles.
• Trim edges with a sharp utility knife.

12: Floating Shelves Everywhere

Floating shelves add storage without eating floor space. Install them in the kitchen for spices, in the living room for books, or in the bathroom for towels. Choose solid wood or metal. Keep styling minimal three items per shelf: plant, book, small object.

Tips

• Use a stud finder for secure mounting.
• Stagger shelves at different heights for visual interest.
• Add under-shelf LED strips for glow.

13: Upgrade Your Showerhead

A cheap apartment showerhead feels miserable. Swap it with a rainfall or handheld model. It takes ten minutes and no tools besides Teflon tape. Keep the old one under the sink to reinstall later. This small remodel improves every single morning.

Tips

• Check for flow restrictors that lower pressure.
• Use a brass swivel adapter for adjustable angles.
• Look for a model with a hose for easy cleaning.

14: Command Hook Gallery Wall

No nails? No problem. Use Command strips and hooks to create a gallery wall. Mix frame sizes, textures, and art styles. For a cohesive look, keep frames in the same color family (all black or all natural wood). You can rearrange anytime without patching holes.

Tips

• Lay out frames on the floor before hanging.
• Use a level strip for perfect alignment.
• Add small 3D objects like a light mirror or woven basket.

15: Replace Light Switch Covers

Nobody notices old, yellowed light switch covers until you replace them with fresh ones. Choose brass, matte black, or colored acrylic covers. It costs under $20 and takes five minutes. This micro-upgrade makes your whole apartment feel cleaner and more intentional.

Tips

• Clean inside the switch box before installing.
• Use screwless wall plates for a seamless look.
• Match covers to your hardware finish.

16: Over-the-Toilet Shelf

Bathrooms in apartments are tiny. Use the space above the toilet. Install a floating shelf or a freestanding over-the-toilet unit. Store rolled towels, extra toilet paper, and a small plant. This vertical storage keeps counters clear and feels like a built-in remodel.

Tips

• Choose a shelf with a towel bar underneath.
• Use baskets to hide small items.
• Keep the top shelf for decor only.

17: Ceiling Medallion for Old-World Charm

Renters ignore ceilings. Don’t. A lightweight foam ceiling medallion sticks with construction adhesive around a light fixture. It instantly adds character, especially in older buildings. Paint it white to match the ceiling or a contrasting color for drama.

Tips

• Turn off power before installing near fixtures.
• Use paintable caulk to hide seams.
• Choose a simple design for modern apartments.

Conclusion

Remodeling an apartment doesn’t require construction permits or a huge budget. With these 17 apartment remodel ideas, you can transform your space into something personal, stylish, and functional. Start with one or two changes this weekend new hardware, removable wallpaper, or better lighting. Your apartment should make you feel happy every time you walk in. Which idea will you try first?

FAQs

Can I use these apartment remodel ideas if I rent?

Yes. Most ideas here are renter-friendly: peel-and-stick products, removable wallpaper, plug-in lights, Command hooks, and hardware swaps. Always keep original items to reinstall before moving out.

What’s the cheapest apartment remodel idea on this list?

Replacing light switch covers or swapping cabinet knobs costs under $20. Both take less than 15 minutes and make a noticeable difference in how polished your space feels.

Do peel-and-stick tiles damage walls or floors?

High-quality peel-and-stick products from brands like Tempaper, D-c-Fix, or Smart Tiles remove cleanly when you follow instructions. Avoid cheap brands. Test a small area first, especially on textured walls or delicate surfaces.