Renting a shared apartment has its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to decorating and making the space feel like home. As a renter, you may feel restricted by lease agreements that limit what changes you can make, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a personal touch to your space.
One of the easiest ways to bring your personality into your rental apartment is through art. Whether you’re living alone or sharing your space with roommates, incorporating art into your apartment’s design is a great way to express yourself and create a welcoming environment.
Here’s how you can decorate your rental apartment with art.
Start with a Vision for Your Space
Before diving into decorating, it’s important to have a clear vision of how you want your apartment to feel and look. Ask yourself a few questions: what kind of vibe are you going for? Do you want your space to feel calm and serene or vibrant and energetic? What colors and themes resonate with you?
If you’re sharing an apartment with roommates, it’s essential to have a conversation with them about decorating shared areas, such as the living room, dining area, or hallway. It’s important that everyone feels comfortable with the decor.
Art can be a wonderful way to reflect a cohesive style everyone enjoys – or you can embrace a mix-and-match approach that showcases each person’s unique tastes.
Use Temporary Solutions for Hanging Art
One of the biggest concerns for renters is that many landlords don’t allow permanent wall changes, including drilling holes for hanging frames. Luckily, there are plenty of temporary solutions available that won’t damage the walls but still let you display your favorite pieces.
Command strips are a renter’s best friend. These damage-free adhesives are perfect for hanging lightweight frames, canvases, and posters without leaving marks on the walls. They come in various sizes and strengths, so you can hang anything – from a small print to a large gallery piece. Additionally, you can use poster putty for lighter items, especially when you’re creating a collage or a cluster of smaller prints.
For heavier pieces, try leaning art on shelves or mantels instead. If your apartment has built-in shelving, or if you’ve added floating shelves to the space (using non-invasive methods), you can display framed artwork by simply leaning it against the wall.
This creates a casual, artsy vibe and means you can easily swap out pieces whenever you want to refresh the look.
Create a Gallery Wall
A gallery wall is a creative way to showcase artwork. Whether you love photography, abstract art, or illustrations, a gallery wall allows you to mix different styles and sizes to make a bold statement.
To make the gallery wall work in a shared apartment, involve your roommates. Maybe each of you can contribute a few pieces to reflect a collective style. Use cohesive frames or opt for a unifying theme, such as black-and-white photography or nature-inspired artwork, to ensure the gallery wall doesn’t feel too disjointed.
A helpful tip is to plan the layout before hanging anything. Lay the frames on the floor and arrange them until you find a composition you love. Once you have your arrangement, take a photo for reference and start hanging with damage-free hooks or strips.
Add Art to Functional Spaces
While living rooms and bedrooms are common places to hang art, don’t forget about the functional areas of your apartment. You can transform spaces like the kitchen, hallway, and even the bathroom with the right artwork.
For example, hanging a vibrant art piece in the kitchen can make cooking feel more enjoyable, while adding a large mirror with an artistic frame in the hallway will create the illusion of more space. For the bathroom, consider water-resistant art prints that can withstand humidity.
Incorporate Sculptures and 3D Art
Three-dimensional pieces like sculptures, ceramics, and textiles can add depth and texture to your apartment’s decor. Sculptures can range from large, stand-alone pieces to smaller items that sit on shelves or side tables.
Textiles, such as woven wall hangings, are another great option. Not only do they bring an element of softness and texture to your space, but you can also hang them without causing any wall damage. Plus, they’re easy to move if you decide to switch up your decor or relocate to a new apartment.
Make Art Functional
Why not combine art and function? You can find plenty of home goods, from throw pillows to rugs and curtains, which feature artistic designs. These pieces allow you to infuse art into your everyday life while keeping things practical.
Choose throw pillows with bold patterns or artistic prints for your couch. Rugs are another fantastic way to add color and visual interest to your floors, especially if your apartment has bland carpeting or flooring you’re not particularly fond of.
Rotate Your Art for a Fresh Look
One of the benefits of using temporary solutions for your artwork is that you can easily rotate pieces in and out. This is particularly helpful if you like to refresh your space often or have a small collection of art you want to feature over time.
Swapping out pieces based on the season or your current mood is a great way to keep your apartment feeling fresh without constantly investing in new decor.
If you’re sharing your space with roommates, rotating the art in shared spaces can ensure everyone feels represented.
Personalize Your Bedroom
In a shared apartment, your bedroom is your sanctuary. You have the freedom to fully express your personal style without worrying about other people’s preferences.
Hang your favorite prints or paintings above your bed, or create a small gallery wall in your corner reading nook. If your bedroom is small, consider using mirrors with artistic frames to make the space feel larger. You can also lean artwork on your dresser or desk for a more relaxed vibe.
Find Roommates Who Share Your Style
Looking for roommates who share your taste in decor? SpareRoom is a great resource for finding people who are not only compatible in lifestyle but also in style preferences.
By filling out detailed profiles and browsing through potential roommates, you can connect with others who appreciate art and creativity as much as you do, making it easier to create a stylish shared apartment everyone loves. Visit SpareRoom to find your perfect roommate in NYC, Austin, LA, or anywhere else in the US, and start decorating your new space together.
Conclusion
Decorating your rental apartment is all about creativity and personal expression. With these practical tips, you can make any space feel like home — whether you’re living alone or sharing it with roommates. Have fun with the process, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.