Ways To Customize Your Apartment Without Losing Your Security Deposit
Renting can be a really good living option for a lot of reasons: you don't have to worry about dropping cash on unexpected repairs and maintenance, and it's easy to pack up and move.
While some landlords are very flexible with changes to paint colors and other aspects of change that come with decorating, many are against it. Figuring out how to decorate and make the place your own becomes extra challenging when you can't do lasting damage. Here are some ways to customize your rented space that can be removed without a trace.
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Give Out-Of-Date Appliances A Facelift With Stainless Steel Contact Paper
When trying to spice up a place without any permanent damage, contact paper is your best friend. If the appliances provided in your rental space are outdated, you can give them a quick makeover with stainless steel contact paper.
All you need to do is measure the size of the appliance and then cut the respective amount of paper from the roll. From there, you just peel and stick. Contact paper also removes easily and doesn't leave traces.
Countertops Can Also Get A Contact-Paper Makeover
Does your apartment have kitchen countertops that haven't been restyled since the late '70s? You can give them a quick refresher with a roll of contact paper. This one is specifically designed for kitchen surfaces so that it stays in good shape throughout all cooking, cleaning, and messes.
All you need to do is measure, cut, and stick down over all the surfaces you want to cover. There are many different pattern options, so you can find one that goes with your kitchen cupboards.
Add A Stylish Peel And Stick Backsplash
An easy way to make your kitchen look at little bit less plain is to add a fun backsplash behind the countertops and stove, and you don't need to be an experienced contractor to do it.
Peel and stick tiles are easy to apply, and they come shaped so that they're easy to link together. When you're moving out, they peel off easily without leaving any damage to the wall.
...Or Create Your Own Design With Tiles On MDF
If you want your backsplash to be entirely unique, you can create your own with some tiles, construction adhesive, and a sheet of MFP (medium-density fibreboard). After you design your desired pattern, you attach it onto the MFP using the adhesive and leave it to dry.
This type of DIY-looks best behind a stove where the edges of the MDF are less visible, and it can be hung up using double-sided Command Strips.
Replace The Kitchen Hardware
Most rentals come with the most basic, cheapest options when it comes to drawer and cupboard handles in order to remain neutral with most renters' aesthetic choices, as well as focus on functionality.
You can easily replace them with ones you prefer with a screwdriver and a little bit of elbow grease. Make sure you keep the original hardware stored somewhere safe and swap them back in before you move out.
Hook Hangers Together To Optimize Your Storage
One of the most pressing parts of living spaces is storage and having enough space for your belongings. This issue is only amplified if you're renting an apartment where space isn't ample.
You can hook clothes hangers together in order to fit more of your clothing items into the closet by using multiple tiers of space. This can also be useful for organization if you group similar items together or group outfits.
Create A No-Nail Gallery Wall
Putting art and photographs onto the walls has a very powerful effect when it comes to making a house truly feel like home. However, this is often hard to pull off without damaging walls with nails.
However, using double-sided Command Strips, you can safely stick framed art and photos (although I would caution against using heavy frames) to your walls. The Command Strips are sturdy and don't leave traces when removed.
Hide Ugly Wire Shelving
Once again, wire shelving is often installed by landlords as a cheap, but very functional storage space. You can assemble plywood shelf toppers that cover the wire by cutting the right-sized plywood and attaching a lip to cover the front of a shelf using wood glue.
An easier alternative is to purchase your choice of fabric from a craft store, wrap it around the shelving, and then sew/staple it to secure it onto the shelf.
Add Some Peel And Stick Wall Paper
Adding an accent wall is a great way to make an otherwise plain room pop. If you're trying to avoid long-term damage to the wall, you can use peel and stick wallpaper to cover a wall to add some pattern or interest to your walls.
Additionally, you can use the extra wallpaper you have or order some more to stick onto other surfaces in your rental to add a cohesive feel across the entire space.
Make DIY-Wallpaper With Fabric And Starch
Removable wallpaper is becoming more common in stores, but it can be pricey sometimes and, if you're picky, you might not be able to find the prints you want.
If you find a fabric you'd like to use as wallpaper, all you need to do is pin it up, cover it in starch using a paint roller, and leave it to dry. It peels off easily and doesn't leave marks on the wall.
Use A Tension Rod To Create Hanging Storage Space
Tension rods come in many lengths and often come with the ability to adjust the length to your exact space. Available in different colors, commonly white, black, stainless steel, gold, etc., it's easy to add one of these rods to create some extra storage space that looks neat at the same time.
All you need to do is measure the space you want to hang it in and buy the appropriate length rod as well as any other items you might need to help with hanging things.
Add A Trim Frame To A Plain Mirror
Mirrors can make any place look a bit better by creating the allusion of extra space. You can add a level of luxury and style to a mounted mirror by adding a frame trim.
You can do this using lightweight trim panels and double-sided Command Strips, but velcro strips are also a great option. Apply the respective adhesive strips to the mirror or the trim, and firmly place the trim into place.
DIY A Shiplap Wall That Can Be Removed Easily
Adding a shiplap wall to your space can create a cozy, rustic vibe in your home, and it's not hard to DIY one that won't leave damage on the walls when you move out.
You can buy designed thin wood planks at many stores, or paint them yourself. Once again, double-sided Command Strips are going to be your best friend for this project, and you use them to apply the boards onto the wall.
Hang A Pendant Light
A modern-style pendant light can have a very powerful effect when it comes to adding interest to a room while influencing how viewers interpret the space of a room. To do this without damaging the ceiling, adhere a Command Hook to the place you want the light to hang from. String your light up, and attach it to an extension cord if necessary.
To neaten this look, put the chords into the corner of the room, or place cords behind a large item like a bookshelf or mirror.
Add Faux Roman Blinds To Plain Windows
A set of faux roman blinds can turn a plain window into a nice decorative feature. To complete this DIY, you need to measure and cut a rectangle of cloth, hemming three of the edges and turning the fourth edge into a loop.
Slide one small tension rod into the looped end and place it at the top of the window frame. Evenly space two other tension rods lower in the window frame, then drape the fabric over them.
Hang Curtains Without Any Hardware
Hanging curtains normally involves a drill, screws, and the general ability to be handy. However, wide Command Hooks can work just as well to hold up a curtain rod (as long as it's lightweight).
An optional first step is to paint the part of the hook that lies flush to the wall to match the wall paint. From there, stick hooks in a line parallel to the window and then place the curtain rod on top.
Use Strings And Clips For Photos Rather Than Frames
If you want to avoid the hassle of finding light frames for your photos, another easy DIY option is to hang them by string. All you need are some clothes pins, string, and some Washi tape (which removes without marks). Print your photos out to look like Polaroids for a vintage feel.
Alternatively, you can purchase these LED-string lights with clips to hang your photos for an extra cozy feel.
Hang A Faux-Brick Wall To Add A Big-City Feel
There's nothing like a little exposed brick in an apartment to add the cozy "city-feel" to your living space. While you can get wallpaper with a brick pattern, the visible 3-D texture is what really brings out the magic in a brick wall.
You can buy peel and stick brick panels and easily apply them to one accent wall or multiple walls if you please. They easily can be removed and taken with you to the next place.
Create An Art/Wallpaper Effect By Hanging A Tapestry
If you're worried about hanging wallpaper, or just not up for the work that it takes to put it up and take it down, hanging a large, patterned tapestry is a great alternative that also adds a boho vibe.
Additionally, a more "artsy" tapestry can hang in place of a large framed painting and is much lighter. You can use Command Hooks tied at each end for a draping effect, or Command strips along the top for a more neat look.
Decorate And Carefully Choose Your Own Possessions
You might not be able to change the apartment itself, but you can always change the things you bring into it. Pick your possessions with the idea of keeping a cohesive look in mind. Add contact paper to the shelves or back wall of a bookshelf for a neat detail.
The way you dress up your furniture and items goes a long way to changing the mood of a room and making a standard place feel like your own.