5 wall decor ideas perfect for renters and DIY lovers

If your idea of a well-appointed home is anything but an empty wall, then good news: The market is brimming with options to dress things up. There is, of course, the vast world of wallpapers covering both modern and vintage styles. For the resourceful, the gallery wall trend can present a fun design challenge. And somewhere in the middle, there’s also a number of ready-to-order products that still offer some degree of customization.

Whether you live in a small city apartment and need something that doesn’t do too much damage or just want a hassle-free way to get a new look at home, these ideas may come in handy.

Vant Panels

Pricing: Starts at $189 for a 39’’ x 46’’ “Twin” layout, or $169 for a box of 4 panels ideal for mix and matching

Installation: Usually in minutes

Vant Panels produces upholstered wall panels that click into a set of metal brackets drilled into the wall. Because they’re modular in nature, these panels can be used to create a twin-size headboard, large accent wall, or something in between. You can find them in 30 colors and textures, and purchase preconfigured layouts or customizable packages.

Visual Magnetics interactive wall coverings

Pricing: Starts at $25 per square foot; made to order

Installation: Service included in cost

Visual Magnetics

In a collaboration with materials innovation company Visual Magnetics, textile designer Ellen Van Dusen of clothing and home goods brand Dusen Dusen created a series of magnetic wall-coverings sporting her signature bold colors and shapes. Available in six prints, these multi-layer wall-coverings feature magnetic die-cut pieces that you can move around and create ever-changing patterns. For each installation, the Visual Magnetics team will take care of the entire application process, so long as there’s a smooth wall to work with. The company also makes a line of magnetic accessories only compatible with its wall coverings.

Artis Wall

Pricing: Starts at $10.95 per square foot

Installation: Usually under an hour for one wall

Artis Wall

Born of a Kickstarter campaign that raised more than double its goal, Artis Wall makes it easy to embrace the reclaimed wood trend without having to do any scavenging yourself. The Ohio-based company sources authentic reclaimed wood from barns and structures around the country and offers them in boxes of kiln dried, 5-inch- and 2-inch-wide planks available in six finishes. Each order comes with 30 feet of A.I.M™ Strips, which are the adhesives that make the planks easily removable and reusable.

Tempaper self-adhesive wallpaper

Pricing: Around $98 to $125 per 11-yard roll

Installation: Usually under an an hour for one wall; preferred professional installer available in the Northeast

Founded in 2008, Tempaper is a veteran at the self-adhesive, removable wallpaper game. The company’s designs range from intricate florals to geometric patterns to a whimsical kids selection. Tempaper products are intended to go over walls painted with an eggshell, stain, or semi-gloss paints. The recommended installation process involves pre-cutting the wallpaper panels and using a squeegee to smooth out air pockets. This spring, Tempaper is launching a 11-print collection designed by the Novogratz.

Ready-to-frame prints

Pricing: About $15 for 45 prints

Installation: In minutes

Amazon

With the exception of taping up your own doodles, these books filled with dozens of ready-to-frame prints may be the easiest way to get some visual interest on your walls fast. Choose from vintage patterns, botanical prints, and more. Frame one or a bunch. Swap out the designs when you crave a refresh.