Do you have a daunting large blank wall in your home that feels empty and uninspiring? Whether you prefer using free, readily available items or investing in larger decorative pieces, you can transform that vast expanse into a captivating focal point.
Of course, applying the right strategies to mix and match your decorative items with other elements harmoniously is key. This article covers everything you need to know, from preparation to execution, to decorate your large blank wall effectively.
Discover practical tips and creative ideas to breathe life into your space and make your wall a standout feature in your home.
1. Real branch to bring outdoors in
This is the most economical way to decorate a large blank wall while adding a natural aesthetic of distinct characteristics. No two branches are exactly alike, so you will have a branch with special knots, curves, and bark patterns.
However, whether you choose to use a branch in its natural color or apply a protective finish, make sure that its color complements other decorative elements. For example, a dark - colored branch can accentuate neutral tones of the wall and complement dark-colored picture frames well.
2. Map of the world to offer geographical knowledge
This wall art is so great because it is decorative, educational, and informative. Specifically, a world map can offer geographical knowledge and spark curiosity about various countries, continents, and landmarks.
If you're interested in implementing this idea, consider using a frameless map with a modern and minimalist appearance, which complements modern and minimalist interior styles perfectly.
Without the distraction of a traditional frame, a large frameless map can visually open up the space and create the illusion of a larger room. Therefore, I highly recommend this idea for a small room with a low ceiling.
3. Hat collection to add a personal touch
Utilizing your large blank wall to display your hat collection can not only decorate your space but also save storage space for your hats.
However, remember to select hats in a specific color tone for your collection to create a cohesive and harmonious look for your wall display. This uniformity can make the collection appear more intentional and organized, enhancing the overall visual impact.
4. Accordion Wall Hooks to customize your large blank wall
Accordion wall hooks themselves are already beautiful and functional. They are not merely decorative but can transform a large blank wall into a designated area for hanging items, promoting organization and reducing clutter.
Depending on your preferences, you can customize the appearance or arrangement of accordion wall hooks to suit what you want to hang. Instead of only using them for personal items like bags, coats, and hats, adding a bunch of dried flowers can further enhance the aesthetic by softening the appearance of the hooks.
5. Paint a two-tone wall to break up monotony
Is your large blank single-color wall too plain and stark? Incorporating two different tones or colors on this wall can effectively break up its monotony, adding visual interest and depth to the room.
You don’t necessarily need to opt for vibrant colors; even a combination of basic tones like white and gray can create a compelling focal point that draws attention and enhances the overall ambiance.
6. Let plants bring nature indoors
Plants bring the beauty of nature indoors, transforming your dull blank wall into a visually appealing and lively space.
You can cultivate various indoor plants, but using identical planters that blend into the background helps shift the focus onto the plants themselves. This allows the beauty and diversity of the plants to stand out against a consistent backdrop.
7. Macrame to soften your space
Is your room filled with numerous wooden elements and furniture? This can sometimes feel lacking in softness if not balanced appropriately. To counterbalance the hard lines and surfaces, consider incorporating the soft, flowing nature of macramé. Adding macramé decorations or wall hangings can soften the overall look of the room, creating a more inviting and cozy atmosphere.
8. Dreamcatcher as a wall statement
Dreamcatchers are intricately designed and often adorned with feathers, beads, and other decorative elements, which can contribute to softening your room. To make them stand out more prominently, consider selecting a dreamcatcher with a contrasting color compared to the wall it's displayed on.
9. Install wood slats to improve soundproofing
If you're dealing with two problems—a large blank wall and poor sound insulation—consider this idea. Wood can effectively absorb and dampen noise within a room. Therefore, constructing a vertical wood wall is particularly advantageous in large spaces and rooms with high ceilings where echoes might be an issue.
Despite this benefit, vertical wood walls can absorb light, potentially making the space appear darker. To counteract this effect, incorporating glass windows can help maximize natural light, brightening up the room and balancing the visual weight of the wood.
10. Paneled wall to make a statement
Paneling the wall is how I transformed my large, monotonous blank wall, which became overwhelming after painting it black. Paneled walls break up the scale of the wall, providing a sense of proportion and balance to the room.
11. Blanket ladder to make use of vertical space
If your room is small but has a high ceiling, a blanket ladder can help you utilize vertical space effectively. This piece is both decorative and functional, allowing you to take advantage of its features.
Place the ladder against a tall blank wall and decorate it with colorful and beautiful blankets that contrast with the white tones of the wall and ladder. This setup not only adds visual interest but also maximizes the use of space in your room.
12. Faux brick wall to improve insulation and soundproofing
Faux brick panels are more than just a decorative item for your large blank wall; they also offer insulation and soundproofing benefits, helping to regulate room temperature and reduce noise transmission. This is particularly beneficial for improving comfort and privacy in your bedroom.
However, when choosing faux brick panels, it's important to consider harmony. For instance, a black faux brick wall can create a striking contrast against smoother surfaces like painted white walls and sleek furniture, adding visual interest and depth to the room.
13. Horizontal shiplap to add dimension
This idea is good for lovers of farmhouse design. The horizontal lines of shiplap boards draw the eye across the wall, adding dimension to the room. If you're considering colors, using black horizontal shiplap on a large blank wall within a predominantly light-colored room can create a striking and sophisticated contrast.
14. Vertical shiplap to elongate the wall
Vertical shiplap can visually elongate the wall and draw the eye upward, creating an illusion of increased ceiling height. This effect can make a room feel more spacious and open, particularly in spaces with lower ceilings.
To enhance this effect further, consider incorporating horizontal elements. Combining the vertical lines of the shiplap with horizontal floating shelves can add visual interest, creating a balanced and harmonious composition on the wall.
15. Ceiling-height shelves with rolling ladder
This concept makes efficient use of vertical wall space by utilizing ceiling-height shelves, providing ample storage from floor to ceiling. This is especially advantageous in rooms with limited floor space and a large blank wall. However, implementing this idea necessitates the addition of a rolling ladder to access items positioned at higher levels effectively.
16. Tapestry to install and remove easily
Source: urbanoutfitters.com
This idea is good for “lazy girls” who love easy installation and removal. Hanging a tapestry is relatively easy compared to other types of wall decor, such as painting or wallpapering. Tapestries can be easily hung using curtain rods, decorative hooks, or tension rods, and they can be removed or replaced without causing damage to the wall.
However, ensure that your choice complements other decorative elements in the room. For example, a floral tapestry pairs well with a blanket featuring similar tones and patterns. Adding a few branches of flowers nearby can enhance the overall aesthetic.
17. Built-in bookshelves to fit the dimensions of your wall
Built-in bookshelves are custom-designed to fit the dimensions of your wall, maximizing the use of available space. They can cover the entire wall from floor to ceiling, providing ample storage and display areas for books, decorative items, and personal belongings.
However, the key of this idea is to allow some space between items to prevent the shelves from feeling overcrowded. Incorporate empty spaces to give the eyes a place to rest and appreciate the display.
18. Mirrors to brighten the room
A substantial-sized mirror can add both decoration and functionality to your space. In the picture, its unique metallic frame enhances your decor style, while its large reflective surface bounces off natural and artificial light sources to enhance brightness, making the space feel larger and more open.
Ensure that the size of the mirror does not overwhelm your space by considering the height, width, and overall scale of the wall. Choose a mirror size that is proportionate to the wall and room size. Additionally, select a mirror that complements the existing decor style of the room. For example, a metallic frame with intricate details on the mirror complements other orange and brown items in the room.
19. Temporary wallpaper to remove without damaging the surface
I love temporary wallpaper because it is inexpensive and removable without damaging the surface underneath. It's particularly useful for covering imperfections like those on my large blank wall. However, it's important to note that temporary wallpaper may not adhere well to textured or uneven surfaces.
When selecting temporary wallpaper, be sure to choose a design that complements the other decorative elements in the room. For example, wallpaper featuring prints of tropical leaves would pair nicely with existing soft white walls, green furnishings, plants, and a tree picture.
20. Stencil to fully control the design
This is a budget-friendly alternative to wallpaper or wall decals. Unlike wallpaper, which comes in pre-set patterns and sizes, stenciling gives you full control over the design and placement of elements on the wall. You can adjust the spacing, orientation, and density of the stencil to suit your preferences and the dimensions of the wall.
Consider combining hanging plants with a branch stencil because the soft and flowing forms of hanging plants soften the geometric or structured lines of a branch stencil. This juxtaposition of organic and geometric shapes creates a balanced and visually appealing composition on the wall.
21. Arched Floor Lamp to highlight items on the wall
When turned off, the graceful curve of the lamp's arc draws the eye upward, making the wall appear more dynamic. However, everything is not simple like that. Strategically placing an arched floor lamp in front of a plain wall art can illuminate it when turned on. This draws attention to its details, colors, and textures to showcase the artwork as a focal point in the room and enhance its visual appeal.
22. Sparse shelving to showcase items on it
Your large blank wall provides a spacious area to implement this idea. Sparse shelving allows you to showcase a few select items as focal points. By keeping the shelves sparsely populated, each displayed item receives attention and stands out against the blank wall, creating visual impact.
Sparse shelving on a large blank wall can sometimes feel harsh or angular. Adding cascading foliage of vining plants softens its hard lines and edges, incorporating a soft and organic element that balances the overall look of the space.
23. Large wall art for living room to serve as a focal point
A large wall art piece can serve as a focal point in the room, drawing attention and anchoring the space visually.
While a large wall generally benefits from a sizable piece of art to create a balanced and proportional look, it should not be too small that it gets lost on the wall or too large that it overwhelms the space.
24. The rule of three to attract the eye
In the world of interior design, the rule of threes suggests that groups of three (or other odd numbers) are more attractive to the eye than even numbers. You can embrace this concept in your living room by hanging a set of three framed artworks.
However, consider color harmony. Matching the sofa's color to elements within the artwork can create a sense of harmony and unity in the room. For example, if your large art features details of orange, choosing a sofa with a similar orange hue can tie the space together visually.
25. Grid layout of gallery wall to fill the blank space
If you can’t find a suitable large art or a set of 3 pieces for the size of your blank wall, consider a gallery wall. To avoid a mismatched, cluttered look, make sure each piece has something in common, white and black tones, thin black frames, and black-and-white photos, for example.
Decorating a large blank wall involves more than just focusing on decorative items. It's important to choose the right size artwork or decor that complements the scale of the wall without getting lost or overwhelming the space. Additionally, ensure that the colors of the chosen decor harmonize well with the tones of other elements in the room.
