When you’re renting a home, the prospect of decorating the walls can be both exciting and daunting. While you want to personalize your space and make it feel like home, the fear of damaging the walls can often hold you back. The good news is that there are plenty of creative and temporary solutions to add flair to your rental without damaging or leaving a lasting mark. In this guide, we’ll explore various ideas on how to decorate the walls of your rental home without causing any damage.
Removable Wallpaper:
Removable wallpaper is a game-changer for renters looking to transform their walls without making a long-term commitment. This versatile option comes in a myriad of patterns and designs, allowing you to express your individual style while making your temporary space feel a bit cozier and more permanent. Application is a breeze with a number of DIY videos on YouTube offering tips and tricks for easy application. However, the best part is it’s also easy to remove and, should you need to, re-position. When the time comes, simply peel it off without leaving any residue or damage behind. Whether you prefer bold geometric patterns, subtle textures, or vibrant florals, removable wallpaper provides an instant and damage-free upgrade to your rental space, while allowing you to elevate the room and play with design along the way.
Command Strips and Hooks:
3M strips and 3M Command hooks are innovative adhesive products that offer a range of benefits, especially for those looking to decorate or organize their spaces without causing damage to walls. These adhesive wonders can hold anything from small framed pictures to decorative items and even lightweight shelves. Here are some key advantages of using 3M strips and Command hooks:
● Damage-Free Solution: An ideal nail alternative, these strips and hooks eliminate the need for nails, screws, or other traditional hardware, preventing damage to walls, paint, or other surfaces.
● Easy Application: Most products come with simple instructions, and the application typically involves cleaning the surface, adhering the strip or hook, and pressing it firmly in place.
● No Residue: When it’s time to remove the strips or hooks, they come off cleanly without leaving any residue behind. This feature is particularly beneficial for renters who want to personalize their space without risking damage to the walls.
● Versatility: They come in various sizes and weight capacities. Whether you need to hang lightweight decorations, medium-sized frames, or heavier items, there’s likely a suitable product for your needs. In addition, they offer an extensive range of products, including hooks, picture hanging strips, cord organizers, and more. This variety allows users to find the right solution for different applications.
● Reusable: They are adjustable, allowing you to reposition them without losing adhesive strength. This feature is handy if you want to make changes to your decor or organizational setup. Additionally, many products are reusable with the use of new adhesive strips.
Be sure to follow the weight guidelines on the packaging and carefully remove them according to the instructions to avoid any damage.
Gallery Wall with Command Picture Hanging Strips:
Create a stunning gallery wall using Command picture hanging strips. These strips allow you to decorate your space with hanging framed photos, artwork, and other wall decor without putting holes in the wall. Arrange your pieces in a visually appealing layout to make a statement and showcase your personality. The best part is that you can easily adjust the arrangement or switch out items whenever you want, all without causing any damage to the walls.
Washi Tape Wall Art:
Washi tape wall art is a creative and customizable way to decorate walls using washi tape—a type of decorative adhesive tape that originated in Japan. Washi tape is known for its colorful designs, patterns, and versatility. Washi tape wall art involves applying strips of this tape directly to the walls to create visually appealing and personalized designs. This is a fantastic and budget-friendly way to add color and patterns to your walls using the tape’s wide array of colors and designs, making it easy to match your existing decor. Create geometric shapes, patterns, or even faux frames with washi tape to give your space a unique and personalized touch. The best part is that washi tape is easily removable and won’t damage the paint, making it an ideal solution for renters.
Floating Shelves:
Floating shelves not only provide additional storage but also offer an excellent opportunity to showcase your favorite decor items. Install floating shelves using brackets that won’t damage the walls, such as command strips or adhesive hooks. Use the shelves to display books, plants, artwork, or any other items that reflect your style. Floating shelves are a versatile and non-permanent way to enhance both the aesthetic and functionality of your rental home.
Fabric Wall Hangings:
Transform your walls with fabric wall hangings for a bohemian and cozy vibe. Use curtain rods, removable hooks, or even tension rods to hang fabric pieces in various patterns and textures. This not only adds warmth to your space but also provides a unique focal point. Experiment with different fabrics, colors, and sizes to create a personalized and easily removable wall decor solution. Here’s a look at some benefits of fabric wall hangings in your rental home:
● Versatility in Design: Fabric wall hangings come in a wide variety of designs, patterns, and colors. This versatility allows you to easily find a piece that complements your existing decor or serves as a focal point in a room. Whether you prefer bohemian, modern, or traditional styles, there’s likely a fabric wall hanging that suits your taste.
● Textural Appeal: Fabric wall hangings introduce a textural element to your space. Whether it’s a woven tapestry, a macramé piece, or a fabric art print, the texture of the fabric adds depth and visual interest to your walls, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
● Affordability: Fabric wall hangings are often more affordable than traditional framed artwork or wallpaper. This allows you to update your decor on a budget and experiment with different styles without a significant financial investment.
● Easy to Change and Update: If you like to refresh your living space periodically, fabric wall hangings offer an easy way to change the look of a room. Swap out hangings seasonally or whenever you want a new aesthetic without committing to a long-term decor change.
● Sound Absorption: Depending on the type of fabric used, wall hangings can contribute to sound absorption in a room. This is particularly useful in rental homes with minimal insulation or in apartments with shared walls, helping to create a quieter and more comfortable living environment.
● Portable Décor: Fabric wall hangings are lightweight and portable, making them easy to transport and reuse in different spaces. Whether you move to a new rental home or decide to redecorate, you can take your fabric wall hangings with you and incorporate them into your new living space.
Tapestries:
Tapestries are a classic and bohemian-inspired way to cover larger wall spaces in your rental home. Hang a tapestry using removable hooks or adhesive strips to create a bold focal point in any room. With an endless array of designs and patterns available, you can easily find a tapestry that complements your style and adds a touch of personality to your living space.
Temporary Wall Decals and Wall Stickers:
Temporary wall decals are a fun and customizable way to add personality to your rental home. Whether you’re into inspirational quotes, nature-inspired designs, or whimsical patterns, there’s a wide variety of decals to suit your taste. This easy peel and stick solution allows you to simply apply and reposition them easily without leaving any residue, giving you the freedom to change the look of your walls whenever the mood strikes.
Magnetic Décor
● Wall Panels: For a functional and versatile wall decor solution, consider magnetic wall panels. These panels allow you to hang artwork, photos, and even shelves using magnetic attachments, eliminating the need for nails or screws. Magnetic wall panels are easily removable and won’t damage the walls, making them an ideal choice for renters who want a customizable and damage-free option.
● Magnetic Paint: If you want to create a magnetic surface on an entire wall, you can use magnetic paint as a base before applying the magnetic wall panels. Follow the instructions on
the magnetic paint for proper application and drying time. Be sure to check with your landlord before painting any walls in your rental home.
● Get Creative with Magnetic Decor: Explore creative ways to use magnetic decor items. Magnetic planters, photo frames, and chalkboards are just a few examples of items that can add both functionality and style to your magnetic wall.
How to Make Use of Existing Hardware
Making use of existing hardware in your rental home is a practical and resourceful approach to decorating and organizing without making permanent changes. Here are some ideas on how to maximize the existing hardware in your rental:
● Utilize Existing Hooks: Many rental homes come with hooks on walls or doors. Take advantage of these hooks to hang items such as coats, bags, or accessories.
● Adapt Curtain Rods: If your rental already has curtain rods installed, repurpose them for more than just curtains. Use them to hang lightweight decorations, such as banners, string lights, or even lightweight artwork. Just be sure not to exceed the weight capacity of the curtain rod.
● Over-the-Door Storage: Utilize over-the-door hooks or organizers for additional storage. These can be placed on bedroom or bathroom doors to hang towels, robes, or even shoes. They are easy to install and remove without damaging the door.
● Hang Artwork on Existing Nails or Hooks: If your rental home already has nails or hooks in the walls, use them to hang artwork or framed photos. Reposition the existing items if necessary or add new pieces to complement what’s already there.
● Use Shelves and Ledges: If your rental has built-in shelves or ledges, use them to display decorative items, books, or plants.
● Repurpose Towel Bars: Towel bars in bathrooms can be used for more than just towels. Hang baskets or small shelves from them to create additional storage for toiletries, beauty products, or decorative items.
Remember to always check your lease agreement and seek permission from your landlord before making any significant changes or additions to the existing hardware in your rental home. Using the hardware already in place creatively allows you to personalize your space without causing damage or violating lease terms.
Decorating the walls of your rental home doesn’t have to be a stressful endeavor. With a plethora of temporary and damage-free options available, you can express your style and make your space feel truly yours. From removable wallpaper to washi tape and magnetic wall panels, the possibilities are endless. Get creative, experiment with different ideas, and enjoy transforming your rental home into a personalized oasis without leaving a trace when it’s time to move on. After all, your home is a reflection of you, and it should feel that way, even if it’s just for a temporary stay. If you’re interested in finding a move-in ready rental home in Houston, Dallas / Fort Worth, or San Antonio, please contact SimplyHome today and let us help you find the perfect home for you to decorate and make your own.
