Plain white walls, or even worse, ugly walls, are something renters often have to deal with. These DIY decorative floating wall panels are an easy solution: they are built using inexpensive materials from the hardware store and very basic tools. Plus they can be customized to fit any style or look using anything from paint and stencils to wallpaper or fabric and even incorporate decorative wall lighting with the use of rope lights. Not only will these floating wall panels add architectural detail to plain white box rental apartments, they will also provide just the right amount of mood lighting in the evening. It’s the perfect alternative to painting or using temporary wallpaper when you’re renting: it takes less time to do and you can take the wall panels with you when you move out!

Here's a link to a video showing how to build the panels and a resource guide with all the materials, supplies and tools needed: http://www.engineeryourspace.com/how-to-make-lighted-wall-panels/