Blank walls can seem overwhelming – especially if they are painted white – but having an empty canvas that is open to wall decor ideas galore means that you can get really creative with art, paint and more to create a view you love.
From choosing art to suit your space to putting up the perfect gallery wall or opting for a painted display instead of any art at all, there is so much you can do to decorate.
1. Poster art
Kitchen by DeVOL
A planked shiplap wall (fake or not) is an everlasting love affair in the interior design world. Ideal to add more life to a white room with a modern finish, select a few canvas and poster prints also if you've an especially large amount of wall space to fill like in this open plan kitchen and enjoy the view.
2. Layer frames
You don't always need to hang pictures and artwork on the wall itself, sometimes leaning artwork against the blank wall space and overlapping frames can create the statement display you were hoping to achieve. Space created by Sara of @handsome.salt x photographer @jenny_siegwart.
3. Greenify
House plants jazz up most spaces and if you've a blank wall you can go to town with greenery. Hang them high, hang them low, install a grid to make your wall decor display even easier to create and edit as you/they grow.
4. Freestyle your wall decor
Dab hand at painting walls or not, recreate cool wall decor ideas by using a thick paint brush and fluid stokes for an artistic finish that will add personality to your space. Perfect for modern homes in need of warming up and to make a neutral space feel even more cozy.
When it comes to filling up your walls without prints, Arianna Cesa, Color Marketing & Development Specialist at Benjamin Moore says that 'Paint is one of the easier and more cost-effective ways to refresh any space, and blank walls offer a canvas of possibilities.
Using paint alone, there are many ways to decorate walls without framed artwork. We are seeing creative approaches to DIY designs and painting ideas – such as painted archways, stripes, and geometric patterns on the walls. You can go more subtle with a monochromatic color scheme for your design, using tints and shades with similar undertones. Or, use it as an opportunity to explore bright, saturated colors, like the ones found in the Benjamin Moore Color Preview Collection. Playing with different sheen levels is a great way to create visual interest in a room. Remember, the higher the gloss, the more light it will reflect in the space.'
5. The hat-trick
If you're one for a straw hat then not only will this wall display add charisma and uniqueness to a blank wall in a hallway or lounge space but, it will also be really functional too. Space created by interior designer Sara of @handsome.salt x photographer @jenny_siegwart.
- Edit: Hallway ideas.
6. Curated artwork collection
Michael Ayerst, Managing Director at Surface View on how to fill large free wall space in living rooms says 'You spend a lot of time in your living room; it’s the place to be with your family and friends and in many ways, it is where you should be at your happiest. This should be reflected in your living room décor – and especially on your walls!' Curate your art work as it suits you and your family. Even if it doesn't totally match your space, it will still add more character to your home.
7. Larger than life wall murals
@agi_at_59 brushes off blank bedroom space with a wallpaper mural. 'A large, blank wall space can appear neglected and perhaps even a little boring. But sometimes filling this space can feel quite daunting. We love nothing more than a magnificent wallpaper mural to fill up a blank space! If this isn’t right for your living room, then how about a beautiful wall hanging or large canvas? Just remember that art is a reflection of one’s personality and uniqueness, so always pick artwork that truly speaks to you.' Adds Ayerst.
- See more: Wallpaper ideas.
8. Floor to ceiling gallery walls
Annica Wallin, Executive Creative Director, Desenio says 'If you don’t have any furniture against the wall, you could go for one of the top trends right now - creating a floor-to-ceiling gallery wall. This is a great way to add a sense of height to your space. You could also choose one large framed print to make a striking statement. It all depends on your style and whether you like a clean, minimalistic look or something more personalised and expressive.'
9. One piece of art to frame the bed
In a cool minimal room you notice those finer details so don't go overboard with artwork. One contemporary piece center aligned with your bed frame will be enough to pull your design scheme together to break up any unwanted white wall space.
10. Make a statement in an entryway
Another great way to decorate your walls without artwork is by using mirrors. And, if you want a little added impact in your hallway, choose a statement piece like this ornate and grand design. 'Mirrors are a great way to create a sense of space and light, especially when used on walls that do not have prints on them. You could also experiment with framing family photos, collages, or even small mirrors to get a vintage or upcycle effect.' Adds Wallin.
11. Keep art in unexpected places
Bring artwork into your bathroom to complete the look, and to have something to stare at when you are in the tub... Choose wall art ideas that reflect the shapes and lines you have going on in the rest of your space and achieve a natural finish worthy of the gram as Katie Mack of @mycandycoloredhome does so well here.
12. Max out on a variety of artwork
Nod a little to maximalism like LeeAnn Cline who has cleverly picked out colors in the rest of her space within one wall's artwork to create cohesion in a busy interior design scheme. Juxtaposed against the adjacent wall that's more toned down with one master piece of art on a dark painted background leaves food for thought.
13. Draw the eye up with miniatures
A little blank space can still be effective if you want the color of your rooms to be the main event. If that is the case, use high rising wall trim as an opportunity to decorate. Add small photographs or any trinkets that will fit for a personalized view that isn't overly dramatic. Painted in Farrow & Ball.
14. Play with shape
Cloakrooms, box rooms, home offices and hallways are the places to introduce bold patterns and complex wallpaper designs that really make you smile. Choose a geometric print that calls on the shapes present on the wall for a touch of fun.
- Find more geometric wallpapers in our design guide.
15. Make sconces the feature
Mack again here uses brightly colored round sconce lights with exposed bulbs on the wall as a cute design feature. Helping the rest of the eclectic accessories and Berber-esque decor pop, it makes for a perfect contrast.
- Edit: More bedroom ideas please.
16. Use your mantlepiece space
Amanda Cotton of @houselust uses her mantlepiece shelf space to fill those blank gaps with more color. And, Clotilde Passalacqua, Interior designer manager at IKEA adds how 'Shelving units and standing cabinets are great alternatives to art and prints for filling large areas of wall space.' Find your shelf space and let the magic happen.
- Find more: Shelving ideas.
17. Use art on and off the walls
Combining cool wall painting techniques with hung artwork and decorative pieces makes for a maximalist display that is sure to make you smile. Consider even displaying eclectic finds on stools near the wall to add more vibrancy and personality to your creation as Mack has done here.
18. Embrace color blocking
Cute color combinations will help adorn a blank canvas quickly and efficiently. Choose one dominant color then add in a contrast, brining it onto the furniture for more impact. Look created using Annie Sloane paint.
19. Textile wall art ideas
From small macramé hanging planters to fabric canvas prints and more, adding different textures creates a soft finish on blank wall space and will make a living room feel even more personal to you – especially. if you've made any of the art yourself.
20. Framed arts and crafts
Picture frames, B&Q. Bonbon jars, Amazon
Framed doilies add character to free wall space above a painted mantlepiece in this award winning makeover. Making your blank space personal is what it's all about and the color co-ordination here with the mantlepiece creates a perfectly designed corner.
21. Color match one statement piece of art
If you love painted art try and select a piece where the dominating color transports you to the next room, and preferably to your favorite part of that space also. Note the teal from this abstract portrait nods to the colorful dining chairs in the next room. This level of attention to detail is what makes a home's interior design style stand out above the rest.
22. Mantlepiece wall space
With that wall space behind a mantelpiece, you can go to town with decor for even more cozy vibes. Get yourself to a local flea market and see what you can find, you'll often be able to pick up a bargain trinket, heirloom or two also to fill up that blank space.
23. Mix modern art with organic textures
You can go contemporary without being harsh. Choose soft colors and play about with different shapes when decorating your walls for a balanced finish that's not OTT.
What blank space?