8 Clever Renter-Friendly Upgrades You Can Try For Less Using Peel & Stick Borders

If you're someone who loves working on DIY home projects, it can be challenging to feel fulfilled in a rental space where there are limitations on the types of changes you can make. Every lease is different, but it's not common for there to be restrictions on upgrades like painting or changing out fixtures. However, using materials like peel and stick border allows for rental-friendly upgrades that promised not to leave any lasting damage to surfaces. The possibilities are virtually endless and include projects like adding faux molding to walls, creating an accent wall, or changing up the look of a staircase. Best of all, peel and stick border is easy to apply and an ideal solution for temporary design changes.

Most of these DIY home projects require minimal supplies and can be completed in just one afternoon. You'll only need a few basic tools to get started, including a tape measure, utility knife or scissors, and a smoothing tool to make sure the border lays flat. Once you're ready to remove the border, it's important to work slowly and take your time to avoid any damage. You may need to use gentle heat to loosen the adhesive or a putty knife to aid in removal.

If your kitchen backsplash feels outdated, a product like Fine Decor's Stone Tile Peel Stick Border can elevate the look. This method provides an instant visual upgrade without having to use messy adhesives. However, you'll want to apply this over a smooth surface rather than an existing backsplash material like tile for the best results. The best part is that you can easily swap it out at any point for something new without having to sacrifice your ideal style while living in a rental.

Is your plain mirror bringing down the aesthetics of the entire room? You can completely change the look of it with a peel and stick border like Trimold's Multifunctional Molding Trim. This is a great way to achieve an instant upgrade without permanently altering or replacing the existing mirror. To create your DIY frame, cut and apply directly on the glass or the wall around it. You can opt for borders that mimic wood or a pattern to suit your design style. The best part is the border won't cause damage if you remove peel and stick border with the proper tools.

Want to add a touch of your personality to a bland wall without the commitment of paint? Using peel and stick strips, like Simplemiuji's Black Matte Wallpaper Border, is a renter-friendly DIY to create an eye-catching accent wall. You can apply the borders in horizontal or vertical stripes or create a geometric pattern for something unique. Be sure to give yourself a clear workspace and remove any wall plates or decorations from the wall before starting. You can also use a smoothing tool to remove any imperfections during the application process for a flawless finish.

Are you dealing with unsightly ceilings that you'd like to cover, or would you just like to add some visual interest to a room? Reaching for peel and stick borders is a renter-friendly way to hide ceiling imperfections while completely changing the look of the space. Choose border that looks like wood, like this Decotalk Wallpaper Border, to create a farmhouse aesthetic. One of the trickiest parts of this DIY is making sure patterns line up, so try to be patient with measuring and application for a seamless look.

Bring your own version of seasonal flair! The possibilities are virtually endless when it comes to incorporating self-adhesive borders into your home decor. Grab a frame with an opening smaller than the width of your border. Then, open the frame and apply the border to the thin, cardboard backing before putting it back in the frame and hanging it on one of your walls (using renter-friendly Command Picture Hanging Strips, of course). You can even switch it out every season with something new to keep your design ever-changing. 

Add an unexpected element to your interior space by decorating the stair risers with peel and stick border. You'll want to apply the borders to the vertical parts of each step and use a smoothing tool to make sure there are no bubbles. If you choose a graphic design, like the FLFK Patterned Border, make sure your risers are level and start at the center. If not, it can be difficult to make patterns that match from stair to stair.

If you want to add a touch of elegance to your rental, peel and stick borders can mimic the look of traditional molding for a fraction of the cost. Use border pieces, like Coengwui's Peel-and-Stick Trim, to create square picture-frame style molding directly on the wall, or use the pieces as a way to recreate the look of crown molding where the top of the walls meets the ceiling. It's also common to see this addition in central areas like living and dining rooms, to give them a custom look.

Even small details like light switch covers can make a big difference when it comes to personalizing your space in a rental. This is also an incredibly simple DIY for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on an in-depth project. All you have to do is measure the cover and then wrap it with the peel and stick border cut to that size. You can choose to use paper that matches the wall for a flush look or go outside the box with a fun design to change things up.