Often times, renting an apartment means that paint, nail holes and larger renovations are not allowed, forcing your new place to remain bland, white or beige with no character. Instead of being depressed by your bare surroundings, think of it as a blank canvas to cover with your ingenious do-it-yourself skills. With a little creativity, elbow grease and some free time, these five DIY ideas for rental-approved wall décor will liven up the place and make it feel more like home.
Temporary Wallpaper
Temporary wallpaper is a great option for someone who wants the most dramatic effect for his or her walls. This product goes on just like wallpaper, but without the water or glue, and is perfect for renters who want to remove or reposition it. Temporary wallpaper comes in hundreds of designs that are available from companies like Tempaper or on Etsy and can be used to cover a whole wall or just a section of a wall. It’s perfect to create an accent wall, delineate space (great for a studio) or use as a “headboard,” which will save space and hassle later when moving.
Washi Tape
Without a doubt, the most talked-about crafting/DIY/décor product is Washi tape, which originates from Japan. It’s a type of masking tape made from paper or natural fibers that does not leave a sticky residue when removed. Washi tape comes in every color and design that you can think of, which makes it perfect for amateur interior designers who want to flex their creative muscles. Washi tape can be used on walls to create borders, picture frames, patterns or temporary wallpaper. It can also be used to spruce up boring doors, windows, kitchen cabinets and ceiling fans.
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Vinyl Decals
For those of us who don’t want to commit to temporary wallpaper, or don’t have the patience for washi tape, Vinyl decals are the perfect design compromise. These decals “stick” onto any clean and flat surface with no glue required and can be removed or repositioned at any time. Vinyl decals run the gamut of design and price on Etsy, so if you want to wake up to an inspirational quote, or a scene in the woods, or even if you prefer something a little more minimalist, the choices are endless. Vinyl decals can also be combined to create a larger, more impactful design on a wall. There are also decals available with chalkboards that are perfect to put by your front door for reminders.
Dezign with a Z
Hang Fabric, Pictures and Art with Removable Hooks
All of your photographs and art can be hung with gallery precision by using removable hooks. Products such as Command Hooks use an adhesive that sticks to the wall but can be removed without any damage to the surface. These hooks come in a variety of sizes and materials that can either be hidden behind a frame or exposed (if they are aesthetically pleasing). Arranging art and photos in a collage can create an impressive effect on a bare wall. For a romantic look in a bedroom or living room, hang inexpensive fabric curtains (or shower curtains) from removable hooks that are positioned as high as possible on a wall to create a great floor-to-ceiling look.
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Tile Tattoos
Now that we have the main living spaces covered, we cannot leave out the all-important kitchen and bathroom. If you are stuck with a dated tile backsplash in the kitchen or discolored and bland tiles in the bathroom, Tile Tattoos can be used to give those spaces a new lease on life. Tile tattoos are similar to vinyl wall decals, only they are made to stick onto porcelain tile. Just like wall decals, these tile stickers can be removed without damage. However, the caveat with these stickers is that they only come in 4”x4” or 6”x6” squares. Tile Tattoos also come in solids or patterns, which can be combined for beautiful results.
Dwell
Cait Kilpatrick is a native New Yorker and college graduate who has lived in (small) rented apartments throughout her entire life. She dabbles in interior design and was a collegiate soccer player. She is also an unapologetic Anglophile who excels at juggling multiple shows on Netflix and organizing DVRs.
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