These 53 Wall Decor Ideas (Toy Installations! Rotating Art!) Bring New Life to Any Room | Architectural Digest

By Jessica Wilkins July 14, 2026

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There are a few different ways to look at a blank . It could be a source of dread—or an empty canvas, beckoning for expressive wall decor ideas. While most people will agree that a room needs furniture and nearly everyone wants those furnishings to be comfortable, it’s much harder to figure out what to do with empty walls, which is why some homeowners and renters choose to ignore them all together. Whichever perspective you have, never fear; it’s not exactly easy to fill a blank wall with design ideas, but it’s not impossible. All you need is a little direction.

“People often think of art as an afterthought or as something that has to perfectly coordinate with the design of a room, and that’s a trap that should be rigorously avoided,” says architect . “At its best, art adds depth to a space by allowing for personality quirks and idiosyncrasies to shine through. It shows that a home wasn’t ordered straight out of a catalog.” Read on for 53 different wall decor ideas to turn this sometimes daunting design task into a positive experience.

Add a textured wall treatment

Texture is a key tool in a neutral room.

Especially in rooms with more neutral color palettes, adding texture can be essential to creating a space that feels intentional and harmonious. hand-installed a fluted accent wall with joint compound—a painstaking do it yourself wall decor idea that was nonetheless worth it for the elevated effect it gave the room. “Fluting the wall simultaneously created movement in the design and depth for the light to play off of,” Alix explains. “The vertical lines were an added benefit in that they draw your eye up the wall, making the ceiling appear higher.”

Pick a theme

Themed artwork instantly gives a wall character.

If you’re looking for wall decoration ideas that will bring harmony to your living space, why not try picking a theme? In this living room, put her client’s inherited sailboat painting collection to use. “Originally, the paintings were scattered throughout different rooms of the house. By unifying them and hanging them as a collection, they make a stronger visual statement but also feel more intentional and cohesive,” Williams explains. “Working with a theme gives the wall an instant sense of character. It tells a story, reflects the client’s heritage, and becomes a true focal point in the room.”

Rotate your artwork

Try swapping your wall decor to keep the room fresh.

As an artist herself, has no shortage of options when it comes to wall decor. Keeping her space flexible allows her to switch out her artwork according to mood, allowing the space to constantly feel refreshed without having to switch out any bigger pieces in the space. “If the art piece makes me happy and is something I would like to live with, chances are it will work with my space,” Stern explains. “Sometimes when I complete a body of work before an art show, I like to live with some of the pieces in my home before they go to the gallery.” As one of the spaces you spend the most time in, living room wall decor ideas should be all about keeping your space feeling lively over a long period of time.

Play with scale

Consider dimensions and materials when selecting wall decor.

As much as playing with dimension can add a lot to a space, picking out pieces of wall decor that are in a variety of sizes can create a sense of exuberance, as seen in this bedroom by . “We were very intentional about incorporating a variety of dimensions and materials. We loved how the subtle shifts in scale and media add visual interest without feeling too polished or structured—we wanted the space to feel playful, approachable, and a bit unexpected,” Kobel + Co partners Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett tell AD. It’s one of the wall design ideas that can be accomplished on pretty much any budget, whether you’re pinning up posters and family photographs, or installing one-of-a-kind artworks and dramatic light fixtures.

Balance pattern with bright white

didn’t want this stair hallway to be a place people merely pass through—she wanted to encourage people to linger and appreciate the grandness of the double height space. To emphasize the splendor, she paired a busy wallpaper with subdued white paneled walls. “The statement patterned wallcovering brings drama suited to the scale of the entry,” Markatos says.

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Wildflower Meadow Wallpaper by Sanderson

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Mitchell Black Flourish Floral Wallpaper

Get creative with constraints

Your constraints may be the thing that elevates your wall design.

Just because your walls might present a challenge doesn’t mean you have to keep ‘em plain—some of the best wall accessories ideas come from out of the box thinking. added this heavy paper tapestry to this attic bedroom with sloped ceilings. “We considered not hanging art above the bed. Though you can hang framed pieces on an angled wall, it makes me nervous over sleeping bodies,” Peterson explained. “The room is quiet and lovely without the tapestry, but adding it made the space much more dynamic.”

Bring in natural materials

For this living room, chose an art piece by made of stoneware white shells, hemp rope, and white oak bar. Made of natural materials, the piece balances out the TV and more modern elements of the room design. “We chose this specific wall hanging for its added texture and three-dimensional visual interest,” Goldman tells AD. “It’s definitely a showcase piece—we wanted to find the perfect fit since there was only one available wall for artwork in this room.”

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Rava Tapestry Art Macramé Wall Hanging

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Geode Fiber Natural Dimensional Wall Art

Marble all the way up

Consider construction materials as part of the wall decor.

More and more, our kitchens are spaces we spend time in throughout the day—not just when cooking or having a quick meal, but during in-between moments alone or when hosting friends too. The best kitchen wall decor ideas reflect that these rooms aren’t just utilitarian spaces anymore. “I wanted it to feel functional, but still special,” designer said of this kitchen coffee bar, in which he employed remnant marble wall pieces to create an elevated feel.

Use art to shift the mood

Let the art be a strong visual statement.

While the furnishings support a comfortable, relaxed vibe in this living space designed by , the artwork adds an unexpected burst of color. “I wanted it to feel lively and full of energy, but still be a comfortable place to relax and lounge,” Nicastro tells AD. “With one wall being windows and another filled with cabinetry, we wanted the art to create a strong visual moment—a focal point that adds depth and energy to the space.”

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"Taking a Stand" Screen Print by Deborah Roberts

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Emerald Eden Print by Mary O'Malley

Highlight your obsessions

transformed what was once a simple bookshelf nook into a space that feels completely unique to their client. “The client wanted something more fun and representative of her, so we designed this toy wall incorporating some of her favorite collectible items,” Yond founder Julia Miller tells AD. While it’s easy to imagine a toy collection display looking unorganized, Yond worked with a professional art installer so that the mounts were fully hidden behind each toy for a highly tailored look.

Photo: Rachel Fletcher

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Ebern Designs River Ridge Metal Floating Shelf (Set of 6)

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LEGO Art Hokusai – The Great Wave

Cover your walls in cork

Cork could be a funky unexpected addition to your wall.

For open living spaces, the ideal dining room wall decor ideas create a sense of separation between each area while adding a boat load of personality. added to the dining area in this open living space to accomplish both of those tasks. “We love the warmth it adds to a space, and all the organic movement,” she tells AD. “Though we love grasscloth and other natural wall coverings, cork is a bit funkier and more unexpected. It also has the benefit of reading as seamless.”

Add dimension

Try a whimsical wall addition in a kids room.

Wall art design ideas can be a perfect opportunity to add dimension and depth to your space, especially in corners that might otherwise go unused. This was the case in this bedroom by , where paper bug sculptures jump off the walls. “I thought of the bugs almost like three-dimensional pops of color layered on top of the wallpaper,” Forina explains. “They’re cheeky and fun for kids, but the geometric folds and scale give them a sophistication that feels intentional in a design sense.”

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A Zoo In My Wall Paper Mache Wolf Head

Work with a cornucopia of colors

The greatest bathroom wall decor ideas can add pizzazz to your bathroom without requiring even an inch of that precious square footage. In this bathroom by , there’s no limit to the color and patterns used. A Morris & Co wallpaper is paired with a deep turquoise paint and a bold red zellige tile, creating a space that’s eye candy for both guests and homeowners. “By playing with all of the different textures in the wall treatments we were able to keep the eye moving around a smaller space and serve unexpected pops of color and depth,” says Northwest Home founder Erica Leader.

Photo: Yelena Moroz Alpert

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Morris & Co. Strawberry Thief Wallpaper

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Hex Zellige Rouge Hex Tile

Create symmetry

Symmetrical art placement can always work.

Regardless of what you specifically use to decorate your walls, hanging the pieces in a symmetrical pattern can suggest control and calm. employed symmetry in an entry hall design, allowing the first impression in the space to be one of order. “Our design intent was to create a traditional landing spot for keys and daily essentials, elevated with a touch of glamour to reflect the sophistication of the adjoining living room,” she explains.

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Pooky Insignia Wall Fixture

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Jayson Home Equilibrium Artwork

Go for large-scale art

coral pink wall framed artwork above bed throw pillows along headboard bedside table to left below framed image

An oversized painting or photograph will command attention and set the tone in a small space. Try a black-and-white photo in a minimalist bedroom or add color with a vibrant abstract piece, as pictured above in Manhattan apartment. (Check out our guide on online to source striking and affordable pieces.)

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"Mingau" Painting by Asuka Anastacia Ogawa

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Swimming in Green Abstract Painting

Curate a gallery wall

herringbone wood floors white wall lined with framed artworks fireplace

This trend has been going strong for years, and for good reason: It’s a great way to showcase your interests, display souvenirs, and give a room some color. But Potts says that there’s a trick to a , and it comes down to planning. “Make sure there is enough hierarchy in color or size where a viewer’s eyes can clearly understand what should be highlighted versus what’s filler,” he says.

Install moldings

light pink wall with moldings artworks orange sectional lined with blue yellow green pillows window to right black...

If you have a bright sofa, patterned rug, or intricate lighting, perhaps the best plan of action is to install molding on a wall. “Moldings, instead of things, can be just as effective at demarcating space and allow the eye to breathe,” Potts says. Plus, if you’re into Parisian style, this is an easy way to incorporate that effortlessly sophisticated look into your home, and art is optional.

Hang the opposite of your architecture

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Framebridge Marquette Frame

A home’s balance is often achieved through the details, and one way to make sure that you’ve followed through on this is by juxtaposing opposite aesthetics with your wall decor. Potts likes to do this through art, either by hanging contemporary pieces in picture frames to contrast with a more traditional home, or by installing more classic works within a newer setting. “Old masters can look amazing in modern spaces,” he says.

Be strategic about accent walls

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Cleo Stripe Horizontal

Accent walls can be a great way to add visual interest to your room, but to prevent the feature from looking dated or out of place, there are a few wall decor ideas you can use to blend them in. Designer of Old Brand New says that if you want to bring attention to one wall in a room, here’s how to make it happen: “If you’re going to paint an accent wall, complement it with decor like art or a screen divider to ensure that it integrates seamlessly without standing out like a sore thumb,” he says.

Mix it up with mirrors

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Schoolhouse Bobbin Ash Mirror

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Ivy Bronx Cloud Shaped Wall Mirror

Because reflect light, they make a small area feel bigger and brighter—while also acting as a statement piece. Hanging a large mirror proportional to the surrounding furniture, like above a console or bookcase, is usually the best bet. But you could make a gallery wall out of mirrors too. Just make sure they all share a component to make everything cohesive.

Install built-in bookshelves

builtin shelving system in whitewalled Brooklyn apartment tiled fireplace beneath red and blue artwork window to left

Let’s say you have a lone fireplace in the center of a long wall. Consider yourself lucky, because this is the ideal opportunity to install built-in bookcases on either side. “These custom features add drama, architectural details, and a bespoke feel,” Dabito says. You can either hack IKEA cabinets to fit, or hire a local carpenter to make it happen without breaking a sweat.

Zoë Sessums
Zoë Sessums

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The Shelving System by Floyd

Lizzie Soufleris
Lizzie Soufleris

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IKEA Billy Bookcase

Put up plates

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Why hide your fine china or vintage dinnerware in a cabinet when you can show it off? Use wire plate hangers to display your favorite dishes and serving platters, especially if they share a color scheme. It’ll be fun to turn something you love into a focal point, without worrying about hand-washing later.

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Cabana Blossom Dinner Plate

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Ginori 1735 Oriente Italiano Dinner Plate

Install sculptural wall sconces

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Astr Marble Wall Sconce by Nicholas Obeid

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Vera Sconce by In Common With

add an extra source of light without taking up space on the floor or a side table. Choose an eye-catching design that doubles as a wall sculpture, particularly on a large wall, and it’ll add visual interest in the living room day and night. “A sconce in a glass or metal material goes such a long way against a matte-painted wall,” says designer Jen Levy of .

Play with plants

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Umbra Trigg Hanging Planter Vase & Geometric Wall Decor Container

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Live Succulent w/ Hanging Planter

don’t just have to sit on the windowsill. Make use of hanging or to add a bit of greenery and texture to your walls. You can stick to succulents for their low-maintenance nature, or try a plant that’s with vines that’ll crawl down the wall and add even more life to the room. Those of us not blessed with green thumbs can consider opting for a high-quality faux plant.

Get your fill of macrame

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Colorful Stripe Wall Hanging

The woven quality of macrame adds texture to a wall without a lot of fanfare, which can be appealing when filling small corners, like half walls besides door frames, or wider ones, like the upper half of a wall above a bed. These wall hangings are easy to find on Etsy, but you can also DIY a creation, if you so please.

Pick out an oversized wall calendar

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Patchwork Monthly Calendar 2026

A large calendar works especially well on an office or kitchen wall, since you can keep track of your events while also adding a standout element to enliven your room. As far as choosing a color palette goes, you could either coordinate with the existing paint so that your to-dos blend in, or you could go for a bold shade so that your plans are never forgotten.

Add lime wash

green lime washed walls large pendant light hanging over round brown table cane and wood chairs surrounding table...

The whimsical and earthy quality of lime wash is a compelling decorative feature in and of itself, particularly if you’re aiming for a minimalist yet cozy ambiance. “Lime wash is here to stay,” Levy says. “It adds so much warmth, texture, and color to any space. This is always a splurge that pays off.” One further suggestion? Add lime wash to the ceiling, and you’ll be totally enveloped in color.

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Creamy Lime Wash Wallpaper

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Lime Wash Paint in Hope Ranch

Put up a giant whiteboard or chalkboard

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Pottery Barn Trenton Whiteboard

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AARCO Wall Chalkboard

If you have a standalone office, or you want to make the most of a wall in a playroom, consider or chalkboard for daily doodles, thoughts, and brainstorms. If you’re feeling committed to the look, you can take it to the next level and paint an entire accent wall with , which creates a writable surface.

Add panoramic wallpaper

scenic wallpaper with flamingos plants at seaside through whiteframed doorway a marbled wall matching colors with scenic...

Sure, installing is a tall order. And asking for that wallpaper to align perfectly so that it creates a scene is even more of a challenge. But when you pull it off, it’ll be worth it—whether that’s in a small entryway alcove, a dining room, or a playroom. “It can create a moment of escapism,” Potts says. “One of my favorite tricks is to in a tiny space, creating an immersive and transporting moment.”

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Backdrop Palazzo Panel Wallcovering Set

Get some grasscloth

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Paradiso Grasscloth Wallpaper by Jake Arnold

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Tempaper Grasscloth Geo Wallpaper

Another way to add texture to living room walls without creating an overwhelming effect is to go with grasscloth. “Install it in a rich, bold color to add depth,” Dabito says. “I love using natural materials because they make a room feel warmer and more tactile, adding a sense of coziness and inviting touch.”

Work in some wood panelling

whitewalled wood paneled living room diptych left image shows white sofa striped rug large clock on wall ceiling fan...

While Fixer Upper and farmhouse style frenzy have made white shiplap synonymous with on-trend upgrades for quite a while, there’s another way to make this look work that feels less modern farmhouse and more Sea Ranch: wood wall paneling. Natural finishes instantly make a room feel lived-in and can complement most any art.

Consider cork boards

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Girl Friday Modern Cork Board

If you want an unexpected material to fill a wall space, Potts says that you should . “I have a project underway in the Rockefeller Apartments in New York with an entrance gallery fully lined in 12x24 inch cork tiles,” he says. “It adds a layer of softness and even changes the acoustic experience of the space.”

Reach for removable wall art

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Terrazzo Tile Decals

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Boho Wall Decal

Minted and Etsy have extensive collections of grown-up, . The adhesive murals have a luxurious matte finish and come in a variety of styles so that it’s possible to personalize a nook or an entire living room without damaging it.

Make use of masks

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Vintage South American Style Mask

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Vintage Wicker Donkey Head Wall Mask

If you’re , then there’s a good chance that you’ve come across a mask or two in the midst of your wall art searches. Dabito explains that hanging masks can create color and dimension on a wall. Just make sure that they’re all different sizes so that the room decor reads as sophisticated, not as a store.

Group hats together

five brown hats on wall above glass table with artwork plant and wicker bust wearing hat

Do you unwittingly have a full hat collection in your closet? If there are some similarities between them—such as being of a similar woven texture or a certain shape—then perhaps you’d like to display them above a dresser in your bedroom. Dabito says they’ll still look stylish, even when not in use.

Coordinate paint to your furniture

orange walls dining table with sage cloth large brown vase with flowers coral upholstery on chairs

The anchoring furnishings of a room, like an upholstered sofa or a vintage coffee table, can also inspire the paint color you choose for the walls. For instance, if that sofa is a sky blue shade, then consider painting the walls in a similar color that has a hint of shine. “It can be extremely fun to play with subtle variations of color on different surfaces to trick the eye,” Potts says. “Working with different hues within a similar intensity on adjacent surfaces can change how the light and the proportions of a space are perceived.”

Put rugs on the walls

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Rugs.com Washable Hyacinth Rug

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Homestead Kilim Rug by Sharland England

A good can tie together the look of a whole room. And while they’re great on the floor, they can also do double duty as . Two-by-three-foot picks stand out when hanging above a fireplace, but you could go bigger to cover a larger footprint above a console as well. If you’re not into buying a rug just to put it on a bare wall, you could also attempt the same looks with scarves as the wall covering—the chunkier, the better.

Set up open shelving

bookshelves along upper part of white wall in study green desk plush white throw window to right

Mount long floating shelves on sturdy brackets in an unusual spot, like the back wall of a living room or beside a kitchen breakfast nook, to slide in some storage while adding visual interest to your walls. It can be an ever-evolving area of your favorite home decor depending on how you style the shelves, from books to trinkets. You can paint the shelves or leave them as is. “Our favorites are from Shelfology, but we’ve been known to use Closetmaid shelving brackets from Home Depot too,” Levy says. “They both give a really cool, utilitarian look.”

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Bayka Floating Shelves (Set of 3)

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Millwood Pines Pippi Modern Floating Shelves (Set of 2)

Add a ledge

white walls wood beams window to right beadboard rises up to ledge behind bed ledge lined with artwork bed in brown...

To add depth without taking up too much square footage, consider installing a slim ledge above a bed. You can use this ledge to place framed photos and tchotchkes, as in this . It’ll ultimately be easier to switch things out than if you created a full-on gallery wall.

Layer pieces for practicality

hat and ovalshaped mirror hanging on wall behind floating shelf lined with artwork plant hooks below

Another interior design trick for effortless dimension is layering a number of items together in a teeny footprint. In this entryway, added hooks, a mirror, a ledge, and a piece of art to create a decorative moment that also brings in some much-needed functionality.

Display your clothes

industrialstyle bedroom with exposed beam ceilings brick wall to left ushaped clothing rack above wood dresser

While this might not be everyone’s idea of the most sophisticated wall decor, those of us who have a lot of clothes may find it to be the most worthwhile. Put your favorite pieces on display with a mounted clothing rod. The black clothing rod in this accentuates the room’s enviable ceiling height, but even more importantly, it makes it easier to get dressed in the morning.

Make a musical decor moment

two guitars mounted on white wall above bookshelves wood console with vase large floral display multicolored rug grey...

Another great option if you’re short on square footage and want to display your interests: mount your instruments, especially on white walls. This solution gives you decorative power and convenient storage all in one, like in this .

Put up coloring posters

two beds with green bedposts stuffed animals round side table in between them coloring posters covered in doodles...

Whether you love to doodle or share a home with little ones, consider adding a place for people to draw. In this Caroline and Tim McKeough, coloring posters were the move, but you could also add a butcher paper roll for the same look.

Get a dramatic headboard

hardwood floors cream walls in bedroom floating bedframe white bedding large white headboard open sliding glass wall to...

If the room you’re looking to refresh your wall decor in happens to be a bedroom, then getting an over-the-top headboard, like this one in , might be the perfect solution. The more dramatic it is, the less you’ll need any other supporting components.

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West Elm Bodi Extended Headboard

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GreenRow Rosalie Upholstered Headboard

Use a room divider as a headboard

room divider with botanical motif yellow bedding yellow and orange pillows hexagonal wood side table green rug

If you come across an intricate wall screen at a vintage shop or thrift store, Dabito suggests using it as a headboard for an easy bedroom wall decor idea. A room divider can add color, texture, and dimension all in one, making any art above it unnecessary.

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World Menagerie Doty Folding Room Divider

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Furnnylane 6 Panel Room Divider

Put up pegboard

yellow wall light brown pegboard with shelves lined with tea tea whisk counter below lined with teapot mortar and pestle...

Whether you’re decorating a kitchen, a mud room, or a home office, a pegboard can be a great wall decor piece that also functions as storage. opted for a minimalist pegboard, but you could pick one that feels more vintage or more industrial depending on the style of your home.

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Wall Control Galvanized Steel Pegboard Pack

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Kung Fu Wood Pegboard Wall Mirror

Soften your space with suede

light brown suede wallpaper long dark wood bedframe extending out left from from white bedding dark green wall hanging...

Suede isn’t just for furnishings. It can create a sumptuous textural atmosphere when used as wallpaper, as designer did in this primary bedroom with luxe camel colored option from . For an added effect, Raymond incorporated draped fabric to mimic the swooping lines on the walls. “It helps soften the room and doubles down on the cocoon-like, zen feel I think all bedrooms should have,” he says.

Install wall-to-wall curtains

walltowall curtains black floor chair pulled up to desk to left bed in foreground

You’re likely well aware that curtains should frame windows for aesthetics and practicality. But if you want to amplify the coziness of a bedroom, consider hanging curtains across an entire wall, particularly one that’ll act as a focal point. “In an otherwise stark room, a fully pleated fabric wall can add warmth and interest—particularly with a velvet that picks up shadows between the peats,” Potts says. “For renters, this can also be a great way to leave the walls undamaged.”

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Quince Luster Velvet Curtain

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Anthropologie Velvet Embroidered Floral Curtain

Frame fabric

white walls popcorn ceilings monstera plant on orange pedestal white shelving console framed fabric on left wall framed...

Oversized art can cost a pretty penny, but if a large, showstopping design detail would be an ideal addition to your living room, then don’t despair; simply buy a patterned fabric and frame it in the size you need. You can purchase a large, inexpensive frame at IKEA, or even DIY one with wood cuts supplied from a big box store. Make sure the fabric is pulled tightly inside the frame and no one will no the difference.

Hang a flag

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Pottery Barn Framed Nautical Flags

Don’t think that hanging a flag across an entire wall automatically has to be a sign of patriotism (although you can certainly go that route, if you’d like). You can find any number of flags and pennants with a tapestry-like vibe online, either through or small businesses on Etsy.

Pin up some photographs

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Polaroid Now I-Type Instant Camera + Film Bundle

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Kokak Mini Shot Retro 4PASS Instant Digital Camera & Photo Printer

Do you want to have an ever-changing reminder of your nearest and dearest? On a small wall, like in a hallway or a guest bedroom, use a clothesline and pins as a tribute to loved ones and good times. Three rows of clothesline in equal measure will make the portrait display look intentional, and you can add or subtract images over time. As a bonus, it might be something guests would love to contribute to.

Look to the eccentricities in history

wall paneling extending to doorframe crystal chandelier over dining table framed artwork along walls fireplace in background

Potts says that he often looks to bygone eras for design inspiration, and historically, decor was much more integrated into architecture. “Think panels that extend the look of the door frame, or false openings that create balance in a room,” he says. “We shouldn’t be afraid to take some of the same approaches, and use the placement of art to change proportions.” If you have a room with tall ceilings, consider hanging a mirror above a door. Alternatively, you can install a false door to balance out a long wall.

Position art playfully

colorful woven baskets hanging around white wall French doors hanging chairs wood desk at center

You don’t always have to center art on a wall. In fact, having some fun with the placement can make for more interesting results. “Think about your art beyond the constraints of its frames, and how the subjects might relate to each other,” Potts suggests. “You can [position] a figure in a painting [to] look toward a window, as one example. If you have art with similar shapes or colors, find a way to make them relate to each other, and be bold with placement.”