I need to get this off my chest: I have, historically, never really known how to decorate those big, blank walls that lurk around the corner in every home. As a design writer and former interior decorator, I feel like I should have had the answers for this long ago. What do you want from me, Wall?! How am I to adorn you?
A few weeks ago I moved into a new home and I decided that enough was enough. I needed to have some go-to tips and tricks in my arsenal for this exact, life-threatening dilemma. I took to the internet to discover some savvy solutions and today, I share the wealth. Ahead, find six ways to decorate that massive, blank wall in your home, whether you’ve got lots of cash to throw at the situation or approximately none. (I’ll let you guess which camp I’m in.)
1. Display a cohesive photo series
Source: Alaina Kaz
This solution is ideal when you have a collection of travel or family photos you’d like to display, but don’t want your home looking like the inside of a ’90s scrapbook. To keep the look feeling sleek and cohesive, opt to print all of the photos in black and white and display in a grid-like form with matching frames.
2. Bring in wallpaper
Source: Chasing Paper
If you have a significant budget but little to no time, this decorating option is ideal—you won’t need to spend tons of time collecting items, sourcing frames or making sure it all fits together. Simply choose a pattern that strikes your fancy, call a magician from Task Rabbit to install, and kick those feet up while you enjoy the view!
3. Embrace the blank space
Source: The Merry Thought
If you have neither time nor heavy cash flow (it me), I’d suggest taking up minimalism and embracing the blank wall. Negative space is actually a key feature in design, and feels simple and intentional when mixed with pared down furnishings and minimal colors and patterns.
4. Make a statement with a gallery wall
Source: Crystalin Da Silva
Some people say that the gallery wall is “out,” but those people are terribly, terribly wrong. In my humble opinion, the key to making a gallery display feel timeless is to truly embrace the scale of the wall: take the artwork from floor to ceiling rather than filling out just one small section, and don’t be afraid to mix mediums.
5. Display a prized collection
Source: Jenny Komenda
Use a blank wall as a place to put your special finds or interests on display. Hang your instruments, show off a collection of mirrors you’ve found while antiquing, or finally display those vintage maps you’ve been hoarding over the years. If you’ve got something quirky in your life that you love, go ahead and let your freak flag fly.
6. Add storage with shelving
Source: Anastasia Casey
Ah, the magical moment when form meets function. A long line of wall shelves give ample space to add interest with leaning art, vintage finds, and sculptural pieces, while also giving plenty of extra room to store boxes and bowls that neatly corral odds and ends.
