For today’s renters, sustainability is top of mind—but often out of reach. While the desire to make environmentally responsible choices has become increasingly common in home decor, affordability continues to be a significant barrier. This disconnect is reflected in Rently’s 2025 Apartment Design & Decor Trends Report, which reveals that 69% of renters want eco-friendly decor, yet 49% say cost is the primary factor in whether they make a purchase. This gap between aspiration and access highlights an ongoing challenge in the rental market: renters are willing to prioritize sustainability, but only if it fits within their budget.
Lease-Friendly Customization Is on the Rise
Green living has become an aspirational goal for many renters, yet the reality of rising living costs means that most are making decisions based on affordability first. Sustainable materials, ethically sourced furniture, and energy-efficient home goods are often priced higher than conventional alternatives, making them less accessible to those on a tight budget. While renters care about the environmental impact of their choices, they are unlikely to pay a premium for eco-friendly decor unless it comes with clear financial benefits, such as long-term durability or energy savings. The demand for green products exists, but cost-effective solutions are necessary to turn interest into widespread adoption.
DIY Trends Are Fueling Creativity
Secondhand shopping and DIY decor have become popular ways for renters to embrace sustainability without overspending. Thrifting, upcycling, and repurposing furniture offer stylish, waste-reducing alternatives to buying new. The appeal of vintage and reclaimed materials continues to grow, fueled by social media inspiration that showcases creative ways to give old items new life. From refinishing a dresser to transforming discarded materials into functional decor, renters are finding budget-friendly ways to personalize their spaces while minimizing their environmental impact.
The affordability of secondhand and DIY decor goes beyond furniture. Renters are finding creative, budget-friendly ways to incorporate eco-conscious elements into their homes—using natural fiber textiles, choosing non-toxic paints, and repurposing materials for wall art. These small, intentional choices support sustainable living without demanding a large financial investment. Rather than focusing solely on buying new eco-friendly products, renters are rethinking consumption habits and making the most of what they already have.
Low-Cost, High-Impact Changes Make a Difference
Despite growing interest in sustainable living, renters are often left to navigate eco-conscious choices on their own. Many rental units come equipped with standard features that prioritize cost and convenience over environmental impact, offering little in the way of energy-efficient appliances, water-saving fixtures, or non-toxic materials. Without these foundational elements—such as LED lighting, eco-friendly flooring, or low-flow faucets—renters may find it difficult to align their homes with their values without incurring additional costs. While renters continue to take creative steps toward greener living, broader support from across the housing and design ecosystem, including landlords and brands, can help close the gap between affordability and sustainable design.
This challenge extends beyond the rental unit itself. While many renters are eager to make more sustainable choices, eco-friendly home goods often come with a higher price tag, putting them out of reach for those on tighter budgets. From recycled furniture to biodegradable accessories and non-toxic cleaning supplies, greener options are available—but not always accessible. When brands offer more affordable, well-sourced alternatives, it becomes easier for renters to make decisions that reflect both their values and their financial reality. For many, transparency around materials and pricing can also foster trust, empowering them to invest in sustainability without compromise.
Making Sustainability Affordable: The Key to Widespread Adoption
Retailers that embrace sustainability without driving up prices are well positioned to earn the loyalty of renters seeking environmentally friendly ways to decorate their homes. Programs like discounts, secondhand collections, and trade-in incentives can help make sustainable options more attainable. Many renters are already drawn to brands that prioritize ethical production and responsible sourcing—but those values need to be paired with accessible pricing in order to turn interest into action.
Sustainability matters to renters, but affordability remains the deciding factor in whether they fully embrace it. While many are eager to reduce their environmental impact, financial constraints often limit what’s possible. The solution lies in expanding access to cost-effective solutions—whether through thrifting, DIY projects, or budget-friendly sustainable goods. Renters are proving that green living does not have to come with a high price tag, but until affordability improves, sustainability in rental decor will remain an aspiration rather than a widespread reality.
