Blank walls can cause a design mental block for anyone, but for apartment dwellers, the challenge can be especially daunting. Many apartment renters are restricted from painting or wallpapering and being surrounded by all white walls feels impersonal and inhospitable. But there are ways to bring interest, color and personal style to apartment walls without violating the lease agreement. Here are some solutions and suggestions.

Add Texture and Color with Tapestry Wall Hangings

Choose colorful fabric tapestry wall hangings to bring style and texture to your walls. Whether you love the look of an open air café in France or an abstract geometric design, a woven fabric tapestry gives the appearance of a wall mural and has large scale impact. Fall in love with a tapestry and make it the focal point of your room that will influence your other furniture and accessory choices. Best of all, when it’s time to move you can simply take the tapestry down, roll it up and take it with you.

Original Paintings

Rather than decorate with framed prints that are massed produced, shop at galleries or art shows for original paintings that will lend an air of permanence and sophistication to your apartment. An investment in quality art never goes out of style and if you choose pieces that you absolutely love they will be appropriate in any future home as well. A large original painting hung over a sofa or used as a focal point is an excellent choice that will inspire the rest of your decor.

Wrought Iron Wall Decor adds Drama

Wrought iron wall decor is available in every imaginable price range and style. It has the unique ability to add depth and dimension to a wall and underscore any theme. The black matte finish of wrought iron will unify a color scheme. You can choose pieces that are ornate and elegant or streamlined and minimalist, with a flair that can range from traditional, to colonial, to ethnic or modern. Choose a large piece for a focal point or add accents of wrought iron in wall clocks, sconces, wall grates, mirrors, frames, decorative wall hooks and shelves.

Decorative Wall Clocks

A decorative wall clock is an often overlooked option in wall decor, but let it be a focal point and you’ll be amazed at the elegance and polish it will bring to your plain white walls. Large enough to stand alone, wall clocks can be used above a hall table or sofa. Or choose a smaller decorative wall clock and make it part of a grouping that includes wall sconces and candles, a wall shelf, wall plant vases or framed mirrors. For example, a large English train station wall clock in black and parchment can make a country statement when combined with tin and mirror wall sconce, or it can take a casual approach when hung off center above a buffet or desk.

Metal Wall Art

Add depth, shadow and interest to your walls with metal wall art. Any style of decorating can be enhanced with these three-dimensional works of art. When combined with wall sconces or even candlelight from below, metal wall art glistens and creates an interesting silhouette, making it easy to create a focal point in a living room, bedroom or entry. Available in any theme or style, metal wall art adds color as well. You will find in a variety of hues that will accent any color scheme and style preference.




By: Jeanelle Deppner