The Best Ways to Incorporate Farmhouse Style Into a Rental

Introduction

When I moved into my first rental apartment, I dreamed of a cozy, farmhouse-style home, but I quickly realized the limitations of rental living. The landlord’s beige walls, outdated fixtures, and “no paint allowed” policy made it seem impossible to achieve the charming, rustic look I craved. But I wasn’t ready to give up. Instead, I got creative—layering textures, introducing natural materials, and finding non-permanent ways to bring farmhouse style into the space. The result? A rental that felt like home, brimming with warmth and character.

Farmhouse style is all about blending rustic charm with modern sensibilities, and the beauty of this design trend is its versatility. Even if you can’t make structural changes or replace built-in features, there are countless ways to infuse your rental with farmhouse charm. From temporary updates to clever design tricks, it’s all about working with what you have and letting your personality shine through.

In this post, I’ll share the best ways to incorporate farmhouse style into a rental, using evidence-based design (EBD) principles to ensure your home is functional, comfortable, and beautiful. Whether you’re living in a small apartment or a larger rental home, these tips will help you create the farmhouse-inspired retreat of your dreams without violating your lease agreement.

---

Start With a Neutral Base

Why It Matters:

Neutral colors are the foundation of farmhouse design, and they create a calming, cohesive backdrop that’s easy to build upon. Even if you’re stuck with off-white or beige walls, you can still create a farmhouse look by incorporating neutral furniture, textiles, and decor.

How to Do It:

• Layer Textiles: Use neutral-toned rugs, curtains, and throw blankets to establish a cohesive palette.
• Furniture Choices: Opt for pieces in shades like white, cream, gray, or natural wood tones.
• Temporary Wallpaper: If your lease allows, consider peel-and-stick wallpaper in a shiplap or linen pattern to mimic farmhouse walls without paint.

---

Add Farmhouse Texture With Natural Materials

Why It Matters:

Farmhouse design thrives on texture, and incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and woven fabrics can add depth and warmth to your rental. EBD research shows that natural materials can also have a calming effect, helping you feel more relaxed in your space.

How to Do It:

• Furniture: Choose wood or rattan furniture pieces, like a rustic coffee table or a woven dining chair.
• Decor: Add jute rugs, linen throw pillows, or wicker baskets for easy, moveable farmhouse charm.
• DIY Tip: Use reclaimed wood boards to create a removable headboard or tabletop.

---

Work With Your Rental’s Existing Features

Why It Matters:

Instead of fighting against your rental’s built-in features, embrace them and incorporate farmhouse elements to create harmony.

How to Do It:

• Old Cabinets: If you can’t replace dated cabinets, dress them up with matte black or oil-rubbed bronze hardware for a farmhouse-inspired update.
• Floors: Cover unattractive flooring with large area rugs in neutral tones or subtle patterns like stripes or plaids.
• Lighting: If you’re stuck with basic ceiling lights, swap out table lamps or floor lamps for farmhouse-style fixtures with wood or metal finishes.

---

Incorporate Farmhouse-Inspired Decor

Why It Matters:

Decorative accents are the easiest way to bring farmhouse style into your rental without making permanent changes.

How to Do It:

• Wall Art: Hang vintage signs, botanical prints, or wooden frames using damage-free hooks or adhesive strips.
• Greenery: Use potted plants, dried flowers, or eucalyptus wreaths to bring nature indoors.
• Accessories: Display items like mason jars, enamel pitchers, and woven baskets on open shelves or countertops.

---

Make Furniture Your Statement Pieces

Why It Matters:

In a rental, furniture often takes center stage because it’s something you can completely control. Choosing farmhouse-style furniture can set the tone for your entire space.

How to Do It:

• Sofas and Chairs: Look for upholstered furniture with tufted details or slipcovers in neutral tones.
• Tables: Choose a distressed wood dining table or coffee table to add rustic character.
• Multifunctional Furniture: Use a bench with storage, a ladder shelf, or a rolling cart for practical yet stylish farmhouse functionality.

---

Use Temporary Updates for Maximum Impact

Why It Matters:

Temporary solutions allow you to personalize your rental while remaining lease-compliant.

How to Do It:

• Backsplashes: Apply peel-and-stick tile in a subway or farmhouse brick pattern for a kitchen or bathroom refresh.
• Curtains: Hang farmhouse-style curtains or bamboo shades to soften the space and control light.
• Removable Decals: Add farmhouse-inspired wall decals like vintage quotes or floral patterns for a playful touch.

---

Lighting: The Farmhouse Glow

Why It Matters:

Lighting can completely transform the mood of your space, and farmhouse-style fixtures often feature rustic materials that add warmth.

How to Do It:

• Portable Fixtures: Use plug-in pendant lights or string lights for a cozy farmhouse vibe.
• Table Lamps: Choose lamps with wooden or metal bases and neutral fabric shades.
• Candles: Display candles in mason jars, lanterns, or wooden trays for a simple farmhouse glow.

---

Layer Farmhouse Textures

Why It Matters:

Layering textures creates a cozy, lived-in look that’s key to farmhouse design.

How to Do It:

• Throws and Pillows: Combine materials like knit, linen, and faux fur in neutral tones for your sofa or bed.
• Bedding: Choose layered bedding with quilted or striped patterns to create a cozy farmhouse feel.
• Rugs: Use a jute or sisal rug as a base layer and top it with a smaller patterned rug for extra texture.

---

Picture Gallery

---

Conclusion

Bringing farmhouse style into a rental is easier than you might think. By focusing on natural materials, layering textures, and using temporary updates, you can transform your space without making permanent changes. As I reflect on my own experience, I’m reminded that the heart of farmhouse design is about creating a space that feels warm, inviting, and uniquely yours.

Even in a rental, you can make every corner feel like home. Whether it’s a linen throw draped over the sofa or a mason jar filled with fresh flowers on your counter, these small touches add up to a big impact. So, take a moment to imagine your dream farmhouse space and start making it a reality—one detail at a time.

Happy decorating, and here’s to turning your rental into a farmhouse retreat!

---

FAQ

Can I use farmhouse style in a small rental apartment?

Absolutely! Focus on small, impactful changes like adding farmhouse-inspired decor, layering textures, and using multifunctional furniture to maximize your space.

What are some non-permanent ways to add farmhouse charm?

Use peel-and-stick wallpaper, temporary tile backsplashes, and damage-free hooks to personalize your space without violating your lease.

How do I make a rental kitchen look farmhouse-inspired?

Swap out cabinet hardware, use farmhouse-style accessories like wooden cutting boards and enamel pitchers, and add a peel-and-stick backsplash for a quick update.

Can I achieve farmhouse style on a budget?

Yes! Thrift stores and flea markets are great for finding vintage or rustic decor. DIY projects, like creating a reclaimed wood shelf or refinishing furniture, can also help you save money.

What’s the easiest way to bring farmhouse style to a rental?

Start with natural materials, neutral tones, and small decorative accents like mason jars, baskets, or greenery. These changes are easy to implement and make a big difference.