Renting has its perks: You don’t have to fix your own dryer when it gives up the ghost and there’s no HOA coming around to measure the height of your grass. But it also can have its downsides, and one of those is that you don’t have as many options when it comes to wall decorations.

Renters need decorations that won’t put holes in the walls, damage paint or otherwise create damage that they’ll later be charged for. So, before you pick up that hammer and drill, save yourself your security deposit instead. Check out these 10 awesome ideas to make your space come alive without the need for permanently altering anything.

1. Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Many landlords forbid tenants from painting their walls, which can be a real bummer for those who love to decorate and customize their space. Never fear! Peel and stick wallpaper is an easy and economical solution for those who want a new pattern for their walls. Make sure to clean the wall thoroughly before applying the wallpaper and get a plastic smoothing tool to remove any annoying bubbles or bumps.

2. Folding Screens

Folding screens are a versatile and striking addition to your space. They can be used to create separate spaces in a single room, which can be perfect for shared apartments. But they also look great by themselves placed against a wall, and they do a great job of covering up any potentially undesirable home features that you’re stuck with. And remember that screens come in more than the East Asian-style designs that you see the most. There are tons of different options available to suit any décor style.

3. String Lights

Don’t let décor snobs shame you into thinking string lights have to be left behind in the dorm room. They actually provide subtle and pleasant lighting that can add a lovely accent to a lot of different spaces. Try placing them around a piece of furniture such as a vanity to take advantage of their delightful framing qualities and check out the different varieties available to find one that’s a perfect fit for your home.

4. Area Rug

Whether or not you already have carpet, an area rug is a great addition to your home’s look. A rug can provide an outstanding color contrast that makes your room pop, and it is perfect for keeping your feet comfortable in the spaces you use the most. If you already have carpet, an area rug also offers an easy way to keep your underlying carpet clean, especially in areas where you often eat or where pets hang out.

5. Easel Display

So, you’ve got that amazing oil painting, but it’s too heavy to hang with removable hooks. What to do? An easel can be an awesome option for displaying a larger work of art. They’re easy to set up, relatively cheap and have a small footprint that allows them to be placed in a lot of different room configurations. And, should you ever decide you want to change things up, redecorating can be as easy as switching out what’s on your easel.

6. Wall Decals

Peel and stick wall decals are ideal for adding a huge variety of designs to your walls, whether that’s images, texts, or patterns. Text often includes favorite quotes, while images can include everything from cute animals to life-sized sports figures! High-quality wall decals are made from materials that don’t damage walls when they’re removed, so you don’t have to fear the horrifying sound of drywall paper ripping. Custom wall decals are even available if you want to create your own design.

7. Clothesline

A clothesline can make an amazing decorating platform. Since clotheslines are so light, they’re easy to hang with adhesive hooks. Once you’ve got your clothesline up, use clothespins to add whatever decorations strike your fancy. Favorite photos are a great choice, but small pieces of art can also look awesome. If you want to go a step further, combine a clothesline and string lights for a decoration that’s enchantingly beautiful.

8. Tapestry

A tapestry is another great idea for damage-free decoration because most are light enough to be hung from removable hooks. Large-sized tapestries are ideal for creating a decorative centerpiece for a living area, while smaller ones can add a gorgeous accent in a bedroom or hall. And if tapestries in the typical psychedelic styles aren’t your thing, remember that there are plenty available with designs from classical art, nature illustrations and other interesting styles.

9. Plants

Small plants are a beautiful and cost-effective way to decorate your home without any permanent alterations. The presence of living things makes a space more homey and comfortable, and they’re especially good for a mood boost during grim winter months. And don’t worry if you don’t exactly have a green thumb. Lots of low-maintenance plant species are available for those who don’t have a lot of time or experience.

10. Washi Tape

This Japanese tape is a go-to option for rental decoration, and it’s easy to understand why. Washi tape comes in a huge variety of patterns, from simple geometric shapes to patterns based on famous works of art. But perhaps even more importantly, its adhesive is designed to be reusable and movable, making it an extremely flexible and renter-friendly decoration. It’s also ideal if you have a lot of wall art without frames that you want to display in a way that’s unique. Grab four or five cool patterns and go to town.

A rented home doesn’t have to be dreary just because you can’t alter the walls. On the contrary, it can be a pleasant and joyous space once you apply a little creativity. Take it as a challenge to refine your decorating style a little bit and step out of your comfort zone. You’ll be glad you did! If you do find yourself with a hole in your wall that you need to be repaired, call RestorationMaster for professional reconstruction services.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.