You may have heard of new products called removable wallpaper, some of which are referred to as “non-wovens.” They have a non-woven fabric backing and are easy to apply and remove. There are other similar products including simple wallpaper borders, some of which can even be re-used if removed properly (gently, and all in one piece).
While some people aren’t real big on wallpaper borders, they may find them to be a bit more appealing when living in a bland apartment or other rental, because they can add some color and brighten things up a little without doing any damage.
Another fun idea is to use wallpaper borders in different ways instead of the standard method. Instead of bordering the top of the walls or chair-rail height, or even the top and bottom of walls, try making evening spaced stripes down the wall or try going vertical. A wide stripe just inside a doorway or at either end of a focal wall can be very eye-catching.
A border or section of wallpaper is also a great way to separate spaces in an open floor-plan. Paper the “dining area” and stop where the living area begins. This is a fun way to make spaces in studio apartments feel more distinct.
Some people also like to frame windows that have plain treatments such as blinds, if those treatments cannot be altered. It also make windows seem larger. Another option is to make a geometric shape on the wall, generally a large square or rectangle, and then hang artwork within those borders.
If you can’t find or can’t afford removable wallpaper borders, you can use inexpensive versions found in any discount store. Just apply it only to small areas, using a few tacks or staples (which only make the tiniest holes in the wall) and you won’t have much repair work to worry about when removing borders before you move out.
*When using wallpaper or borders that have repeating patterns, be sure to line up patterns precisely before applying.