Ideas for that blank wall in your home

What to do with a blank wall in any room

Blank walls can feel like one of the most daunting decorating tasks, but a little inspiration can go a long way. From DIY crafts to inexpensive decor ideas, we’ll show you how to transform bare walls into beautiful works of art.

In the entryway

Make this smaller space seem larger with the help of a decorative wall mirror. The reflection not only brightens the room but also creates an inviting feel for house guests. Save money by sprucing up a vintage, multi-pane mirror salvaged from a local flea market. The project will make you feel accomplished and likely inspire your next renovation project.

In the family room

Share your favorite family memories with a photo wall collage. Make the collection as simple or intricate as you’d like by finding a set of frames that complements the room’s existing decor and matching each frame to an accompanying photograph. First, hang the top row of frames, making sure to mix up the sizes and space them no more than four inches apart. Next, hang the bottom row in a similar fashion, saving the middle photos for last.

In the kitchen

Don’t be afraid to bring touches of art into one of the most functional rooms in the house. Get creative by showcasing vintage recipe cards, delectable food images from art books, or even your favorite cookbook cover. Inexpensive clip-frames make the process easy to re-imagine and repeat, as new art inspires your foodie soul.

In the dining room

Design your own mini museum by displaying your favorite collectibles, whether they’re thimbles or plates. Hang two identical shadow boxes parallel to one another, and fill them with a series of themed trinkets or contrast the two boxes. This exhibit will instantly revive a would-be bland dining room.

In the office

Refresh your study with a splash of color thanks to a roll of leftover, or inexpensive wallpaper. Bright, graphic prints transformed into panels of framed wall art help spotlight the room’s accent color. If the wall is painted, match the frame color to the crown molding to give the art an extra pop.

In the kid’s room

Unleash the power of your children’s imagination and hang a collection of their personal creations on an empty bedroom wall. Group together several paintings and drawings to form a tasteful representation of their artistic talents. Encourage them to continue creating new pieces to keep the decor fresh.

In the bathroom

Make the most private room in your home more inviting with a series of handsome artwork displayed in a row of uniform frames. The set will not only add a simple touch of color to a blank wall, but also make the space appear longer and larger. Remember to use moisture-proof framing materials to protect the art from mold and mildew.

In the master bedroom

Transform the wall behind your bed into a breathtaking art gallery with an over-sized print scaled to fit the wall’s dimensions. Keep the surrounding decor and frame simple, letting the artwork take center stage. If you want to create a cozy atmosphere, look for an image of a natural setting, or opt for a more modern feel with a fashion-inspired photograph.

In the playroom

Make your casual space even more fun with a triad of graphic art panels. A traditional triptych can be an expensive investment, but you can save money by downloading free artwork from the web and framing the extra-large prints yourself.

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.