Renter-Friendly Decoration Ideas

Renting an apartment often comes with limitations when it comes to decorating your space. Many landlords ask their tenants to refrain from making permanent changes, like painting and putting up shelving or picture frames. This is usually in an effort to keep damage at a minimum and to ensure as little work as possible will need to be done before new tenants move in. These types of restrictions can cause a space to feel lackluster. Check out these renter-friendly decoration alternatives to help transform your new home with no lasting damage! 

 

Use Removable Wallpapers and Decals

Wallpaper and decals like contact paper or washi tape have come a long way within the last few decades. You can now find removable wallpaper and decals in many home maintenance and decor stores. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, but if you’re not finding something that stands out to you, consider designing your own online and having it shipped to your home!

 

Incorporate Bold Colors and Patterns

If you have limited wall space, or aren’t allowed to hang things on your walls, consider incorporating bold colors and patterns into your furniture and accessories. Statement pieces like a brightly colored couch with patterned or textured pillows can help fill visual space and will stand out nicely against white or blank walls.

 

Prop Up Heavier Items Against a Wall

Propping up larger decor items, such as tall mirrors, can be an easy way to make a room feel bigger. You might consider placing these types of mirrors near or across from windows as they will reflect light into the room making it appear brighter.

 

Use Adhesive Strips

If you’ve always dreamed of installing a gallery wall, adhesive strips can become your new best friend. They are easy to apply, hold strong, and won’t cause damage if removed properly.  Be sure to follow directions for best results.

 

Bring Life to Your Space with House Plants

While renting can often mean no garden space, you can create that lush, earthy-feeling indoors by incorporating live houseplants. Plants can quickly transform an otherwise dull or un-inviting space. They even provide health benefits, such as improving air quality, and can even improve your mood by lowering stress and anxiety.

  

Use Peel and Stick Tiles

Similar to removable wallpaper and decals, peel and stick tiles are an easy and inexpensive way to transform a space. You might consider adding subway tile to your bathroom or in your kitchen as a backsplash for a cleaner, more elevated look.

 

Install Damage-Free Window Treatments

You can use thin curtain rods and adhesive hooks to hang up lightweight curtains without having to permanently install hardware. Simply stick your adhesive hooks to the wall and place the curtain rods inside. Consider using multiple hooks for additional support. PRO TIP: You can buy adhesive hooks in a clear finish so that they blend into the walls.

 

Change Out the Hardware

Changing the hardware on your kitchen or bathroom cabinets is an easy way to give the room a quick refresh! It’s important that you store all of the original hardware in a safe place so that when you move you have them at hand to switch them back out.

 

Create Open Shelving 

You can create your own open shelving by removing the doors from the cabinetry in your space. Be sure to store the cabinet doors and hardware in a safe, dry place so that when it comes time to move, you can easily put them back on.

 

Make Your Own Headboard

Bring your sleeping space to life with a creative DIY headboard. Try using a reclaimed wood pallet, sand it down and design your own pattern to give your room a beautiful focal point! You might also consider adding fabric to the headboard for a more dramatic look!

 

Decorating your apartment can be an exciting experience despite some limitations. That being said, you’ll want to be sure that your belongings are protected. Check out the link below to contact an insurance agent and learn more about a renter’s insurance policy with NYCM!