15 Creative Ways to Cover Ugly Apartment Walls
Renter-Friendly Decorating.Staring at those bland, beige, or just plain ugly apartment walls again? You’re not alone. Most renters face the same challenge: you want a home that reflects your personality, but you’re bound by landlord rules and the dreadful fear of losing your security deposit.
For years, I hopped between rentals, thinking I was stuck with whatever questionable paint color the previous tenant left behind. But I learned that with a little creativity, you can completely transform your space without a single drop of paint or a single nail where it shouldn’t be.
This guide is packed with my favorite, battle-tested, and completely reversible solutions. We’ll cover everything from quick fixes to stunning statement walls that will make you forget you’re even renting.
Key Takeaways for a Quick Fix
- Go Big with Fabric: Tapestries and curtains offer maximum coverage for minimal effort and cost.
- Peel-and-Stick is Your Best Friend: Modern removable wallpaper and decals are game-changers for creating temporary accent walls.
- Think Vertically: Use tall bookshelves and leaning mirrors to cover wall space while adding function and style.
- Damage-Free Hanging is Essential: Always use products like Command Strips for hanging art and decor to ensure you leave no trace behind.
The Magic of Temporary & Removable Wall Coverings
These options are designed specifically for renters. They provide the look of a permanent change with the ease of temporary application.
1. Embrace Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
This isn’t your grandma’s messy, glued-on wallpaper. Modern removable wallpaper is a renter’s dream. It comes in thousands of styles, from bold geometric patterns to subtle linen textures.
- Why it works: It’s a high-impact solution for creating an accent wall behind your bed or sofa.
- Pro Tip: Application is key. Use a plastic smoother or a credit card to push out air bubbles as you go. When it’s time to move, it peels off cleanly. In my experience, high-quality brands are worth the investment as they are less likely to leave residue.
2. Get Playful with Wall Decals
If a full wall of paper feels like too much, decals are your answer. You can find everything from small polka dots to create a pattern, to large-scale botanical designs that mimic a mural. They are a fantastic, low-commitment way to add personality.
3. Try Removable Wall Tiles
Perfect for covering an ugly kitchen backsplash or a dated bathroom wall, peel-and-stick tiles are often made of vinyl and are resistant to water and heat. They look surprisingly realistic and can completely update a room in just a few hours.
4. Hang a Large Tapestry
A classic for a reason. A single, oversized tapestry can cover a huge amount of wall space, acting as a focal point or a headboard. Look for lightweight options that can be easily hung with a few damage-free hooks.
5. Create a Curtain Wall
Who said curtains are only for windows? Installing a curtain rod near the ceiling and hanging long, flowing drapes can hide an entire wall. This adds a touch of drama and luxury, making the room feel taller and cozier. This is one of my favorite tricks for hiding poorly placed doors or uneven plaster.
6. DIY Fabric Panels
This sounds complicated, but it’s incredibly simple.
- Buy lightweight foam insulation boards from a hardware store.
- Cut them to your desired size.
- Wrap them in a fabric you love, securing it on the back with a staple gun or duct tape.
- Lean these panels against the wall or attach them with several large Command Strips.
7. Curate a Gallery Wall
A well-planned gallery wall is the perfect way to cover imperfections and add personality. Mix different-sized frames, art prints, and even small mirrors.
- Damage-Free Tip: Forget the hammer and nails. Products like Command Picture Hanging Strips are a renter’s best friend. They hold securely and remove cleanly.
- For a deep dive into creating a stunning layout, check out our guide on [Link to: How to Create the Perfect Gallery Wall on a Budget].
8. Go Big with Oversized Art
Instead of many small pieces, one massive piece of canvas art can be a showstopper. A single piece that’s at least 40×60 inches (100×150 cm) can anchor a room and become its primary focal point, making the wall behind it disappear.
9. Use Mirrors to Create Depth
A large, leaning floor mirror is a fantastic solution. It covers a significant amount of wall space, bounces light around the room to make it feel bigger, and requires zero installation. You can also create a gallery wall effect using multiple smaller, decorative mirrors.
10. Strategic Bookshelves
A tall, open-backed bookshelf (or several placed side-by-side) can cover most of a wall. Style it with books, plants, and decor objects. Not only does this hide the wall, but it also gives you a ton of much-needed storage. Check out our tips on
11. The Power of Folding Screens
A beautiful folding screen or room divider can be placed strategically to hide an awkward corner, a strange stain, or an unsightly utility panel. They are portable and add an element of architectural interest.
12. Washi Tape Designs
For the truly creative and budget-conscious, washi tape is your playground. Create geometric patterns, stripes, or even a faux headboard design directly on the wall. It’s cheap, comes in endless colors, and peels off with zero residue.
13. Create a Living Wall with Plants
Use wall-mounted planters or a tall plant stand with cascading vines like pothos or philodendrons. This brings life and color into your space while drawing the eye away from the wall itself.
14. Install a Temporary Faux-Brick or Shiplap Panel</h4>
You can buy lightweight, thin panels of faux brick or shiplap. Instead of gluing them, secure them to the wall with finishing nails in discreet spots or even heavy-duty removable adhesive strips. The tiny nail holes are easy to fill when you leave.
15. Project an Image or Video
For a high-tech and dynamic solution, use a small projector to cast an image, a pattern, or even a looping video of a calming nature scene onto your wall. It’s the most temporary solution of all—it disappears with the flick of a switch!
H2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How can I cover my apartment walls cheaply? The most budget-friendly options are hanging a fabric tapestry, creating a design with washi tape, or shopping for secondhand art and mirrors to create a gallery wall. A single can of spray paint can also transform a cheap folding screen into a custom decor piece.
2. Will removable wallpaper actually damage my walls? When used correctly on a properly prepared wall (clean and not freshly painted), high-quality removable wallpaper should not cause damage. Always test a small, hidden area first and follow the manufacturer’s removal instructions carefully. For more on this, the experts at
3. What’s the best way to hang heavy items without nails? For heavy items like large mirrors or framed art, look for high-capacity adhesive hooks and strips, like Command’s heavy-duty options, which can hold up to 20 pounds (around 9 kg). Always check the weight limit on the package and use multiple strips for extra security.
4. Can I use these methods on textured walls? Most peel-and-stick products work best on smooth walls. For textured walls, your best bets are fabric-based solutions (tapestries, curtains), art-based cover-ups (gallery walls, leaning mirrors), or using furniture like bookshelves to hide the wall.
Conclusion: Your Walls, Your Style
Ugly apartment walls don’t have to be a life sentence. As you can see, there are dozens of creative, stylish, and completely reversible ways to reclaim your space and make it feel like home.
What I’ve learned is that rental limitations often force the most innovative solutions. Don’t be afraid to mix and match these ideas. Try a peel-and-stick wall behind your sofa and a gallery wall in the hallway. Your home is your canvas—even if you don’t technically own the canvas itself.
Now it’s your turn! Which of these ideas are you excited to try? Do you have another renter-friendly trick up your sleeve? Share it in the comments below!
