8 Ways to decorate your walls without painting
When you move into a new place, one of the first thing you think about is how to make it your own. Customizing your space can be fun, and giving it a unique look can help you to feel more at home. One of the easiest and most impactful ways to do this is by embellishing the walls in ways that don’t even involve painting. Below are eight smart ways you can decorate your walls without ever picking up a brush.
- Hang art. Whether you’re a collector or a creator, arranging artwork on your walls is a great way to develop an ambiance and a theme for your decor. Don’t be afraid to test out different placements for the pieces, as you may find that some look better depending on where they’re hung.
- Map it. One of the most visually interesting ways to dress up a wall is to hang up a large world map, the kind you’d see in a classroom. Not only will it bring color to your wall, it can fuel your wanderlust. A map is easy to hang and even easier to take down when you move.
- Use photos. For those who love to take pictures, you probably have a whole treasure trove of potential décor items sitting on your computer or phone. Get your favorite shots printed in different sizes and frame them. You can scatter them throughout your space or cluster them together to create a gallery wall.
- Paper the walls. Along with painting, real wallpaper might be prohibited in your apartment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use paper at all. Try out temporary wallpaper, which is designed with renters in mind and can be easily removed. Temporary wallpaper is actually having a real moment now – the designs and textures available are more extensive and fun than ever.
- Use paint chips. You know those strips of paper that home improvement stores offer to help you decide on new paint colors? Using them to decorate your wall can be the next best thing to painting. Gather a bunch of them and attach them to a wall with double-sided tape. Pick hues that are all in the same color family (think blues and greens, for example) or choose random colors. Cover an entire section of a wall or come up with an interesting shape, like a diamond or arrow.
- Make the most of peel-and-stick tiles. While this might take a bit more time to get right in comparison to the other things on this list, removable tiles can really bring an extra jolt of color to any room. This is especially useful in the kitchen, where you can reduce the visibility of grease marks (and make them easier to clean, too) by creating a DIY backsplash.
- Experiment with washi. This Japanese masking tape is inexpensive and very easy to remove, and comes in a huge variety of colors and designs. It’s a great option if you like to change your decor often, and want to do so easily.
- Hang fabric. If you want a way to make your wall look painted without actually doing so, try buying a large sheet of fabric from your local craft store. You can stretch it across a wall, or buy foam board big enough to cover a portion of your wall, cover it with fabric, and hang it up.
9 DIY Ways to Redo Your Wall — Without Paint [Bob Vila]
No Paint Allowed? 5 Options for Temporary Wall Coverings [Apartment Guide Blog]
28 Decorating Tricks to Brighten Up Your Rented Home [Buzzfeed]