Decorating for the holidays is something many people enjoy. Perhaps you have traditions you share each year with your family and friends, like picking your own Christmas tree or baking specific Hanukkah recipes passed down for generations.
While decorating is a significant part of setting the mood for whatever you celebrate, it can be a bit more challenging if you live in a rental. Of course, you want to express yourself, your traditions, and your likes, but you also don’t want to get fined.
Luckily, you can still get festive without damaging your apartment. With these five apartment-friendly holiday decorating tips, you’ll enjoy the winter season without stress.
Tip 1: Remember To Ask!
If you have big plans for hanging up a bunch of decor or putting string lights along your exterior, checking the lease is a good idea. For example, a Houston property management company might welcome you to hang flags and decor from your balcony and windows, while a Los Angeles property management company might not.
It really depends on the state, city, and company. Also, if you have questions about the lease or nothing is specified, it never hurts to ask. That way, you know what the rules and guidelines are, so you don’t accidentally break them.
Tip 2: Try The Shower Curtain Rod “Hack”
If you’re into interior design and decorating, you may have seen this shower curtain decorating tip going around TikTok. If not, you can get in on this pro piece of advice, too.
Basically, you use a shower curtain rod and hang it between archways or open doorways around your place. You wrap lights, garland, or any other decoration you like around the pole. Then, you place it securely between the doors and walls.
By doing so, you can decorate without using nails and screws that could damage your rental.
Tip 3: Utilize Removable Hooks
While the shower curtain tip is great for doorways, you may have other places around your apartment or home where you want to hang things. Most likely, you have wall decor you want to put up, but how do you do so without putting too many holes in the walls?
Removable hooks, such as command strips, are your best bet here. There are many different varieties, and some can hold rather heavy items.
These are also easy to remove, and they are unlikely to create damage if you use them correctly.
Tip 4: Decorate Your Front Door
Even if your apartment building or rental company restricts what you can put up on outside windows and balconies, most places don’t mind if you decorate your front door.
So, whether your door faces outdoors or into an apartment hallway, you can infuse festive cheer with a wreath or a themed doormat.
Wreath hooks that go over the door won’t do any damage, and they also look great. As long as you don’t go over the top, front-door decorations are a great, apartment-friendly way to show off your seasonal stuff.
Tip 5: Try Battery-Powered Candles
Winter holidays in the Northern Hemisphere happen during the darkest months of the year. So, it’s not surprising that so many of these celebrations center around lights, as they bring in some much-needed relief from the darkness.
Holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza often utilize candles in their decorations and religious celebrations. However, if you’re worried about smoke damage or fire risks, LED candles are an excellent, safe alternative.
With these five apartment-friendly decoration ideas and tips, you’ll have a beautiful place that’s festive.
