Decorating
By
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel has written on design for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Slate, Fast Company, and the international editions of Elle Decor.
Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process
Published on 02/27/23
Trending Videos
Wall decor is a finishing touch that can add life and character to every room in the house. Well chosen wall art and decor can complement the existing style of your interiors or add a striking contrast that changes the entire feel of the room. The things that you put on your walls should capture your imagination, start a conversation, transport you to another world, or remind you of what you find beautiful, funny, or life-affirming.
Check out these wall decor ideas for every room that will inspire you to give your own blank walls a little love.
56 Wall Decor Ideas to Transform Every Room in the House
01 of 56
Display Your Tools
Wall decor can be anything from pure embellishment to a display of your favorite accessories, collections, or tools. In this Maine kitchen from Tyler Karu Design + Interiors, a grouping of well seasoned cutting boards in various shapes and sizes hangs on the wall, freeing up counter space while both remaining accessible and doubling as decor.
Continue to 2 of 56 below
02 of 56
Go Big in a Small Bathroom
Ghislaine Vinas added a large-scale photograph of a woman underwater that adds color and life to a white windowless bathroom and is all the decor that the small space needs.
Continue to 3 of 56 below
03 of 56
Decorate with Mirrors
Decorative mirrors add style, reflect and bounce light around the room, and increase sightlines to make any space feel bigger and brighter. A mirror can also turn a neglected corner into a feature, like the classic Venetian mirror lighting up this all-white hallway from Leanne Ford Interiors.
Continue to 4 of 56 below
04 of 56
Plant a Green Wall
The wall of this Florida dining room from interior designer Maite Granda is decorated with a floor-to-ceiling living wall that brings a giant dose of feel-good biophilic design to the party. If you don't have the budget for a floor-to-ceiling green wall, adding plants or a DIY preserved moss wall hanging will create a similar if less jaw-dropping effect.
Continue to 5 of 56 below
05 of 56
Stick With Black and White
The photos, illustrations, graphic prints and typography-based wall decor in this eat-in kitchen designed by Brady Tolbert for Emily Henderson Design stick to a strict palette of black and white that matches the tones of the room and creates a strong and cohesive impact.
Continue to 6 of 56 below
06 of 56
Use Vintage Signage
Blogger Liz Marie decorated the wall above her fireplace with vintage signage that complements the neutral-toned farmhouse living room.
Continue to 7 of 56 below
07 of 56
Hang Some Decorative Baskets
Wall baskets are an inexpensive option for filling blank walls above beds, couches, and other spaces that work well in modern interiors. In this kitchen from Studio Peake, a grouping of similar but not identical decorative baskets is hung high on the wall above the built-in storage to add instant warmth and texture. Remember when displaying collections that it's often more aesthetically pleasing to stick to odd numbers like the five baskets featured above.
Continue to 8 of 56 below
08 of 56
Layer Textiles
Studio Peake used a range of textiles to add warmth to this London bedroom, from the fabric wall hanging to the extra tall canopy mounted on the wall above the bed.
Continue to 9 of 56 below
09 of 56
Decorate With Preserved Flowers
An oversized dried floral arrangement adds an earthy natural note to this neutral-toned nursery from Little Crown Interiors.
Continue to 10 of 56 below
10 of 56
Start Your Own Art Gallery
Interior designer Tyler Karu treated the white walls of her living room like a gallery to display her art collection. Remember that paintings, photography, graphic prints, and other types of art can be sourced online at any price point, making it affordable to start amassing your collection even if you have a modest budget.
Continue to 11 of 56 below
11 of 56
Hang a Juju Hat
A white feathered juju hat adds texture to the wall above the crib in this neutral-toned baby room from Leclair Decor.
Continue to 12 of 56 below
12 of 56
Type It Out
This black-and-white gender-neutral nursery from Leanne Ford Interiors has textural wood paneled walls that are embellished with a tacked up printed fabric saying that celebrates the beauty of type.
13 of 56
Frame Vintage Cookbook Illustrations
Framed reproduction illustrations from vintage cookbooks featuring delicious baked goods add charm to this rustic chic space from deVOL Kitchens.
Continue to 14 of 56 below
14 of 56
Hang Decorative Sconces
Striking wall sconces moonlight as decor even when the light is turned off in this spacious primary bedroom from Forbes + Masters.
Continue to 15 of 56 below
15 of 56
Hang a Midcentury Modern Wall Sculpture
Erin Williamson Design gave a midcentury modern wall sculpture pride of place in this colorful living room, painting the wall behind the sofa in a vibrant blue that sets off its luminous golden tones.
Continue to 16 of 56 below
16 of 56
Lean Art Against the Wall
You don't have to hang art on the walls to create an impression. In this space from Leanne Ford Interiors, a collection of framed art and photography is leaned up casually along the floor against the wall to create an effortless and improvised feel. Have fun rearranging things as the spirit moves you, adding and subtracting to fit your current mood.
Continue to 17 of 56 below
17 of 56
Think in Three Dimensions
In this bright and cheerful living room designed by Jess Bunge for Emily Henderson Design, a mix of colorful, affordable art on the walls includes a bendy rope sculpture that looks like it's climbing the wall, creating a whimsical 3D effect.
Continue to 18 of 56 below
18 of 56
Add Tassels
Erin Williamson Design hung a soft textile wall hanging with extra long tassels on the wall to give the room an eclectic feel.
Continue to 19 of 56 below
19 of 56
Hang Your Hats
The wall of this entryway from K Shan Design is decorated with hats that match the laid back boho style feel of the space.
Continue to 20 of 56 below
20 of 56
Hang a Mirror from the Bookshelves
In this home library from Leanne Ford Interiors, a vintage gold mirror is hung on the front of the bookcase to add dimension and reflections.
Continue to 21 of 56 below
21 of 56
Pick a Theme
Choosing a selection of small pieces is often more affordable than selecting one large piece of art. Sticking with a theme makes it easy to narrow down your choices while creating a cohesive look. Kate Marker Interiors hung neat rows of butterfly illustrations above the vintage upright piano that adds lightness and contrast in the earth-toned room.
Continue to 22 of 56 below
22 of 56
Hang Some Plates
Ghislaine Vinas hung colorful dinner plate artwork on the wall of this colorful contemporary dining room that takes full advantage of the room's towering ceiling height.
Continue to 23 of 56 below
23 of 56
Frame a Classic Film Poster
Studio Peake added a framed classic film poster to the wall behind this London living room home office desk.
Continue to 24 of 56 below
24 of 56
Blow Up a Children's Book
Interior designer Ghislaine Vinas hung a blown up page from one of the world's favorite children's books to decorate the hallway outside a kids room in the most adorable way possible.
Continue to 25 of 56 below
25 of 56
Change the Mood With Pop Art
Heather Hilliard Design added some 20th century nostalgia to this contemporary living room with a giant piece of colorful pop art over the minimalist fireplace mantel.
Continue to 26 of 56 below
26 of 56
Hang a Vintage Bucket
A large vintage bucket filled with loose leafy branches adds a rustic touch to this farmhouse living room from Leanne Ford Interiors.
Continue to 27 of 56 below
27 of 56
Use Your Words
Showcase your favorite poem, a memorable passage from a novel or love letter, or your signature slogan by decorating your walls with it, like this dining room from interior designer Ghislaine Vinas.
Continue to 28 of 56 below
28 of 56
Mix Hats and Wall Baskets
In this entryway, K Shan Design mixed straw hats and woven wall baskets that look perfectly at home together and match the boho style of the home.
Continue to 29 of 56 below
29 of 56
Display Books
In this kids room from Sissy + Marley Interior Design, transparent acrylic shelving keeps books organized and on display to encourage reading and decorate the walls at the same time.
Continue to 30 of 56 below
30 of 56
Use an Easel for Display
Give your living room an artist studio vibe by displaying art on an easel, like the corner painting in this living room from interior designer Ghislaine Vinas.
Continue to 31 of 56 below
31 of 56
Hang a Vintage School Map
The Merrythought added a vintage school map to the wall of this shared kids room that will help them learn geography without even trying.
Continue to 32 of 56 below
32 of 56
Be a Little Naughty
If you can't say it like it is in the privacy of your own bathroom, what's the point of anything? A neon sign broadcasts a cheeky slogan in this sassy bathroom from interior designer Ghislaine Vinas.
Continue to 33 of 56 below
33 of 56
Hang an Antique Mirror
Leanne Ford Interiors hung an ornate gilded antique mirror on the wall of this bathroom that complements the vintage style garden tub while expanding sightlines and bouncing around natural light.
Continue to 34 of 56 below
34 of 56
Add a Leaning Floor Mirror
Brexton Cole Interiors leaned a large vintage-style floor mirror against the wall of this romantic primary bedroom, flanking it with wall sconces that add flattering light.
Continue to 35 of 56 below
35 of 56
Create a Vignette
Not every painting needs to hang above the couch or the fireplace. In this stylish living room, interior designer Ghislaine Vinas hung a colorful painting above a bar cart styled with books, lighting, and decor, to create a 3D vignette that turns an empty corner into a destination.
Continue to 36 of 56 below
36 of 56
Make an Entrance
Kendall Wilkinson Design hung a large-scale black-and-white landscape painting in this imposing entryway that helps ground the space while keeping with the minimalist, neutral toned decor.
Continue to 37 of 56 below
37 of 56
Make It Sweet
Fantastic Frank added wit and playfulness to this otherwise sober minimalist Scandinavian apartment living room with a series of wall sculptures that will make kids of all ages smile.
Continue to 38 of 56 below
38 of 56
Mix Mediums
Don't be afraid to mix painting, photography, and wall decor in a single room or adjoining spaces to make your decor feel spontaneous and layered. Decorative plates and a formal gilded framed oil portrait create a conversation in this living room from interior designer Ghislaine Vinas.
Continue to 39 of 56 below
39 of 56
Make It Royal
Erin Williamson Design hung a large-scale textile wall hanging above the discreet, low profile headboard in this primary bedroom that echoes the royal blue decor in the room.
Continue to 40 of 56 below
40 of 56
Layer It Up
Interior designer Ghislaine Vinas layered color photography with graphic black-and-white illustrated wallpaper in a large scale pattern to add interest to this modern dining room.
Continue to 41 of 56 below
41 of 56
Hang a Stuffed Animal Trophy Head
A stuffed unicorn trophy head keeps watch over the bed in this charming kids room from Sissy + Marley Interior Design.
Continue to 42 of 56 below
42 of 56
Be Playful
Every frame on this playful bedroom gallery wall from Fantastic Frank is more or less askew, showing that it doesn't take itself too seriously while demonstrating the power of organized chaos.
Continue to 43 of 56 below
43 of 56
Hang a Vintage Travel Poster
Sometimes wall decor isn't a finishing touch, but a point of departure. This vintage travel poster was the inspiration for the color palette in this California home from Cathie Hong Interiors that reflects the heritage of the family who lives there.
Continue to 44 of 56 below
44 of 56
Stagger Heights
Forbes + Masters hung a pair of similar mirrors with decorative tassels, staggering them slightly on the wall above this highrise living room bar cart.
Continue to 45 of 56 below
45 of 56
Layer Art and Books
Leanne Ford Interiors hung an unframed painting on the front of this wall of bookshelves that creates a layered effect and makes the portrait come alive.
Continue to 46 of 56 below
46 of 56
Colorize a White Room
Interior designer Ghislaine Vinas hung a colorful modern painting above the bed in this all-white primary bedroom that gives the eye something bold to focus on.
Continue to 47 of 56 below
47 of 56
Hang an Installation of Vintage Metal Trays
Inspired By Charm moved a collection of vintage metal serving trays out of the cupboards and onto the wall in this fun kitchen gallery wall installation.
Continue to 48 of 56 below
48 of 56
Supersize It
Leclair Decor helped create a cozier feel in this new build living room with its soaring ceilings by hanging a massive graphic textile wall hanging above the couch.
Continue to 49 of 56 below
49 of 56
Hang Old School Landscape Paintings
Erin Williamson Design added kitschy vibes to the stone walls of this Texas lodge game room with a pair of thrift store landscape paintings that look like they have been hanging there for decades.
Continue to 50 of 56 below
50 of 56
Display Musical Instruments
Brexton Cole Interiors displayed a collection of guitars on the walls that reflect the owner's hobbies and can be taken down and played to provide after-dinner entertainment.
Continue to 51 of 56 below
51 of 56
Hang a Decorative Sconce
Wall-mounted sconces often function as both lighting and decor, as pleasing to the eye as any work of art. In this spacious NYC living room from Sissy + Marley Interior Design, a classic Serge Mouille wall sconce adds sculptural elegance and designer pedigree that fills the space between the windows.
Continue to 52 of 56 below
52 of 56
Paint a Mural
A recessed painted mural of an abstract landscape adds color and atmosphere to this California dining room from Brian Brown Studio.
Continue to 53 of 56 below
53 of 56
Hang a Wall Clock
Fantastic Frank decorated the white walls of this airy Scandinavian loft with a classic midcentury modern George Nelson ball clock that broadcasts the hour while adding retro vibes and a note of color to the space.
Continue to 54 of 56 below
54 of 56
Make It Sculptural
Heather Hilliard Design filled a blank wall in this spacious hallway with a light-as-air wall sculpture that creates a gallery effect for an art loving client.
Continue to 55 of 56 below
55 of 56
Add Texture
A playfully supersized textile wall hanging adds texture in this neutral-toned living room from Sissy + Marley Interior Design.
Continue to 56 of 56 below
56 of 56
Go Frameless
You don't need invest in framed art to create a gallery wall. An informal gallery wall of loose leaf color illustrations adds color and interest to the white walls of this Scandinavian apartment from Fantastic Frank that could be imitated with DIY illustrations or pages from a used book.
What can I do to decorate my wall?
You can decorate your wall with anything you want. Wall art can include everything from framed masterpieces to color photos of your favorite world travels to thrift store paintings. You can decorate your walls with textile wall hangings from boho style macrame to vintage quilts. Or you can decorate your walls with a collection of anything from hats to kitchen cutting boards to vinyl album covers. Feel free to decorate blank walls or to layer decor over wallpaper. And remember when choosing lighting that wall-mounted sconces can function as both lighting and decor.
What are the best wall decorations?
The best wall decorations are those that you enjoy looking at and that create the kind of mood you want to set for your home. You can match wall decor to the style of your home or mix it up for a more eclectic look. If you love baking, decorate your kitchen with vintage illustrations of cakes and pastries. Display your guitar collection on the wall of your music room. Hang an oversize color photograph in your bathroom or a row of stuffed animal trophy heads in the nursery. Hang vintage advertising signs in the laundry room. Art and decor is personal and should reflect your tastes and sensibilities; forget the rules.
How do you decorate a wall on a budget?
Wall decor doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. You can decorate your walls with anything from inexpensive woven wall baskets sourced online to dried flowers or your collection of vintage cake molds. If you like to draw, create a DIY gallery wall tacked up with washi tape. Channel your high school bedroom walls and tear out favorite images from old magazines. Source flea markets, yard sales, or your favorite online marketplaces for inexpensive prints, dig into the photo archive on your phone for source material, or highlight your kids' artwork.