Try one of these genius damage-free and rental-friendly products for cute apartment decor today! Customize your rental & keep the landlord happy!
Temporary Ideas for Cute Apartment Decor
Decorating your rental home or apartment can be a challenge. How can you personalize your space and have cute apartment decor (or rental home decor), without upsetting the landlord and forfeiting your security deposit?
Before we bought our “forever home” in May of 2018, I spent over a decade as a renter – pushing boundaries and finding creative damage-free decorating solutions. Here are my favorites.
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Check out these temporary, peel-and-stick solutions!
The Best Damage-Free Decor for Renters
1 – Appliance Decals
Target has a surprising selection of unique fridge decals. Take your appliances from bland white or beige to, well, see for yourself:
Want the stainless steel look? Use this Faux Stainless Con Tact Paper and this tutorial to give your appliances a quick and inexpensive facelift.
2 – Tile Decals
These little stickers pack a powerful punch. Use them to cover ugly kitchen tile or bathroom back splash, or even to add a little bit of character to a boring staircase. I love these options from Etsy. Amazon also has some gorgeous options, many of which come with Prime shipping. Score!
Read all about using vinyl floor tiles and stickers here.
3 – Window Privacy Screens
Don’t tolerate chintzy apartment blinds, or (gasp) no blinds at all. If you can’t drill and add curtain rods, try a privacy screen instead. They come in a variety of fun patterns.
4- Damage-Free Window Treatments
There are several options on this front – use command hooks to hold a thin curtain rod or try this handy twist-and-fit tension rod.
Follow this tutorial to hang curtain rods with command hooks, ot this tutorial that uses Command velcro strips. So smart!
5 – Temporary Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
I have used temporary wallpaper in several rooms now – my kitchen backsplash being one – I have been thrilled with the results each time. Take a peek at this little video slideshow to see how this wallpaper project came together in a snap:
This kind of wallpaper is such a favorite that I put together a shopping guide with my favorite affordable sources.
6 – Hooks for Extra Storage
I am rarely 100% brand loyal. But when it comes to damage-free hanging, 3M is the only way to go. I’m not talking about those little white hooks (which are great for some uses like gallery walls and hanging large mirrors), but instead try some of the more decorative options that 3M has to offer. Brushed bronze anyone?
7 – Wall Decals
The design possibilities are endless with wall decals. They come in an almost infinite selection of design choices. If you can’t find what you want, you can always make your own DIY wall decals in virtually any shape and color. Click here for wall decal design inspiration.
No Wall decals? Try Washi Tape and Your Imagination
Use a roll of colorful washi tape on anything – walls, doors, cupboards, or appliances. You can instantly transform just about any flat surface!
8 – Shelf Liners
Why are the drawers and shelves in rentals usually so funky? Is it just me who notices this? Don’t worry. Contact paper has come a long way my friends. Update open shelves with contact paper or drawers with a bright patterned paper. No one should have to live with ugly drawers and shelves!
Can’t wait to work on my backsplash!
I was wondering if you have a recommendation for a product to apply to the cabinets? They are some Ikea like 10-20 year old composite.
I just know I’d never do a project wall-sized but could tackle the cabinets and backsplash!