Making your walls look interesting can greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room. Plain, blank walls can feel boring and lifeless. With some creativity and effort, you can transform your walls into an accent feature that complements your home’s style.
Use paint techniques
Painting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make walls look more interesting. Instead of just using a single, flat color, consider trying out some paint techniques:
- Ombre or gradient walls: Paint the wall lighter at the top and gradually blend into a darker shade at the bottom.
- Two-tone walls: Paint the bottom half of the wall one color and the top half another color.
- Geometric shapes: Use painters tape to create triangles, diamonds, or other shapes on the walls.
- Stripes: Paint horizontal, vertical, or diagonal stripes in alternating colors.
- Stencils: Cut out shapes from cardboard to use as stencils and paint over them.
- Sponge painting: Dab on multiple colors with a sponge to create a mottled texture.
- Color blocking: Paint blocks of different colors for a bold, graphic look.
Experiment with accent walls in bold colors or metallic paints for maximum visual impact. Use high quality primer and paint in a matte, eggshell, or satin finish for best results.
Wallpaper and removable wallpaper
Wallpaper is great for adding instant pattern and texture to walls. Today’s peel-and-stick removable wallpapers make it easy to transform your space without the mess and commitment of traditional wallpaper. Consider these wallpaper ideas:
- Floral: Vintage inspired floral prints look romantic and charming.
- Geometric: Graphic black and white patterns have a modern, edgy vibe.
- Nature: Scenes with trees, leaves or animals bring serene natural elements indoors.
- Brick or wood: Faux brick or reclaimed wood add rustic texture.
- Grasscloth: Natural woven textures provide an earthy, organic feel.
Removable wallpaper allows you to easily refresh a room when you want a change. It also lets you get creative with accent walls without a long term commitment.
Display artwork
Artwork is an essential way to decorate walls and express your personal style. Display a gallery wall with a collection of framed art prints, paintings, photographs, or other items like wall shelves or sconces. Here are gallery wall ideas:
- Theme: Coordinate by color scheme, style, subject matter or time period.
- Arrangement: Hang pieces in symmetrical or asymmetrical formations.
- Scale: Incorporate differently sized pieces for interest.
- Frames: Unify with matching frames or mix and match.
When selecting artwork, choose pieces that reflect your tastes. Black and white photography, modern abstract art, classic landscape paintings, Minimalist prints, and more can all look great depending on your decor. Frames should complement the art style.
Mirrors
Mirrors effectively double the sense of space and reflect light to make any room feel brighter. Here are creative ways to use mirrors:
- Grouped gallery wall: Arrange multiple frames and mirrors together for impact.
- Backsplash: Use a mosaic mirror tile backsplash to amplify light in the kitchen.
- Lean against wall: Prop a full length mirror against the wall for a lightweight look.
- Over mantle: Mirror above a fireplace mantel reflects light and enhances the focal point.
- Faux window: Lean an ornate, framed mirror on the wall to create the look of a window.
Avoid placing too many mirrors opposite one another, as this can create dizzying reflections. Consider using antiqued mirrors or ones with unique shapes or frames to complement your decor.
Shelving
Wall shelving provides both form and function. Open shelving is great for displaying collections in an organized way. Try these shelving ideas:
- Floating shelves: Stagger floating shelves at different heights for a contemporary look.
- Ladder shelf: A leaning ladder shelf makes an unexpected bookcase.
- Picture ledges: Line up multiple photo ledges to create a unique photo wall.
- Wall mounted cabinets: Cabinets with glass doors keep items tidy but visible.
- Spice racks: Mount rows of spice racks or tiny shelves in the kitchen.
Make sure shelves are properly anchored to studs in the wall. Style shelves with books, plants, photos, art, collectibles or colorful containers. Shelving turns a blank space into a practical display area.
Textiles
Consider using textiles like wallpaper, fabric, macrame and tapestries to make unique statements on your walls:
- Fabric wall hanging: Flowing fabric hung on the wall creates softness.
- Tapestries: Vintage Persian rugs or embroidered tapestries add global flair.
- Macrame wall hangings: Intricate woven wall hangings have a bohemian vibe.
- Removable wallpaper mural: Nature scenes, maps or abstract prints cover large areas.
- Patterned shower curtains: Use water-resistant shower curtains as cost effective wallpaper.
When properly secured, textiles can make inexpensive but dramatic alternatives to traditional wall art. Layer different materials for visual interest and texture.
3D Wall Panels
Three dimensional wall panels add architectural details for texture and depth. Popular options include:
- Wood planks: Reclaimed wood planks create rustic character.
- 3D geometric tiles: Multidimensional triangle, diamond and hexagon relief tiles.
- Upholstered panels: Cushioned fabric panels absorb sound and soften hard surfaces.
- Faux brick or stone: Realistic recycled brick or stone veneer panels.
- Metal tiles: Perforated or embossed metallic tiles add an industrial edge.
Install 3D wall panels using construction adhesive. They are often used to accent a single wall or small area. Paint other walls a coordinating color to allow the 3D panels to stand out.
Wall Decals
Removable wall decals provide an easy upgrade. These vinyl graphics stick to walls and peel off easily. Wall decal ideas include:
- Trees or floral silhouettes
- Geometric shapes or lines
- Nature scenes with animals or landscapes
- Maps with states or world locations
- Cities skylines
- Inspirational quotes
Wall decals look best when kept simple and sparse. Too many decals can make a space feel busy or juvenile. Use large scale decals to decorate a blank accent wall. For kids’ rooms, use removable decals to refresh decor easily.
DIY Accent Walls
For budget friendly ways to decorate walls, consider these DIY ideas:
- Photo display: Use clothespins to hang up a rotating display of photos, postcards or artwork.
- Painted patterns: Use painter’s tape and paint to create chevrons, argyle or other patterns.
- String art: Hammer nails into the wall and weave colored string between them to form geometric designs.
- Shadow boxes: Frame collections of 3D objects like shells, flowers or colorful glass.
- Map wall: Cover a wall with pages from an atlas or world map pages.
DIY projects allow you to customize your space affordably. Change up the look frequently by switching out what you display in your handmade wall installations.
Focal Point Wall
When decorating a room, create a focal point or accent wall to add interest. This is the wall you see upon entering, so make it eye catching. Focal wall ideas:
- Paint the wall in a bold, saturated color.
- Use a large-scale wall mural orREMOVABLE wallpaper as artwork.
- Flank the wall with sconces, wall shelves or pendant lights.
- Mount a TV or fireplace in the center of the wall.
- Display a collection of framed photos, artwork or mirrors.
Keep furnishings in front of the focal wall simple and neutral. The accent wall should be the star—provide the perfect backdrop without competing decor.
Conclusion
Walls make up a significant amount of visual space in any room. Take advantage of their blank canvas to get creative! With techniques like two tone paint, wallpaper, shelving, textiles and 3D panels, you can easily transform the look of a room. Incorporating artwork, mirrors and your own DIY designs allows you to highlight your personal style. Experiment with bold color choices and innovative options to take your walls from boring to beautiful.
