Although contact paper might be called different things in different countries i.e. Vinyl, Stick back plastic, Wall decals, Fablon (thats a UK one, but as most of my readers are from US, I’ll stick with calling it contact paper), it’s creative potential remains the same. It is inexpensive, comes in various colours and patterns, can be cut into whatever shape you choose, and most importantly, its not permanent!

This is a huge bonus for those renters who might want to add a touch of style to their homes. Contact paper = Renter friendly decor = happy landlord and an even happier tenant when they are given that full deposit back at the end of their lease.







Being a serial renter myself, contact paper has always been my first go to method when trying to update the look of a rented property – especially when painting might not be an option . I used it consistently through out my previous kitchen budget revamp and was able to remove everything before I had to move with no problems.

And there are so many more ways contact paper can be used to decorate, as you’ll soon see from these ideas below! Click on the links highlighted in the text to see the detailed tutorial in full for each of the images

29 ways to decorate your rental with contact paper

1. Be organised and make a Wipe off weekly menu planner for your kitchen via Little Birdie Secrets

2. Design a chalkboard table runner for your dining table using chalkboard contact paper via Jackie Fo

3. Brighten up your entrance by covering an entry way table top with pretty contact paper via A beautiful Mess

4. If you hate your kitchen counter tops, use contact paper to create a faux effect marble counter top via Make Do and DIY.

5. A feature DIY contact paper stripe wall doesnt have to be painted Via City Farmhouse

6. You can also cut out some circular dots to make a Polka Dot wall via Inside ways

7. Transform worn stairs with chevron contact paper by Jenifer Knollin via Grillo Designs DIY Facebook Group

8. If pets are allowed in your rental, you can cover cardboard with contact paper to make pet bowl place mats via Pet Coupons

9. Give your windows some privacy with this cling film contact paper via Bigger Than The Three of Us

10. Indoor plants add so much character to a rental and you can even personalize the pots with contact paper via Mountain Modern Life

11. Design image labels for your childrens toy boxes via The Homes Ive Made

12. Or create unique labels for your spices in your kitchen via Knit chic (flikr)

13. Cover an old baking pan with contact paper to make a magnetic board via Pinning 2 Fun 5905

14. Rather than paint, Line the inside of your cupboards or pantry walls with contact paper via The House of Smiths

15. Update the look of a white door by creating a funky design via Likainen Parketti

16. Add a creative touch to your kitchen cabinets by adding racing stripes via Grillo Designs

17. Or if they are too ugly to salvage, completely cover them with customized contact paper panals via Panyl

18. Keep shelves clean and classy by lining pantry or cupboard shelves with pretty contact paper via I Heart Organizing

19. Cover ugly flooring with contact paper via The Plumbed Nest

20 Or cut out triangles to re-design existing floor tiles for a checkerboard floor via Cukoo 4 Design







21. Make cool looking contact paper Bunting to hang in your rooms via The Sweetest Occasion

22. Make a complete chalk board wall with chalk board contact paper via Under The Snowball Tree

23. Line your fridge shelves via The Preppy Leopard

24. Cover the blades of an unattractive fan via Pretty Real

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25. Update the look of a lamp by cutting out pretty designs via The Modern Mountain Life

26. Decorate the front of a dresser and add a splash of style to your room Via My Sweet Savannah

27. Use contact paper to breathe new life into a washing machine (especially if it lives in your kitchen) via Grillo Designs

28. Cut out squares from contact paper and create a tiled effect kitchen backsplash via My Goal Is Simple

29. Or create a stripe effect on your fridge via Grillo Designs

I want to know how YOU have used contact paper in your homes guys! Share in comments below. You can also join Grillo Designs on Instagram and Pinterest to keep up with my latest posts and ideas. If you’re on Facebook, why not join my Home decorating, Upcycling and DIY group too – inspiration is guaranteed!

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