12 Creative Ways to Bring Life to Blank Walls
Fill up large, blank wall spaces with these simple ideas that will completely change the look of your home ... for the better
When you have a big, blank wall to decorate, your first thought may be a gallery wall. There’s nothing wrong with that, but sometimes it’s nice to break up all of that flat, framed artwork with something different. Try baskets, brackets, paint-dipped objects, wall sculptures, special paint effects and more. Check out these 12 colourful and creative ways to fill your walls up.
What’s your finest moment in homemade wall art?
What’s your finest moment in homemade wall art?
2. Layer giant letters
In this case two is definitely better than one – a pair of oversized letters, whether vintage or new, makes a big statement anywhere you put them. Slightly overlapping the letters creates an even stronger graphic statement than hanging them side by side.
In this case two is definitely better than one – a pair of oversized letters, whether vintage or new, makes a big statement anywhere you put them. Slightly overlapping the letters creates an even stronger graphic statement than hanging them side by side.
3. Make a dip-painted wall sculpture
Yes, the piece shown here was created by an artist, but that doesn’t mean you can’t craft your own spin on it. Try dip-painting an old farm implement or several wooden-handled cooking tools in bright paints to give them a modern twist, then hang them on the wall.
Yes, the piece shown here was created by an artist, but that doesn’t mean you can’t craft your own spin on it. Try dip-painting an old farm implement or several wooden-handled cooking tools in bright paints to give them a modern twist, then hang them on the wall.
4. Design a graphic statement wall
Paint a base colour on your wall, then tape off sections (these will show through later) and paint the next coat in a contrasting hue. Vary the width of your taped-off stripes to create a random look similar to what is shown here. Hang pictures or let the wall be a statement on its own.
Get the secret to painting stripes on a wall here
Paint a base colour on your wall, then tape off sections (these will show through later) and paint the next coat in a contrasting hue. Vary the width of your taped-off stripes to create a random look similar to what is shown here. Hang pictures or let the wall be a statement on its own.
Get the secret to painting stripes on a wall here
5. Use wall brackets to bring dimension to your art
Instead of hanging art directly on the wall, why not try propping it up on decorative wall brackets? It would boost visual interest, and you can change things around whenever you feel like it – framed prints one day, bud vases the next.
Instead of hanging art directly on the wall, why not try propping it up on decorative wall brackets? It would boost visual interest, and you can change things around whenever you feel like it – framed prints one day, bud vases the next.
6. Hang your hats
Don’t let cool hats hide behind closed doors – show off your fedoras, trilbies, cloches and boaters on wall hooks for a functional display. Unless you are going for a bachelor pad vibe, I would avoid hanging baseball caps. No hats? Try the same thing with your costume necklaces for a similar effect.
Don’t let cool hats hide behind closed doors – show off your fedoras, trilbies, cloches and boaters on wall hooks for a functional display. Unless you are going for a bachelor pad vibe, I would avoid hanging baseball caps. No hats? Try the same thing with your costume necklaces for a similar effect.
7. Add ‘oomph’ with framed paper
Lengths of wallpaper framed with basic wooden wall moulding jazz up the headboards of a pair of four-posters in this bedroom. A gorgeous Schumacher paper was used here, but you could frame a really pretty wrapping paper for a budget take on this look.
Lengths of wallpaper framed with basic wooden wall moulding jazz up the headboards of a pair of four-posters in this bedroom. A gorgeous Schumacher paper was used here, but you could frame a really pretty wrapping paper for a budget take on this look.
8. Track down a vintage sign
A massive vintage store sign is sure to become the focal point of the room – so choose one you really love.
A massive vintage store sign is sure to become the focal point of the room – so choose one you really love.
9. Go for subtle sophistication with wood panelling
Create architectural interest on a plain wall by using 10cm- to 15cm-wide pieces of MDF wood panelling applied in a grid pattern, then paint it all in a super rich, dark hue.
Create architectural interest on a plain wall by using 10cm- to 15cm-wide pieces of MDF wood panelling applied in a grid pattern, then paint it all in a super rich, dark hue.
10. Stick a message on the wall.
Yes, I said stick, not paint. This crafty renter used a projector to display the message across a door and wall, so she could trace it onto black contact paper. The contact paper can be peeled off, so this is a perfect project for renters, or if you want to test out an idea before committing to it with paint.
Yes, I said stick, not paint. This crafty renter used a projector to display the message across a door and wall, so she could trace it onto black contact paper. The contact paper can be peeled off, so this is a perfect project for renters, or if you want to test out an idea before committing to it with paint.
11. Go retro with a metal wall sculpture
We can thank designer Jonathan Adler for creating a new wave of popularity for the Mid-century metal wall sculptures of C. Jere – these cool retro pieces make frequent appearances in Adler-designed spaces, and he has reissued several C. Jere designs, so it is now much easier to find them. Here, interior designer Soledad Alzaga used a linen-covered canvas to frame the wall sculpture, giving it even more depth.
Don’t want to spend big bucks? There were many makers of metal wall sculptures who produced work in a similar style during the same time period. Try using a phrase like ‘vintage metal wall sculpture’ in your web search and you should be able to track down plenty of options at all price points.
We can thank designer Jonathan Adler for creating a new wave of popularity for the Mid-century metal wall sculptures of C. Jere – these cool retro pieces make frequent appearances in Adler-designed spaces, and he has reissued several C. Jere designs, so it is now much easier to find them. Here, interior designer Soledad Alzaga used a linen-covered canvas to frame the wall sculpture, giving it even more depth.
Don’t want to spend big bucks? There were many makers of metal wall sculptures who produced work in a similar style during the same time period. Try using a phrase like ‘vintage metal wall sculpture’ in your web search and you should be able to track down plenty of options at all price points.
12. Hang something with an interesting pattern
Keep an open mind and you can find unique wall hangings just about anywhere – metal sheets used to cover radiators, garden fencing, punched tin doors, woven screens, baskets … the list is endless. Check your own garage, roof space and garden shed, and keep an eye out for kerbside freebies during council clean-ups – you never know what you may find!
SHOW US
We’d love to see your creative wall covering. Please post a high-resolution photo in the comments section below.
Keep an open mind and you can find unique wall hangings just about anywhere – metal sheets used to cover radiators, garden fencing, punched tin doors, woven screens, baskets … the list is endless. Check your own garage, roof space and garden shed, and keep an eye out for kerbside freebies during council clean-ups – you never know what you may find!
SHOW US
We’d love to see your creative wall covering. Please post a high-resolution photo in the comments section below.
Why hang one or two baskets when you can hang a whole bunch of them? Collect decorative woven baskets in various sizes and colours and play around with possible arrangements on the floor before hanging them. Can’t find colourful baskets? Create your own by painting the interior of plain ones with craft paint.