Damage-Free Decor: Tips Every Renter Must Know!

Are you a renter in an apartment who wants to make it feel like home but doesn’t want to damage the walls? You’re not alone! Many renters find themselves in this predicament. 

how to hang things in your apartment without damaging walls

Wanting to hang things up and personalize their living space without risking the security deposit. 

Fortunately, there are some clever ways of hanging items without damaging walls. This article will discuss how to hang things in an apartment without causing any permanent damage.

Research before putting nails into your wall or using adhesive hooks. Check with your landlord if they have restrictions on what can be hung up and where it must be installed. 

It’s important to know what type of walls need special care before deciding which method you should use for hanging items.

The next step is finding the right materials for the job. There are many products out there that can help you achieve a secure hold. And without having to worry about ruining your walls when taking them down later on. 

For example, removable adhesives such as command strips are perfect. You can get creative with decorating while still maintaining a clean look when it’s time to move out.

Now let’s take a closer look at all the different techniques available so that you can pick one that best fits your needs!

10 Tips For Decorating Your Apartment Without Leaving Permanent Damage To Your Walls

Assess What You Need To Hang

canvas on a damaged wall

When hanging items in an apartment without damaging your walls, it’s important to assess what you need to hang. Do you want to place a single painting or artwork? Or maybe several small pictures and decorations?

What type of wall are you dealing with? Is it plaster, lath & plaster, drywall, paneling, brick, etc.? Knowing this will help determine which tools and materials you should use for your project.

If possible, look for mounting systems that don’t need drilling into the wall. For example, many hardware stores now offer adhesive products designed specifically for hanging artwork on various types of surfaces. 

Choose The Right Hanging Hardware

haging hardware and tools

It’s important to choose the right hanging hardware for your apartment walls. This will ensure that the items you hang are securely mounted without damaging the wall or putting unnecessary strain on the material. 

Different types of hanging hardware include adhesive hooks, nails, and screws. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. 

Adhesive hooks provide a strong bond with minimal installation effort. But may not be suitable for heavier objects due to their limited strength. 

Nails can provide secure mounting but require careful hammering as they can easily damage the wall if used incorrectly. Screws offer more stability compared to adhesive hooks or nails. Yet they may leave visible marks on the surface unless countersunk into the wall.

When installing any kind of hanging hardware in an apartment, it is important to make sure that it is installed correctly. Make sure to follow all directions provided by the manufacturer. 

Additionally, take care to avoid drilling too close to electrical wiring or pipes. So that you don’t put yourself at risk of electric shock or water damage.

Measure Carefully To Avoid Mistakes

wall measurement

The next most important step is measuring carefully. This process requires precision and patience to get a good result. It’s important to double-check measurements before you start drilling into the wall.

Start by getting a tape measure and marking where you want your item to be hanged.

You can use pieces of painter’s tape as markers if necessary, then draw vertical lines with a pencil for extra guidance. 

For heavier objects like shelves, make sure there are studs in the wall before beginning installation. Otherwise, you risk having something fall down.

To further ensure success, calculate how much weight each anchor or hook can hold. Choose ones appropriately rated for what you plan on hanging. 

As long as everything is measured correctly and installed properly, you’ll have beautiful décor mounted on your walls – no damage done!

Level The Item For Balance And Visual Appeal

balance for a visual appeal

Once you have followed the steps above, it’s time to level the item for balance and visual appeal. This is an important step because hanging something crooked or off-balance can be distracting and detract from the look of your apartment.

Using a spirit level will help ensure that whatever you’re hanging is perfectly straight and even. You’ll also need to make sure that it’s firmly attached. Use wall plugs and screws in appropriate sizes so nothing slips out of place while hanging up.

The last thing you need after all this effort is for the item to come crashing down due to improper installation! Taking these extra precautions now will save you time, money, and headache later on.

Mark The Wall For Precision Hanging

wall marking for precision hanging

When you’re trying to hang something in an apartment without damaging the walls, precision is key. To achieve this level of accuracy, it’s important to mark where your item will be mounted before beginning any drilling or hammering. 

This way, you can be sure that your object will remain balanced and visually appealing.

Before marking the wall, make sure to measure twice and check for power cables and pipes that might be behind the surface. Once you’ve done these checks, use a pencil or other non-permanent marker to draw out exactly where each nail or screw should go. 

Here, it’s also helpful to take into account how much weight your wall can hold when deciding on the number and type of fasteners needed.

Once all marks are made, double-check their alignment with a ruler or tape measurer if necessary. After everything looks good, then you can start setting up your mountings. 

With a little bit of care and planning beforehand, you’ll have no problem hanging items perfectly in place!

Consider The Type Of Wall You Have

types of wall

When it comes to hanging things in an apartment, the type of wall is a crucial factor. Depending on the material of your walls, you may need different tools and techniques for hanging. 

Drywall, plasterboard, or lath & plaster are some common types of walls that can be found in apartments.

If you have drywall in your living space, then you should use plastic anchors for heavier items such as mirrors or shelves. This will ensure that the item does not pull away from the wall over time due to its weight. 

For lighter decorations, adhesive strips work well since they cause no damage to the surface when removed. Make sure to choose ones that are strong enough for what you’re trying to hang!

But If your wall is made with plasterboard or lath & plaster materials, then it’s best to drill holes into them before hanging anything up. 

You’ll also want to avoid using a too large screw to not exert too much pressure on these fragile surfaces. With this method, though, it might be difficult to remove any hung items without damaging the walls further down the line.

Choose The Right Type Of Hook Or Anchor

the right hooks and anchors

Selecting the right type of hook or anchor is key when hanging things in an apartment wall. This means considering the specific material and weight of the object you’re looking to hang. As well as understanding what type of surface your wall is made from. 

For example, if you have drywall with plaster walls, then using nails could cause serious damage due to them being more brittle than other types of surfaces, such as wood paneling.

When choosing a hook or anchor for your project, think about how much weight will be placed on it and choose one that’s suitable for the job. 

Many hooks are rated based on their capacity to hold certain items. Make sure to look at this information before purchasing any hardware! 

Consider whether there are any supports like anchors or adhesives. They can help keep objects in place while protecting against wall damage.

Selecting the right hook or anchor should balance both safety and security when hanging something up without leaving any lasting marks on your apartment walls.

Drill Holes In The Wall For Hooks Or Anchors

hole drilling for hanging

Drilling holes in the wall is a popular way to hang things on walls. It’s important, though, that you use the right type of anchor or hook for your specific needs. 

Drills are able to create the perfect size hole needed for these anchors and hooks. So they can be fitted onto the wall with minimal damage being done.

As a reminder, when drilling into an apartment wall, it’s best to choose a spot where there aren’t any wires running through. Make sure you’re using the proper drill bit.

And as mentioned before, measure out where the holes should go beforehand by marking them lightly with a pencil. This helps avoid mistakes while drilling and ensures everything is even when installing the hardware.

Also it’s also wise to double-check if there are any rules about drilling into walls in your rental agreement (if you rent the apartment) before getting started – some landlords may not allow it at all! 

Once approved, though, following these steps can help guarantee success when hanging items without causing major damage to your walls.

Add A Striking Touch With Molding

molding rail with a hook system

Adding a striking touch with molding is a great way to hang things in an apartment without damaging walls. Molding allows for picture frames and other items to be hung up securely. While also providing visual interest that can add unique character to the room. 

The type of molding chosen will depend on personal preference. There are lots of designs available, ranging from simple lines or curves to more intricate patterns. It’s important to choose something that complements the décor of the room while still serving its purpose effectively. 

Installing wall molding is fairly straightforward. But, depending on how complex your design is, you might want to hire a professional to help with installation just to be safe. 

Wall-Free Solution: A Commode Display

hanging wall free solution

Commodes can be used in a variety of ways to display artwork and photographs without damaging walls.

By simply placing the framed artwork onto the top of the commode, you can create a unique and eye-catching aesthetic display to any space.

Conclusion

With careful measuring and planning, you can hang items securely with hooks or anchors that won’t leave any permanent damage. 

No matter which method you choose, make sure your items are level when you hang them, so they look visually appealing. 

And if you’re hanging something delicate, consider using non-damaging adhesives instead of traditional hardware. So get creative and find new ways to show off your style!

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