Winter has a way of revealing every draft, every dim corner, and every awkward detail of a rental. When the days are shorter and we spend more time indoors, small irritations in a space can feel larger than they are. The good news is that many of the most effective improvements are simple, reversible, and easy on both budget and security deposit. They are about transforming a rental to support you better through the colder months.
A good place to begin is with warmth that does not rely solely on turning up the thermostat. In many rentals, windows and doors are the weak points, especially in older buildings. Well-lined curtains hung close to the wall can make a noticeable difference, particularly in bedrooms and living rooms where you spend quiet time. In the evening, drawing them fully creates a pocket of still air that insulates more than a thin blind can manage. Along the floor, a simple draft stopper placed against the base of a door can soften cold airflow without any hardware at all.
Lighting is another part of winter that can either wear you down or lift you up. Adding a few lamps at different heights changes the character of the space. A lamp on a side table, another on a dresser, and perhaps one on the floor near your reading chair can create a softer, pooled light that feels more humane on long evenings. Choosing warm-toned bulbs rather than cool, blue-leaning light makes a surprising difference to mood.
Laminate flooring in rentals can also feel cold and impersonal in winter. Rugs can make mornings more pleasant when you step out of bed. In open-plan spaces, one rug under a seating area, another under a dining table, and a runner near the entry can mark zones and make the home feel more composed. When you move, they roll up and come with you, turning this seasonal adjustment into a longer-term investment. Tip: Ask at discount carpet places for a good price on a roll end and support it with a firm underlay.
Storage tends to feel more strained in winter because coats, boots, and layers take up more space. In many rentals, closets are either small or awkwardly arranged. Freestanding solutions are often the safest route. A coat stand near the entry, a low bench with space for shoes beneath, or a simple row of removable hooks can transform a corner from a pile of outerwear into a small, functional landing zone. Inside closets, using hanging fabric boxes or baskets on shelves brings order without installing anything permanent. These interventions are modest, but they can prevent the sense of winter clutter creeping in at the doorway.
Indoor air can become dry and stale in heating season. A small, efficient humidifier used mindfully can ease this, especially in bedrooms. Opening a window briefly each day, even for a few minutes, lets fresh air in without losing all your warmth. Keeping plants that you genuinely enjoy and can reasonably care for adds a bit of life and softens the line between indoors and outdoors. Search this website for articles on plants that thrive on neglect if you don’t have a green thumb.
Before applying anything adhesive or drilling a hole, it is worth considering whether a freestanding option, a tension rod, or a hook designed to be removable might achieve the same goal. This protects your deposit, respects the owner’s position, and gives you flexibility when your housing needs change.
Finally, winter is also an invitation to think about how your rental supports the way you live. A comfortable chair placed near the best natural light for reading, a small tray on the coffee table that gathers remotes, glasses, and a book, a designated spot for keys and mail near the door: these small acts of order can make cold months feel more manageable. You are not waiting for the perfect home to start living well; you’re shaping the space you have, season by season.
For inspiration, visit www.ikea.ca. It’s a renter’s paradise and they will deliver to your nearest Staples (or other store) with cheap or even free shipping.
