Life

7 Apartment Decor Ideas That Won't Make You Lose Your Security Deposit

I've found that the worst part about living in a small, NYC apartment is not the occasional cockroach or the responsibility of being on my own, but the inability to create a Pinterest-perfect place. Sure, my budget doesn't allow for much outside of Mason jars and decor from Ikea, but I always want what I can't have. And what I want is to paint walls and hang up posters with abandon, not worrying what my landlord will think! But alas, that's not in the cards. So if you are like me and want some apartment decor that won't make you lose your security deposit, check out these ideas.

Image: A Beautiful Mess

by Corinne Caputo

painted chairs

These beautiful, yellow-painted chairs from A Beautiful Mess are the easiest way to add color to your room without painting any walls.

Image: A Beautiful Mess

triangle walls

Who doesn’t love stickers? You can make your landlord happy by not painting walls and you can make yourself happy by adding Girl Loves Glam’s awesome gold geometric triangle stickers to your bedroom backdrop.

Image: Girl Loves Glam

colorful streamers

These DIY Papel Picado streamers from StudioDIY are a super easy way to add a pop of excitement without touching a drop of paint.

Image: StudioDIY

pretty calendars

I bought this 2014 calendar back in August because it was too pretty to pass up. It’s pretty and functional, and will look great under a magnet on your fridge or propped in a frame on your bookshelf.

2014 Secret Garden Calendar, $13, Rifle Paper Co.

painted photo frames

Ombre isn’t just for your hair. Vitamini Handmade offers an excellent tutorial to turn your photo frames into something so much more. Ombre it up!

Image: Vitamini Handmade

lampshades made of leggings

Upcycle your old leggings by turning them into an awesome lampshade! Yes, really. Vintage Revival has a great tutorial, tricks, and tips.

Image: Vintage Revival

painted coasters

The easiest way to make your coffee table awesome is with painted coasters, like these from Etsy. Just do it already!

Painted Ceramic Coasters, $40, Etsy

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