How to set up a home office in a rented apartment
In your own house or apartment, you can paint experimental frescoes on the ceiling, build or tear down a partition wall, install an extra sconce, or replace old panels with elegant wooden flooring. But when you’re renting? When hammering a single nail could cost you your deposit, adjusting your space to fit your needs becomes a real challenge. So how do you create an ergonomic, functional, and aesthetic home office without breaking your lease (or your landlord’s patience)?
Work around the limitations (without trouble)
A rented apartment is often a space for everyone – and for no one. Neutral colors and budget furniture – sometimes worn and neglected – set a backdrop that doesn’t always match your workflow or personality. Worse yet, you can’t change much: drilling holes, moving sockets, or replacing doors is usually out of the question.
The hardest part is usually the limitations on making big changes. You can’t just repaint walls or drill wherever you want. To work around that, I focused on furniture and accessories that don’t require permanent changes, for example, a standing desk or shelves that are easy to move around.
@coding_oksana
Fortunately, style and functionality don’t have to depend on structural changes. You can design them flexibly. Just choose elements that are easy to move, disassemble, or take with you when you relocate. A folding screen, modular bookshelf, or large potted plant can work wonders: they visually define a workspace while adding a sense of privacy and order.
And speaking of order – organizers are a perfect solution for a rented home office. You can easily pack them up and take them to your next place. It’s worth investing in quality pieces that will last for years and survive many moves. Handy trays, containers, chargers, or laptop stands made of solid wood bring warmth and sophistication to a temporary space.
As a renter, I really think it’s all about investing in beautiful, functional pieces. That’s how you make the space feel like yours without changing anything structural, with nice materials and rich, timeless colors.
@solveigstudio
Your own desk in a rented room – is it worth it?
Absolutely – if space allows. Whether you work remotely from your own home or a rented studio, a well-fitted desk plays a crucial role. Let’s be honest: if the apartment is furnished by the owner, any desk in it probably wasn’t designed for your comfort or habits.
Even in a small flat, you can almost always find a way to fit in a compact workstation. Our 3D configurator helps you adjust desk dimensions down to the last centimeter. For smaller spaces, try the Standing Desk Pro Mini or our iconic Classic Desk.
Light – your reliable ally
Lighting in rentals can be... tricky. Bulbs that are too cold, wall sconces in the wrong place, or a workspace corner with barely any daylight. Still, there are ways around it. The secret lies in layered lighting – combining several sources with different brightness levels and tones.
Your desk should have a lamp with adjustable direction and intensity. A neutral color temperature (around 4000K) is ideal – it doesn’t strain your eyes or disturb your circadian rhythm. If the ceiling light feels too harsh, replace the bulb with a warmer one or add some ambient lighting, like a floor lamp or USB-powered LED strip.
Humanizing the space
Ergonomics isn’t only about proportions and dimensions – it’s also about the atmosphere and emotions that shape a workspace. You can personalize a rented interior beautifully with non-permanent touches: textiles, plants, accessories, posters, or scents.
What was challenging for me was finding the right balance. I wanted my workspace to feel cozy, modern, and functional, but not too girly or too masculine. Just that perfect mix in between.
@solveigstudio
Plants – even the smallest ones that fit into our containers – act as natural air filters and boost concentration. A soft rug under your desk or curtains on the window will add a bit of warmth. These small improvements often make the biggest difference to your work quality.
Minimalism and mobility
Renting, with all its limitations, can be a great creativity workout. The lack of permanent changes enforces order and simplicity. Fewer objects mean more control – and every item gains significance.
If you want your space to evolve throughout the day, consider mobile solutions – like a desk on wheels. This kind of flexibility gives a temporary apartment a surprising sense of stability. Even in a rented place, you can feel at home – just design a space that truly reflects your personality and needs. Think of it not as a restriction but as a playground for creativity.
I always try to keep my setup minimal. A couple of plants and natural materials bring warmth and make the space inspiring, but everything I add also has to serve a purpose. That way, my desk doesn’t just look good; it actually supports my work every day.
@coding_oksana
Modular furniture, reliable accessories, and ergonomic solutions – all these elements help you create a space that promotes productivity and well-being, even if tomorrow you’ll be packing it into boxes.
Blog.
How to set up a home office in a rented apartment
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Home office inspirations: a workspace for two
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Between trends and timelessness: how to design your home office yourself
Back to nature: why turn your office into a relaxing oasis?
A good desk is just the beginning
