How to decorate a rental

I recently moved in to a modest looking apartment, that I know can look infinitely better with a dash of color and various touch-ups. The problem is that I'm a renter and cannot paint the walls or do these various touch-ups without my landlord's okay. How do I spruce up my place within these allowed guidelines?
  10 answers
  • Lucy Nunn Lucy Nunn on Aug 17, 2015
    Do you have any pictures of your place? What look do you want? Off hand, I'd say that you can usually get away with putting staples or nails in the walls....my daughter hung a long bamboo table runner to a wall in an apartment and then used it to hold photos she liked. She got the runner at Goodwill....You can also hang fabric as an accent on a wall. And use matching fabric over the windows to make valances.....What about colorful storage like large planters clustered for holding shoes, umbrellas, or whatever....?
  • From Evija with Love From Evija with Love on Aug 17, 2015
    I would refresh the walls using the same colour, freshly painted walls make the rooms look better... I would add a splash of colour with cushions, throws, nice furniture & accessories.. Also add a lovely frame to the walls, always make a difference. How about lovely curtains or adding some fabric to a feature wall? Using silk flowers? Add your personal touches to the accessories rather than the walls.
  • Darla Darla on Aug 17, 2015
    You can hang fabric by sticking it to the walls like wallpaper with liquid starch. It can be peeled right off when you leave.
  • Lee Lee on Aug 17, 2015
    First why not go to the landlord with your color plans with swatches and see what his decision would be? Many times if you are honest and with a written promise to return to the original wall color when you move, landlords will work with you. Or pay the price with forfeiting the security deposit. What is the worst thing he can say? And can you accept that decision? Good luck
    • Nurit_Rubinstein Nurit_Rubinstein on Aug 18, 2015
      @Lee Thanks for your advice! As of now I think I will try a few of these ideas, but worst case I will speak to him!
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Aug 17, 2015
    I would choose other alternatives such as pillows pictures and add accessories through out to coordinate your color scheme.Possibly lay a small accent carpet as well.
    • Robert Rusk Robert Rusk on Oct 27, 2017

      Hi, may I ask what a "pillow picture" is? It sounds like it would be a fast and fun thing to do. Thanks.....Gigi

  • Kincaid99 Kincaid99 on Aug 17, 2015
    Scotch command stick tape, they also come with hooks, etc, can remove when move with no holes. One long and wide strip of ribbon attached with scotch command tape and you can add lightweight items to display like pictures, flowers, etc. small Ficus tree (they come in different styles some are like a ball or tree) in corner with lights, set pots with tall artificial plants around the tree or small corner table with a lamp to add height, privacy screen with attached rings or hooks is a great place to put small flower pots or hang and display treasures. Enjoy your new digs.
  • Jacalyn Jacalyn on Aug 17, 2015
    Go with colorful pillows, throws, and maybe a carpet or two. Colorful wall art will also help.
  • Darla Darla on Aug 18, 2015
    You can try your local grocery store, Wal-mart or online. Or you can cook up some cornstarch and water to make your own "starch". Look for instructions online.
  • Robert Rusk Robert Rusk on Oct 27, 2017

    Hi. What about contact paper? You can put it on the inside, and or the outsides of your kitchen cupboards? It's even made in foe stainless steal. Heck you can put it up in about any room on any surface. Look online for all you could ever want. Oh yah it comes off with no sticky mess on the wall. Where as when you do the starch, you must be ready to HAVE to wash those walls. I found that out the hard way. Good Luck...Gigi

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 27, 2017

    sorry pillows,and pictures