16 Apartment Art Ideas that Won’t Risk Your Security Deposit

Decorating your apartment with art can add personality and warmth to your living space, but it can be daunting when you’re worried about losing your security deposit. Luckily, there are many creative ways to incorporate artwork into your home without causing any damage. From temporary wall decals to cleverly displayed collections, this article will explore various apartment art ideas that won’t break the bank or cost you your security deposit. So whether you’re looking for ideas for your apartment in Jacksonville, FL, or an apartment in Chicago, IL, read on for apartment art you should check out.

1. Resin on canvas

“When I think of art, I think of something unique and one of a kind, something that nobody else has,” says Unicone Art, a resin art company. “That’s easy to achieve with resin epoxy. The technique that is “no-fail” would be the dirty pour. Adding complementary resin colors in a cup and flipping it onto a canvas can create the most magical statement art pieces.”

Drippy Art, a resin art creation company, agrees. “Dress up your wall with an oversized resin art painting. Splashes of vibrant colors are playful, while a blend of black and white with gold-colored streaks are perfect for a royal and sophisticated look. You can buy from an Etsy store online or create a DIY, but remember to pick up the piece that best describes your personality.”

2. Resin on furniture

“Epoxy resin products are a great way to enhance one’s apartment uniquely,” shares Magic Resin. “With an epoxy resin coat, you can make a table, or a painting, look all glossy. You can also create sculptures of your choosing through molds, for example, beautiful colorful coasters, charcuterie boards, Lazy Susan — you name it.”

Serene Life Art suggests adding a unique clock to your home. “Adding a resin clock to your home can elevate your décor with elegance and uniqueness. The handmade round ocean wall clock can add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to a house, room, or apartment décor. The ocean-inspired design of the clock can also create a calming and serene atmosphere in the room, bringing a sense of relaxation and peace. This ocean clock can also be a conversation starter and a focal point in the room.”

3. Frame vintage magazine covers

Mustard Tree Market expresses how thrifting can add beautiful elements to your home. “Incorporate your style by thrifting a couple of vintage magazines, and grab a couple of simple frames. Get creative painting the frames each in a solid, bright color, then frame your magazines for a retro vibe. Use suction cup hooks to hang directly to your tile backsplash above your stove or counter, and be prepared to wow your guests.”

4. Choose a print that matches your personality

“Many artists will happily allow prints to be made of their work in addition to the art available from the big online sellers such as Fine Art America,” says Patricia J Finley Fine Art. “Pick out art you love, ask if prints are available, and if yes, make that art your statement piece by going big, 36×36, or larger. Prints are affordable and light enough for easy hanging with removable Command strips if printed on canvas.”

Camille Barnes Studio adds, “Enhanced prints are a great way to incorporate art into your apartment. After the ink is dried and sealed, the canvas is carefully painted with the artist’s brush strokes using fine-quality oils and finishes. The finished piece looks almost exactly like a hand-painted piece of art. Or add custom pieces and HD metal prints that captivate the viewer and make an exceptional showpiece for your room. These can be hung using command strips that will not damage the walls.”

5. Create a gallery wall

Consider adding a focal point when making your apartment an instant showcase. “One large picture or photo, surrounded by smaller ones on your main living room wall, will do just that,” says Pure House Cleaning. “The gallery wall is easy to change any one of the pictures. Additionally, consider expanding with items that aren’t pictures, such as 3-dimensional items like floating shelves or wall-hung sculptures.”

Photo courtesy of Bev Goldie Art

6. Collect a trio that complements each other

“As a new condo owner, artist, and former decorator, my tip for immediate impact is an investment in a “showstopper” artwork for the living room – preferably a triptych (three pieces that go side by side),” says Bev Goldie Art. “This allows coverage above any size sofa, mantel, or great room. It also allows versatility if you move and is easier to hang than one huge piece of work. Triptychs also look amazing over a king-sized bed.”

7. Use command strips for custom art pieces

Alexis Martinez Puleio, an artist in Naples, FL suggests bringing custom art pieces into your space. “Custom art reflects yourself and your style and can make a space unique and memorable. As an artist and art collector, I love that the pieces on my walls are conversation starters, and I often find myself rotating them throughout the house because of that. My go-to tool for installing art that won’t damage the walls is Command Strips. They come in multiple sizes and hold a considerable amount of weight.”

8. Choose fine art from an emerging artist

“Fine art is a modern and unique way to transform any home wall into an art space using a small hook/screw or even a solution without a nail,” says BEN SZEKELY, an artist. “If you’d like to express your style without breaking the bank, choose a limited edition art from an emerging artist. This way, you not only put your trust in their work- which means the world to them – but you can even treat your new addition for your home as an art investment whose value will increase over time.”

9. Create your own mural with paint

Mitch Allen Interiors shares that the best way to creatively transform an apartment space that won’t damage your walls is to use a sharpie or paint to create a mural with shapes, stripes, or patterns. “If you aren’t brave enough for that, no trouble. Easily fill a wall/space with a unique accent feature like a used or vintage surfboard or bicycle, or showcase a vintage rug by hanging it.”

10. Use peel-and-stick wallpaper for a clean look

“Ready to turn your apartment into a masterpiece? Look no further than wallpaper,” says Emily Lauren Interiors. “With an endless array of patterns and colors, peel-and-stick wallpaper is the perfect way to transform your space without sacrificing your deposit. If wallpaper isn’t your style, no problem. Freshen up your space with vintage pottery filled with freshly picked blooms, or find a stunning sculpture that speaks to your soul. And let’s remember the furniture – it’s an art form. Think sculptural pieces in plush fabrics or mood lighting with plug-in wall sconces and pendants. The possibilities are endless, and the creativity is all yours.”

11. Stray away from wall mosaics and opt for furniture mosaics

“The world of fine-art mosaics contains beautiful artwork that is rhythmic, colorful, textural, reflective, sturdy, and unique,” says Glass and Grout, a mosaic art company. “Although traditional mosaics were created directly on walls and floors, and thus are heavily inappropriate for apartment dwellers, many mosaic artists now focus on reasonably light, self-contained display art pieces similar to paintings, as well as lightweight free-standing display items, occasional tables, and functional pieces such as dining-table centerpieces. Whatever mosaic art you choose for your apartment, you can easily take it with you if you choose to move.”

                                                                 Photo courtesy of Mosaic Natural

12. Hang mosaic pieces in a frame

Mosaic Natural shares, “Depicting a vase overflowing with beautiful flowers, this mosaic features a delicate blend of natural colors. Every petal comes to life in this charming and subtle design. Perfect for inviting spaces, this piece will warm any room you choose. Consider displaying this artwork in your bedroom or living room.”

14. Add custom LED lighting

Erin St. Blaine, a custom LED company, says, “One way to instantly change the vibe of your space is through colorful LED lighting. You can find inexpensive remote controllable colored light bulbs online, or get inventive and make your light art by adding controllable LED strips to the back of wall hangings or at the base of your favorite vases or glass art. A lighted art piece makes a focal point and conversation piece and can bring endless warmth and energy into your space.”

13. Add plants to your living space

Adding plants livens up a room. “Green foliage wakes up a neutral palette and softens modern spaces,” says Sweet Grass Gardens. “Use artisan-made planters to add texture and color. Remember your views of the outside space. Hiring a landscape designer to maximize a small garden will add tremendous value to your home and create the perfect place to chill or entertain.”

15. Use bookshelves and console tables to display art

Lulu Quadri, a DIY décor blogger shares, “Bookshelves and console tables are the perfect places to add the décor in any form. You can use these spaces to mix and match different décor pieces such as vases, wall art, and candlesticks.”

16. Place art on your décor or use command strips

For non-damaging ways to display your art, Kathy Ferguson Art shares, “Fined for putting nail holes in your apartment walls? Place smaller artworks on your mantel, bookshelf, or bedside table instead. Or use 3M Command strips to attach larger works to the walls with easy damage-free removal.”

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