5 Ways To Decorate Your Sublet

By Alexia Gonzalez on July 17, 2015

This article is brought to you by CORT, a subsidiary of Berkshire-Hathaway and the world’s largest furniture rental and relocation services company. To learn more about how we can help college students like you, click here.

Most of us have been there, (especially during this time of the year) transitioning between leases in hopes of seeking some temporary stability. This is typically the time when your parents beckon you to return back home due to your lack of residency. Usually, as soon as that offer is put on the table we defer to plan b: a sublease.

Many tend to stray from the very temporary sublet life as it can become frustrating to have to adapt around surroundings that are not entirely your own. You also may be at risk of losing your security deposit as a result of any accidental damages or unchangeable alterations.

Fortunately there are many easy and non-permanent ways that you can spruce up your tentative home. Try one of these simple and removable do-it-yourself sublet fixer uppers!

pexels.com

Temporary Wallpaper  

This stuff is genius! Known as “renters wallpaper,” it allows you the freedom to change a single wall or the dynamic of an entire room with a vibrant solid color or geometric pattern. These temporary panels boast special glue that allows for lasting stickiness and easy removal. You can pick some up at your local Lowe’s from Sherman Williams.

Instagram Collage Wall

Make all of your favorite Insta memories last forever (or until you move out)! This method is perfect for Instagram (or any square) photos and polaroids. This method is perfect for renters and only takes one night.

First, use a piece of painters tape to mark a level base for your collage on your wall. You can measure from the floor on each side to make sure it’s level. This is also a good way to visually test where you want your collage to begin before adhering any photos.

Use at least four pieces of rolled tape on each photo to adhere every corner to the wall. It’s more sturdy than scotch tape, and won’t damage a painted wall. You can also use pieces of tape to measure the space between each photo. The most important things to remember when making a grid collage is that the outer edges need to be very straight and the spacing on the inside should be consistent. Using the tape to space each photo made it super easy to be consistent!

Geometric Patchwork Headboard

This art requires fairly careful cutting, but little artistic skill. Using simple colored paper and metallic origami paper you can create a geometric patchwork artwork that looks beautiful and impressive. You can use it as a statement piece on a random wall, but I prefer this as a pretty unique take on a headboard for your temporary bed. The key to making this artwork successful is choosing the proper colors.

A good starting point is to look at the dominant colors in the room’s color scheme – you will need to incorporate at least one of these to tie the art in with your decor. It’s often best to just add a splash of the dominant tones and introduce other complimentary or harmonious colors as the main palette. For an in-depth tutorial on how to create your very own patchwork headboard check out crafts.tutsplus.com.

Colorful Cushions and Beanbags

Along with decorating your walls, you can add bursts of colors to any room with the help of a few cool couch cushions or even some funky beanbags strewn around. This will help to not only liven up the appearance of your sublet but also to make it more inviting and comfortable.

You can easily purchase some awesome cushions and beanbags at shops such as etsy.com or if you’re really looking to get crafty try making some of your own with this tutorial from designsponge.com!

Oversized Floral Wire Words

This is a really funky and feminine freestanding addition to any space.

You will need the following supplies:

-Thick floral wire

-Wire cutters

-Hot glue

-Small silk blooms

-Fabric cut into long 1/2 inch strips

Use multiple layers of wire to shape large letters; they’ll come out to about a foot tall.

Using hot glue on the ends, wrap the wire letters completely with fabric strips. This will make them much easier to glue to and cover any sharp wire edges. Carefully use hot glue to adhere silk blooms around the entire front surface of the letters. When you are done, go back and add more flowers to certain spots to give it a fuller appearance. Flatten and reshape your letters before displaying and then enjoy your statement piece!

Looking for a more convenient way to furnish your off-campus apartment? Rent stylish furniture from CORT and save time and money. For more information on furniture rental packages, click here.

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