Consider these simple decorative touches to make your house feel like a home

There are a few different ways to look at a blank wall. It could be a source of dread—or an empty canvas, beckoning for expressive wall decor ideas. While most people will agree that a room needs furniture and nearly everyone wants those furnishings to be comfortable, it's much harder to figure out what to do with empty walls, which is why some homeowners and renters choose to ignore them all together. Whichever perspective you have, never fear; it's not exactly easy to fill a blank wall with design ideas, but it's not impossible. All you need is a little direction.

"People often think of art as an afterthought or as something that has to perfectly coordinate with the design of a room, and that's a trap that should be rigorously avoided," says architect Nicholas Potts. "At its best, art adds depth to a space by allowing for personality quirks and idiosyncrasies to shine through. It shows that a home wasn't ordered straight out of a catalog." Read on for 39 different wall decor ideas to turn this sometimes daunting design task into a positive experience.

Go for large-scale art

An oversized painting or photograph will command attention and set the tone in a small space. Try a black-and-white photo in a minimalist bedroom or add color with a vibrant abstract piece, as pictured above in Taylor Rooks's Manhattan apartment. (Check out our guide on where to buy art online to source striking and affordable pieces.)

Curate a gallery wall

This trend has been going strong for years, and for good reason: It's a great way to showcase your interests, display souvenirs, and give a room some color. But Potts says that there's a trick to a successful gallery wall, and it comes down to planning. "Make sure there is enough hierarchy in color or size where a viewer's eyes can clearly understand what should be highlighted versus what's filler," he says.

Install moldings

If you have a bright sofa, patterned rug, or intricate lighting, perhaps the best plan of action is to install molding on a wall. "Moldings, instead of things, can be just as effective at demarcating space and allow the eye to breathe," Potts says. Plus, if you're into Parisian style, this is an easy way to incorporate that effortlessly sophisticated look into your home, and art is optional.

Hang the opposite of your architecture

A home's balance is often achieved through the details, and one way to make sure that you've followed through on this is by juxtaposing opposite aesthetics with your wall decor. Potts likes to do this through art, either by hanging contemporary pieces in picture frames to contrast with a more traditional home, or by installing more classic works within a newer setting. "Old masters can look amazing in modern spaces," he says.

Be strategic about accent walls

Accent walls can be a great way to add visual interest to your room, but to prevent the feature from looking dated or out of place, there are a few wall decor ideas you can use to blend them in. Designer Dabito of Old Brand New says that if you want to bring attention to one wall in a room, here's how to make it happen: "If you're going to paint an accent wall, complement it with decor like art or a screen divider to ensure that it integrates seamlessly without standing out like a sore thumb," he says.

Mix it up with mirrors

Because mirrors reflect light, they make a small area feel bigger and brighter—while also acting as a statement piece. Hanging a large mirror proportional to the surrounding furniture, like above a console or bookcase, is usually the best bet. But you could make a gallery wall out of mirrors too. Just make sure they all share a component to make everything cohesive.

Install built-in bookshelves

Let's say you have a lone fireplace in the center of a long wall. Consider yourself lucky, because this is the ideal opportunity to install built-in bookcases on either side. "These custom features add drama, architectural details, and a bespoke feel," Dabito says. You can either hack IKEA cabinets to fit, or hire a local carpenter to make it happen without breaking a sweat.

Put up plates

Why hide your fine china or vintage dinnerware in a cabinet when you can show it off? Use wire plate hangers to display your favorite dishes and serving platters, especially if they share a color scheme. It'll be fun to turn something you love into a focal point, without worrying about hand-washing later.

Install sculptural wall sconces

Sconces add an extra source of light without taking up space on the floor or a side table. Choose an eye-catching design that doubles as a wall sculpture, particularly on a large wall, and it'll add visual interest in the living room day and night. "A sconce in a glass or metal material goes such a long way against a matte-painted wall," says designer Jen Levy of Surrounded by Color.

Play with plants

Plants don't just have to sit on the windowsill. Make use of hanging or wall-mounted planters to add a bit of greenery and texture to your walls. You can stick to succulents for their low-maintenance nature, or try a plant that's with vines that'll crawl down the wall and add even more life to the room. Those of us not blessed with green thumbs can consider opting for a high-quality faux plant.

Trailing varieties like pothos, string of pearls, and English ivy create dramatic cascading effects that soften harsh architectural lines. These plants naturally adapt to wall-mounted growing conditions while providing visual movement through their flowing forms.

Air plants offer low-maintenance solutions for people with busy lifestyles or challenging growing conditions. Mounted on wooden boards, displayed in geometric holders, or incorporated into vertical garden systems, these sculptural plants require minimal care while providing organic textural interest.

For frequent travelers or those dealing with less-than-ideal growing conditions, high-quality artificial plants have become remarkably realistic. The key to successful artificial plant displays lies in choosing options with natural color variations and realistic imperfections rather than obviously perfect specimens that immediately reveal their synthetic nature.

Consider your space's specific conditions when selecting plants. Bathrooms with good humidity levels might support ferns and tropical varieties that would struggle in drier environments. Sunny kitchen windows could accommodate herb gardens that provide both visual appeal and fresh ingredients for cooking.

11. Pick out an oversized wall calendar

A large calendar works especially well on an office or kitchen wall, since you can keep track of your events while also adding a standout element to enliven your room. As far as choosing a color palette goes, you could either coordinate with the existing paint so that your to-dos blend in, or you could go for a bold shade so that your plans are never forgotten.

Add lime wash

The whimsical and earthy quality of lime wash is a compelling decorative feature in and of itself, particularly if you're aiming for a minimalist yet cozy ambiance. "Lime wash is here to stay," Levy says. "It adds so much warmth, texture, and color to any space. This is always a splurge that pays off." One further suggestion? Add lime wash to the ceiling, and you'll be totally enveloped in color.

Put up a giant whiteboard or chalkboard

If you have a standalone office, or you want to make the most of a wall in a playroom, consider installing a whiteboard or chalkboard for daily doodles, thoughts, and brainstorms. If you're feeling committed to the look, you can take it to the next level and paint an entire accent wall with WriteWallPaint, which creates a writable surface.

Add panoramic wallpaper

Sure, installing wallpaper is a tall order. And asking for that wallpaper to align perfectly so that it creates a scene is even more of a challenge. But when you pull it off, it'll be worth it—whether that's in a small entryway alcove, a dining room, or a playroom. "It can create a moment of escapism," Potts says. "One of my favorite tricks is to use a panoramic wallpaper in a tiny space, creating an immersive and transporting moment."

Get some grasscloth

Another way to add texture to living room walls without creating an overwhelming effect is to go with grasscloth. "Install it in a rich, bold color to add depth," Dabito says. "I love using natural materials because they make a room feel warmer and more tactile, adding a sense of coziness and inviting touch."

Grasscloth wallcoverings introduce organic textures and visual interest without overwhelming patterns or colors. These natural materials add warmth and sophistication while creating subtle surface variations that catch light beautifully throughout the day.

Available in numerous colors and weaves, grasscloth can complement various design styles from tropical modern to sophisticated traditional. The key is choosing colors and textures that enhance rather than compete with existing elements in your room.

Installation requires patience and skill, as natural materials can be less forgiving than synthetic alternatives. However, the resulting warmth and character typically justify the extra effort and expense involved in proper installation.

Work in some wood panelling

While Fixer Upper and farmhouse style frenzy have made white shiplap synonymous with on-trend upgrades for quite a while, there's another way to make this look work that feels less modern farmhouse and more Sea Ranch: wood wall paneling. Natural finishes instantly make a room feel lived-in and can complement most any art.

Consider cork boards

If you want an unexpected material to fill a wall space, Potts says that you should consider cork. "I have a project underway in the Rockefeller Apartments in New York with an entrance gallery fully lined in 12x24 inch cork tiles," he says. "It adds a layer of softness and even changes the acoustic experience of the space."

Put rugs on the walls

A good rug can tie together the look of a whole room. And while they're great on the floor, they can also do double duty as boho wall decor. Two-by-three-foot picks stand out when hanging above a fireplace, but you could go bigger to cover a larger footprint above a console as well. If you're not into buying a rug just to put it on a bare wall, you could also attempt the same looks with scarves as the wall covering—the chunkier, the better.

Set up open shelving

Mount long floating shelves on sturdy brackets in an unusual spot, like the back wall of a living room or beside a kitchen breakfast nook, to slide in some storage while adding visual interest to your walls. It can be an ever-evolving area of your favorite home decor depending on how you style the shelves, from books to trinkets. You can paint the shelves or leave them as is. "Our favorites are from Shelfology, but we've been known to use Closetmaid shelving brackets from Home Depot too," Levy says. "They both give a really cool, utilitarian look."

Display your instruments

Another great option if you're short on square footage and want to display your interests: mount your instruments, especially on white walls. This solution gives you decorative power and convenient storage all in one, like in this guitarist's apartment by Project AZ.

Display your clothes

While this might not be everyone's idea of the most sophisticated wall decor, those of us who have a lot of clothes may find it to be the most worthwhile. Put your favorite pieces on display with a mounted clothing rod. The black clothing rod in this Falken Reynolds-designed home accentuates the room's enviable ceiling height, but even more importantly, it makes it easier to get dressed in the morning.

Pin up some photographs

Do you want to have an ever-changing reminder of your nearest and dearest? On a small wall, like in a hallway or a guest bedroom, use a clothesline and pins to put up Polaroids as a tribute to loved ones and good times. Three rows of clothesline in equal measure will make the portrait display look intentional, and you can add or subtract images over time. As a bonus, it might be something guests would love to contribute to.

Break placement conventions

You don't always have to center art on a wall. In fact, having some fun with the placement can make for more interesting results. "Think about your art beyond the constraints of its frames, and how the subjects might relate to each other," Potts suggests. "You can [position] a figure in a painting [to] look toward a window, as one example. If you have art with similar shapes or colors, find a way to make them relate to each other, and be bold with placement."

Create a reading nook

Transform an unused corner into a cozy reading spot by adding built-in seating with storage underneath and surrounding walls with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. This creates an intimate space within a larger room while maximizing storage potential.

Install floating corner shelves

Corner spaces often go unused, but floating corner shelves can turn these dead zones into functional display areas. They work particularly well for plants, books, or collections while adding visual interest to otherwise boring corners.

Use vintage windows as art

Old window frames with their original glass intact make fascinating wall decor, especially when backlit or used to frame mirrors. They add architectural character and create the illusion of additional windows in windowless spaces.

Install picture ledges

Picture ledges allow for easy swapping of artwork without putting new holes in walls. Layer frames of different sizes for a collected, gallery-like appearance that can evolve with your tastes and seasons.

Add woven baskets

Flat-backed baskets mounted on walls provide texture and storage while adding organic shapes to break up straight lines. They work especially well in bathrooms, bedrooms, and mudrooms.

Create a statement with oversized clocks

Large wall clocks serve both decorative and functional purposes. Choose designs that complement your style—industrial metal for modern spaces, ornate vintage for traditional rooms.

Install wall-mounted planters

Vertical gardens or living walls create dramatic green statements while improving air quality. Start small with a few mounted planters and expand as you gain confidence with plant care.

Display collections in shadow boxes

Shadow boxes allow you to display three-dimensional collections—seashells, vintage buttons, or small artifacts—while protecting them from dust and damage.

Use removable wall decals

For renters or commitment-phobes, high-quality wall decals offer temporary solutions that can create major impact without permanent changes. Modern designs go far beyond children's stickers.

Install crown molding shelves

Crown molding can be adapted to create narrow shelves perfect for displaying small objects, books, or plants around the perimeter of a room near the ceiling.

Create textural interest with fabric panels

Fabric panels stretched over frames add color, pattern, and sound absorption. They're easily changeable and work well in bedrooms, offices, or anywhere you want to soften hard surfaces.

Mount vintage signs

Authentic vintage signs or high-quality reproductions add character and conversation starters. Choose pieces that reflect your interests or the room's purpose.

Install geometric wall shelving

Modern geometric shelving systems create sculptural interest while providing display space. Hexagonal, triangular, or other angular shapes add contemporary flair.

Use lighting as art

LED strips, neon signs, or artistic light fixtures can serve as both illumination and decoration. Consider uplighting behind furniture or accent lighting that creates dramatic shadows.

Create a gallery of memories

Dedicate a wall to rotating displays of tickets, programs, postcards, and other memorabilia from experiences and travels. Use a large frame with a corkboard or wire grid insert for easy updates.

Experiment with mixed media displays

Combine different types of wall decor in unexpected ways. Mix framed artwork with floating shelves, small mirrors, and plants to create dynamic, layered compositions that tell a more complete story about your personal style and interests.

The most beautiful rooms aren't necessarily the ones with the most expensive art or the most perfect coordination. They're the ones that tell stories about the people who live there. Your walls should reflect your personality, your interests, your travels, and your relationships.

Don't let the fear of making mistakes keep you from trying something new. Most wall decor can be changed, moved, or updated as your tastes evolve. The perfect room isn't one that's finished—it's one that grows and changes with you.

Start with what you love, not what you think you should love. That concert poster from your favorite band might not seem "sophisticated" enough for your living room, but if it makes you smile every time you see it, it deserves a place on your wall. You can always frame it nicely to dress it up.

Remember that your home should make you happy. If a bare wall doesn't bother you, that's perfectly fine too. But if you've been staring at blank spaces wondering what to do with them, hopefully these ideas give you somewhere to start. The most important thing is creating a space that feels like you.