This Tiny Tweak Transforms One of the Most Annoying Rental Eyesores (It’s So Nostalgic!)

Door chain locks are obviously essential for, you know, home security and all, but some can look like they’ve been around longer than your house or apartment building itself. And when it comes to concealing eyesore spots, this might not be at the top of your list — but one TikTok hack shows how to dress up your lock with a personalized project that’s too cute to resist. 

TikTok user @minkbetch shared a video panning over her front door, which includes a dated-looking door chain. In the next clip, it appears that she spray painted the chain or replaced it with a new brass version, and then added a handful of mini charms in between the links. 

Think of this like a charm bracelet, but for your front door. Charms in general have been resurfacing on the fashion front recently (hello, early 2000s nostalgia), and this also feels like a nod to the current bag charm trend, which involves accessorizing your purse or tote with cute keychains. Either way, this charming hack now seems to be trickling over into home decor, and it can be personalized however you want — without getting in the way of the lock itself. 

The original poster noted in the comments that she sourced her charms from Michaels, which carries a range of motifs from smiley faces to fruit to cute animals. You can buy these in packs to create a cohesive design, or mix and match a few individual styles (it looks like the TikTok example used eight total). Etsy also offers a variety of affordable little pendants intended for jewelry making that would attach well to your door chain — just be sure they come with rings. 

“I love those small fix/touches on my apartment,” one TikTok user commented on the post. “I walk by and stare at them like 20 times after I do it. Looks great here!” Another added, “Make it functional but *cute*.”

Not only will these door charms perk up your entryway for under $20, but you’ll also definitely never have another “Did I forget to lock the front door?” panic again. Plus, they’re easy to remove if you’re living in a rental or want to swap out the designs.