Empty walls in a new home may seem intimidating, but in reality, they are an opportunity for design. If you consider each empty wall as a canvas on which to express your style, suddenly every room opens up to a world of possibilities. If you're leaning towards the maximalist side, you can find inspiration in fully clad walls that are brimming with personality. Minimalists , on the other hand, often opt for smaller rooms or neutral color palettes that make the space feel clean and fresh. Whatever your personal preferences, there is a type of decoration for everyone , from designer wallpaper to large works of art, mirrors, woven hangings, display walls and more.
Read on for inspiration and wall decor tips from the best, with designer ideas for every taste.
Reflect in large mirrors
As an alternative to paintings, consider hanging a large mirror to create an interesting look that can completely change the look of a room. A single mirror can do wonders when it comes to expanding a small space, while several smaller pieces arranged together can create an eye-catching effect. In this living room, an oversized round mirror framed in black complements the dark tones of the space to balance out the bright colors .
Paint the wall
For something that will really command a room, opt for a patterned wall mural . Although this room is large in size, the soft pink patterns in muted tones do not overpower the rest of the bedroom. The mix of neutral and very warm tones throughout the space makes the mural the focal point , while many different textures create a minimalist vibe.
Go bold with great artwork
Large pieces of art are the classic design trick for livening up bare spaces, and this piece is no exception. With its neutral colors, the board contrasts with the dark, bold hues of the cabinet and brightens up the space. Paired with a natural wood bench and patterned curtains, the oversized artwork warms up a cool-toned design while adding a special accent to the corner of the room.
Keep the minimum
Hanging a unique piece of art is a surefire way to make a statement (and a lasting impression on guests). For example, a minimal abstract painting in simplistic shades of white, black, and gray complements this gray dining room, matching the mood of the decor . Small black accents in the room tie the space together, such as a patterned vase, a metal hanging lamp, a wall sconce, and a dark door frame.
Paper your space
To decorate an entire wall, there are a variety of easy-to-use wallpaper options that even new DIY fans can adopt. Go for a peel and stick option for rental spaces that are easy to remove, or go bold in your home with permanent designs meant to last for years. In this bedroom, the wallpaper is the star of the show, but a matching accent table lamp and brightly patterned bedding carry the patterns throughout the room. Choose your bedroom design with inspiration from our bedroom wall decor ideas . The color, the atmosphere, and the decorative objects to choose from are listed there.
Shine with neon lights
For a bright touch , customize a neon wall sign or find a vintage piece that reflects your style . This piece is minimal while creating maximum visual effect, with soft blue hues that shine along the wall. Paired with a darker blue sofa, this piece showcases a range of hues with complementary colors in its decor. A polished glass table mirrors the neon tones, adding a dynamic visual element that mirrors the focal point above.
Macrame is bohemian
For a softer look, this macrame wall hanging gives the warm look of a handmade piece. Fringe and woven materials can fit into any bohemian space, but can also contrast with more traditional design styles. In this hallway, the simple macrame pattern is woven in a neutral color that blends into the walls of the room behind it, and a trio of monochrome hats on wall hooks add a minimalist touch with a pop of color, and for more for minimalist inspiration, discover our article listing the best ideas for minimalist wall decorations , simplicity will invite itself into your interior.
Stay monochromatic
To keep it looking sleek, consider a wall with two contrasting colors . The black shiplap installed along the fireplace wall adds a lot of texture, only supplanted by a two-tone style paint. Warmer colors throughout the room keep the space from looking too modern, while accents along the shelves add depth to the accent wall.
For a modern look, paint your fireplace trim the same color as the walls around it to harmonize the space while emphasizing the texture.
Hang a woven rug
Let the eclectic personality in you get creative by hanging a unique piece of wall decor. This piece of wall art wasn't meant to be displayed on the wall, but the creative use of a woven rug hanging above the plush bed brings warmth to a minimalist bedroom with all-white walls. Unconventional objects can stand out when displayed on the wall, even if that is not their primary purpose, with a little confidence and a taste for DIY.
Install original shelves
One of the best ways to liven up a simple space is to install boldly colored shelves inside an empty wall. In this living room, wooden ceiling beams on a black backdrop create a striped effect, while a modern pendant light draws attention to the center of the room. Dark wall shelves add depth and vibrancy with lots of color in their decor, paired with black chairs and colorful throw pillows to extend the vibrancy throughout the space.
Frame a photo gallery
If a single piece of art isn't your thing, why not try the eternal exhibition wall ? It's a great way to display a unique collection of artwork (and an excuse to scale up your artistic finds). Choose different-sized pieces with different frames and colors to evoke an upbeat vibe, or hang neutral-colored artwork in similar frames to keep the space feeling natural.
Choose unique pieces
If your tastes are far from traditional, turn to this multi-faceted mirror with a glamorous flair. Place it on the wall in a location that allows natural light to bounce off its many angles, making the room appear larger as well as brightening the space . Pair framed mirrors with other design elements in similar colors, like this gold-plated mirror placed next to a set of textured gold shelves.
Show Lighting
The top wall of a fireplace is usually set in scene with large artwork or mirrors, but we love this designer's approach. While the possibilities are endless when it comes to installing lights directly on your walls , sticking with the traditional style adds a classic element with a modern twist. These sconces are matched with a minimalist black picture frame and a black tiled fireplace to bring the accent color to the wall.
Build a green wall
Plant lovers , rejoice: there is a way to display your beautiful plants without taking up all the space in your home. Get creative by creating a wall of plants, either in a large planter like this, or by placing plants along shelves . Another simple plant wall trick is to arrange plant hangers at different heights along the same wall, the more the merrier.
Lay tiles
While tile is usually reserved for flooring, kitchens and bathrooms, this designer has gone a step further by extending the pattern to the dining room. If your walls are particularly bare, a simple patterned tile can add texture to the space while maintaining a clean look. Plus, in a dining room where lots of different dishes end up on the side counter, who could resist this easy cleaning solution?
Stick to the shapes
Basic shapes can create an interesting visual element when paired with patterns. This side-by-side artwork duo uses perhaps the simplest shape of all, the circle, in a repeating pattern of varying colors. Decorating the room around the framed artwork brings out its main colors, with warm hues and neutral tones extending the softness of the wall artwork while adding a pop of color.
Hang a curtain on the wall
Curtain walls are becoming an increasingly popular design trend, and for good reason. This simple yet chic style adds texture to an entire wall (or room, in this case) while keeping installation simple. These white curtains are paired with light pinks throughout the space for a warm and inviting touch, and the complementary blue hues add dimension without overwhelming the room .
Add some color
Who can resist a colorful abstract painting ? Not us, and especially not in this room. Paired with a bright blue armchair and minimal bold accents, this painting quickly becomes the focal point of anyone who enters. Framed on a white shiplap wall, this nook has plenty of texture while veering away from maximalism with an abundance of neutral tones .
Display your favorite finds
If you have a collection of your favorite design finds, place a few complementary pieces on a bare wall to make it a centerpiece. This piece stays natural with woven textures and soft colors, creating the perfect backdrop for these decorative hanging pieces . Designed with white curtains and a storage basket, this corner is as welcoming as it is warm and we could curl up there with a good book all afternoon.
Integrate texture
If you're looking to make the most of your wall space, consider adding all-over texture : Like in this living room brimming with personality and minimalism at the same time. If you want to redecorate your living room, look at our 45 living room decoration ideas , you will be able to give a new atmosphere to your room with just a few decorative objects. Asphalt shingles add a simple pattern to the walls , while warmer accents emerge from the contrasting rustic wood shelves. Warm hardwood floors and simple decor bring lots of personality to the space, while a simple two-tone chalkboard brings a splash of color to the neutral backdrop.