Adhesive hooks If your landlord would prefer you don’t drill holes in
the walls to hang frames, don’t fret – that’s why stick-on hooks exist.
If applied correctly, the nifty contraptions will hold your artwork nice
and tight until you’re ready to vacate (or redecorate). Then they can
be easily removed without damaging any paint.
Washi tape All hail washi tape, the magical Japanese masking tape
that can be stuck to almost any surface and peeled off without so
much as a gummy mark. It comes in an endless supply of eye-
catching patterns, and a strip in each corner of a print will keep
it not only tacked to the wall, but looking cute as heck, as well.
Blu tack Some rental contracts veto the use of blu tack, just in case
it peels off paint or leaves an oily splodge on the wall. There’s a
crafty way around those parameters, though – simply lay down some
easy-to-remove painter’s tape fi rst, then whack the blu tack on top of
the newly created barrier. (Best to stick with very light items here.)
Picture rails If you move into a rental with old-school picture
rails – yay, you! Grab a pack of hooks and you’re off on your merry
artwork-hanging way. For those who aren’t as lucky, though, you
might like to try making a DIY version. String some baker’s twine
or fi shing line across a wall, attaching it tightly to hooks at each
end. Then, secure photos, prints or postcards along it with wooden
clothes pegs.
Leaning Sometimes a frame is too heavy or precious to risk messing
around with makeshift hanging techniques. In such a case, you
might like to embrace the lean, instead. Whether on a shelf, mantel,
cabinet or even the fl oor, there’s something effortless (and stress-
free) about simply propping an artwork or mirror against a wall.
Removable wallpaper We’re lucky enough to live in a glorious time
when removable wallpaper exists, so why not make the most of the
low-commitment product? It’s worth giving your landlord a courtesy
heads-up if you go down that path, but they can rest assured any
feature wall will leave the house when you do.
Vinyl decals Vinyl wall stickers come in many different designs, and
give the illusion of a mural or painted feature piece. Just make sure
you follow the instructions carefully when taking them down, lest you
take a chunk of the wall with you.
Some plants seem
tailor-made for jazzing up
an indoor space, thanks to their
forgiving natures, striking shapes
and fl exible light requirements. If you’d
like to add a little greenery to your rental
digs, why not give one of these hardy
chums a try?
devil’s ivy • mother-in-law’s tongue
monstera deliciosa • zanzibar gem
split-leaf philodendron • peace lily
iron plant • rubber tree plant
maidenhair fern • jade plant
various cactifew s e w s to spruce
up our w ls
try this at home