SOS GUIDES
Wall Decor Ideas to Transform Your Space
Is there a blank wall in your house that you’ve been meaning to fill but not sure how? Decorating with art can bring so much character and warmth to your space, and we want to make that accessible to anyone. Our guide shares the most versatile wall decor ideas with references to help visualize them and curates art, wall hangings and more to start bringing your walls to life. There is wall decor for every room and every style.
Gallery Wall
A gallery wall is like a hodgepodge, in the best way possible. You could group artwork by theme (eg: all black & white photos), but a random grouping works best. We like to include framed art (frames don’t need to match) as well as other other items, like plates, objects or mirrors, all of varying shapes and sizes. You could even add a pedestal or shelf and place an objet, sculpture, or a flower pot on top. The gallery wall can take up an entire space or consist of just a few pieces mixed together. The key is that you can’t be too precious about how it’s hung or what to include. Check out tips for how to hang a gallery wall.
Image: Rebecca de Ravenel
Who might like a gallery wall
Those with eclectic tastes, who like a little of this and a little of that, and who are constantly collecting and looking for a place to put things. It’s not ideal for people who are very meticulous and will fret about the spacing and symmetry, or people who view anything more than one item as clutter.
Where to hang a gallery wall
Stairwell
Hallway
Above and to the side of a bed
Above a sofa or console
Wall of a powder room or primary bathroom
Image: Rita Konig
Plates As Wall Decor
Instead of storing away in cabinets, consider displaying beautiful decorative plates, platters and woven bowls on a wall. Hanging plates as wall decor allows you to appreciate them all the time and helps solve the dilemma of how to decorate your walls. Hang one or two individually, or cluster several either – there are lots of possibilities. Find out more about what plates go together and different ways to hang them here.
Image: @charlottebland
Who might like plates as wall decor
People with artistic sensibilities. Plates are like little pieces of artwork, whether you go with more delicate china or rustic ceramic, and their placement allows for a lot of artistic expression. Hanging plates also might appeal to vintage lovers who want to display their cherished finds.
Where to hang plates or bowls
On a kitchen backsplash, above an oven hood, or walls between cabinetry
Dining room wall
Above a bed
Entry hallway above a console table
Statement Piece
Statement piece is a single piece of art or wall hanging used to make a big impact. While groups of art hung together can achieve a similar effect, a statement piece is simpler to hang and doesn’t require the coordination of multiple pieces. The obvious example of a statement piece is a framed piece of artwork or photograph. For something a little more outside of the box, we suggest a tapestry (or a blanket or piece of fabric used as one) or an oversized object like a surfboard.
Image: @glebehousedevon
Who might like a statement piece
Those who err on the minimalist side of home design. There is a simplicity and cleanness to only one statement piece. One can add panache to a wall without anything feeling superfluous or cluttered.
Where to hang a statement piece
Above a sofa
Above a mantle
Above a bed
Image: Deborah Lippman
Series of Art
A series of art is a grouping of individual prints or pieces of art that are hung together to create an arresting visual. Typically the pieces are connected by a theme or similar design. Prints depicting subject matter from the natural world, like botanicals or animals, are popular to frame and hang as a series. You can also find original art conceptualized as a series. A series can be configured in many different ways to fill a space - see ideas for how to hang a series.
Image: Pernille Lind Studio
Who might like a series of art
People with a classical style. There is a timelessness to a series of art, especially prints, that’s very in keeping with traditional design. Framed prints capture a refined elegance that will never go out of style.
Where to hang a series of art
Around a doorframe
Above a sofa or console table
In a hallway
Image: Glebe House
Decorative Object
This wall decor design idea is to hang decorative objects in lieu of traditional art. There’s a wide range of objects that could work, anything from a mask to a small decorative mirror to a sculptural object. A decorative object can be quite versatile, fitting into small spaces that might not otherwise be decorated, working into a gallery wall, or grouped as part of a cluster of objects - see more hanging ideas here.
Image: @lucywilliamshome
Who might like a decorative object
Those who are confident with design and are comfortable taking risks. They are true originals and don’t want their home to look like everyone else’s. A decorative object allows them to flex their design muscle and be unique.
Where to hang a decorative object
Narrow wall spaces
At the end of hallways
Just to the side of a bed or sofa
Image: Net-a-porter
DIY Wall Art
With a proper way to display it, you can turn almost anything into wall decor – a kid’s art (or your own), mementos, fabric remnants, art plates cut out of books, articles of clothing like scarves or a sentimental children’s outfit, a tablecloth, dried flowers. If you’re willing to invest, it’s best to have a professional handle the framing, and it will pay off long into the future. But honestly, you can save a fortune and still get a pretty good result doing it yourself. Add some flare with a decorative frame or keep it simple with a floating frame (which looks especially cool hung on wallpaper or a colored wall). DIY wall decor is not limited to what can be framed either – with a decorative floating shelf on a wall, you can display 3-dimensional items, from a potted plant to a sculptural object.
Image: A framed @summerillandbishop tablecloth
Who might like a statement piece
Anyone who is even the least bit sentimental will appreciate seeing their special objects displayed on a wall. It helps if you’re crafty, but not at all required. You just need to be a little creative and think outside the box to figure out what from around the house you can elevate to wall art.
Where to hang a statement piece
This method works particularly well for creating a personal gallery wall to display in a living space or hallway.
Image: Haslington House
STYLING TIPS
How to Hang Wall Decor Like a Pro
We’ve compiled everything you need to know to select, arrange and install your chosen wall decor.
