January 2021

One of the best things about moving into a new apartment is decorating. But you might be afraid to add personal touches due to fear of damage that would cost you a security deposit.

Fortunately, there are plenty of damage-free ways to express your personality and make your apartment your own. They can be found at local hardware or home improvement retailers as well as online.

Wallpaper a wall. Or two.

Yep, wallpaper! Pillows and throws can add pops of color, but not on the walls. Even most big box home improvement stores sell peel-and-stick removable wallpaper for any type of decor.  And application is easy, because in addition to being removable, they are repositionable. Before you go out and purchase wallpaper, be sure your walls aren’t textured or painted with non-stick paint.

Wall decals offer flexibility.

Just want some accents here and there rather than covering an entire wall? Peel-and-stick decals are your answers. Or, maybe you like to change your decor often. Decals are great because they can just peel off and be moved or replaced for the ultimate in flexibility.

Jazz up that kitchen backsplash

Peel-and-stick backsplashes? Oh, yes. If your apartment doesn’t have a nice backsplash, take it to the next level with damage-free peel-and-stick. They come in a ton of options, and again, big box home improvement stores stock it. They are a bit time consuming to put up, and require proper removal, but are well worth the effort. Other options are peel-and-stick vinyl or single tiles that come with glue dots.

Make a washi tape gallery wall

Washi tape, which originated in Japan, is decorative paper masking tape. It’s thin, durable, and it’s made of natural fibers such as hemp and bamboo. It’s also inexpensive and comes in hundreds of patterns and colors. The tape sticks easily to many surfaces,  including wood, plastic, and metal, and it’s easy to remove and doesn’t cause damage. You can find it online and at those big-box home improvement stores.

Hang drapes or tapestries

Tapestries and drapes can add color and interest. You can hang them by using Command decorating clips, which are removable and cause no damage. Just make sure whatever you hang isn’t too heavy. You can create a makeshift headboard or decorate an accent wall.

Hang some terrariums

Add some plant life with hanging terrariums. Succulents are one of the best plants for apartment living because they’re really easy to maintain and they look really cool hanging from your ceiling. Whatever plants you use, make sure you find something that won’t outgrow the terrariums or buy artificial plants. To hand them, use Command ceiling hooks, but keep in mind that these only hold a half pound, so find very small terrariums like these. Command hooks can be found almost anywhere, including office supply stores.

How about some paper lanterns

If your style is delicate and feminine, paper lanterns could be just the thing, and they come in many shapes, colors and sizes. They are very lightweight, so Command ceiling hooks work perfectly. Use twine, ribbon or string to hang them – whatever suits your style. You can also find paper lanterns that have battery-operated lights.

String lights add ambiance

Whether they’re your bedroom, your living room or, even in your kitchen you can’t go wrong with some string lights. Drape them on a tall plant or around a window, and check out this Buzzfeed list of ways to use them. Keep in mind that battery-operated lights give you more options, and once again, you can use Command hooks if they aren’t being draped over something.

How to hang posters and lightweight objects

Command to the rescue again! You can hang lightweight items like posters and unframed art with strips and hooks.

If holes are allowed and unavoidable…

If you’re allowed to make holes in the walls, when you leave, you’re still going to have to spackle, sand and paint. You can save yourself time and trouble by using Monkey hooks. These are heavy-duty wall hangers that install into drywall with no tools. They are J-shaped hooks that can hold up to 50 pounds that leave only a tiny, easily-filled hole in your wall. They work best for frames and other items like bulletin boards with tabs or wires that can attach to the end of the hook.

As you can see, there are a lot of options that will leave your walls with no or very little damage that you’ll have to fix when you move. Maybe these ideas have even sparked some of your own. Have fun!

If you live in a small space, like a studio apartment, you might find decorating a frustrating experience. You want to fill your apartment with personality, but you don’t want it to look cluttered. Yet, you want to fit in as much as possible.

There’s no need to sacrifice style – here are some big ideas for decorating small spaces.

1. Keep it clean.

The folks at “Architectural Digest” advise keeping the floor clear of obstacles. Use shelves and nightstands that have storage, and go for sconces and wall lights instead of floor lamps. And remember the old adage – “a place for everything and everything in its place.” Be sure to put things where they belong after using them.

2. How about some folding pieces?

Everyone needs a place to dine, but if you don’t need a table all day, every day, think about furniture that folds when not in use. This will free up floor space and keep you from adding clutter by piling papers, etc. If folding furniture isn’t your style, look for a drop leaf table that you can then expand for dining.

3. Let there be light!

If you don’t get enough natural light in your space, add light sources in every room. A striking ceiling fixture combined with sconces and table lamps can make things bright and cozy.

4. Mirror, mirror on the wall.

Mirrors reflect light to make the most of whatever natural light you get in your apartment. And bonus: They give the illusion of space. Add a large mirror on one wall or shop around for mirrors of different sizes and shapes and use your creativity to create a gallery wall.

5. Keep it connected.

Stick to a limited color palette. Too many different colors can make the space look cluttered, even if it isn’t. Your apartment probably has white walls; hanging draperies as high as you can will add height and can be used to pull colors together.

6. Pick furniture that does double duty.

In a small apartment, there’s not much space for furniture that doesn’t also serve as storage. A platform bed with drawers, a bench with a lifting lid to store blankets, a sofa that folds out to a guest bed, and a trunk used as a coffee table are pieces that pull their weight.

7. Create negative space.

You might feel that pressing furniture against the wall will give you more space, but optically, it just looks crammed and cramped. Pull your furniture away from the wall if you can, and ensure there’s a space between each piece. This may mean that you get rid of some furniture you don’t really need – like that accent chair that you admire looks-wise, but no one wants to sit in it because it’s so uncomfortable.

8. Go vertical.

Try floor-to-ceiling shelves with both open and closed storage – it’s a great way to avoid clutter.

9. Don’t fear large furniture or rugs

A bunch of small pieces can create an awkward feel. Even if you have wall-to-wall carpet, add a large rug and place most of the furniture on the rug, recommends Apartment Therapy.

No matter how small your apartment, these tips and tricks can help it look larger, brighter and more welcoming.