Now that the holiday season is knocking, you might be itching to transform your rental into a festive oasis. But those nails you use to hang your stockings and the lights around your windows could turn your magical holiday season downright grinch-like when it comes time to get your security deposit back. Luckily, we have some tips to decorate that will spare you the damage and the drama.
1. No-Damage Hanging Solutions
Use adhesive hooks, like Command hooks, for hanging decorations without nails. This allows you to adorn your home in dazzling lights, beautiful Christmas wreaths, swags of garland, and more. Create a focal point with a Command hook, a tree branch, some garland, and a variety of ornaments. When the season ends, you can pull the hooks off without any damage.
If you have a ledge, a shelf, or a mantel you’d like to use, weighted mantel hooks sit on the shelf with the hook in front. These work great for stockings and other lightweight decor.
Perhaps you get a large number of holiday greeting cards. Hanging them is a great way to decorate your home without having to spend money. Use string and clothespins to hang these on a wall.
2. Adhesive Removable Wall Decals
Choose festive stickers that can easily be applied and removed without damaging the walls. With these, a splash of color and vibrancy is never far behind.
If you prefer to dress up your windows rather than your walls, window clings are affordable and easy to work with, and they come in a variety of patterns like snowflakes, sprigs of holly, candy canes, and snowmen.
3. Tabletop Decor
Create a festive atmosphere with holiday-themed centerpieces and decorative trays. For a winter vibe, fill a decorative tray with pinecones, small ornaments, and battery-operated string lights.
Use mason jars as vases for seasonal greenery like holly or eucalyptus. If you have pets, skip live greenery in favor of fake since many seasonal plants, including holly, eucalyptus, and poinsettias, are toxic to pets.
Layer festive wrapping paper or fabric on the bottom of the tray for added color. After the season, simply recycle the paper, pack away reusable items, and toss biodegradable elements like greenery to make cleanup quick and easy.
4. Potted Plants and Greenery
Instead of a traditional tree, consider using potted plants or small holiday greenery arrangements. They bring life to your space and can be moved onto your patio or balcony easily when the weather warms up.
If you want something that resembles a traditional Christmas tree, try a lemon cypress tree! It’s safe for both dogs and cats, and it gives off a pleasant lemon scent. Your home will be festive and smell terrific. This tree is slow growing so it’s a great option for a small home. If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry — a lemon cypress tree is very easy to care for, likes sun or partial shade, and doesn’t require frequent watering.
5. Disposable Decor
In small rentals, storage space can be a challenge. If you don’t decorate because you don’t have the space to store your seasonal items, disposable décor could be just the solution!
Collect pinecones and spray paint them white or roll them in silver glitter, then add them to a festive bowl or a clear, glass vase for a table centerpiece.
Connect with your inner grade-school self and cut out paper snowflakes or make construction paper chains to hang or drape around the room.
Cut trees or snowmen from cardboard, paint them, and arrange them on a shelf.
If you like to bake, try making a gingerbread house! This festive project will add holiday cheer to your home, it’s fun to make, and it’s designed to be temporary.
6. Soft Fabric Furnishings
Swap out your regular throw pillows and blankets for seasonal options. Look for removable pillow covers and festive throws that can be easily switched out.
Add a decorative table runner or tablecloth to your dining table or coffee table. It might be all you need to bring a touch of cheer to your space.
7. DIY Holiday Art
Create your own artwork with removable frames that can be decorated and hung with command strips. Consider making holiday-themed prints or using festive fabric for a personalized touch.
If you knit or crochet, try making ornaments, blankets, tree skirts, or even tabletop décor. This is an inexpensive way to add your own personal style to your holiday display.
Just because you live in a rental doesn’t mean you can’t transform your space into a winter wonderland! Find a solution that works for you and enjoy a holiday season that’s merry, bright, and damage-free.