A new layer of paint can transform a bare, dull, or stained wall into something warm and welcoming. Unfortunately, as a renter, you don’t always have the luxury of making that cosmetic change. How do you hang up your Christmas decorations when your security deposit is at risk? Or personalize your rental space?
If you have these questions, this article is the perfect guide. We’ll go over how to decorate walls when painting is not allowed by sharing the top 10 temporary wall decor ideas. Additionally, we’ll share some helpful tips for damage-free hanging.
10 Temporary Wall Décor Ideas
There is a plethora of things you could put up to make a feature wall. You could even customize it in accordance with something that you’re fond of. Suppose you love automobiles, you could put up car pictures, a collector’s le mans poster, pictures of you during your trips, and so much more. You could similarly decorate it with other things. Feature walls present you with the opportunity to explore your creativity, while adding to your home’s aesthetic in the process. Explore these 10 ideas listed below to create a great feature wall:
- Reusable Wallpaper
One of the best alternatives to painting is to get reusable wallpaper. As the name implies, you can easily remove them and use them elsewhere. They often come in a peel-and-stick form, making them easy to use. Besides, they also come in multiple colors and design options.
- Bookshelves
If you’re trying to cover up one wall, or a spot, you could opt for a bookshelf. This furniture comes in several materials, colors, and designs. Besides hiding unsightly stains, they also give you room to place books, pictures, or show off your collection.
- Mirrors
Follow the dos and don’ts of decorating by taking advantage of your natural lighting. One of the ways you can do that is by getting a mirror. These reflective pieces of furniture illuminate the room by reflecting light and can make your space feel bigger.
- Tile Stickers
Spice up your kitchen and bathroom tile with creative stickers. You can decorate these spaces with removable tile stickers that are easy to apply, remove, and transfer. Since they come in several designs, finding one that compliments your bathroom shouldn’t be a hassle.
- Wall & Window Decals
Wall and window decals happen to be a popular choice among tenants because they’re a low-cost solution. You can spend as little as $2 for every square inch of your space. Many of them are also DIY-friendly, thanks to their self-adhesive installation.
- Plants
Indoor plants are a popular decorative tool because they have several benefits. Besides their aesthetic appeal, they’re also known to improve your mood and relieve stress. You can get a tabletop cactus to hide an ugly patch or a rubber tree with more coverage. Also, if you don’t have a green thumb, you can opt for artificial options.
- Photo Frames
Personalize your home with photo frames of family, friends, and places you love. Of course, if your landlord doesn’t allow you to paint, they’re unlikely to let you take a nail and hammer to the wall. In that scenario, you can opt for nail alternatives. Command hooks and velcro strips are excellent tools that allow you to hang the pictures you want without damaging the wall.
- Full-Length Curtains
Extend your curtains beyond the borders of your window to cover your walls. Floor-length curtains have a way of making a room look more elegant, which can make your home more appealing. Also, if you’re worried about prices, there are attractive low-cost drape options.
- String Lights
Brighten up your home with warm or colorful string lights. This solution is one of the cheapest yet prettiest ways to decorate your home. Also, they do an excellent job of calling attention away from your unpainted walls.
- Folding Screen or Dividers
Focusing on Decorative Foldable Wooden Room Dividers, these versatile furniture pieces tend to provide a neat alternative to painting. They’re easy to move, making them a perfect option for tenants who have an open room set up but prefer to divide it as and when needed. You can use a bright folding screen to add some life to your space. Or you can put a lamp behind a see-through divider to create a cozy, romantic feel.
Tips for Damage-free Hanging
- Use Press-in Hooks
Press-in or adhesive hooks are an excellent way to hang a photo or art frame. They’re lightweight tools you can easily buy online and stick on a smooth wall surface. Since they’re a great nail alternative, they allow you to minimize damage to ensure you get your security deposit back.
- Try Velcro Strips
Another damage-free hanging tip is to opt for velcro strips. Like press-in hooks, they bypass the need for nails and a hammer and are easy to use. You must remove the paper lining, expose the adhesive side, and paste it on your wall. You can then hang light to medium-weight frames on the other side. Although, it would be best to confirm how much weight they can hold beforehand.
- Place it on a Shelf
Finally, you can bypass searching for the best nail alternative and buy a shelf. Shelves are an excellent way to optimize your vertical space without causing any damage to the walls. A mod shelving unit even allows you to customize the height and width of each section. That feature makes it perfect for any item or frame you want to display. Besides, you can always carry them if you decide to move.
Conclusion
As a tenant, it might feel like there are limits to making your rental feel like a home. If you’re a renter that wonders how to decorate walls when painting is not allowed, we hope these ten solutions gave you some great ideas. Additionally, if you need to hang up a photo frame or artwork, invest in press-in hooks, velcro strips, or a shelf. With these tips, you avoid damaging your walls and having your landlord deduct from your security deposit.
