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Struggling to decorate a large blank wall? Whether it’s in your living room, bedroom, or hallway, a big empty wall can feel daunting. But don’t worry—there are plenty of stylish and affordable ways to transform it into a stunning focal point!
From large-scale artwork to bold wallpaper and textured accents, here are 9 creative wall decor ideas to inspire your space.
1. Use Large-Scale Art for a Statement Look
I love the impact that large-scale artwork can have in a space. Large art like this is a great option to decorate a large wall over a couch, or just a boring blank wall. Art can be purchased (or DIYed) in many different sizes to accommodate your wall size and ceiling height.
A large piece of art is one of the easiest ways to make a bold statement on a blank wall. Whether you opt for abstract art, a framed canvas, or a DIY piece, oversized artwork instantly adds personality and style to your home.
If you are feeling particularly creative (or brave!) you could even try DIY art and purchase a blank canvas. Let your creativity speak and create you own abstract art!
2. Create a Stylish Gallery Wall for a Personalized Look
A gallery wall is one of my favorite ways to showcase a collection of memories and art. It’s a creative way to break up a large wall in any room. Extra-large frames that create an (almost) floor-to-ceiling design look high-end and stylish.
I like to stick to frames with large mats and choose photos with a cohesive color palette. This is a popular choice among interior designers to add visual interest and personal style to your entire room.
Collect as many pieces as you see fit and choose your arrangement. For ease of planning lay all your pieces out on a flat surface before hand and plan where they look best.
Extra large frames that create an (almost) floor to ceiling design look high end and stylish. Stick to frames with large mats and choose photos with a cohesive color scheme, or print the photos in black and white.
TIP: For a balanced gallery wall, space frames 2-4 inches apart and center the arrangement at eye level (57-60 inches from the floor).
By the way, if you mess up hanging that gallery wall on the first attempt, knowing the easiest way to fix a hole in the wall will come in handy!
3. Use Large Mirrors to Reflect Light & Open Up the Space
Adding a large mirror or even several mirrors is an excellent way of adding interest to a wall without a massive commitment.
This is a particularly good choice for a room which needs an injection of light as natural mirrors will reflect the light of the room and make it look more spacious, lighter and brighter.
TIP: For small rooms, place a large mirror opposite a window to reflect natural light and make the space feel brighter. In a hallway, a tall floor mirror adds depth without taking up space.
Floor mirrors are a perfect wall decoration idea for a narrow space where you can’t add a piece of furniture. If you have tall ceilings – the bigger the mirror, the better! Make it a statement piece so that it looks intentional in your space, and not an after thought.
If you have space to accomodate a console table, a round mirror flanked with a lamp, artwork or vase is the perfect way to accessorize a bare wall (and give you extra storage , too!)
Need ideas? Check out my guide to styling a console table!
What’s fun about choosing mirrors is you can go upscale and choose something expensive and regal-looking, or you could go in an entirely opposite direction and channel your inner eco-chick by DIYing your own floor mirror!
4. Add Picture Frame Molding for a Classic Architectural Touch
Adding millwork to your large wall is a really clever way to break up the wall while adding a refined and expensive looking touch.
Picture frame molding is my one of personal favorite ways to add interest to a large wall. It adds just enough texture to eliminate the “boring” but by painting it the same color as the wall, it doesn’t detract from the rest of the surroundings.
Wainscoting, picture frame molding, board and batten and even shiplap have become such a popular trend for homes and really transform a standard ‘builder grade’ room into a luxe, well designed one!
These can be done by virtue of DIY if you are on a budget and transform your space with minimal cost. They look amazing painted in the same color as the wall but also look really beautiful with a contrasting color – the options are endless!
5. Use Board and Batten for a Timeless Wall Treatment
Board and batten is another inexpensive way to add interest to a large, blank wall.
Board and batten is an easy, beginner-friendly DIY! See my full board and batten wall tutorial.
This is such a popular choice for many homes and I understand why – it’s can be a relatively cheap and easy way to really transform a large room and creates an expensive, well styled look which will last in terms of style and quality.
It’s also a very beginner friendly DIY project. If you can cut a straight line with a saw, you’ll be able to knock this out in an afternoon!
6. Layer Textures for Depth and Visual Interest
Layering different textures can be a really fun and creative way to style a large wall and is also a great way to add some color and dimension to a space. I’ve seen this done successfully in every room of the house, including in kitchens!
To create a fun three dimensional layered look try assembling different items such as rattan and wicker baskets, macrame pieces, embroidery items and even hanging plates and assemble them to your style and taste. This can be done easily on a budget by thrifting items.
The layering concept also works really well on a console table. Layer artwork, and other decorative objects for a high end look.
7. Make a Statement with a Bold Paint Color
If you are looking to make a statement and you really love the idea of using a bold color, this is the one for you! Using a bold color on a large wall acts as a wonderful statement but also breaks up that super bare wall.
You get the best of both worlds – the ability to dip your toes into a wild color without the need for a commitment to color the whole room. Try a bold rusty orange or a bold, earthy green for a real trendy aesthetic.
8. Transform Your Space with Patterned or Textured Wallpaper
What is so wonderful about wallpaper is the array of patterns and textures available. There really is a style and aesthetic for everyone’s taste. Using wallpaper is simple, affordable and most importantly effective in breaking up that super large wall!
Hanging wallpaper is not difficult, either, once you follow a few simple tips.
Choose a textured floral print, geometric print or play with a pop of color – what would you choose?
9. Bring Life to Your Walls with Greenery and Plants
Calling all aspiring plant moms! If you have the green touch and simply love the aesthetic and joy that plants bring your home, why not create a living plant wall?
You could choose to create a propagation station, hang beautiful hanging plants from shelving or even delve into creating a living wall by growing your plants and fixing their leaves to follow the path you choose over the wall.
Of course, you could also fake it with some realistic faux plants or something relatively un-killable like succulents!
If you’re looking to decorate a large wall in your kitchen, how about incorporating this idea with some fresh herbs? Food for thought, perhaps?!
Final Thoughts
Decorating a large wall doesn’t have to be overwhelming—just start with one idea and build from there! Which of these ideas are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments!
