How to Install Renter

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The perfect loophole for your apartment.

While apartment living has its perks, sometimes skimping on personalizations makes the space feel so...temporary. Of course, there are guidelines and contract-binding deals with your landlord, but there are also clever low-lift upgrades that allow you to follow the rules and have fun. What better way to show your personality than installing renter-friendly shelves? You can keep your favorite items on full display fine-free! Hanging plants, wall art, pictures of friends and families, and more. You shouldn't feel like a guest in your own space.

We spoke to Suzanna Schumacher, the Co-Founder of the innovative DIY company Character, for tips on installing renter-friendly shelves that will spruce up your apartment walls. Schumacher also gave us a glimpse of her shopping cart, which contains tons of products even your landlord will applaud you for.

If you are not a DIY pro and a little nervous about installing the shelves yourself, Schumacher offers reassurance. "We’d recommend starting with bracket shelves for first-time installers, which are slightly easier than floating shelves to mount because the hardware is designed to be visible. This makes it easier to install and easier to level your shelf as you go, whereas floating shelves require all hardware to be installed first and the shelve mounted on it second," Schumacher explains.

But if you have a steady hand and precision, you can definitely add in a floating shelf. It will save you a lot of room if you can't squeeze in a bookshelf. Here's a how-to guide.

If you are looking for inspiration on where your shelf should be installed, consider the areas where you need storage space. Schumacher suggests a kitchen wall for your go-to seasonings and utensils or at your bedside as an alternative to bulkier nightstands. You can also use wall-mounted shelves in the bathroom for your personal items or plant life.

Why stop there? "A small shelf with hooks near an entryway can be a “drop zone” when you come in from outside for keys and wallets," says Schumacher. "Or behind doors and in closets for extra storage space for pantry and other items."

"When starting a new project, take the time to do research and proper planning—both about your home and its specific requirements and the project and what that entails. Character offers on-call experts who are a great resource as every project is personal to your home and your experience," says Schumacher.

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.

Medgina Saint-Elien covers everything your home needs. She writes about exciting new product launches, hands-on reviews, and the "lightbulb" moments in every maker's story. In overseeing key HB editorial franchises, including the Live Better Awards, Saint-Elien champions the work of BIPOC entrepreneurs in the design and beauty industries. In addition to House Beautiful, her work has been published in Byrdie, Snapchat, and more. Outside of work, the writer and poet can be found documenting her travels on social media and saving memes for future use.

Shop Wayfair's Epic End of Summer Deals

16 Best Ceiling Fans You Can Buy Online Right Now

Bed Bath & Beyond is Staging a Comeback

Le Creuset's Biggest Sale of the Year Is Here

West Elm Kids x Nat Geo Is Finally Here

Parachute Launches New Bedding and We're Obsessed

10 Best Blackout Curtains to Help You Fall Asleep

The Best Cooling Mattress Topper You Can Buy Now

20 Best TikTok Home Products, According to Editors

10 Things Interior Designers Always Buy at Costco

The Best Office Chairs for Stylish WFH Vibes

Are Viral TikTok Products Actually Good?