No Art, No Problem: Ideas for Decorating an Empty Wall

by Susan Hu 10/03/2021

When it comes to decorating, a blank wall is a blank canvas. However, it’s difficult to know how to use the space in an aesthetically pleasing way. You might have limitless possibilities, but where do you start? If you’re looking for ways to decorate an empty wall, we’ve put together some ideas to guide you.

Gallery Walls Are for More Than Just Art

Creating a gallery wall doesn’t mean you need an expansive art or photo collection. In fact, a “gallery wall” actually refers to a collection of similar items arranged together on a wall as if you were creating a gallery. The items can be art pieces, photographs, mirrors or even other objects like baskets or empty frames. You can even combine different items around a theme or color for a more eclectic look. It all depends on the specific style you’re going for.

Here are some more ideas for items to display in a gallery wall:

  • Dishes and plates

  • Clocks

  • Baskets

  • Hats

  • Mirrors

Try Hanging Textiles

Textiles are an incredibly efficient way to decorate a wall. This is mostly because they take up a lot of space—quilts, tapestries and cloth prints are large enough to take up the entire wall. However, there are also lots of size and shape options for textiles, especially if you are willing to DIY. If you are going for a lightweight tapestry or print, attach it to the wall in a way that will prevent sagging. The best way to do this is with staples or adhesive strips. If you want a neat and tidy aesthetic, attach the bottom of the piece to the wall as well. Otherwise, let it hang freely for a more casual boho vibe.

Get Creative With Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are useful but can also be perfect for decoration. What could be better than combining storage and style? There are a lot of options for floating shelves in a variety of materials and styles. However, the best thing about adding a floating shelf is that you’re creating an extra space for decoration. If you want the pieces on the shelf to be the focus, go for neutral shelves that match the color of the wall. Otherwise, you can make a bold statement with a contrasting color and geometric shapes.

Floating shelves give you an opportunity to show off personal items and smaller decorative pieces. Try mixing items of different shapes and sizes like books, glass bottles and jars, candles and photo frames. You can stick to a theme or go completely eclectic depending on your style preference. No matter what, you’ll be creating visual interest and effectively using the empty wall space.

For many, the concept of a blank canvas is overwhelming. After all, how do you know where to start? Luckily there are simple ways to decorate an empty wall even if you don’t have art to display. With these tips, you can experiment in your own space to add style and create a design that’s all your own.

About the Author
Author

Susan Hu

Susan Shuxian Hu has been a dedicated realtor serving in Silicon Valley since 2010. With great passion, outstanding negotiation skills and due diligence, she has helped many buyers and sellers in their real estate needs. Living in West San Jose for more than 14 years, she has broad knowledge in Cupertino, West San Jose, Los Altos and Saratoga. She has enormous patience working with buyers and never tired of showing all possible properties that may fit client’s needs. Clients appreciate her best service to their satisfaction. She specialized in luxurious real estate purchase in Los Altos, Cupertino, Saratoga and Palo Alto. She also helped friend and past client’s referral working in San Francisco, Foster City and far reached Bay Area.

Susan Shuxian Hu was graduated in East China Normal University in Shanghai with bachelor and master degrees in Bio science. She came to US in 1989 and earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics in Texas A&M University in 1996. After one year of postdoc in Southern Florida University in Tampa, she moved back to Orlando with her family and started working in Lucent Technologies. In 2002, Susan moved to California, Silicon Valley joined a start-up company. Since then she worked in high tech Corporation till 2009. Driven by her dream job pursuing, she found her passion working in sales by helping people in real estate after one year of education in De Anza business and real estate law study. Since then, she has been serving many people in Bay Area for their real estate needs.

With bilingual advantage, she has been actively working with Chinese immigrants as well as local engineers and residents. With rich high tech background and connection with Chinese community, Susan has served in luxurious real estate in last a couple of years.