Hi there Apartment Therapy, I hope you can answer my question. I would like to experiment with decorating my studio with moulding on the wall or the ceiling (I was inspired by an image on the site), but I am not sure if such a project is feasible in a rental apartment . Is there a way to install moulding so that it can be taken down once I move and doesn't leave more damage than holes in the wall? Thanks, D
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While 3-dimensional moulding might be difficult to remove, the effect of "moulding" could be made with colored or white tape. Any other ideas?
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Comments (12)
Foam moulding and double stick tape
I agree - foam moulding and double-side tape or... I've had great success with velcro tape!
As a pseudo landlord myself, if the moulding is done well and judiciously, then most owners would appreciate the added value. I would speak to the owners first. Perhaps, they'll even dock it off of your rent if you plan on paying for supplies and labor.
Otherwise, taping out the details works wonders!!! Good luck, hope you move forward with the idea.
http://myexitrow.blogspot.com/
If you're going to go the trouble of installing it - Why remove it?
Don't use double-side tap! Get some of the 3M strips :) You can remove it VERY EASILY and it doesn't take paint with it.
Er, wow, typing fail. Double-side TAPE.
I think you could even have very good luck with carefully cut molding and ticky-tack or Museum tack. I have even hung photo frames with this stuff (light ones) and I have seen a lot of modern molding that is actually more like foam-core and super lightweight.
~k
sooo cute! where can I get this lamp??
From a practical perspective toupee tape works much better than double-sided tape or you could try the "cold melt" version of hot glue sticks (temporarily tack the molding to the ceiling with painter's tape until the glue sets completely, up to 12 hours). Repainting a ceiling doesn't take long, it's a pain in the rear but it doesn't take long, I wouldn't let that dissuade you unless the landlord doesn't approve of you repainting yourself.
I agree about the lamp, I love it, any ideas on resources for it???
Why bother taking it down? What would you ever do with it after you move? Chances are, it isn't going to work in the next place you move to.
Get your landlord to give you permission, and put it up permanently. It'll save you the hassle when you finally do move out.
pendant light source please!
sassifras/others - what you mean by taping? Do you mean taping and painting to get the effect?