Four Ways to Decorate a Rented Apartment or House

When you rent an apartment or house, you may be bound by certain restrictions in your lease. You may not be able to paint, install carpet, or make other permanent changes to the dwelling, but this doesn't mean you can't decorate. With some temporary decor touches, you can customize the look of your rental and make it feel more like your own home. Use some of the following ideas as inspiration to give your apartment or house a new look without making any permanent changes.

Wall Graphics

Peel-and-stick wall graphics can be used in every room to add a personal touch. Cartoon characters in a child's room can help make the space more personalized, and softly colored animal graphics are perfect for a baby's nursery. In the living room, consider wall graphics with an inspirational message. You can find lots of different options focusing on family, religion, or love to create a focal point on the wall. Smaller peel-and-stick graphics of butterflies or birds are perfect for a bathroom or kitchen area. Be sure to choose colors that coordinate with your furniture and other decor pieces to create a cohesive look.

Remnant Carpeting

Instead of installing carpeting in a room, consider purchasing a remnant rug from a local carpet store. In some cases, you can find a piece that's large enough to cover the entire floor in a living room or bedroom. You may be able to pay extra to have the edges finished. Place a nonslip mat underneath to keep the carpet in place and you can quickly transform a hardwood or tile floor into a plushly carpeted area without making any permanent changes to the dwelling.

Peel-And-Stick Wall Hangers

If you are concerned about putting holes in the wall to hang pictures or artwork, consider peel-and-stick hangers as an alternative. These hangers can be removed without damaging paint, and they are perfect for hanging everything from portraits to small mirrors. You can find these hangers at your local hardware store. Be sure to check the weight capacity for each one, as you may be able to purchase stronger designs to hold large pieces of art. Decorative hangers can be used for hanging coats and keys on the wall or for displaying pots and pans in the kitchen.

Temporary Wallpaper

Temporary wallpaper takes the ideal of peel-and-stick graphics to a new level. You can find peel-and-stick wallpaper at your local home goods or hardware store, and it can be used in place of paint to create a new look in any room. If you don't want to wallpaper an entire room, choose a focal wall for this project. The temporary wallpaper creates a beautiful visual, and it can be simply peeled away before you move without damaging the walls.