Decorating a rental apartment can be a challenge if you are limited by strict landlord laws. Luckily, there are some ingenious ways to add a personal touch to your temporary space without the risk of losing your security deposit.

When you’ve been specifically told to curb your decorating inclinations but can’t bear the dullness of your new apartment,  you will have to find some nonpermanent ways to update the property. Here are a few ideas that will help you make a rental feel like home.

WALLPAPER ALTERNATIVE

If repainting the apartment is out of question, add wallpaper to a large plywood panel and lean it against the wall – behind the bed, on a sideboard or in any place that needs to be brightened up. It is a cheap way to add color and patterns to a room, plus you can change the decoration as often as you like.

Source: House & Home

WALL COLLAGE

Decorating with a photo gallery is the easiest way to personalize a rental, but drilling numerous holes is rarely possible. One creative way to detour this obstacle is to make a wall collage of magazine pages, copies of photos or anything else that will make you feel at home. Use double-sided tape to attach everything neatly, making sure first that the paint does not come off with tape when you remove it.

Source: Tina Hellberg

WALL DECALS

Using decal stickers is a fabulous way to transform walls and furniture in a rental. The selection is really mind-boggling, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something that suits your tastes. Since decals are completely removable, they won’t cause any hassle when you move out.

Source: homedit

APPLIANCE MAKEOVER

A roll of electrical tape can go a long way in helping you transform a dull-looking apartment. Cut out any shapes you like and stick them on the fridge, washing machine, dishwasher or drier. The tape comes in various colors, so you’re only limited by your imagination.

Source: A Beautiful Mess

DIY HEADBOARD

Beds in rental flats are usually very simple, but so is making an attractive headboard. Just take a large piece of plywood, wrap it in patterned fabric or cover with flat seat cushions and place it behind the bed. If you’re more proficient in DIY, you may even try to make a beautiful tufted headboard. There are tens of inspirations and tutorials in the web.

Source: Staging & ReDesign

SINK SKIRT

Open sinks with unsightly plumbing are one of the tenant’s greatest nightmares. Fortunately, there’s an ingenious  way to turn them into something attractive and practical. Just hang a cute skirt around the sink, attaching it by means of hook-and-loop tape with adhesive backing, and use the space to store bathroom or kitchen cleaning essentials.

Source: Houzz

COLORFUL ACCESSORIES

Finally, it’s always a good idea to turn to colorful or unique accessories. Adding throw pillows, rugs, flower pots and interesting lamp shades can really make even the most boring apartment a real eye candy to watch. And most importantly, you can take all of these things with you when you move out.

Source: Ingenious Look