Afraid of commitment? Many renters are. Making an apartment a home, without risking your security deposit, can be challenging. But here are some products that are practical, portable and even stylish.
Contact the listed manufacturers for help in finding a retailer in your area.
Make a scene
Wallpaper is no longer necessarily a no-no in apartments, thanks to the new easy-to-remove wallpapers such as Waverly4. When it’s time to move on, you can simply lift a corner of the wallpaper and pull off the entire sheet without damaging the wall. According to Waverly, the wallpaper can be hung in about 40 percent less time than traditional wallpaper. Start by prepping the wall with Waverly’s EZ Hang primer, which dries in an hour. Next, apply a coat of EZ Hang paste, and then hang the wallpaper. The polyester wallpaper has a textured look and is washable.
Prices: $32.99-$33.99 for a 28.2-square-foot roll to $35.99-$36.99 for a 30.4-square-foot roll, $35.99 per 5-yard spool for borders, $18 for EZ Hang primer, $13.75 for EZ Hang paste. Waverly, 79 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016. Information: 800-988-7775 or www.waverly.com.
Handle your hangups
The Attach-It Pro Pack by Barnacle Co. contains all the hardware necessary for hanging artwork, mirrors and decorative shelves without searching for studs or damaging drywall. The Pro Pack comes with 60 hangers in a variety of sizes that will hold anywhere from 20 to 100 pounds, as well as screws and nails so they can be mounted on the back of the item that is going to be hung on the wall. The sharp prongs, which face downward, are then pressed into the wall and the job is done. A small, specially designed level included in the kit makes it easy to hang pictures straight. Attach-It also makes it easy to hang groupings of objects. When they are removed, all that remains are two small slits in the wall that can easily be filled with a bit of paint.
Price: $19.95, plus $4.99 for shipping and handling, available by mail order only. The Barnacle Co., 8228 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, VA 22309. Information: 800-707-1911 or www.attach-it.com.
Plan a counter move
Simplehuman has launched some versatile products that are designed to fit into small kitchens. Because apartments may not be equipped with dishwashers, the Swingarm Dishrack offers a creative way to leave all kinds of tableware out to dry. This flexible modular system includes a stainless-steel rack that comes with a variety of snap-on wire and plastic accessories. They include cup and utensil holders, a tray that keeps plates safely separated, a knife block that flips over to hold small items and space left over for pots and pans. The swing arm can be raised to hold wineglasses or lowered to store long utensils. A matching drip tray is sold separately.
Two slim, sleek step cans by Simplehuman fit neatly into tight spaces. The rectangular model, which is much wider than it is deep, fits right up against the wall. It is big enough to hold a pizza box and has a lid that can be locked open when you’re doing lengthy chores like peeling vegetables. The narrow Butterfly, which has a rounded front and a top split down the middle with “wings” that open outward, is designed to fit under a countertop. Both come in brushed or polished stainless steel or in white. The stainless-steel Profile waste can for the bathroom has handles to hold plastic grocery bags, which can be used as trash liners.
Prices: $39.99 for the Swingarm Dishrack; $9.99 for the drip tray; $69.99-$159.99 for the Rectangular or Butterfly step can depending on size and finish; $19.99 for the Profile bath can. Simplehuman, 13113 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90061. Information: 888-988-8880 or www.simplehuman.com.
Stick ’em up
For years apartment dwellers have had to deal with shower caddies and toothbrush holders held up with suction cups that end up falling off the wall, but that frustration is now a thing of the past. 3M has introduced the Command series of attractive bathroom accessories that stay in place with water-resistant strips that are designed to hold up in a humid environment.
The white, contoured organizers include a soap dish with practical drain holes, a holder for toothbrushes and razors, a caddy to put next to the cabinet and one for the shower.
A hook with a soft texture to prevent towels from slipping off and a fog-resistant swivel mirror round out the collection. The mounted accessories can be easily removed, without damaging the walls, by stretching the adhesive backing.
Prices: From $4.50 for the Soap Dish to $12.99 for the Shower Caddy. 3M, Construction and Home Improvement Markets Division, 3M Center, Building 223-4S-02, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000. Information: 800-934-7355.
Shelve it
As part of its Space Solutions line, Hirsh has introduced the Designer Series of versatile shelves that are free-standing and portable. The brushed steel and light-colored finished birch shelves are available in a three-shelf model and a five-shelf one. Assembly is easy and only requires a rubber mallet.
Hirsh offers two-drawer filing cabinets, which come in a variety of colors including black, gray, putty and silver. A cabinet can double as a nightstand or two can be placed at either end of a board to create an instant desk with storage space.
Prices: $49.99 for 3-shelf Designer Series model, $69.99 for the 5-shelf model; $25.99-$59.99 for 2-drawer filing cabinets. Hirsh Industries, 1500 Delaware Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50317. Information: 800-383-7414.
