A decorative exterior wall can turn a drab, generic space into a unique and charming focal point. Whether you're a minimalist, a maximalist, or something in between, outdoor wall decor is a fun and inexpensive way to add style to your home and garden.
From oversized clocks to DIY wall murals, there are endless ways to personalize and punch up even the most mundane exterior walls . After all, you wouldn't dare leave every room in your house empty. Why shouldn't your exterior walls get a little love, too?
If you're wondering what you should hang on the front of your home, an ordinary porch wall , an exterior brick wall, or any other undecorated wall space, read on! In this article, we reveal eight great outdoor wall decor ideas, ranging from easy-to-make DIY projects to unique, ready-to-hang pieces from our Precisionmetal store.
A large clock to decorate your exterior walls
One of the best ways to decorate an exterior wall is to place a clock on it. Whether you choose a pre-made clock or decide to build one yourself, you really can't go wrong with this functional and attractive piece of wall decor.
Most pre-made analog clocks run on batteries and are very easy to install. Just make sure they are able to withstand the weather before placing them outside. (You'll probably want to find a clock designed specifically for the outdoors).
Our big recommendation for outdoor clocks: Go big! Choose an oversized clock that makes a statement. From eclectic to traditional, there's something for every style of home.
Want to make your own clock ? There are many ways to make a DIY clock, often using materials you already have, which you can find at a craft store or rummaging through a good old dumpster. One of our favorite ideas is to paint the wood you use as the base for your clock. This way you can incorporate your favorite colors into the clock, adding a pop of color to an ordinary exterior wall.
A quick note: making a clock from scratch isn't the easiest of DIY activities, but this guide to making a clock can help. And remember that you don't have to do it all yourself. Feel free to buy a simple outdoor clock and add your own personal touches!
Decorate your facade with metal decoration
Metal wall decor is a popular choice because it's timeless, matches any style of home , and stands the test of time . While you can certainly create your own metal wall decor, you may need to take more than a few welding lessons to achieve this.
Luckily, the team at Precisionmetal has curated a charming collection of metal wall decorations to suit all styles and budgets. From our sun and moon wall hanging to our rustic owl wall hanging, you're sure to find a wall decor you love in our store.
An exterior green wall
A vertical garden is a great way to add color to your outdoor space , especially if you're in an urban environment or aren't surrounded by lawns and trees.
The best thing about an outdoor living wall is that even the most unskilled people can build one! In fact, a green wall is one of our favorite DIYs for beginners. Indeed, some vertical gardens require little more than fabric, a few cans, and a bag of potting soil.
In addition, vertical gardens are infinitely customizable: choose the color, style and atmosphere of your dreams, then get to work! Add herbs, flowers, succulents, orchids, perennials, whatever you want. And remember that you can always change your mind.
DIY fabric wall hanging
Another inexpensive and DIY way to decorate exterior walls: with a fabric wall hanging . Just choose an outdoor fabric in a pattern you like, grab some hooks and some string.
Although you can choose any fabric, we strongly recommend that you select one that is made for the outdoors . We love the iconic, oversized prints from the Wall Hanging brand , which bring pops of color to modern homes. For traditional homes, wallpaper-inspired fabrics can give outdoor spaces a cottage feel.
Even if you are using fabric that is designed to withstand some exposure to sunlight, we recommend placing these decorations on exterior walls that are not exposed to direct sunlight. Your wall decoration will last much longer this way.
house numbers
Why not spruce up the walls of your home by transforming boring old house numbers into something bigger, brighter and bolder? Our house numbers are an inexpensive yet highly effective way to enhance your home's curb appeal while making a big difference.
You can buy giant house numbers at the big box stores, find a local retailer, or have them custom made by an artist on Etsy. You'll also find tons of ideas on Pinterest. Or, take a walk around your neighborhood and look for real-life inspiration.
Paint your exterior facades
An exterior wall mural is another inexpensive and unique way to transform an ordinary exterior wall into a statement statement. The best part of it all is that there are no rules for painting an exterior wall. Here are some popular wall painting ideas :
- Use masking tape and brightly colored paint to create geometric shapes.
- Spray paint to create perfect mosaics and patterns, such as the Greek key.
- Mix multiple shades of the same color to create a trendy shadow wall.
- Paint simple stripes of white and another color (like sky blue or forest green).
Painting an exterior wall is a relatively low-risk and highly rewarding activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Your kids can help you choose colors, fill in paint areas, remove masking tape, and more.
When it comes to choosing exterior walls to decorate , anything goes. You can choose any exterior wall or fence that needs animating! When choosing the paint, opt for paints intended for outdoor use. (An exterior wall paint is a great way to use up all those random paint swatches you have in the garage).
Finally, be sure to use a sealer or topcoat to protect your artwork from the elements.
wooden wall decorations
Do you have spare wood lying around from your last little renovation project? Turn those leftover materials into a one-of-a-kind piece of wall decor!
By painting and waterproofing a simple piece of wood , you can create a unique and inexpensive outdoor wall decor for your home in minutes. Paint anything from an impressionist mural to a color-blocked Rothko knockoff. For a unique piece, paint an oversized piece of wood. For a more funky and eclectic look, try painting several small wooden squares and creating a show wall.
Pro Tip: Use acrylic paint for your outdoor masterpieces. It is durable, inexpensive and more weather resistant than other types of paint. Next, waterproof your outdoor wall decor with polyacrylic or water-based polyurethane.
How to hang an outdoor wall decoration?
Hanging wall decor is usually easy and efficient, especially if you buy ready-to-hang wall art.
To install wall decor, start by cleaning the area where you want to hang your artwork. Then, check out the specific instructions that come with your wall decor. If you are hanging DIY wall art , refer to the installation instructions that come with the item. Some considerations to take into account:
- Keep in mind how weather and wind conditions can affect your wall art when looking for the right place to install it.
- If you are hanging DIY wall decorations, make sure you have properly waterproofed your sign or decoration.
- Use sturdy nails and screws whenever possible.
- Regularly inspect the installation.