Maybe you want a temporary solution to your dull walls because you’re not sure you’ll like what you try. Or, perhaps you need something that is removable because you’re renting a place and can’t make permanent changes.
Either way, there are plenty of fun ways you can add some interest to your walls without compromising their integrity. Read on for some great ideas.
Removable Wall Coverings
Just because you can’t or don’t want to paint or install traditional wallpaper doesn’t mean you have to live with unremarkable walls. Try one of these removable wall covering solutions:
- Removable wallpaper. Classic wallpaper requires gluing, matching up seams, and living with your decision long after your tastes change — and that’s not even mentioning the general mess involved. Removable wallpaper, on the other hand, can be taken down and changed as often as you wish without harming the painted walls underneath.
- Wall decals. These ingenious inventions are similar to removable wallpaper, but on a somewhat smaller scale. Of course, you can get wall decals that are quite large if you wish. The beauty of this option is that you can get virtually any kind of design you want, whether it’s the image of a favored sports hero or a serene mountain scene.
- Temporary wall canvas. This option is very much like removable wallpaper in that you can cover complete walls with it and then remove it later. However, the fun of this option is that it is actually designed for people to draw on it. This is a great option for kids’ rooms, or for anyone who likes to express their artistic creativity.
Fabric
You can use a large sheet of fabric as an alternative to wallpaper on a focal wall, or you can cut out accent design to place as artwork. Almost any type of fabric can be used, but certain methods work better than others with different fabrics. Some methods include:
- Starching. This method is usually best for large projects and works best with a fairly heavy fabric. It involves tacking the fabric in place, applying a generous amount of starch, then smoothing the fabric until it sticks. When you’re ready for a change, just peel it away and gently cleanse away any remaining starch.
- Ironing. Yes, you can iron your walls, and with breathtaking results. This method is better suited for accent pieces and works well with lighter fabrics. You’ll need some heat ‘n bond paper, a template, fabric, and an iron. Attach the fabric to your template, cut out your design, then iron it to your wall. It’s simple and peels away without a trace when you’re sick of it.
- Pinning. If your goal is to leave the integrity of your walls completely intact, then pinning may not be for you. However, if you don’t mind a few tiny, barely noticeable holes, you can just use plain old pushpins or thumbtacks to display your fabric masterpiece.
Art and Photographs
While the idea of hanging art or pictures to liven up a wall isn’t exactly innovative, figuring out how to do it without damaging the walls is. Your best option here is to use lightweight frames and Command hooks.
It’s not an elegant solution, but it is fun to be able to change around your room’s look whenever you want without worrying about the evidence the old design might leave behind. You could also use simple wall adhesive putty to display matted or completely unframed pieces for a Bohemian-type look.
Adrienne is a crafty blogger in her late 20s who loves figuring out new ways to jazz up her space. Follow her on Twitter at @adrienneerin to see more of her work.
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