How to Decorate a Large Wall
Embrace the creative freedom of a blank wall.
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We know how hard it can be to find inspiration when staring at a completely blank wall. Before you begin looking for the perfect wall decor, it is helpful to look at examples to get you inspired. Check out our examples below to learn how to decorate a large wall.
1. Showcase a Single Piece
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While this choice may feel obvious at first glance, opting to decorate a large blank wall with just one piece of artwork allows it to shine and embrace the negative space. Choose anything from artwork to photography to a tapestry. Maximize the impact of your piece in the space by anchoring your artwork to a central spot on the wall – hang it above a sofa, between two accent pieces, or at the halfway mark of the wall – and then hang it at eye level.
Tip!
Don’t look for height symmetry (equal space above and below) when hanging frames. Instead, hang frames at eye level to naturally and effortlessly draw attention. For more advice, check out our guide How to Hang a Picture Perfectly.
2. Pair Up Your Pieces
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Doubling up on frames is a great way to introduce structure and visual interest when decorating a large blank wall. Multi-piece artwork and photographs can be spun one of two ways: as one piece that bleeds across two frames (a diptych) or two related pieces paired together. You can use more than two frames as well – many diptychs occur across five frames.
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An easy way to fill a blank wall is to display a collection of items – try a group of gold-colored ornaments, matching art pieces, or family photos. Display these items in an open bookshelf or cube storage, where they can be seen easily. Add small details like a matching set of books for an effortlessly coordinated look.
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Take your gallery wall up a notch by filling your entire wall with statement pieces. This striking look is sure to impress guests and is a great way to display your eye for art and design. Take stock of the pieces you want to include and map out in advance where each picture will go. Don’t be afraid to mix shapes, sizes, and frames – variety looks great on a gallery wall.
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An easy way to fill a blank space is with shelving. Beyond occupying the empty wall, your shelving will provide additional storage space as well. You can use this space to keep books and other essentials easily accessible from your sofa, or to display items that accentuate the decor in your room. You can also use a unique wall shelf as an accent piece in a gallery wall. Depending on the look you want, choose standing shelves for solo pieces that will take up the most space, or find smaller wall-mounted or floating shelves that can be interspersed with wall art.
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If you’re looking for a creative twist, look for decals or statement wallpaper to fill your blank wall. You can find decals large enough to occupy most of your wall or a smaller piece to sit above your couch. Decals use wall-friendly adhesive that won’t ruin your paint, making them a low-commitment, fun decor option. You can also use wallpaper to make a statement with a vibrant pattern or wall mural. Try to pick colors that are complementary to your sofa and other decor in the room. If you don’t want to fill the entire wall space, try introducing a wallpaper border by the ceiling for a touch of fun.
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Another creative way to fill your blank wall is to invest in greenery. You can find wall-hanging planters or wall-mounted pots so you can place your plants at different levels on the wall. When choosing the placement of your plants, create visual balance by setting some on the floor and some on tables, and mounting others directly to the wall. If you don’t have a green thumb, try out faux plants for low-maintenance decor.
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Hanging mirrors is an easy and tasteful way to fill a bare wall. You can mix mirrors with wall art or let one large mirror shine by itself. Match your mirror’s frame to the style of your space – a plain black or white frame works for a modern room, while a faded wooden frame fits nicely in a rustic or coastal room.
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Metal wall accents add texture and dimension to any space. These accents function perfectly as a centerpiece on a completely blank wall or above furniture like your sofa or fireplace. Try mixing metal wall pieces with wooden wall decor for a rustic effect. Alternatively, pair an abstract metal sculpture with a sleek sofa for a modern effect.
