One of the best things about renting a new Dallas apartment is giving it your own personal touches. Unfortunately, renting vs. owning also means having to decorate in ways that won’t damage the property. Thankfully there are plenty of creative ways to make an apartment feel more like a home without the risk of losing your security deposit in the process. Here are a few of our personal favorites.
Command Products
You’ve probably seen the commercials for Command Products by this point. If not, these adhesive hooks and strips are designed to adhere to the wall, providing the ability to hang photos or artwork without having to use nails. Best of all, they can be removed in a snap without leaving any damage behind. No holes and no residue means no money out of your pocket come moving time. Command even makes lightweight display ledges, which stick to the wall and are great for showcasing trinkets and other small items.
Wall Decals
If you want to spice up the look and feel of your Dallas apartment without incurring any fees after the fact, consider using damage-free wall decals. There are countless design options, from patterns and flowers to quotes and more. Decals basically adhere to the surface of the wall but can be removed at any time without leaving any residue. What’s really cool is that they’re super versatile, so you can change your décor any time you’d like with no hassle. Walls Need Love offers a huge variety of decal designs and collections, as does All Posters.
Standalone Shelving
Installing shelves directly to the wall may not be an option if you’re trying not to damage your Dallas apartment, but there are plenty of other ways you can leverage shelving as part of your décor. For instance, bookshelves and bookcases are a perfect way to add both utility and charm to your rental property without risking any damage. On a budget? Thrift stores and garage sales are great places to find affordable standalone shelving that you can use as-is or refinish/repurpose.
Rugs
Many Dallas apartments feature elegant tile and/or hardwood flooring. If you’re comfortable covering this up, throw rugs and area rugs can be a great way to add a splash of color or inject some personality into your new space. In fact, temporary rugs can even be used over permanent carpeting, both as a way to layer and decorate as well as to prevent stains, which will protect your investment even more. Try rugs with bright colors, bold patterns and creative textures to give your apartment a unique look and stylish appeal.
Swap and Save
Some landlords are perfectly ok with tenants swapping out certain hardware, provided they agree to replace it before moving out. For instance, you might consider changing out the handles on your cabinet doors, or installing a more stylish light fixture. If you’re thinking of going this route, however, be sure to double check with your landlord or property manager first, and remember to keep the existing hardware safely stored away so you can put everything back as it was once it’s time to move on.
These are just a handful of ways to decorate a rental space without compromising a security deposit. Do you have any creative, damage-free decorating ideas to share? Give us the scoop in on our Facebook page!
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