Renter-friendly Decorating Ideas

Hi Cara! That blank canvas of a wall makes me giddy with excitement! You could try a budget-friendly gallery wall, where instead of hanging pictures, you use washi tape to attach them to a wall. I recently published a tutorial on my profile, if you'd like to check it out. Another idea is to use removable wallpaper; it would add major personality to the room and wouldn't cause any damage! There are also lots of different decals on the market you could opt for instead, like these gold polka dots I used in one of my projects. Hope that helps; let us know what you decide to do with the space!

Removable vinyl stick ons come in a huge variety of choices, including scenery shots from outside. Landlords love them.

Cara, I have used quilt pins to hang pictures, fabric, etc. You don't need a hammer. This sounds dangerous but drag the pin gently through your scalp a bit. The oil will make for ease of insert. If it's a tough wall you may have hit a stud-move over a little and try again. I am talking light weight pix not real heavy ones of course. The quilt pins have nice little balls on them. Even push pins work, but i like the quilt pins. You can't see the pin point once removed, unless you are Sherlock Holmes.

Cara on Jun 22, 2016
Thanks for the tip Connie, I'm going to see if that will work with my wall

Three m makes commands hooks in all different sizes and weights.Once you choose your theme that would be the way to go as no damage will be done to the wall.

Chris on Jun 22, 2016

You can hang material using a starch solution as the glue. The material is easily removable when you move. Just wash the starch off the wall and your good to go. Check Pinterest for a tutorial.

Cara on Jun 22, 2016
I've never heard of starching fabric to walls, I'm going to check it out. Thanks for the tip.

Ty on Jun 22, 2016

A gallery wall using photos , framed typography or even mirrors would be a good use of space. This can be achieved without drilling or nails using a variety of non damaging renter friendly options... try 3M Command products, adhesives strips or velcro variety. You could also consider using a shallow profile standing open-bookshelf. Place it behind the sofa to add dimension to the room to showcase beloved trinkets with the added benefit of extra storage. Similarly, if the bookshelf is "too bulky," a entryway console table can easily fit behind the sofa and adorn it with leaning framed photos or oversized artwork.

Cara on Jun 22, 2016
I would have never thought to put a bookshelf behind the sofa. Great idea!

Marjo on Jun 22, 2016

You could find a room divider and use it for background, or make a tall pseudo wall out of pallette boards and just tack it against the wall and decorate that.

There r Great Wall designs for your walls that stick and just comes right off. They are moveable so you can create your own designs. Usually found in or around paint dept. hobby lobby has a great selection

Alice on Jun 22, 2016

I use 3M Command hooks for everything even though I AM the landlord.

Matt on Jun 22, 2016

Buy come canvases, make some abstract art and use command strips to hang em. Or wrap the canvases in some nice fabric and do the same thing. Its not expensive but looks like it and adds so much

Cara on Jun 22, 2016
I love that idea, I love repurposing fabric Thanks Matt

Amazon has many, many removal wall decals that are absolutely gorgeous and the designs are endless. The cost is not bad at all and what a statement they can make!!!

Hobby Lobby has beautiful posters and frames. If you check every week, you will be able to get them at 1/2 price. They are lightweight and can be hung with command picture strips. Just a few large posters can fill a wall for very little money.

Cass on Jun 23, 2016

paneled screen

Carol on Jun 23, 2016

I would definitely use the removable wall decals

We just moved this winter, and purchased a lot of the 3m hooks. It all worked great until it started to get humid, pretty soon, we had things falling off the walls, left and right. The one thing that has worked is the velcro 3m strips. I'm sorry I don't have a awnser for you, I just wanted to save you money if you live where humidty is a factor!

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Cara on Jun 23, 2016
I appreciate the warning, it's good to know
If you have a/c or a dehumidifier you should be fine. I have used 3M Command strips for years with no problem, and our summers are quite humid....my house is humid overall actually. I do wipe the spots where I plan on putting them, with vinegar and let dry first. I also use 2 per painting and buy the heavier ones, since my neighbour's driveway is on the other side of the wall, and he always slams his car doors.

3 m hooks or Velcro strips

Susan on Jun 23, 2016

Find a pattern on a cotton fabric and starch it to the wall. It just washed off afterwards

Place a sofa table behind the couch and place framed photos, prop against the wall canvas artwork or a collection of your favorite items. Also, use a pattern or colored lampshade for the floor lamp and add some color with throw pillows.

C on Jun 23, 2016

Landlords usually ask that you not put alot of holes.... but it is standard to have a few holes to hang a couple things. As long as you are allowed just a couple holes.... you could hang a long curtain rod near the top of the room and then hang multiple pictures from the rod :)

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Cara on Jun 23, 2016
Thanks Carri, that looks super cool
C on Jun 24, 2016
Glad to help! Just make sure you hit a wall stud on both sides so the weight of the pictures doesn't pull the rod out of the wall ;-)

They make wallpaper now that is peel and stick. Then you just pull it off when you move, or you get tired of it.

Use Command Strips. They will hold anything & they really do come off cleanly. There are different sizes to choose from.

Could you static cling wall decorations. Gather a pair of sheer curtains on a light weight rod hung from Command strip hooks.

Donna on Jun 23, 2016

Agree with Laugh54. Command hooks are very versatile and they do come off cleanly and easily.

We were in an apt and I thumbtacked a blue and white plaid sheet that matched our bedspread on the wall. Looked pretty and was a breeze to take down.

I agree with 'info', sofa table, lamp, picture frames with color family photos. You could use a couch cover to add color, also.

a bunch of stacked wooden creates or a wall unit with cubicles works wonders. You can put in some nick knacks & books, or you can even use colored baskets in them to hide stuff & it looks great. Nice for extra storage.

Cara on Jun 24, 2016
I love anything that adds extra storage

3M makes hooks with removable sticky strips, those could be used to hang pictures. 20 years ago I saw a show where they took fabric, soaked it in fabric softener to use as a "glue" and suck it to the wall. When done, peel it off and use a damp sponge to wipe wall clean. You could build a skeleton frame out of 1x2 or 2x2 and hang wire down from top, just lean frame back at top so less likely chance of faux wall of falling over. Frame can have shelves built in to hold books or shadow boxes, vases, etc. Behind frame could be fabric stapled to backside or reclaimed wood.

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This is what I was thinking too.
Did you watch Thursday nights Vintage Flip on HGTV? They built a wall, out of metal but the same principal applies, and added shelves. I am lucky where I can hang pics but I might still do a faux wall or maybe a headboard for my bedroom.

You can also hang light to medium weight pictures on straight pins stuck into the wall. They need to go in as far as possible. They are strong and hold well. When you take them out you won't see the pin hole that is left.

There are also a number of removable decals and even wallpaper that you can get, which can easily be taken down later to be changed out or when you leave.

Here is another idea, take some long boards, 1x8, add a base plate on the bottom, but a foot off nail/screw as base, paint or stain. Possibly use reclaim, find pallets too.

Cara on Jun 24, 2016
Thanks Rick, you have so many great ideas!

Have you thought of fabric. Liquid starch will keep fabric on wall& is easy to remove. Soak the fabric in starch & smooth on wall.

We are in the same position. a tri-fold screen can be so useful. My favourite is our photo screens. each panel consists of 5 photo frames one above the other . you can do this either with strips of wood and 8x10 glass, or be extra creative and use 2nd hand photo frames . the more eclectic the better. use piano hinges for the folds. Good luck

I own my home but do not want to make holes. I purchased the command strips refills and command strips picture hanging strips They will hold pictures etc. I use them on any small or light things I want to hang. (the refill strips). Good Luck

I use the colored tacks to hang things so I don't put big nail holes in walls

Marie on Jun 25, 2016

You can hang a lot of things using double sided Velcro. It doesn't hurt the walls

Lori on Jun 25, 2016

What about pulling the sofa out a bit and putting a very narrow table behind it, you could put lamps, stand artwork, photos, plants. There is a post on here of a table they built themselves, very simple, as tall as the sofa and as long. I will try to find it and get it to you.

glad to help. It really is a great way to decorate space & have it functional too.

Nancy on Jun 30, 2016

Pull the sofa away from the wall. Add a sturdy sofa table behind it. Prop up a mirror or favorite piece of art on the table. Make sure the table is long enough to add a lamp or two on either side of the mirror or art.

You can buy hangers that are removable with just a tug and a friend who used them said they really work. Wall decals are available in a variety of sizes and themes. Temporary wallpaper is another option although I believe it's rather pricey. Adding all the usual items to the room...lamps, tables, area rugs, and decorative pieces...will help but you'll still need something on the wall in the photo. Since you have a neutral sofa you get to pick your favorite colors. Have fun!

You could put a narrow 8' or 6' frame behind the sofa and hang pictures from it. Put a narrow shelf just a little higher than the sofa and lean pictures on it. Like a giant shadow box.

CK on Jul 05, 2016

Use Command strips/hooks etc. They come in various sizes that will hold varying weights and leave no residue, marks or holes in the wall. Another idea....removable Contact paper.... or removable wallpaper. Google those ideas.

You can "wallpaper" by soaking fabric in liquid starch and applying to the wall just like wallpaper. When it's time to move, dampen it, pull it off, toss in the washer and dryer and take it with you. Also works for the backs of bookcases. I've never tried it but saw it on a decorating show.

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I think it would leave a lumpy mess on the wall afterwards.
No, it rinses right off with warm water. It's made for laundry. This was my older sister's college decorating solution multiple times!
My mom decorated her whole sewing room about 20 years ago this way and it worked great. I think it was even easier than actual wall paper.

Removable wall paper or use the trick mentioned above. Fabric soaked in a water and starch mix.....Also pull the couch out and add in a long side table....Or even a hutch......Use Command strips to hang other items..Mirrors, paintings etc......Have fun!

I have a simple and inexpensive way to make your wall look fabulous!! Any you don't have to put any holes on your wall either. Here's the video on it... https://youtu.be/pKLd__oBDNA

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I like your video. You could put pics in them to if you wanted
Thank you!! You sure could
I checked out your link and absolutely love your idea. It looks so classy given that they are made from paper plates. Now folks, don't judge until you see this!

Command hooks are great. If you must use nails use smallest/thinnest that will do the job. When you move use small amount of white toothpaste or glue to fill in hole.

Command hooks on PAINTED walls are easily removed without damage. Large print or three narrow prints behind sofa. Put a tree in the corner and place an up light behind it focusing upward through the tree. Will give a nice pattern on wall when lit

I saw a rolling bookcase on Pinterest. It had smaller spaces like cubbies.

Try going online for stick on wall Decorations. They are peel and stick. They come in different sizes and different designs.

Joan on Jan 20, 2017

Fathead.com has lots of stick on and removable sports, entertainment, and you can even customize your own!

https://www.hometalk.com/26593962/q-heirloom-dishes

Mary on Jan 23, 2017

I would build a large shelving unit behind the couch and the past the length. Make the shelves at the back of the couch wider for lamps or decorations. You can hang pictures on the front of the shelves. Using the lower shelving behind the couch for extra storage. Books and small plants or keepsakes displayed on the shelves. Home depot or lowe's will cut the lower shelving to size out of some cabinet plywood and 1 x 12 can be bought at what ever length. Paint or stain your color. Screw this all together so you take it with you. The lower wider base will help make it stronger and steadier

Not sure about the fabric & starch, as I have never tried it. I have hung fabrics by stapling it. Just get a pretty sheet, fabric, or fabric shower curtain. I used an office stapler to hang a colorful sheet on the wall next to bunk beds when my sons were young. when the sheet got dirty, I took it off, washed &dried it, then rehung it. When hanging it is easier with a "third hand" but you can do by your self.

My mom decorated her whole sewing room about 20 years ago this way and it worked great. I think it was even easier than actual wall paper.

Thanks

Foam core board, paint something yourself. It can be done. Hang it up with straight pins. I have all of my paintings hanging from bull clips and straight pins. They barely leave any holes that the landlord will complain about. Because there's nothing to find!...👍👍👍😎

Gale on Jul 25, 2017

First of all, "Command" hooks, strips, etc! I have been using them for years they work great ! You can use a fabric shower curtain to make a picture over a wood frame just staple it on and you're all set . There are all kinds of removable items that you can use now they actually have removable wall murals, removable wallpaper, etc, look for removable wall Decor on Amazon.com. Good Luck!