A Twentysomething's Guide to Working With White Walls

As a young twentysomething, I am no stranger to housing rentals. I have lived in many different apartments across the country, all of which have had the same decorating restrictions. If you are anything like me, though, living with white walls is a bit deafening. You may think that because of your landlord’s rules you can’t decorate at all, but that’s not the case.

Light It Up

I have always loved adding additional mirrors to my bedroom to make the room brighter and look bigger. I think adding a small chandelier or unique lampshade is a great way to include fun pops of color into your room. Here are the lighting pieces all under $100 that I love from Target:

Book It

There is nothing like books to finish off any room in your house. Not only do they bring in a personal touch, but they also add unique colors and textures. You can mix and match new and old books, soft and hard covers, and the types of books you display. It is much more interesting than just placing trinkets on a shelf that serve no purpose. Here are some really cute bookshelves from Kohl’s that would be perfect for you to use to display your favorite books.

Art of Layers

Is there a better way to tackle a completely white room than to start from the floor and work your way up? Pick a patterned or bold colored rug to complement your bedding and various décor. You will be surprised how much of a difference it will truly make. We did this in our family room in my apartment, and it instantly made the room seem friendlier and cozier. Unfortunately, rugs are pretty expensive no matter where you shop for them, but if you shop at the right time, you can still save. These are ones I found at Walmart that I thought would look great in any home:

Texturize

Whether you want to go the route of big bold artwork or a textured piece for your bed, they will be sure to make a statement without doing any type of permanent damage. Find a piece of artwork that will tie the colors of your room together or a blanket to throw on your bed.

What is your favorite renter’s trick to decorating?