Are blank walls leaving you feeling a little bit ‘blah’? Just because you don’t have a beautiful piece of art to hang doesn’t mean your walls need to be empty of interest. In fact, bare walls are the perfect blank canvas for you to tell a story, express your individuality and even buy yourself some extra storage.
If you’ve been putting off decorating your blank walls because you don’t know what to use or where to start, we’ve got some inspiration for you. Even renters can get in on the action with innovative adhesive hanging options on the market now, so you don’t need to bash any holes in the walls.
Spruce up your walls with these great ideas.
Gallery wall
Curate a gallery wall that spans the whole space. Collect all your favourite photos, prints, pages from magazines, postcards, etc. and mount in them an eclectic mix of frames. Then, arrange them on a single wall to create a gallery in your own home. You can keep adding to your collection until you run out of space… or maybe start utilising the ceiling?
The statement piece
Who needs a whole gallery wall when you can have one big, bold, beautiful work of art? Colourful abstract pieces work particularly well in otherwise lifeless spaces, or a large canvas print of your favourite photo can tell a more personal story.
Hang a rug (or other textiles)
Rugs needn’t only live on the floor. They are very effective for dressing large blank walls when hung like a tapestry. Macramé is another hot trend right now. This craft effortlessly adds texture and handmade charm to a space. Alternatively, you can also hang a woven throw or other decorative fabric. Problem solved.
Hang one or more mirrors
Mirrors are ideal for small spaces. A mirror can make a real difference to a bare wall, adding a sense of space and drawing in the light. Keep an eye out for vintage mirrors at second-hand shops to add a nice shape to your wall.
Wallpaper scenery
Why limit yourself to individual pieces when you can use the whole wall to create a beautiful mural? Whimsical wallpaper murals can bring a room to life. Choose from anything from seascapes and horizons to oversized prints of native or tropical flora to abstract patterns and textures. Some companies even offer landlord-friendly removable options.
Funky shelving
Nothing beats beautiful things that have a practical purpose. Use the vertical space to add funky, modular or floating shelving and fill it with books, plants and objects that express who you are.
Potted wall plants
Wall-mounted planters are a great way to liven up a room and enjoy all the benefits of indoor plants. Go crazy with plants of different textures, colours and growth habits to create a truly unique piece of living wall art.
Corkboard collage
Use cork tiles to create a corkboard wall which you can then decorate with anything that inspires you. The beauty of a corkboard is you can easily add, remove or change what’s on there. You can change it with the seasons or whatever other theme that takes your fancy.
Map it out
A map will fill a blank wall with colour and character in no time. Vintage maps are always a winner. Or, if you are a keen traveler, why not mark where you’ve been or where you’d like to go one day to create an easy conversation starter?
A gallery of odds and sods
Your gallery wall doesn’t have to consist of paintings, prints and photos. Instead, you can hang all sorts of curiosities on your wall. Think hats, placemats, plates, mirrors, fabrics, baskets, bags, jewellery, and even spoons!