Do you want to make your walls look better without spending too much? Have you wondered about ways to give your space a personal feel without a major financial effort? If that’s your situation, then you’ve found the right place. In this piece, I will guide you through unique ideas for DIY wall art that join decor, design and furniture to make any interior attractive and stylish. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, these projects will empower you to personalize your walls like never before.
You will find sections below featuring projects made from canvas, macramé and geometric tape, so you can pick the ones that best suit your talent and taste. All our interior designs are made to seem trendy and appropriate for modern homes. It’s time to start and turn those empty walls into something special.
Painted Canvas Art For Beginners
Painted canvas is a great place to start for anyone new to creating DIY wall art. Most of the time, I begin with rooms that are not strongly colored and feature lots of natural light which highlights my paintings well. White walls, wooden floors and little furniture in your Scandinavian space make the perfect frame for your painting. With wall coverings, you can highlight the artwork and still make sure the room does not feel cluttered.
For me, the best way to create interest is to use canvases that are all different sizes. Acrylic paint is affordable while masking tape and sponges serve many useful ends. When placed above a slim sideboard or behind a couch, painted canvases draw all the attention. Be sure to use soft fabrics or rugs in the room to help the colors blend.
A long time ago, I tried my hand at some abstract botanicals in light green and blue. Not just did it help me, but the finished piece created a calming ambience in my reading area. If you follow Emily Henderson’s tips, small canvas pieces in the coziest corners can help you draw attention without making the area seem distracting.
Adding slim picture lights or a simple shelf under the canvas provides a perfect spot to show off small candles or collectibles. It would finish the design without adding clutter to the space.
DIY Abstract Wall Art With Acrylics
If I wish to add flair to a space, creating abstract acrylic wall art always seems like a good idea. I often say it’s best to do this in a loft or a modern living room with exposed beams or concrete walls. A good contrast exists between the uncertain movement of abstract painting and the fixed order of architecture.
For me, going with black, white and gold or even basic primary colors, is the best choice for maximum impact. An abstract canvas takes center stage when you display it above or next to a large, modern leather couch or by a large window. Pick a thick area rug and a couple of simple metal tables to make the design solid.
I have found that using paint in layers and adding texture with a palette knife adds something extra that makes the art stand out. Designer Justina Blakeney says adding bright and colorful pieces to a more neutral space helps create a harmonious look.
I additional suggest putting this piece in a gallery wall or putting a thin bench below to make the display less monotonous.
Textured Wall Art Using Plaster Or Joint Compound
Textured wall art has become a favorite in modern interior design, especially when you’re looking to add a tactile element to your space. You should choose this if your room has a muted and elegant design such as boho-chic or Japandi, with lots of soft and layered materials. Gray or white plaster looks great next to beige walls, linen curtains and furniture with light oak finishes.
You can produce abstract textures, waves or organic shapes by applying premixed joint compound to canvas or board. I put them up most often above beds, credenzas or above your entrance if you want to add a little something special to that space. Include some matte ceramic vases and gentle lighting to finish your space.
I used this method to add calm, wave-shaped panels to a friend’s bedroom. It helped to relax the space without making it too heavy. Many HGTV experts believe that textured paintings or sculptures help to soften corners of a minimal living space.
You could put light wood floating frames around your work or place a spot light to create soft shadows that highlight the plaster’s design. They can create a big effect with only a bit of work.
Geometric Tape Art For A Modern Touch
My go-to quick and effective DIY wall art project is geometric tape art. It suits modern or mid-century rooms perfectly by providing visual rhythm. If you imagine a place with gray or white walls, walnut furniture and a dash of brass—tape art gives the space both order and interest.
You can create a pattern on a canvas using painter’s tape or tape right to your walls with paint. Commonly used patterns in these rooms are hexagons, chevrons and asymmetrical lines. You can use modular shelving or smooth console tables together with this design to show off the structure of your room.
I once designed a gold and navy geometric piece for a small office which made the room feel livelier and all tied together. According to Apartment Therapy’s experts, using matte tape art can reduce glare and help your art fit a high-end style.
If you use LED backlighting under the glass or set it against an angular mirror, it would add interest to how reflection is shown in the space.
Framed Fabric Panels As Statement Pieces
If you want some toasty vibes but don’t want to spend a lot, making your own wall art from fabric panels works well. They suit almost any interior, including eclectic, transitional or those inspired by farmhouses. Suppose you have rich-colored fabrics, rich-textured and upholstered furniture and deep-toned walls painted in taupe.
I find it interesting to use bright ikat, floral or tribal designs placed on wooden frames. With these panels arranged in rows or columns, they put in a little-extra-something and do not look overpowering in the space. Combine the color with cushions or curtains to make everything look together.
My friend’s dining room looked perfect when I used what was left of a curtain as a triptych without spending anything. Better Homes & Gardens urges you to update your draperies with new fabric panels each season.
Support the different textures by adding a shelf under the panels, either for potted plants or woven baskets. Thanks to a balance between contrast and similarity, the artwork matches up with its surroundings.
Handmade Macramé Wall Hangings
Macramé is a favorite among DIY wall art lovers these days because it is both soft and drenched in bohemian style. I most often apply it in sunrooms as well as bedrooms with a light color scheme, rattan fixtures and lots of natural sunlight. A piece of woven fabric makes any empty wall more engaging.
I suggest using cotton rope or yarn to design something that looks the same on both sides or falls down freely. You can install them above your bed, above benches or in the center of an entryway for best effect. Having macramé decor with real plants or earthen ceramics will match a natural decor theme.
A large, cream-colored macramé hangs in my hallway and I remember making it. It made the room inviting and most people who came commented on how nice it was. Domino designers recommend adding macramé to your home while maintaining neat lines and neutral colors so it doesn’t stand out too much.
Give this idea a softer and more functional look by putting soft wall lights or a wooden bench under the hanging seat.
Pressed Flower Frames For A Natural Vibe
If you enjoy natural objects in your home, pressed flowers are a charming way to hang art on your walls. This color works nicely in rustic, vintage or cottagecore homes. Soothing shades of white or green on the walls give the room the perfect accent, matched with recycled wood furniture and pretty floral materials.
Set pressed petals, herbs or leaves within glass frames or shadow boxes, either in neat order or however you choose. They seem dainty but have a lot of detail when installed around bookshelves, bathrooms or kitchens. Place them close to botanical prints or hanging planters to bring extra pop to your room.
A client of mine once made a display of pressed wildflowers which brought more life to their kitchen and led to many discussions. To give your florals a touched-up look, Martha Stewart Living recommends using handwritten labels or calligraphy with your pressed flowers.
A good addition to your look is having floating shelves close by to hold small pots or dried herbs and it won’t make the area feel crowded.
Watercolor Quote Art For Personalized Decor
I think that nothing is more touching than personal DIY wall art and watercolor quote art is right at the top of the list. My instinct is to add them to quiet, personal rooms such as home offices or bedrooms, as by doing this, they connect us more deeply to the room. Can you imagine a light, comfortable room with white decorated walls and pastel furnishings—exactly where watercolors would brighten the scene?
When using these papers, I use an A3 or A4 size and finish it with either a thin metallic or wooden frame. You can select an ombré pattern for your background and print or handwrite the main text using beautiful lettering. I tend to place these on top of desks or beds, along with some soft lighting and comfortable soft materials to enhance the message’s warmth.
Several years ago, I originated a soft blue and lavender canvas, added a Maya Angelou quote and framed it as artwork over my work desk. It keeps reminding me every day to keep going. Architectural Digest believes that choosing personal wall art is not only good for your home’s decor, but also improves your connection to that space.
To boost this style, you could put a pinboard or shelf with prints or items such as scented candles and some journals. By doing this, you are adding to your theme and creating something that is helpful.
Rustic Wooden Wall Signs With Stencils
In farmhouse or cabin-style rooms, making wall signs with simple stencils is a very popular DIY project. I apply them a lot in the entryway, kitchen and in the bathroom. Such shabby console tables sit nicely alongside old-fashioned, rustic beams, open shelves and furniture that features iron or brass.
Most of the time, I opt for old wood planks, lightly smoothed to achieve an old-fashioned look. You can put words on your stencil like “Gather” or “Welcome” and even use inspirational quotes, often in black or white chalk paint. I choose to hang them about the console table and rustic bench, adding some memorable country touches to the pieces.
I have found that by adding wreaths or lanterns to signs, you can make the area more rustic in look. Joanna Gaines, who works with Magnolia, often includes these items in her projects because she thinks they are both attractive and can be changed to suit anyone’s taste.
You can complete this look by hanging your sign alongside a wall with old keys, iron hooks or botanical sketches. They give the play unity and make it clearer.
DIY String Art Projects For Visual Texture
If you want wall art that is both visually interesting and easy to touch, string art is a great solution. If you want a sense of fun and depth, it works perfectly in game areas, bedrooms for kids or in modern living spaces. A black wall or a paneled background looks great with modern or Scandinavian pieces of furniture.
I work with wooden boards, some small nails and either embroidery floss or twine to make hearts, stars and outlines of any state. After mounting them, people start to talk about them right away. Adding minimalist bookshelves, poufs or beanbags to the space will help the area look calm and organized.
Making a geometric string art thing in teal and white helped transform a boring corner of a teen’s room. Designers at House Beautiful note that string art can be a fun choice for anyone who rents or wants decor they can remove.
You might also add some color with LED lights or include metallic details in rooms with indirect lighting.
Upcycled Book Page Wall Collage
If books and vintage style are your thing, making a book page collage will give you some of the most unique walls art you’ve ever seen. I use it in reading nooks, libraries or studies because the textures and appearance play a big part. The style goes well with dark wood furniture, long wall bookshelves and light fixtures.
It works well to tear or cut book pages from unwanted books and thrift stores and place them on canvas or the wall, one over the other. Coffee stains or burnt marks give a piece a charming appearance. Whether you leave your collage’s edges exposed or frame it, it will fit with the rest of your room.
I’ve done a Shakespeare-themed version for a friend’s den using pages from “Hamlet” and hand-inked annotations. As a result, both literature and art were involved. Elle Decor advises decorating your space by putting textual wall art next to velvet and dark paint for a cozy, library feel.
Making this collage more like a museum display by gluing old photographs, clock parts or stamps between its pages is a great idea.
Paint-Chip Mosaic Art On Canvas
You can decorate your walls beautifully and sustainably with paint-chip mosaic art for less money, there’s no need to spend much. Most of the time, I advise getting this for playrooms, craft areas or unconventional family rooms where people are welcome to use bright colors. If you have a neutral room and easy-to-use furniture, the mosaic will stand out without competing.
I cut small pieces of paint chips into shapes and stick them onto canvas, creating either gradients of colors or pixel effects. Cloud shapes are often used, but rainbows and scenes of mountains or cities are perfect as well. An unusual artwork like this placed above a couch or shelf will bring life to its surroundings. Finish the look by adding beanbags, woven baskets or colorful clocks.
Back then, I used leftover paint samples from a hardware store to create a bright rainbow mosaic for my niece’s bedroom. Foam board is better than canvas for decorating with lightweight pieces in children’s bedrooms, according to Real Simple.
You could then enhance the project by covering it with Mod Podge or clear acrylic sealant. It gives your nails shine and helps prevent peeling.
Stencil Wall Art With Spray Paint
If you want your design to pop out but stay under control, stenciling with spray paint is an excellent way to create DIY wall art. Using this technique suits urban lofts and teen bedrooms that like bold or edgy designs. A solid matte paint on a bare wall is the right match and sleek modern furniture completes the design.
Generally, I attach a reusable plastic stencil on the wall or canvas and apply spray paint in thin coats to make sure the paint doesn’t seep underneath. Popular stencils show mandalas, designs from nature or geometric patterns. You end up with an organized design that looks eye-catching.
I decided to make a large black mandala stencil for the wall above my metal desk; I have a patterned area rug placed under my desk. Artists in Dwell magazine frequently suggest using stencils to get the look of custom art at an affordable price.
For an even better result, set up some sconces or pendant lights close by. The stenciled design will also look good when made into a photo with strong shadows and highlights.
Minimalist Line Drawings For A Chic Look
If you opt for simple and chic, then minimalist line drawings are a pleasant choice for your DIY projects. If your style is modern, Scandinavian or Parisian, I recommend including these rugs in your home. Black and white drawings look right at home with furniture that isn’t anchored and with rugs made of linen or jute.
Fill a sheet of white paper with black ink or marker while making one continuous photo, plant or abstract figure. Framing them in black or brass makes them elegantly impressive pieces of art. I generally like to display two or three together in the space above or beside a sofa or console.
I have drawn some line art for home staging and realtors frequently note how they offer extra style yet don’t stand out. According to The Spruce, the contrast of minimalist art lets the structure and design of a room shine.
This will work even better if you install narrow picture lights and place the artwork in neutral shadow boxes with dried grass or small ceramics.
Washi Tape Patterns For Temporary Decor
I personally think that using washi tape is an easy way to try out any kind of DIY wall art project. You can remove washi tape without leaving a trace which explains why it’s a top choice for renters and anyone upgrading their decor. Adding this kind of wall art is perfect for small apartments, offices or your kids’ rooms, since it can easily be swapped in case you get bored with it.
To give new life to a mid-century sofa, I recently added gold and pastel washi tape to form geometrical patterns above the couch. I wanted the black flowers to contrast with a white backdrop. Beside the bed were a narrow console table, a potted fiddle leaf fig tree and a light beige rug. Using softly toned colors made the washi design stand out, while still keeping everything unified and relaxed.
In my opinion, washi tape goes perfectly with designs marking special dates or current seasons. I’ve offered this advice to clients interested in setting up photo corners or date strips for their family pictures. Architectural Digest recommends adding LED lights to washi tape as a nice way to give rooms both drama and extra dimen
For a different take, you could put tape in patterns around the edge of your door frames or on your bookshelves. It links the long and short design lines in the room which makes the space appear less crowded.
3D Paper Wall Sculptures
To bring plenty of style and texture to a room, I love using 3D paper wall sculptures. These packages work well and add class which you can achieve with just cardstock and foam tape. If you’re going for budget-friendly DIY wall art with a little luxury, this is your best option. They tend to really stand out in a modern bedroom, next to reading material or in hallway areas.
I created a 3D floral sculpture from white matte paper last fall for a bedroom inspired by Scandinavia. The wall was gray, so the pink paper petals created new contrast and added some texture. All of the residential furniture I used was finished with walnut, including a platform bed, nightstands that float off the floor and a pair of linen pendant lights.
I really enjoy how easy it is to tailor paper wall art to your liking. Some of my clients have transformed it into butterflies for kid’s rooms and modern geometric shapes for lofts. In a recent issue, Real Simple selected 3D paper sculptures as a great way to get elegant decor without breaking the bank.
When the room is bigger, you can build the sculpture over multiple corners or have it ascend around framed mirrors. This brings some life to the space above the elements and makes the page interesting to look at.
Nature-Inspired Leaf And Branch Prints
Leaf and branch patterns often appear in my own, earthy inspired DIY wall art pieces. A combination of sea colors and Scandinavian design looks great with natural materials and gentle neutral shades.
For one of the revamps I enjoyed most, I made a gallery wall with leaves stamped black on white canvas. Wooden farmhouse chairs, rattan seats and a jute rug decorated the room. The prints matched the material in the furniture and helped to connect all the elements in the room.
I’ve used it throughout my design work, especially for those who wanted their home to feel peaceful. Elle Decor notes that decorating with art from nature can relieve stress and improve your well-being, just as I’ve witnessed many times.
If you’re doing this at home, don’t be afraid to combine real twigs in shadow boxes or experiment with metallic paints for a modern edge. It’s a simple and creative method to bring the outside into your home.
Tissue Paper Art With a Stained Glass Effect
I really like how well this idea shines and it looks great in playrooms, sunrooms or homes inspired by boho design. If you apply tissue paper and Mod Podge to a window, the sunlight will create gorgeous bursts of color around the room.
I once helped a client revamp her studio apartment’s entryway using this method on glass window panes. We took strips of beautiful tissue paper and arranged them in sectioned, organized patches. A nearby white bench with drawers and an umbrella stand, plus a group of large mirrors, helped to brighten the rather boring passageway.
I learned about colorful privacy panels from DIY Network and making them yourself has worked out well in crowded areas. I find it especially appealing to put this technique on glass doors of cabinets or upper windows, to add just a little color without making the style uncomfortable.
One more option is to use clear contact paper over your stencil so that it’s easy to remove once you’ve finished. It offers a nice boost in the types of projects you can make.
Shadow Box Art With Meaningful Keepsakes
Shadow boxes help you display your memories in a custom way right on your walls. I think they’re perfect for family rooms, home libraries or hallways that rely on storytelling for their design. It’s more than just making a house look good; it shows how we feel.
I made a shadow box for my home office featuring my grandfather’s pocket watch, some favorite recipe cards and a bouquet flower that dried. The colorful wall shines against the matte white box and its frame. I fitted it above the walnut desk I had and bookshelves lined either end of it.
Travel keepsakes, belongings of their children and items connected to sports are just a few of the surprising ways I’ve seen clients use them. Better Homes & Gardens suggests that by varying the textures and elevations in a box, the whole arrangement appears more attractive and each object is more noticeable.
You can use museum LEDs or small soft lights to gently brighten your shadow box. It creates style and helps express the ideas you want to share.
DIY Photo Grid With Clothespins And Wire
You will find that this is among the easiest DIY wall art projects to customize and interact with. Turning your wall into a scrapbook is easy by adding a fun clothespin-and-wire photo grid to it. It’s ideal for a teen bedroom, a craft room or a studio because eye-catching details are always developing.
Some years back, I built a copper wire grid across a whiteboard wall for a dorm renovation. I pinned Polaroids, postcards and handwritten notes on my board with mini clothespins. To keep it simple, the desk was crafted from wood and string lights covered the borders of the board for warmth.
With this project, you can change the artwork on the screen anytime you like. It stands out on HGTV as one of the top ways to make a rental look great. If the objects are too heavy or I want the room to look different, I use twine, chains or curtain rods as ropes and hooks.
You can boost the look by using differently colored pins or hanging fairy lights from the wires. It’s important to find balance and show who you are in your look.
Embroidery Hoop Wall Art Designs
Embroidery hoop frames are an overlooked option for making your own wall art. Wall hangings are a lovely and handmade way to give your walls more texture, shape and softness. For me, it fits best in bedrooms, nurseries or studio corners meant to be comfy and touchable.
We made a group of hoops using linen, burlap and cotton fabrics in shades of blush, sage and ivory for a client. We set them above a cream headboard and added soft lighting, some macramé and two pale wood side tables to finish the space.
All the hoops were interesting, using floral embroidery, scripted quotes or shaped lace to tell their stories. Fabric-based wall art, according to House Beautiful, helps soften the look of hard walls and introduces a craftlike charm no other art can.
To take it further, I suggest mixing in small frames or wall planters (if space allows) to diversify textures while keeping the display harmonious.
DIY Mandala Art With Paint Pens
Designing mandala art using paint pens helps you to relax and unwind as you create your own wall art. Thanks to this method, any room gains unique art and balance which is a great choice for bohemian bedrooms, yoga studios or corners where people read. Mandala patterns draw the eye and provide a quiet environment, mostly when they are done in soothing colors or finished with metals.
One of my projects included painting a soft blush accent wall behind a small bed against the wall. I drew a big mandala design right onto the wood using white and gold paint pens. Floor cushions, a handwoven rug, bamboo blinds and floating shelves decorated the surrounding space. The mandala was the room’s main item of calm and inspiration.
In some cases, I use mandala patterns on canvases or big wooden panels if painting on walls is not convenient. Domino Magazine explains that mandalas are about cultural meaning and creating harmony, making them the ideal addition to any balanced room.
In addition, you could try using sconces or LED strips that gently draw attention to the mandala lines. This gives the design added texture and lets it appear bright even in dim light.
Wall Murals You Can Create With Projectors
If you’re aiming for large-scale impact, wall murals made using projectors are among the most powerful DIY wall decor ideas. You can outline detailed pictures ahead of painting by using this method, so you don’t have to draw well freehand to do something complex. It’s perfect for living rooms, kids’ bedrooms, or creative studios.
Some time, I helped a client put a minimalist city skyline on a hallway wall using a projector. We covered the blue background with dark charcoal and then painted a light grey background as well. Stored inside the slim bench in the hallway were some practical items, plus a series of matching black-and-white frames overhead.
Using a projector makes it much easier to get clear and correct looking drawing every time. For those who rent or are new to making art, House Beautiful suggests this approach to make their space unique without a muralist.
I suggest using flat paint to avoid reflection issues and placing a dimmer switch on your overhead lighting to shift the mural’s mood throughout the day.
Tiled Mirror Wall Art With Dollar Store Finds
I think mirror tile wall art is an excellent way to upgrade rooms for low cost. Using square or hexagonal mirror tiles from dollar stores, you can design your own wall art that brightens and widens a room. You’ll find that this system works especially well in entryways, bathrooms and narrow corridors.
I recently transformed a hallway by adding dollar store mirror tiles shaped like a honeycomb above a console table. The deep teal color of the wall really made the mirrors stand out. In addition, a glass lamp, a key bowl and dried flowers in a tall vase were part of the vignette.
This approach makes the landscape more multi-dimensional and interesting. Real Simple suggests that bringing more light into your home and emphasizing themes, like making a symmetrical grouping, can be done with mirrors. Since the cost is low, it’s not hard to experiment.
A way to make this area better is by including both clear and frosted or tinted mirrors. It gives your home an interesting look and seems like something designed, all without raising your budget.
Yarn-Wrapped Letters For Custom Messages
Yarn-wrapped letters let you make warm and personal handmade wall art with typography. Placing these works in nurseries, children’s bedrooms or crafting areas instantly brings warmth and plenty of whimsy. You can personalize your stickers by selecting any name, word or short quote you like.
We helped a family create a reading nook by writing the word “READ” out in large cardboard letters and wrapping them with colorful yarn. The different color yarns we choose were deep navy, mustard yellow, cream and forest green. The white matte-painted wall was beside floating shelves, with bean bags and a small ladder shelf for holding books.
Ceramics is an activity you do with your hands and your emotions. HGTV points out that wrapping something in yarn adds both comfort and texture to an otherwise basic space. Extra variety can be added by using buttons, pins or changing to felt.
I’d suggest combining yarn letters with string lights or hanging them from a wooden rail for a playful twist that appeals to both kids and adults.
Foil Art Prints Using Household Tools
A lot of people forget, but foil art for walls is an impressive and easy way to decorate. Applying a foil transfer sheet, glue and simple household items such as cotton swabs or brushes, you will have pretty shimmering designs that resemble boutique prints. These fittings are great for use in bedrooms, offices and even powder rooms, where a bit of shine looks beautiful.
I made a gold foil silhouette of a plant for the walls of a contemporary guest room. I set black watercolor paper as the canvas and glued the foil with an adhesive pen. We set it in a brass frame and placed it above a green velvet bench, surrounded by two brass sconces and one potted monstera.
Foil art gives your print a touch of elegance at an affordable cost. Martha Stewart’s experts say it’s best to use both negative space and to layer matte finishes over foil.
I also suggest setting up these foil prints in symmetrical groupings of two or three for a better effect. It brings balance to the space and makes everything seem well organized, even if you did it yourself.
Personalized Wall Maps And Travel Boards
If you love to travel or keep memories, custom wall maps and travel boards make wonderful DIY wall art. They are perfect for a home office, living room or space used by the whole family, sharing stories of your trips and looking great in any style interior.
My client marked every place she visited on the world map she had with cork and push pins. We hung it just above a wood-and-metal console table on the top floor. Sharing the wall were travel photos, a globe and several architecture and geography books.
Such wall art develops gradually and shares a distinctive tale. Stringing your pins together and including captions will help make your display more engaging, Better Homes & Gardens says.
For a more elevated touch, I’d recommend laser-cut maps in wood or acrylic with engraved destinations. They bring durability, fashion and uniqueness to the story they tell.
Button Art In Custom Shapes And Colors
Wall art made with buttons is among the most creative and fun DIY projects you can tackle. Covering walls with this is a good fit in kids’ rooms or areas that encourage creative projects, since its bright character is sure to brighten anything. When made into hearts or animal shapes, button art gives pieces of art a one-of-a-kind look.
As part of a pastel-themed nursery, we organized buttons into the shape of a huge cloud. We included white, soft blue and blush pink buttons set against a sky-grey background. A cloud was above a white crib and soft garlands and cute animal toys finished the picture.
Button art draws people into creating and telling their own stories. Similar ideas have been included by Apartment Therapy in their advice on creating a sensory-friendly space for children.
You might try mixing matte and glossy buttons and embroidering the edges of the other parts to give the design better shape. It’s a simple change that catches the viewer’s eye more.
Magazine Collage Wall Panels
I enjoy how quickly magazine collage wall panels can add life and color to any space. You can see these panels looking great in any eclectic or modern spot such as home offices, studios or a young person’s bedroom. I suggest putting up one large panel instead of many small ones, so the wall doesn’t feel overcrowded. The best part about this is that you can use any artwork to fit the season, your room’s look or your mood.
I picked lightweight plywood panels, used spray adhesive and picked out design magazine pages that matched my colors for this project. To make it appear complete, I put slim black wood trim around the collage. Together with a metal desk, a leather chair and shelves full of ceramics, the room looks lively and structured.
I discovered this project first on HGTV’s DIY and it inspired me. They told me to seal the collage with Mod Podge to make it last and it did just what they said. Even after one year, my battery still looks new. I’ve also found that layering images by theme (travel, fashion, interiors) adds subtle organization within the chaos.
should I develop this concept, I’d also add small track lighting above the panels. It would make the appearing surfaces look smooth and let you notice depth as the evening sets in.
Celestial Wall Art With Glow Paint And Constellations
There’s nothing quite like entering a dark room and watching the stars come to life on the wall. When you use this idea, your wall becomes more playful and magical in a child’s bedroom, reading area or den. I started with navy-blue matte paint and then painted the constellations over it with glow-in-the-dark pens. It looks nice yet feels comforting.
I teamed the earthy wall with just a few pieces of furniture: a grey lounge chair, a rug with moon phase designs and a white shelf for astronomy books and globe lamps. A throw made from faux fur gave the bedroom a warm feeling. Being here is relaxing and the place easily inspires creativity—it’s great both for winding down and reading with children.
I found a similar article in Real Simple that suggests using a projector to get the constellations right. I used this approach and it did noticeably clean up my lines. I got the paint pens I used from Arteza and they were brighter and glowed longer than I assumed they would.
I plan to eventually make the mural go all the way to the ceiling, so it feels like you’re sleeping outside under the night sky. It’s not required, but including one would be a wonderful bonus for your bedroom.
Dip-Dye Canvas For Ombre Effects
I often make dip-dye canvas art because it’s fast, looks nice and really impresses people. Oh, the ombre gradient does a great job of giving any room a light and serene feel, fitting right into modern design. Because the living room corner needed warmth, I dressed it in peach, blush and coral colors. The art connects all other elements of interior design.
Below the dip-dye canvas, I included an oak console table and placed white ceramic vases and stacked coffee table books on it. Each space is separated by ivory chair pairs sitting by brass legs, with art subtly stealing the show. I applied the canvas directly to the stretcher bars to allow the texture to be noticed.
I was inspired by Studio McGee’s advice to use gradation to make any space seem softer. I got the idea to use ombre on canvas from the way they use it in textiles and it worked wonderfully. If you’re nervous about dye bleeding too high, use painter’s tape on the canvas back to control the soaking limit.
I may also add a third strip, dying each strip with a slightly different version of the palette, about three inches away from the neighbors for a gallery-like display.
Fabric Scraps Turned Into Quilt-Like Wall Art
If you appreciate decor that holds special meaning, turning used fabric into art on your wall is a creative idea. I found the fabric for my patchwork with old shirts, some vintage pillowcases and fabric leftovers from earlier upholstery projects. This type of flooring gives a space a cozy, interesting atmosphere that fits well with farmhouse, cottagecore or bohemian themes.
The star of this cozy guest room is the quilted panel resting above the bed. I placed a reclaimed wood headboard behind the bed, filled the bed with neutral textiles with a few small flower prints and added a nice woven throw. Having both soft linens and creative fabric pops in the room makes it feel cozy, just like a personal and unique retreat.
I came across the idea in Better Homes & Gardens which featured ideas for reusing pendant fabrics. They strongly suggested sewing the fabric onto the canvas before framing and that’s the way I do it now. Adding the plaster finish creates a special comfort that makes the piece seem even more cottage-like.
Only a few small photographs or botanical decorations beside the quilt would give the living room a complete look. Adding various items keeps the focus on the art you create by hand.
Creating your wall art at home is an economical way to add charm and style to wherever you live. Whether you’re drawn to bold collages, dreamy celestial scenes, or cozy handmade touches, there’s a project here for every style and skill level. Has anyone here tried these tips or do you have a creative wall art method you’d like to share? Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
