We’ve all been there—staring at that lonely, blank wall in our living room or bedroom, wondering what we can do with it. You want to add some personality, but the thought of splurging on expensive artwork or fancy decor makes you cringe. Good news! You don’t have to break the bank to make your empty wall a statement piece in your home.
With just a little creativity and some DIY spirit, you can transform your dull wall into a stylish focal point without spending much. So, if you’re looking for 20+ ways to decorate your empty wall on a budget, you’re in the right place!
In this article, we’ll dive into affordable ideas that make a big impact, from wall art to clever hacks. Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, you’ll find something to suit your style, space, and budget. Let’s get started!
Gallery Wall: Display Your Personality
A gallery wall is an easy and affordable way to decorate any empty wall. Plus, it gives you the freedom to showcase your unique style! You don’t need to invest in expensive frames—thrift stores and discount shops are gold mines for cheap frames. You can fill them with a mix of:
- Framed photos of travels or …
- Posters of your favorite movies, or bands.
- Art prints from local artists (or even Etsy) that won’t cost a fortune.
The best part? You can swap out prints and photos whenever you want, so the gallery wall evolves with you!
Tip:
Mix and match frame styles and sizes for an eclectic, laid-back vibe. Don’t stress about everything being perfectly aligned—imperfection can actually add character to your display.
Large-Scale Wall Art: The Bold Yet Simple Solution
One of the most effective and straightforward ways to decorate a large wall is by using oversized wall art. The key to choosing the right artwork is ensuring that it complements the room’s existing design elements while still making a statement.
Selecting the Perfect Piece
When selecting large-scale wall art, consider the color palette, furniture, and overall mood of the space. In a room with neutral tones, an oversized painting or photograph featuring bold colors can provide a powerful contrast and focal point. On the other hand, if your room already has intricate textures or patterns, opting for minimalistic art will avoid overwhelming the space.
Popular Art Styles
- Abstract Art: Offers a modern, timeless look that pairs well with most interiors.
- Nature-Inspired Prints: Perfect for creating a calming atmosphere, often used in living rooms and bedrooms.
- Black-and-White Photography: Adds sophistication without competing with other design elements in the room.
Remember that the scale of the artwork should match the size of the wall. An art piece that’s too small can seem out of place, while one that’s too large may dominate the entire room.
Wall Molding: Add Classic Elegance to Your Walls
For a truly refined look, consider installing wall molding. This timeless design element adds texture and character to otherwise plain walls, creating a sophisticated and custom feel.
Benefits of Wall Molding
- Adds Architectural Interest: Molding can break up large, unbroken walls, making the room feel more dynamic and inviting.
- Customizable: From traditional crown molding to modern shiplap, you can choose a style that aligns with your home’s overall aesthetic.
- Increases Home Value: Installing molding adds a touch of luxury, potentially boosting the resale value of your home.
Types of Wall Molding
- Crown Molding: Adds elegance to the top of your walls and is often used in formal living rooms and dining areas.
- Wainscoting: A paneling style that works well in entryways, bathrooms, and hallways, providing texture and depth.
- Shiplap: Perfect for a rustic or coastal look, shiplap adds a casual, yet charming vibe to any room.
For the DIY enthusiast, molding installation can be a rewarding project. There are plenty of tutorials available that show you how to measure and install moldings with ease, even if you’re new to home improvement.
Macramé Wall Hangings: Boho Chic on a Budget
If you’re into boho decor, a macramé wall hanging can give your space a stylish, relaxed vibe. You can find DIY kits or tutorials online to make your own. Trust us—macramé is easier than it looks, and the best part? It’s incredibly affordable!
How to:
- Pick up some basic cotton rope (it’s cheap!) and follow a simple knotting pattern.
- Choose your size and design based on your wall’s dimensions.
- Add beads, tassels, or fringes for a personalized touch.
Macramé also works great for creating texture and visual interest on a bare wall!
Furniture as Wall Fillers: Practical Yet Stylish
Sometimes, the best way to fill a blank wall is with functional furniture pieces that serve both form and function. Depending on the layout of the room, you can add console tables, sideboards, or even chairs to fill up the wall while also providing storage or additional seating.
Popular Furniture Options for Blank Walls
- Console Tables: These versatile pieces can be placed against a wall and styled with lamps, vases, or other decorative accents.
- Sideboards: Perfect for dining rooms or living rooms, a sideboard offers storage space while filling up the wall in a functional yet stylish way.
- Chairs and Benches: If you have the space, a pair of accent chairs or a stylish bench can complement your furniture while filling the wall with a functional design element.
Wallpaper: A Bold and Creative Approach
Wallpaper is making a comeback as a design statement, especially when applied to a large blank wall. Rather than covering the entire room, focus on using wallpaper to accentuate a single wall, adding pattern, texture, and color.
Types of Wallpaper to Consider
- Textured Wallpaper: Adds depth and interest, ideal for creating a feature wall in living rooms or bedrooms.
- Floral and Geometric Prints: These patterns are perfect for making a bold statement while complementing the room’s overall design.
- Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper: For renters or anyone seeking a temporary solution, peel-and-stick wallpaper offers a stylish option without the long-term commitment.
Floating Shelves: Practical and Pretty
Floating shelves are an excellent way to maximize vertical space while adding charm to your walls. They’re perfect for displaying books, plants, or even small trinkets that make your room feel homier.
Here’s how to keep it budget-friendly:
- DIY shelves: With some basic wood planks and brackets, you can create custom shelves for a fraction of the cost of pre-made ones.
- Repurpose old furniture: An old wooden ladder can easily be transformed into a unique shelf for your empty wall.
Tip:
Add some trailing plants like pothos plant or ivy for a touch of greenery and elegance. Plants can instantly make any space feel more inviting.
Washi Tape Art: Fun, Temporary, and Affordable
Washi tape is a colorful, creative alternative to traditional wall art. It’s easy to use, inexpensive, and won’t damage your walls—making it perfect for renters.
Ideas:
- Create geometric patterns or abstract designs.
- Form a bold, striped border around the wall for a clean, modern look.
- Add a little personal touch with quotes or motivational words in tape.
You can even change the design whenever you’re in the mood for something new!
DIY Wall Art: Get Crafty with Your Creativity
If you’re a bit crafty, you can make your own wall art without spending much money. DIY wall art adds a personal touch, and it’s a fun project to tackle on a weekend.
Ideas include:
- Abstract canvas art: Use inexpensive canvas and paint from a craft store to create your masterpiece. It doesn’t need to be perfect—abstract art is all about experimenting with colors and textures.
- Framed fabric: Find some cool fabric with a pattern you love, stretch it over a frame, and voilà! A stylish art piece without the hefty price tag.
- Photo collage: Print your favorite images and arrange them in a quirky, fun collage.
Tapestries: Instant Vibes, Minimal Effort
A tapestry is another budget-friendly way to bring color and personality to an empty wall. Available in tons of patterns, from vintage to modern, you can pick one that matches your vibe. Whether you want to create a relaxing vibe with nature scenes or add a pop of color with bold patterns, a tapestry does the trick.
Tip:
Look for multi-functional tapestries that can double as throws or bedspreads. The price per use just keeps getting better!
Wall Decals: Affordable and Easy to Apply
Wall decals or stickers are a fantastic way to add a pop of creativity to your empty wall. From nature-inspired designs to inspirational quotes, these decals are a quick way to infuse personality into any room.
Ideas:
- Floral or botanical decals for a calming, nature-inspired look.
- A motivational quote in bold letters to keep you inspired.
- Custom vinyl decals of your favorite shapes or animals.
Best of all, decals are easy to peel off, so they’re perfect for renters.
Vintage Mirrors: Reflect Style and Light
Mirrors are more than just functional—they can also make a statement. Vintage or antique mirrors can add character and depth to your wall. You can find them at flea markets, thrift stores, or online marketplaces at great prices.
Why mirrors work:
- They reflect light, making a room feel bigger and brighter.
- They add elegance and personality, whether you go for a sleek modern mirror or a quirky, antique one.
Tip:
Create a “mirror gallery” by arranging several smaller mirrors on your wall for a trendy, boho look.
DIY Wall Shelf Planters: Green and Gorgeous
For a fresh take on wall decor, try hanging small planters on your wall. This works especially well for kitchens, living rooms, or bathrooms. You can buy inexpensive wall-mounted planters or get creative with things like mason jars, tin cans, or old teacups!
How to:
- Mount small shelves on your wall.
- Attach small planters or pots with herbs, succulents, or flowers.
- You can also create a floating garden with wall brackets and hanging planters.
These will breathe life into your wall—and you’ll love how fresh the space feels!
Upcycled or Repurposed Art: Sustainability Meets Style
Why spend money on new art when you can create something unique from old items? Repurposing is a fantastic way to decorate your empty wall, and it’s eco-friendly!
Here are some ideas:
- Old doors: Turn a vintage door into a rustic, charming wall feature.
- Repurposed wood: Use wood from old pallets or furniture to create custom wall art.
- Old maps: Vintage maps make for amazing, conversation-starting decor!
It’s all about finding creative ways to give old items a new life. Not only will you save money, but you’ll have a one-of-a-kind piece on your wall!
Decorating your empty wall doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. Whether you’re into DIY projects or prefer picking up affordable items from thrift stores, there are so many creative ways to add personality to your space on a budget. So, what are you waiting for? Grab some supplies, put on your crafting hat, and start transforming your wall today!
Remember, these 20+ ways & ideas to decorate your empty wall on a budget are all about making your space feel more like home—without burning a hole in your wallet. Happy decorating!
FAQs
How can I decorate a wall without nails or damaging it?
Great question! You can use adhesive hooks, strips, or removable wall decals to hang art or shelves without leaving a trace. It’s perfect for renters or those who don’t want to make holes in the walls!
Can I mix and match different decorating styles?
Absolutely! In fact, mixing different styles like modern and vintage or minimal and eclectic can make your space feel more dynamic and fun. Just make sure there’s a common theme—like color or texture—that ties everything together.
Can I mix and match different decorating styles?
Absolutely! In fact, mixing different styles like modern and vintage or minimal and eclectic can make your space feel more dynamic and fun. Just make sure there’s a common theme—like color or texture—that ties everything together.
What are some affordable places to buy wall decor?
Discount stores, thrift shops, online marketplaces (like Etsy or Facebook Marketplace), and even dollar stores can be great sources for budget-friendly decor. Don’t forget about garage sales and flea markets too!
