So, you’ve moved into your student accommodation, stared at those blank walls and thought… now what? Decorating your room is one of the easiest ways to make your space feel like yours. But figuring out how to hang things on the walls without nails is a whole other story.
Most halls have strict rules about wall damage, and losing your security deposit is the last thing you need. Plus, when you’re working with a small space, every inch counts—your décor should add personality without sacrificing flexibility.
Whether you’re into gallery walls or creating space for your plant collection, these decorating ideas are all about big impact and personality. Most of these ideas feature VELCRO® Brand products, so you can hang in style without leaving a single hole!
Table of Contents:
- Create a Mood Board
- Use Record Sleeves as Art
- Instagram Gallery Wall
- Curtain Hanging Without a Rod
- Easy Temporary Shelving
- DIY Nail Varnish Storage
- Hang a Rug on Your Wall
- Create a DIY Headboard
- Removable Wallpaper
- Pro Styling Tips for Your Halls
Before we dive into the ideas, here are some quick answers to common questions.
How to Hang Things in Your Halls Without Nails
It depends on what you’re hanging. VELCRO® Brand HANGables® Picture Hanging Strips are perfect for lightweight décor like photos or posters and are one of the easiest solutions for hanging pictures in your student accommodation without damage.
For heavier items like shelves or curtains, use VELCRO® Brand Heavy Duty Stick On Tape—it can hold up to 10 lbs.
Yes! Use VELCRO® Brand Heavy Duty Stick On Tape for heavier décor like shelves or curtains.
If you’ve used VELCRO® Brand Heavy Duty Stick On Tape, here’s how to remove it. (Other fasteners are designed to come off more easily.)
1. Warm it up. Use a hair dryer to gently warm the tape (either the hook or loop side). Skip the heat gun—it’s too intense.
2. Peel it off. Carefully peel away the tape. The adhesive will likely stay behind on the wall—that’s normal.
3. Soften the adhesive. Warm the leftover adhesive with the hair dryer again. Then peel off a small piece and roll it into a ball.
4. Cool it down. Place a plastic bag filled with ice over the adhesive for a few moments to cool it.
5. Lift the rest. Press the adhesive ball onto the remaining sticky spots and pull it off. Repeat until the wall is clean (it might take a few tries).
6. Final touch. If there’s still some tackiness, use a commercial adhesive remover or a citrus-based cleaner to finish the job.
Uni Décor & Personalization
1. Create a Mood Board
First things first when it comes to decorating your room: a mood board. Whether you love cutting and sticking, Pinterest boards or Instagram folders, a mood board helps guide your decorating decisions. You can even use it as wall art!
Product Recommendation: If you’re creating a physical collage, use VELCRO® Brand Thin Dots for easy swaps and updates. Perfect for evolving styles!
Bonus Tip: Layer fabric swatches or paint chips to plan your colour scheme. This makes your room feel cohesive and stylish.
2. Use Record Sleeves as Art
Vinyl records aren’t just for listening—they make amazing wall décor. Showcase your favourite albums or create a colour-themed gallery wall for a bold statement.
Product Recommendation: Use VELCRO® Brand Stick On Tape for damage-free hanging. They’re ideal for temporary setups and easy to reposition, so your gallery wall can evolve with your style.
Bonus Tip: Mix in framed posters for extra personality.
3. Instagram Gallery Wall
One of the most personal uni décor ideas? Photos of your favourite people. Print your best shots and create a gallery wall for instant warmth.
Product Recommendation: Use VELCRO® Brand Thin Dots to hang pictures without nails or damage. They’re perfect for temporary displays and easy to reposition.
Bonus Tip: Arrange photos in a grid or heart shape for a fun focal point.
4. Curtain Hanging Without a Rod
Skip the drill and hang curtains directly on your wall using VELCRO® Brand fasteners. This idea is perfect for creating a cosy, personalised space that feels like home. See how easily it’s done in the video.
Product Recommendations:
- VELCRO® Brand Heavy Duty Stick On Tape: Secures heavy fabrics
- VELCRO® Brand Sew On Tape: Attaches curtains without hooks or grommets
5. Easy Temporary Shelving
Need extra storage for your special belongings? Hang a temporary shelf with hook and loop adhesive strips. Style your shelf with plants or books for a decorative touch.
For even smarter storage and a cool wall feature, pair this with our next tip.
Product Recommendation: Use VELCRO® Brand Heavy Duty Stick On Tape to mount lightweight shelves securely to the wall.
6. DIY Nail Varnish Storage
Take advantage of the space under your newly hung shelf by sticking your nail varnish collection there. Watch the video to see how it’s done.
Product Recommendation: VELCRO® Brand Sticky On Dots are the ultimate in everyday organisation. They’ll hold up to 5lbs, making them ideal for sticking small nail varnish bottles under your shelf.
7. Hang a Rug on Your Wall
Want to add warmth, texture and personality to your room? Hanging a rug on the wall is a stylish way to create a focal point without nails. Choose a lightweight rug with bold colours or patterns to make your wall pop.
Product Recommendation: Use VELCRO® Brand Heavy Duty Stick On Tape to secure your rug to the wall. For the best results, staple a wooden strip to the back of the rug, attach the loop side of the tape to the wood and the hook side to the wall. Press firmly and let the adhesive cure for 15 minutes before hanging.
8. Create a DIY Headboard
No headboard? No problem. Create a cosy backdrop by hanging a padded fabric panel behind your bed. It adds comfort for late-night study sessions and gives your room a polished look.
Choose a fabric that matches your bedding or adds a pop of colour for a stylish focal point.
Product Recommendation: Use VELCRO® Brand Heavy Duty Stick On Tape to secure the MDF panel to the wall without nails. For fabric assembly, VELCRO® Brand Sticky Back for Fabrics Tape works perfectly to hold layers together.
Quick How-To:
- Wrap foam and batting in your favourite fabric like you’re wrapping a gift, using VELCRO® Brand Sticky Back for Fabrics Tape to secure the fabric folds neatly (see how in this no-sew box cushion tutorial).
- Attach the wrapped cushion to an MDF board for extra stability. Upholstery tacks are an easy way to do this and add decorative flair.
- Apply Heavy Duty Tape to the back of the MDF and press it onto a clean wall.
9. Removable Wallpaper
Add colour and texture to your room with peel-and-stick wallpaper. It’s one of the simplest ways to decorate your walls and make the space feel like your own.
Bonus Tip: Check your accommodation’s rules before applying anything to your walls.
10. Pro Styling Tips for Your Student Accommodation
Want to take your halls décor to the next level? Try these quick ideas:
- Layer Textures: Combine soft fabrics, sleek frames and natural elements like wood or greenery for a cosy, balanced look.
- Add String Lights: They’re an easy way to create warmth and make your space feel inviting without taking up floor space.
- Play with Colour Schemes: Stick to two or three main colours for a cohesive vibe or mix bold hues for a fun, eclectic style.
- Create a Focal Point: Use a large piece of wall art or a statement gallery wall to draw the eye and make your small space feel intentional.
- Mix Functional and Decorative: Floating shelves, hanging organisers and mirrors can double as décor and storage.
These tips work with any décor ideas, helping you create a stylish and functional space.
Make It Yours
Uni décor isn’t just about style—it’s about creating a space that reflects who you are and supports how you live. Whether you’re hanging photos or adding potted plants, these décor ideas will help you create a personal retreat. With a bit of creativity and the right tools, your student accommodation can feel like a home away from home from day one.
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