Decorating a rental can be a bit of a balancing act. On one hand, you want your home to reflect your personality. On the other hand, there’s the looming threat of losing your deposit thanks to rogue nails, permanent fixtures, or paint jobs your landlord never approved.
But that doesn’t mean you have to live with bare walls or compromise on style. There are plenty of renter-friendly ways to make art the heart of your space without damaging a single wall. From gallery-style ledges to unexpected spots in your kitchen, here are seven easy, stylish ways to decorate with art while keeping your landlord happy.
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Stick Up Lightweight Frames with Command Strips
Command Strips are a renter’s best friend. These clever adhesive strips let you hang lightweight frames without putting a single hole in the wall. They’re especially handy for smaller artworks or canvas prints and can hold surprisingly well when used correctly. And unlike many other commercially available solutions, they can also be removed cleanly from most surfaces without damaging them.
Before hanging, make sure the surface is clean and dry. Press the strips firmly and give them time to bond before adding your frame. Make sure you have enough strips to hold the weight of your wall art. If you’re using DROOL’s art posters, this method gives a sleek, modern finish that’s flush with the wall.
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Lean Large Art for an Effortless Studio Feel
Leaning your artwork is a brilliant way to style your home without a single tool. A large framed print propped against the wall gives off an effortlessly cool vibe. Plus, our hand-made and hand-finished frames are available in different colours, adding more character to your space while protecting and showcasing your art prints.
Try leaning one of DROOL’s bold statement pieces in a corner or next to a console table. Or layer a few frames together with varying sizes so they look curated without feeling too formal. This approach also works a treat beside your bed as an alternative to a headboard, or near the entryway to make a stylish first impression.
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Use Art Ledges to Keep Things Flexible
Art ledges or picture shelves are the ultimate way to rotate your artwork without fuss. They add structure to your display while letting you switch out pieces whenever you like. Even better, some ledges are designed to attach with heavy-duty adhesive strips, avoiding screws altogether.
Style yours with a mix of heights and textures. For instance, pair a vibrant DROOL art poster with a smaller black-and-white line drawing, and maybe add a plant or candle for depth. Even better, you can update your ledges as often as you like.
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Clip Art to Hanging Racks
Fancy a flexible yet low-cost option? Create a hanging display using a rod or wire strung between removable hooks, then attach your prints with clips or mini pegs. It’s simple, changeable, and gives a casual, artsy feel.
This works especially well for smaller works. Add postcards, handwritten notes, or dried flowers for a more eclectic, personal touch. If you're going for cosiness, string up fairy lights along the wire to get a full vibe.
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Tape or Tack for a Casual Collage Look
You can stick prints directly onto your walls using washi tape or removable adhesive putty, no frames required. This is perfect if you’re on a tight budget or if you like to change things up frequently. This lets you easily create a loose collage using art prints, polaroids, clippings, and even fabric swatches.
DROOL’s smaller artworks work brilliantly here. If you like a casual vibe, tape or tack are fun, youthful, and effortlessly personal ways to hang up your art. Bonus: if you get bored, it’s easy to rearrange or swap out whenever you feel like a change.
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Decorate Bookshelves and Cabinets with Art
Art isn’t just for walls. If your shelves are feeling a little devoid of personality, slide in a small print or two. This breaks up the visual weight and adds a little design flair. Try propping a small framed print at the back of a bookshelf or leaning one against stacked books for a layered look.
Glass-fronted cabinets in the kitchen are another great spot. Place a cheerful abstract print behind your mugs, or tuck one beside your spice rack for a bit of charm. Even if your cabinets are solid, you can stick small artworks to the inside of doors. It will be a delightful pop of art every time you reach for the biscuits.
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Style Windows and Mirrors with Art
Windows and mirrors can be great spots for art, too. Hanging a small piece in front of a window might sound odd, but if you use suction hooks or tape, you can create a backlit, gallery-style effect that changes with the daylight.
Another idea is to lean a framed print against a mirror that’s already mounted or resting against the wall. The reflection doubles the impact and makes for an unexpected focal point. It’s easy, renter-safe, and gives your space something extra.
Keep Your Style and Your Deposit
Living in a rental doesn’t mean sacrificing style. With a bit of creativity and the right tools, you can personalise your space, display beautiful art posters, and still leave the walls as pristine as the day you moved in.
Whether you’re into bold graphic prints, minimalist line drawings, or colourful abstracts, DROOL’s collection offers a wide range of styles, sizes, and moods to choose from. They’re perfect whether you're filling a blank hallway or sprucing up your kitchen. Just use adhesive strips or other clever tricks to display them in their best light. Explore our collection today and turn your flat into a home, no nails required.
