Rental properties often have stringent rules about what you’re permitted to do in the space. They might not allow you to paint the walls, and some even have rules about putting nails in the walls. But if you can’t paint and you can’t hang pictures, how are you supposed to decorate your space? How do you make it feel like home instead of blank, temporary space you’re stuck in? Here are a few decorating tips that might help.
Style the Shelves
Shelves can make for a great decorating space when you’re not allowed to hang up décor. Buy a couple of tall bookshelves and style them in any way that fits your personality. Of course, it’s a good idea to put at least a few books up there. But you can also add framed photos, decorative statues, artistic bookends, and even potted succulents to add some fresh style to the shelves. Due to their height, the bookshelves will cover a good chunk of those boring, blank walls without damaging them, so you don’t have to worry about your landlord.
And, it’s easy to rearrange and redecorate those shelves as often as you like! Add festive signs and other décor to the shelves for each holiday to really make your apartment a cozy and welcoming place to be.
Rugs, Pillows, and Bedding
You can add many elements to your apartment without even touching the walls of the room. A large area rug in a space can pull it together and make it look so inviting. Colorful pillows on the sofa or bed, along with a matching throw, also adds some style. If there are already curtain rods hanging on your windows, change out the curtains.
Replace the Wall Plates
Maybe you can’t cover up the dull colors on the walls—but you can replace those dull wall plates. Removing a light switch cover and putting on a new one doesn’t damage the walls in any way, and there are many decorative switch plates out there that can stand in place of the décor you’re not allowed to hang. Wall Plates come in many colors, materials, patterns, and styles, so you’re sure to find something that fits your tastes.
You can buy wall plates for décor online, and it only costs a few bucks. Just be sure to hang onto the original wall plates so that you can switch them back and take your new ones with you when you move out!
