How to Decorate an Apartment Without Losing Your Security Deposit

Ah, the eternal struggle of figuring out how to decorate an apartment without getting on the wrong side of your lease agreement. It can be difficult to put your personal touch on a space when you have to be wary of leaving any lasting marks. Fortunately, however, there is no shortage of ways to get creative with your apartment decorating while also protecting your security deposit. And while living in a bare-walled, color-free space may be easier, it’s way less fun. Read on for ideas on how to add personality to your rented space without putting your finances on the line.

Figure out what’s allowed and what’s not

Your very first step is going to be determining what the rules are. Some landlords are a lot more laid back than others when it comes to putting holes in the walls or changing out hardware. You may even be allowed to paint (though you may be required to paint it all back to the original color when your lease term is up).

Start by looking through your lease, which should clearly state the rules about what your limits are in terms of decorating your apartment. If you have a question about anything, just ask. It’s always better to get permission ahead of time, especially when it comes to making sure you don’t do anything to jeopardize your security deposit.

Go the removable route

From removable decals to entire panels of removable wallpaper, you can add a serious splash of color to your walls in a way that can easily be put up and taken down as needed. You can even use removable stickers to create a pattern and design your own eye-popping accent wall. Check out Walls Need Love or Blik for affordable and removable decals and wallpapers. They’re such a cinch to work with that you may even decide to use them again when you have freer reign with your decorating.

Lean in

There’s no rule that says art has to be nailed to the walls. Continue showing off your favorite pieces by leaning them up against walls, propping them up on the desks and tables, and showing them off on bookshelves. Just make sure that they’re sturdy, especially if you have a cat who likes to climb up on the furniture (so: all cats). You’ll save a ton of time and effort setting up your art where you like it, and you won’t have to worry about hiding the holes when you move out.

Focus on functional style

There are plenty of ways to decorate an apartment with purely functional pieces. Show off your style in the textiles you use, like rugs, bedding, and throw pillows. Top your kitchen counters with glass storage canisters that, in addition to looking pretty, are also great for keeping go-to items like ground coffee and sugar close at hand. To bring more stylish functionality to your walls, look for a cool storage ladder (or build your own!) that can serve as both the focal point of a room and a useful space to store items or show off additional décor.

Get lit

Nothing welcomes in instant warmth and coziness quite like some well-placed candles. Display them as a centerpiece on your dining room table or along the bathtub for a spa-like vibe, and arrange pillar candles of various heights in a non-functioning fireplace to mimic the warm glow of a real fire. Just check your lease and make sure you’re allowed to use candles, since you may be forbidden from having any open flames in your unit. If that’s the case, you’re still in luck: there are tons of battery-charged candles that look like real deal. And if you are allowed to have candles, do be sure to use them as safely as possible.

Use alternative adhesives

Just because you can’t use nails doesn’t mean you can’t still decorate an apartment in transformative ways. Specialty adhesive alternatives can be used to do everything from secure carpet on wood floors, add a faux tile backsplash to your kitchen, and even hang frames and mirrors. When you’re moving out, simply remove them. Keep a bottle of adhesive remover on hand though just in case they leave a bit of sticky residue behind.

Embrace floral fever

One of the easiest ways to add flair to your apartment is to display some gorgeous flowers. Find a pretty vase and fill it with whatever flowers make you smile or match your general color scheme. If you don’t want the responsibility of having to keep plant-life alive, you’re in luck: you can find tons of real-looking fake flowers at craft stores and Target. Use them to add pops of color, brightness, and freshness to any room, switching them up with the seasons as you like.

Additional tips to keep in mind

Changing up your apartment in a way that helps it feel more like home is always a great idea. But to make sure you get your security deposit back after you move out, you’ll want to tread a little bit carefully. All of the ideas above are simple ways to make a bold statement without committing to anything permanent, but what if you want to go bigger? Stay in the safe zone by following these additional tips.

Get all permissions in writing. If your landlord says it’s okay for you to paint or put holes in the wall, make sure you get it in writing. Your management company may change or your landlord may forget that he gave you the go ahead, so it’s important to have some proof that you were allowed to make the changes you made. Ideally, have the permissions written out clearly on your lease, and then have both you and your landlord sign them.

If you do paint, go with a light color. Bright, saturated colors may be fun, but they’re usually more a matter of personal taste than universal appeal. If you’re allowed to paint, go with a color that won’t necessarily be a turn off for a potential future tenant. And definitely go light if you are going to have to paint the walls back to their original color upon move-out—it’s a lot easier to paint over a light color than something dark.

Don’t decorate in a way that’s super specific to that individual space. An apartment rental is not a forever home, so it’s silly to buy a lot of pieces that might not translate well into your next place. For big ticket items like furniture, stick with IKEA and resale shops, since then you won’t feel so bad if you have to swap them out for something else when you move.

Allot extra time for packing up. The more you decorate, the more you’ll have to disassemble and pack up when your lease is over. Tack on a few extra days to your packing schedule for removing adhesives and properly wrapping and packing things like art and décor. If you have to repaint a wall, leave yourself time after packing is done to do it, since you don’t want to risk getting paint on your things.

Apartments are great places to experiment with your personal style, just always be cognizant of doing so in a way that won’t cause a major headache when moving day comes. With so many non-permanent methods of decorating, there’s no reason you can’t design a space that’s all your own while also working within the confines of your lease. Be smart, get creative, and get to work making your apartment all your own.