Personalizing your rental home can be just as artistic as it is rewarding. However, as a renter, it is very important to accomplish such a task with as little damage to the home’s walls as you can. Security deposit refunds often depend, largely on returning the property in the same condition it was in when you moved in. This is the reason why knowing how to hang pictures to minimize damage can be beneficial, especially if your Smyrna rental home has plaster walls. In the event that you are getting ready to hang artwork, photographs, or another type of wall décor in your rental home, reconsider using one or more available options to minimize holes and keep your security deposit safe.
Depending on the age of your rental home, you could have either drywall or plaster walls. Even though they may look the same under a coat or two of paint, there are quite notable differences. Plaster walls are common in older homes because of the popularity of the technique in years past. But plaster cracks and crumbles easily, especially if you are attempting to hammer in a nail. Drywall, alternatively, is far more visible in newer homes because it is less expensive and easier to install. Drywall can hold up against some careful hammering but may still break apart under rough treatment.
With so much that could go wrong, carefully studying the best ways to hang your wall décor is very helpful. For artwork or pictures weighing fewer than five pounds, consider taking advantage of an adhesive hook, tape, or even poster putty instead of nails. Adhesive hooks come in many different sizes and styles and work incredible on both plaster and drywall. Several types of adhesive hooks are also removable, designed to pull free from the wall without leaving any damage behind. This is also typically true of poster putty. Generally, either product will help you decorate any way you’d like, with as many lightweight items as you’d prefer, without creating a large number of holes or causing other damage.
Hanging heavier artwork and décor can be quite tricky. While you can try using heavy-duty adhesive tape designed for heavy or industrial use, you may still need to make at least one hole in the wall to install a hanger capable of bearing the item’s weight. In both plaster and drywall walls, items between 5 and 10 pounds can be securely hung with a nail hammered in at an angle. For items over 10 pounds, however, it is highly recommended to use a stud finder and a screw anchor to install a hook directly into a stud. Neither plaster nor drywall will support very heavy items unless they are screwed directly into a wooden stud.
Of course, there are different ways to use heavy décor items, and that includes placing them on furniture instead of hanging them on the wall. For instance, large framed artwork could be set on top of a dresser or bookshelf, producing a damage-free decorative touch to any room. Console tables are one other great choice for displaying photos and home décor.
Personalizing your space is an excellent way to feel more comfortable in your rental. But doing so in a way that ensures the return of your security deposit can seem like a challenge. Nevertheless, by knowing your options and getting creative with your walls, you can easily manage to do both.
Have questions about security deposits? Wondering how you deal with a tenant who is upset by the rules in your lease? Need some guidance in creating a solid lease in the first place? Real Property Management East Cobb has an entire team of experts ready to help. Contact us online or call us at 770-622-5657 today.
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