What if I say no one actually knows what wall decor really is? Even then, people often stress about it a lot. I myself spend a lot of time worrying about wall decor. It’s the eighth wonder of the world, I would say. Impossible to figure out.
Have you ever been through one of those mind boggling sessions wondering:
What do I do with that giant wall?
What shapes are good?
Why does this wall look so stupid?
Well, you are not alone!
Why does wall decor matter?
In the end, it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. But I do spend a lot of time thinking about it, and it’s one of the most common design conundrums I hear people write about.
So today we’re going to talk about it. I think we’re going to get some real good ideas to help you problem-solve what might be off with a wall you’re trying to fill. We’ll look at different ways to think about wall decor hacks (since wall decor gets so expensive), and in the second half I’ll share some really cool, easy DIY ideas I do all the time.
Later, we’ll go thrifting for some low-budget wall decor hacks to get unique wall art. And we’ll do a little craft together: turning a frame like this… into this. It’s so easy. I only do crafts that are idiot-proof, and this one is. I am so excited.
Why Wall Decor Is Such a Stumper
Wall decor has been a puzzling question for centuries. So much so that people are just hanging these macrame things on their walls.
Hot take: I hate this. I don’t hate you, but I hate the macramé wall hanging. Let’s take it down.
But the spirit behind macramé isn’t bad — it’s about getting beyond picture frames.
One of the biggest things people overlook is dimensionality. If it’s just frame after frame, the room falls flat. Add something sculptural, something 3D. I’ve hung a decorative wooden duster on my wall just because it adds depth. You don’t need “wall decor” items specifically.
Adding Depth and Variation
Shelves as Sculpture
Shelves are another great way to bring depth variation. Don’t settle for a basic shelf — one beautiful sculptural shelf can be a piece of art in itself.
Tapestries and Rugs
If you love your macramé, here’s an alternative: tapestries or handwoven rugs. These can be true works of art and also solve the problem of flat planes.
Breaking the “Same Height” Rule
So much art is hung at the same height. People say “art should be 5.5 feet from the floor” — but you don’t know how tall I am. My guests are all at different heights.
Hanging everything at one height feels flat. Instead:
· Use long pieces to break it up.
· Frame wallpaper for a budget-friendly big art piece.
· Hang art unexpectedly low (so low it makes people mad).
There are no rules. Break the subconscious rules you’ve been following.
Texture on the Walls Themselves
Sometimes the problem isn’t the decor — it’s the wall.
Adding texture can do 90% of the work:
· Grass cloth wallpaper
· Peel-and-stick beadboard
· Picture frame molding
In bedrooms, try a painted picture rail: paint beneath it, add a little frame above, and you’re 80% done.
The Importance of Negative Space
Where are you giving the eye a break?
If there’s too much clutter, nothing has an impact. Negative space becomes the macro frame for your art — the pause that makes the piece stand out.
What To Do With a Giant Empty Wall
The giant wall is one of the biggest stumpers. Options:
· One giant artwork (expensive, but dramatic).
· DIY your own large piece.
· Create sets or trios (diptychs, triptychs) from wallpaper or prints.
· Break the wall into sections using furniture, molding, or paint.
Breaking it up makes it manageable.
Gallery Walls
Gallery walls are a trend — but trends evolve.
Traditional Way
Lining everything up at right angles.
Alternative Way
Designer Rita Konig calls it “cutting off the highways” — interrupting the spaces between frames so they don’t create perfect grids. This feels eclectic, less manicured, and more fun.
Tips:
· Keep spacing moderately even, even if irregular.
· Don’t overthink it — hang by eye, not just by measuring tape.
· Avoid spacing pieces too far apart; keep the energy tight.
Mixing It Up
Too many frames? Add:
· A mirror
· A weird color frame (doesn’t have to match)
· Organic freeform shapes (like ribbon art, plants, or collected natural items)
Plants on the wall = instant dimensionality.
Budget-Friendly Wall Decor Ideas
Postcards
Museums and travel gift shops have gorgeous postcards. A $5 postcard in a thrifted frame = instant affordable art.
Pressed Flowers
Press flowers in a book, forget about them, come back later, and frame them. They smell weird, but they look beautiful. Collect plants on trips for personal souvenirs.
Custom Wallpaper Frames
This is my favorite craft. Take a thrifted frame, cover it in wallpaper with Mod Podge, and create a custom art piece. It’s easy, satisfying, and affordable.
DIY Craft: Wallpaper Frame
Supplies
· Thrifted frame
· Wallpaper or wrapping paper
· Mod Podge
· X-Acto knife
Steps
1. Disassemble the frame.
2. Cover frame with wallpaper using Mod Podge.
3. Pull tight, smooth wrinkles.
4. Trim corners with knife.
5. Fold and seal edges with more Mod Podge.
6. Optional: wallpaper the mat.
7. Reassemble with art or a postcard.
Result: a completely custom frame that looks designer.
Thrifting Adventures
Thrift stores are gold mines for frames — I scored 16 frames for a dollar each.
Paper Source (or stationery stores) sell single sheets of beautiful wrapping paper perfect for this project.
Mix frames, mix papers, mix art. The contrast of classical and modern pops makes it interesting.
TL;DR – The Most Important Rule
The most important thing you can do: figure out the subconscious rules you’re following, and break them.
Are you avoiding hanging art near the floor?
Are you stuck matching colors too tightly?
Are you afraid of making holes?
Cohesive is nice, but too matchy-matchy falls flat. The surprises bring life to your space.
It’s your home. It should excite you. Don’t stress out. Put holes in that wall. No one’s going to die. Experiment, try things, and be okay with changing them later.
Conclusion
Wall decoration isn’t just the last touch; it’s a silent storyteller, a reflection of personality, and a way to turn bare walls into pieces of art. Wall decor can make a lasting impact, just like the great wonders of the globe. This can be done with strong statement pieces, subtle textures, or carefully curated gallery walls.
You can transform your home into something more beautiful and welcoming by treating your walls like a painting. The best thing about wall art is that it doesn’t have to follow precise guidelines; it can follow your ideas. So, go ahead and play around with layers, colors, frames, and textures. Let your walls show off the “eighth wonder” of your home.
I hope this was helpful. Send it to someone struggling with wall decor. And remember: it’s supposed to be fun.
