Rental Hacks: Cover Ugly Walls Without Losing Your Deposit

Aug 23, 2025 by Elias Adebayo 59 views

Hey there, renters! Let's face it, we've all been there – stuck with those less-than-desirable walls in our rental apartments. Maybe it's a funky color, a questionable texture, or just plain boring. But don't worry, you don't have to live with it! There are tons of creative and landlord-friendly ways to cover ugly walls in a rental without losing your security deposit. Let’s dive in and transform your space from drab to fab!

Why Cover Ugly Walls in a Rental?

Before we get into the how-to, let's talk about the why. Why cover ugly walls in a rental? Well, your home should be your sanctuary, a place where you feel comfortable and happy. Ugly walls can really bring down the vibe of a room, making it feel smaller, darker, or just plain uninviting. Nobody wants that! By covering up those eyesores, you can instantly elevate your space and make it feel more like you. Think of it as a mini-makeover for your apartment without the commitment of permanent changes. Plus, a more aesthetically pleasing environment can boost your mood and productivity. So, let's get those creative juices flowing and make your rental a place you love to come home to.

Temporary Wallpaper: A Game Changer

One of the most popular and effective ways to cover ugly walls is by using temporary wallpaper. Temporary wallpaper, also known as peel-and-stick wallpaper, is a renter's best friend. It's super easy to apply and remove, leaving no sticky residue behind. This means you can say goodbye to those hideous walls without any fear of damaging the paint or incurring extra charges from your landlord. Temporary wallpaper comes in a massive range of patterns, colors, and textures, so you're sure to find something that fits your style. Whether you're into bold geometric prints, calming floral designs, or even faux brick or wood, there's a temporary wallpaper out there for you. The application process is pretty straightforward too. You just measure your wall, cut the wallpaper to size, peel off the backing, and stick it on. Smooth out any bubbles, and voila! Instant transformation. And when it's time to move out, simply peel it off, and your walls are back to their original state. How cool is that?

Pro Tips for Using Temporary Wallpaper

Prep your walls: Clean the walls thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt. This will help the wallpaper adhere better.
Measure twice, cut once: Accurate measurements are key to avoiding waste and ensuring a seamless application.
Smooth it out: Use a smoothing tool or even a credit card to get rid of any air bubbles as you apply the wallpaper.
Start at the top: Align the wallpaper at the top of the wall and work your way down to ensure a straight and even application.
Consider a test strip: If you're unsure about a particular pattern or color, order a sample strip first to see how it looks in your space.

Fabric Panels: A Touch of Elegance

If you're looking for something a bit more unique and textured, fabric panels are an excellent option to cover ugly walls. Fabric panels can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room, and they're surprisingly easy to install. There are a few ways to hang fabric panels without damaging your walls. One popular method is to use starch. Simply apply liquid starch to the wall, press the fabric onto the starch, and smooth it out. The starch acts as a temporary adhesive that holds the fabric in place. When you're ready to remove the fabric, just dampen it with water, and it will peel right off. Another option is to use lightweight wood frames or foam boards. Stretch your chosen fabric over the frame, securing it with staples or tacks, and then hang the frames on the wall using Command strips or other removable adhesives. This method is great because it allows you to create custom-sized panels that can be arranged in a variety of ways. Fabric panels are not only a fantastic way to cover ugly walls, but they can also add warmth, texture, and visual interest to your space. Plus, with so many fabric options available, you can easily find something that complements your existing décor.

Tips for Choosing and Using Fabric Panels

Consider the weight of the fabric: Lighter fabrics are easier to work with and less likely to sag over time.
Choose a fabric that complements your décor: Think about the colors, patterns, and textures in your room and select a fabric that ties everything together.
Pre-wash the fabric: This will prevent any shrinkage after installation.
Use a steamer to remove wrinkles: Once the fabric is hung, a quick steam will get rid of any creases or folds.
Experiment with different arrangements: Try hanging the panels in a grid pattern, or stagger them for a more eclectic look.

Tapestries and Wall Hangings: Bohemian Vibes

For a more relaxed and bohemian feel, tapestries and wall hangings are a fantastic way to cover ugly walls and add personality to your rental. Tapestries and wall hangings come in a variety of styles, from intricate woven designs to vibrant printed fabrics. They're a great way to add color, texture, and visual interest to your space, and they can easily be hung without causing any damage to your walls. Command strips or other removable hooks are your best friend here. Simply attach the strips to the wall and hang your tapestry or wall hanging. You can find tapestries and wall hangings in a wide range of sizes, so you can choose one that fits your space perfectly. Whether you're into intricate mandalas, abstract patterns, or nature-inspired designs, there's a tapestry or wall hanging out there to suit your taste. Plus, they're super easy to switch out, so you can change up your décor as often as you like.

How to Choose and Hang Tapestries and Wall Hangings

Consider the size of your wall: Choose a tapestry or wall hanging that is proportionate to the wall you're decorating. A large tapestry can make a statement, while a smaller one can add a subtle touch of personality.
Think about the color scheme: Select a tapestry or wall hanging that complements the colors in your room.
Choose a style that reflects your personality: Whether you're into bohemian, modern, or eclectic décor, there's a tapestry or wall hanging out there for you.
Use Command strips or removable hooks: These will hold your tapestry or wall hanging securely without damaging your walls.
Experiment with different hanging techniques: Try draping the tapestry diagonally or hanging multiple smaller pieces together for a gallery wall effect.

Removable Decals: A Touch of Whimsy

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to add some personality to your walls, removable decals are a great option to cover ugly walls. Removable decals are like giant stickers that you can apply to your walls without any fuss. They come in a huge variety of designs, from simple geometric shapes to intricate floral patterns and even quotes and sayings. They're perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your space, and they're super easy to apply and remove. Just peel them off the backing and stick them to your wall. When you're ready to take them down, simply peel them off, and they won't leave any residue behind. Removable decals are a great option for renters because they allow you to customize your space without making any permanent changes. You can use them to create a focal point on a blank wall, add a pop of color to a drab room, or even create a fun and playful atmosphere in a kids' room.

Tips for Using Removable Decals

Clean your walls: Make sure your walls are clean and dry before applying the decals. This will help them adhere better.
Plan your design: Before you start sticking decals to the wall, take some time to plan out your design. This will help you avoid making mistakes.
Use a smoothing tool: Use a credit card or other smoothing tool to smooth out any bubbles as you apply the decals.
Start small: If you're not sure about a particular design, start with a smaller decal and see how you like it.
Don't be afraid to experiment: Removable decals are easy to move and reposition, so don't be afraid to try different arrangements.

Command Strips and Picture Hanging: Create a Gallery Wall

One of the easiest ways to cover ugly walls and add your personal touch is by creating a gallery wall using command strips for picture hanging. Command strips are a renter's dream come true. They're adhesive strips that allow you to hang pictures, posters, and other wall décor without nails or screws. This means no holes in your walls and no angry landlord! A gallery wall is a collection of framed prints, photos, and other artwork that are arranged together on a wall. It's a great way to showcase your personality and style, and it can instantly transform a boring wall into a focal point. To create a gallery wall, start by gathering your favorite pieces of art. Then, lay them out on the floor and experiment with different arrangements until you find one you like. Once you've got your layout, use Command strips to hang your pieces on the wall. It's as easy as that!

Tips for Creating a Gallery Wall with Command Strips

Plan your layout: Before you start hanging anything, lay out your pieces on the floor and experiment with different arrangements.
Use a variety of sizes and shapes: This will add visual interest to your gallery wall.
Mix and match frames: Don't be afraid to use different frame styles and colors.
Leave consistent spacing: Maintain a consistent amount of space between each piece to create a cohesive look.
Use a level: Make sure your pieces are hanging straight by using a level.

Drapes and Curtains: Soften the Space

Drapes and curtains aren't just for windows; they can also be used to cover ugly walls and add a soft, elegant touch to your space. Drapes and curtains can be hung on a rod that is mounted to the wall, creating a dramatic backdrop that covers up any unsightly surfaces. This is a particularly great option if you have a large, blank wall that you want to transform. You can choose from a variety of fabrics, colors, and patterns to create the look you want. Sheer curtains can create a light and airy feel, while heavier drapes can add drama and warmth. You can even layer curtains of different textures and colors for a more dynamic look. To hang curtains on a wall, you'll need a curtain rod and mounting hardware. Make sure to use Command hooks or other removable adhesives to avoid damaging your walls. Hang the rod high enough so that the curtains cover the entire wall, and let them drape to the floor for a luxurious effect.

Tips for Using Drapes and Curtains to Cover Walls

Choose the right fabric: Consider the weight, texture, and color of the fabric. Lighter fabrics will create a more airy feel, while heavier fabrics will add drama and warmth.
Hang the rod high: Hanging the rod high will make your walls look taller and your space feel larger.
Use Command hooks: These will allow you to hang the rod without damaging your walls.
Layer curtains: Layering curtains of different textures and colors can create a more dynamic look.
Consider the length: Let the curtains drape to the floor for a luxurious effect.

Plants: Bring Nature Indoors

Adding plants is not only a fantastic way to freshen up your rental, but they're also a creative solution to cover ugly walls. Plants can bring life and vibrancy to any space, and they're a natural way to disguise imperfections. You can use hanging plants to cover up a large area of wall, or you can arrange potted plants on shelves or ledges to create a green wall effect. Climbing plants, like ivy or pothos, can be trained to grow up a trellis or along a wall, creating a living tapestry. Plants are also great for improving air quality and reducing stress, so they're a win-win for your home and your well-being. To use plants to cover your walls, start by choosing plants that thrive in your lighting conditions. Then, select pots and planters that complement your décor. Arrange the plants in a way that covers the areas of the wall you want to hide, and enjoy your new green oasis!

Tips for Using Plants to Cover Walls

Choose the right plants: Select plants that thrive in your lighting conditions.
Use hanging planters: Hanging plants are a great way to cover a large area of wall.
Create a green wall: Arrange potted plants on shelves or ledges to create a green wall effect.
Train climbing plants: Climbing plants can be trained to grow up a trellis or along a wall.
Enjoy the benefits: Plants not only cover ugly walls, but they also improve air quality and reduce stress.

Mirrors: Create the Illusion of Space

Mirrors are not just for checking your reflection; they're also a powerful tool for transforming your space and to cover ugly walls. Mirrors can create the illusion of space, making a small room feel larger and brighter. They also reflect light, which can brighten up a dark room. You can use a large mirror to cover a significant portion of a wall, or you can hang multiple smaller mirrors to create a gallery wall effect. Mirrors come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, so you can find one that complements your décor. To hang mirrors without damaging your walls, use Command strips or other removable adhesives. Make sure to use a level to ensure that the mirrors are hanging straight. Mirrors are a versatile and stylish way to cover ugly walls and enhance your living space.

Tips for Using Mirrors to Cover Walls

Use a large mirror: A large mirror can create the illusion of space and brighten up a room.
Create a mirror gallery wall: Hang multiple smaller mirrors to create a gallery wall effect.
Choose the right style: Select mirrors that complement your décor.
Use Command strips: These will allow you to hang the mirrors without damaging your walls.
Use a level: Make sure the mirrors are hanging straight.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, guys! Tons of awesome ways to cover ugly walls in a rental without risking your security deposit. Whether you go for temporary wallpaper, fabric panels, tapestries, removable decals, a gallery wall, drapes, plants, or mirrors, there's a solution out there for every style and budget. Remember, your rental doesn't have to be stuck with those less-than-perfect walls. With a little creativity and some renter-friendly solutions, you can transform your space into a place you absolutely love. Now go forth and make those walls fabulous!