10 Renter Friendly Wall Decor Ideas That Your Landlord Will Allow
The tedious feeling of moving into an apartment with nothing but bland creamy walls is something that we'll never fully get used to. Oftentimes as a renter, it feels like changing, renovating, or beautifying your apartment is a breach of your lease.
The good news is you can typically make small (but mighty) upgrades to your apartment, provided that the change does not cause any permanent harm to the property. (It’s important to note this is often based on the local laws where you live so it’s worth checking those first!)
Renter-friendly wall makeovers can be an economical and fast way of changing the look of your apartment without causing irreparable damage to the walls, and there's plenty of amazing ideas out there. From removable peel & stick wallpaper, tiny nail art hanging kits to light wall panelling, you have a lot more options than you might think.
The key is to either use removable adhesive products (discussed below) or small enough nails or screws that only leave small holes that can be easily patched before you move out.
1. Renter Friendly Accent Walls
One of the easiest ways to decorate your apartment’s walls is by designing an accent wall. Accent walls allow you to change the entire feel of a room without the need for a complete renovation.
Some common materials for accent walls include; wallpaper, mirrors, wall decals, and many different hangable decor. The good news is there’s ways to make these all renter friendly if you’re creative enough!
2. Renter-Friendly Wallpaper: Bringing Personality and Style
The bland, white, or cream walls in your rental space can be spruced up with removable wallpaper. Removable wallpaper is a game-changer for renters, as it offers an array of benefits that traditional wallpaper lacks. One of the most significant advantages is its ease of application and removal.
These wallpapers are designed with self-adhesive backing, allowing you to effortlessly apply them to your walls without the need for glue or paste. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to personalize their space without risking their security deposit.
When selecting patterns and designs for your renter-friendly wallpaper, there are a few things to consider. If you're unsure, opting for neutral or subtle patterns can ensure versatility and make it easier to coordinate with various design elements.
However, if you're feeling bold and adventurous, don't shy away from vibrant patterns and eye-catching designs. Geometric prints, floral motifs, or even a whimsical mural can add a unique touch to your space and become a conversation starter. Just strike a balance between the wallpaper and the rest of the room's elements to avoid overwhelming the space.
Consider the size of the room as well. If you have a small space, opting for wallpapers with lighter colors or delicate patterns can create an illusion of openness and make the room feel airier. On the other hand, in larger rooms, you have more freedom to experiment with bolder designs and darker shades.
3. Renter-Friendly Wood Slat Wall Panels
Wood slat panels can transform plain walls into stunning focal points, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. While you will need to put screws into your wall to hang these, if installed correctly you’ll only have screw holes that can be patched before moving out.
Again, it’s important to check the material of your wall to ensure you won’t be causing permanent damage and/or breaking your lease.
White drywall walls are typically ideal for a project like this, as the holes can be patched with a hole-patch kit and lightly sanded before you move out, ensuring you'll get that damage deposit back.
4. Hanging Decor without Holes: Creative Alternatives
When it comes to holes in the walls, the size and difficulty of hiding them when you leave is one of the most critical factors. For example larger holes left behind from mounting a TV or heavy shelves might require more extensive repairs, potentially involving patching, sanding, and repainting. On the other hand, small nail or screw holes or lightweight hooks are usually easier to patch and conceal.
If you're concerned about potential damage affecting your security deposit, there are a few strategies you can employ. First, consider using removable adhesive hooks or picture-hanging strips specifically designed for damage-free removal. These can support lightweight items and leave minimal residue or damage upon removal.
Patching Small Holes
For small nail holes or small-sized wall anchors, you can use wall putty or spackling compound to fill the holes. White walls may be easier to patch since wall putty is often available in white color. However, if your walls are a different color, matching the paint may be necessary to ensure a seamless repair. In such cases, you might want to consider keeping some extra paint or obtaining a small sample to have on hand for touch-ups when you move out.
Document Your Changes
Proper documentation is crucial. Take photographs of the condition of the walls before hanging any decorations, and keep a record of any repairs or touch-ups you make before you move out. This documentation can serve as evidence of your efforts to maintain the property and help support your claim for the return of your security deposit.
Ultimately, it's advisable to review your lease agreement, familiarize yourself with local laws, and communicate openly with your landlord or property manager to ensure you understand their specific expectations regarding wall hangings and potential wall damage.
5. Wall decals and stickers
Wall decals are an easy and removable way to add art, quotes, or patterns to your walls. They come in various designs, like the ones above from Urban Walls, and can be easily applied and removed without leaving residue. You can choose decals that reflect your interests, hobbies, or favorite quotes to create a personalized touch.
6. Gallery walls
Create a stunning focal point by curating a gallery wall with a mix of framed artwork, photographs, and even mirrors. You can use removable adhesive hooks or picture-hanging strips to display your favorite pieces.
If you want to recreate the look above, try ribbed or slatted paintable wall panels which can typically be installed with small finishing nails, and simply fasten your frames to the panels. This will reduce the number of holes in your actual wall while also adding some texture and depth.
Mix and match different frame styles, sizes, and artwork to create a unique composition that reflects your style.
7. Hanging textiles
Add warmth and texture to your space by incorporating hanging textiles such as tapestries, macrame wall hangings, or fabric panels. Again, these items are both decorative and very lightweight, so you can hang them with adhesive hooks or nail hangers which leave virtually no wall damage behind.
8. Photo collages
As seen here in the home of Kinfolk founder Nathan Williams, small unframed photo-collages (on the left wall) can be a super artsy and unique way to display some of your favourite snapshots and illustrations without damaging your walls even a little bit.
Another bonus? You can easily swap pics out whenever you snap a new polaroid or find new inspiration.
9. Decorative shelving
Install freestanding or wall-mounted shelves to showcase your favorite decor items, books, or plants. This not only adds visual interest but also provides functional storage space.
10. Mirrors
Mirrors not only serve a practical purpose but also help to visually expand the space and reflect light. Hang mirrors on walls, or you can use freestanding mirrors to add depth and dimension to your rooms without having to drill into anything. They come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose a style that complements your overall decor.
In conclusion...
Renter-friendly renovations and makeovers present a world of possibilities for transforming your space while preserving the integrity of your walls. By embracing temporary fixes, incorporating your style, and collaborating with your landlord, you can create a home that reflects your unique identity and brings you joy every time you step through the door.
By utilizing these ideas, you can transform your rented space into a personalized oasis that reflects your personality and style, all without compromising the walls or risking your security deposit.
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