Decorating Your Apartment

Creativity can be hampered when decorating an apartment. Some apartments allow residents to paint the walls as long as they prime them before moving out, but others don't allow painting, wallpapering, or any other semi-permanent methods of decorating. Understandably, carpets are usually neutral in color, and they don't do much to improve the décor. Many people prefer lots of color in their home, and they don't want to live in an apartment with stark white walls and tan carpets. It is possible to add lots of color to apartment décor, and decorating doesn't have to be limited to wall hangings and knickknacks.

Walls

If you're not allowed to paint or paper the walls when decorating your apartment, consider decorating with peel and stick border. Place a border around the ceilings, or create a colorful chair rail to match your individual decorating style. Peel and stick border is much easier to remove than strippable wallpaper, and no one will know it was ever on the walls when you're ready to move out.

Peel and stick graphics are also great for decorating apartment walls and doors, especially in kid's rooms. Best of all, they can be peeled off and repositioned again and again without leaving even so much as a trace of adhesive. You'll find all types of peel and stick graphics, so search online for a specific theme, or shop your local wallpaper store. Major discount retailers offer a limited selection of peel and stick graphics in the paint supply section.

Lighting

Depending on the apartment complex you choose, the light fixtures in your apartment could be less than decorative. Moderately priced apartment complexes offer basic light fixtures that includes ordinary unbreakable globes and shades. If you want to add decorating finesse to your apartment, take down ordinary globes and shades, and replace them with something that fits your decorating scheme and style. The old shades and globes can easily be put back in place before moving out of your apartment.

Window Treatments

Before decorating your apartment with window treatments, check the rules and regulations regarding drapery and curtains. For a look of uniformity, some apartment complexes insist on white or off-white window treatments facing the exterior. As long as they are lined with white or off-white fabric they can be used in decorating. It isn't easy to find white lined window treatments. Instead of settling for something you really don't want, invest in white fabric for lining window treatments of your choice. Sew them on yourself, or hire someone to make them into acceptable window treatment for decorating your apartment.Alternately, hang heavy white or off-white panels behind the window treatments of your choice. This is probably the easiest way to keep everyone happy.

Flooring

Most apartment complexes have wall-to-wall tan carpeting or wood flooring, and this is because tan is neutral and appeals to a wide range of decorating tastes, but not everyone prefers neutral colors when decorating their home. Throw rugs are a wonderful decorating accessory, and they come in all textures, colors, and sizes. If you want to liven up room, add some colorful throw rugs with protective backing, or invest in a room-size rug to cover the entire floor. Rugs will make the room feel warmer, and your apartment will seem more like home rather than a place you aren't completely free to decorate.