How to Turn Those Beige Walls into a Cozy and Chic Haven
As a military spouse, you move often and quickly learn to adapt to new surroundings, but that doesn’t mean your home has to feel temporary or impersonal. Despite the beige walls, generic carpets, and the long list of “don’ts” (no painting, no drilling, no fun… just kidding, sort of), there’s a lot you can do to make your space feel warm, welcoming, and totally you.
I’ve spent a few years now figuring out how to transform these bland spaces into something that feels like home. The good news? You don’t need to break the rules—or the bank—to create a cozy, stylish sanctuary for your family. So grab your favorite drink and let’s dive into some decorating ideas that’ll turn your military house into a home you’ll love coming back to, without having to worry about losing that deposit!
The Reality of Military Housing
Let’s be real for a second—military housing isn’t exactly the Pinterest-worthy dream most of us have in mind. You’re usually greeted with a beige wonderland, complete with “standard-issue” everything. The first time I walked into our base housing here in the PNW, my heart sank just a little. Everything was so… bland.
But then, I reminded myself: these walls, this space—it’s a blank canvas, and I get to bring it to life!
AND I get to be grateful whilst doing so – my husband works extremely hard to provide this house for us, and I am honored to get to make it into a home.
How to Decorate Your Military Home: 13 Tips to Create a Cozy, Chic Haven
So, how do we do that? How do we take these standard spaces and make them feel like our own little corner of the world? I’ve got 13 tips that’ll help you do just that! Let’s get into it:
1. Embrace Removable Wallpaper
Removable wallpaper is like the superhero of military home decor! It’s a quick, easy way to add some serious personality to a room without risking any wall damage. I love using it for accent walls or to liven up smaller spaces like entryways or bathrooms.
Look out for:
- NuWallpaper Peel and Stick Wallpaper – Stylish and damage-free way to personalize your space. Available in various patterns like farmhouse shiplap or bold florals.
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2. Command Hooks and Strips are Your Best Friends
I can’t stress this enough: Command hooks and strips are a military spouse’s best friend. Want to hang up that beautiful family photo or your favorite piece of art? Command strips got you covered. They’re strong, reliable, and most importantly, they won’t leave a mark when it’s time to move on.
Look out for:
- Command Large Picture Hanging Strips – Perfect for hanging art or family photos without leaving a trace.
- Command Outdoor Light Clips – Great for hanging string lights indoors or outdoors for added ambiance.
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3. Invest in Stylish Storage Solutions
Let’s talk storage. Military homes aren’t always known for their ample closet space. That’s why finding storage solutions that are both functional and pretty is a must. Think storage ottomans, cute baskets, and decorative boxes. It’s all about hiding the clutter while keeping your home looking fab.
Look out for:
- Storage Ottoman – Multi-functional with hidden storage and a chic faux leather finish.
- Woven Decorative Baskets – Ideal for organizing toys, blankets, or miscellaneous clutter.
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4. Get Cozy with Rugs
Let’s face it, the carpet in military housing can be… well, let’s just say it’s not winning any design awards. But you can totally transform a room with a great rug. Whether you go for something bold and colorful or soft and neutral, a rug adds warmth and pulls everything together.
Look out for:
- Moroccan Shag Rug – Adds warmth and a cozy vibe with a modern touch.
- Neutral Area Rug – Durable and stylish options in neutral designs.
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5. Faux Plants are Your Friends
If you’re anything like me, keeping plants alive while juggling all the things isn’t always realistic. Enter: faux plants. They add that lovely bit of greenery to your space without any of the hassle.
Look out for:
- Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree – Adds a fresh touch of greenery without maintenance.
- Faux Succulents – Perfect for small shelves or side tables.
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6. Lighting Matters
Lighting is one of those things that can make or break a space. In military housing, where you might not have a lot of options to change out fixtures, you can still create a warm, inviting atmosphere with the right lamps and string lights.
Look out for:
- Himalayan Salt Lamp – Provides a warm, calming glow for any room.
- Twinkle Star String Lights – Easy to hang and adds a dreamy ambiance to your home.
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7. Tackle Windows with Temporary Treatments
Curtains can do wonders for making a room feel homey, but let’s be real—no one wants to deal with drilling into walls if they don’t have to. Temporary solutions like tension rods and Command hooks make it easy to hang curtains without leaving a mark.
Look out for:
- Tension Curtain Rods – No-drill option for hanging curtains effortlessly.
- Deconovo Blackout Curtains – Stylish and practical for blocking light and enhancing privacy.
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8. Layer in Some Throw Pillows and Blankets
Throw pillows and blankets are like the accessories of the home decor world. They’re an easy way to switch things up without a huge commitment. Plus, they add a lot of comfort and style.
Look out for:
- Faux Fur Throw Blanket – Luxurious and soft, perfect for cozying up.
- Decorative Throw Pillow Covers – Affordable and available in chic patterns and textures.
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9. Thrift Stores and Facebook Groups are Gold Mines
I can’t tell you how many amazing pieces I’ve scored from thrift stores and base-specific Facebook groups. When military families move, they often sell or give away perfectly good furniture and decor. This is your chance to snag something unique that adds character to your home.
Tips:
- Local Thrift Stores: Always worth a visit—you never know what treasures you’ll find.
- Facebook Marketplace: Check your local base group for great deals on furniture and decor.
- On-Base Yard Sales: Keep an eye out for weekend yard sales on base—families often sell furniture and home items at bargain prices.
Look out for:
- Rustoleum Paint Selection: Great to have on hand for giving old furniture a new lift!
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10. Try Removable Tile Stickers
Just like removable wallpaper, tile stickers can be a lifesaver when you’re dealing with plain, uninspiring spaces. They’re especially great for adding a pop of color and style to kitchens and bathrooms without the hassle or permanence of real tiles.
Look out for:
- Hexagonal Style Tile Stickers – Brings a fun boho vibe into the home.
- Tic Tac Tiles Peel and Stick Wall Tile – Perfect for kitchen backsplashes or bathroom accents.
- Art3d Tile Stickers – High-quality designs for a quick, renter-friendly update.
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11. Multi-functional Furniture for the Win
Space is often limited in military housing, so it’s essential to choose furniture that can do double duty. Think coffee tables with storage, sofas that convert into beds, or dining tables that can also be used as a workspace etc.
Look out for:
- Futon Sofa Bed – Sleek, modern, and converts into a guest bed.
- Coffee Table with Storage – Doubles as a work desk and storage space.
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12. Personalize with Removable Decals
Just because we’ve chosen the military life doesn’t mean we have to live in a beige box! Removable wall decals are one of my favorite ways to add a personal touch without committing to anything permanent. Whether you’re into inspirational quotes, nature scenes, or something more abstract, there’s a decal out there for you and this works particularly well for kids rooms or the nursery!
Look out for:
- Peel and Stick Wall Decals – Choose from a variety of designs like quotes, floral patterns, or nature scenes.
Available on Amazon.com [ad]
13. Organize Your Garage with Metal Storage Lockers
The garage can quickly become a catch-all for all the things you don’t have space for inside. Metal storage lockers are a durable, practical solution for keeping everything organized and easy to find when you need it.
Look out for:
- Steel Cabinet – Durable, spacious, and ideal for garage organization.
- Storage Shelving Unit – Heavy-duty and adjustable for different storage needs.
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The Takeaway
Decorating a military home can be a bit like putting together a puzzle, but with the right pieces, you can create a space that feels uniquely yours. Whether it’s adding a few pops of color with removable wallpaper, finding the perfect storage solution, or scoring a great deal on a second-hand piece of furniture, there are countless ways to make your military house feel like a home!
What to Read Next?
Still looking for more decor inspo for your military home? Check out this article we think you’ll love too!
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As always I’d love to hear from you – let me know if you’ve got some military home decor or storage tips you’d like to share in the comments below!
Last update on 2025-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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