Popular cozy minimalist styles have spread into rental decor this year, according to a new survey from Rently. Prioritizing budget-friendly cozy aesthetics, 87% of renters rather stay in than go out and are curating their spaces to fit.
Seventy-nine percent of renters are wanting soft, layered lighting, and 72% are sticking to minimalist styles with clean lines, warm neutrals, and intentional design choices, according to the Rently 2025 Apartment Design & Decor Trends Report. In addition to cozy aesthetics, 69% of renters are making their furry friends a part of their decor decisions.
Based on the opinions of 500 renters who are planning to refresh or redecorate this year, the report found that 38% plan to keep their decor spending between $101 and $500, but 29% are open to investing up to $1,000 to make their rental feel like home.
“Renters today aren’t just looking for a place to live; they’re rethinking how a space can work for them,” says Merrick Lackner, CEO of Rently. “Aesthetics matter, but so do adaptability, functionality, and self-expression. Renters are making more intentional choices, blending style with smart solutions that fit their evolving lifestyles.”
Smart-home technology like built-in security cameras (71%), keyless entry (33%), and smart lighting (50%) are top wants for residents as well as sustainable decor at an affordable price. Sixty-nine percent of renters say they want eco-friendly decor, but 49% say affordability determines that option.
“Whether it’s incorporating smart-home technology, maximizing small spaces, or balancing sustainability with affordability, renters are making thoughtful choices that reflect their lifestyles,” adds Lackner.
“This shift presents new opportunities for property managers and retailers to better support the modern renter by offering flexible solutions with both convenience and personalization. The future of rental living is about more than four walls—it’s about creating a space that truly feels like home."
Renters are focusing on refreshing their living rooms (46%) and bedrooms (44%), and 11% are turning to their balconies and patios for updates. Keeping with an affordable mindset, 45% of renters plan to rearrange furniture; 37% want to add plants for a natural aesthetic; and 32% aim to use DIY projects to create a more personalized space.
According to the report, social media shapes much of rental design inspiration with 30% looking to TikTok and 31% Pinterest. As for popular social media-inspired trends, chevron prints (66%), paisley patterns (71%), and coastal grandmother aesthetics (63%) are considered outdated by renters who now prefer curated, layered spaces with touches of vintage decor.
