As daunting as home ownership can be, there are also a certain set of challenges that come with being a renter. Sure, you never have to worry about repairing a roof or a furnace, but you may not have much freedom when it comes to decorating or choosing appliances. If you're a renter (or homeowner) with a not-so-pretty refrigerator, give it a makeover with removable wallpaper.
Bethany Nauert
When you're shopping for your paper, be sure to buy detachable or temporary wallpaper, as you may need to take it down when you move. I recommend using a simpler print. This will make it easier to line up each section of paper exactly, so your fridge looks neat.
The first thing you'll want to do is wipe down the outside of your refrigerator. Paper adheres more evenly when adhered to a clean, smooth surface.
Bethany Nauert
Now you will want to measure and cut your paper. Most removable wallpaper comes in long rolls, so you'll want to hang it horizontally. Measure and cut a piece approximately 7 to 8 inches longer than the front of your refrigerator.
Bethany Nauert
Next, remove the adhesive that is removed from your first piece of wallpaper. Keeping the piece taut, you'll want this first piece to sit with a 3-4 inch overhang on the top of your fridge as well as on each side. Glue the center part of the piece to the top of your refrigerator top, taking care to smooth out any wrinkles.
Bethany Nauert
Using a small knife, slowly and carefully cut a straight line from the top of your wallpaper to the left corner of the refrigerator door. Once you've made this cut, simply fold the left edge of the paper over and tape it to the side of the door. Next, you'll want to make a similar cut in the top right corner. Once both sides of the refrigerator door are covered with paper, you can fold the protruding top of the wallpaper and gently stick it to the top of the refrigerator door. Additional hang tabs on both sides will be folded over and glued to the top of the door as well, similar to wrapping a gift. Use the utility knife to trim off any extra paper.
Bethany Nauert
If your refrigerator door handle is on the front of the door, you can remove it before wallpapering and then reattach it once you're done. However, if your handle is on the side of the door, simply use your small utility knife to cut around the handle.
Bethany Nauert
This project requires a bit of patience and may be easier to do with an extra set of hands and eyes, but the results are dramatic. Goodbye to stubborn stains, bumps and rust spots! The best part is that the removable wallpaper will come off if your owner prefers that you return your refrigerator to its original state when you move. See more of this apartment makeover>>
