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How To Decorate a Really Large Wall: 10 Designer-Approved Ideas

How To Decorate a Really Large Wall: 10 Designer-Approved Ideas

When it comes to decorating, there is truly nothing more intimidating than a big a$$ blank wall. Not to fear, today I am sharing 10 designer-approved solutions for styling a really large wall in your home…

I have been in the field of interior design for almost a decade now (my blog actually turns 9-years-old this week) and I can honestly say that there is still nothing like a large expanse of untouched sheetrock to throw me into a state of design paralysis. What can I say? I get lost in the endless possibilities!

large living room wall decorated with book shelves and oversized mirror

That being said…I have learned that there is nothing wrong with taking your time getting to know a space before you make any big purchases to decorate said wall (after all..oversized wall decor can be pricey AF!).

At the end of the day, the trick to pulling off the decor selections for a large wall is all about proper scale, and all of the examples I am showing you below have mastered proper proportions.

So… here are 10 stylish ideas to get your creative juices flowing..

1. Oversized Artwork-

large abstract art on living room wall

Let’s get the most obvious design option out of the way first- simply put, an oversized wall calls for oversized decor. If opting for canvas artwork or a framed print, as a general rule of thumb, it should fill about 60-75% of the wall space you are working with. When hanging art above furniture, aim for a width that’s approximately two-thirds to three-fourths the size of the furniture piece.

Tip: Unfortunately, larger art pieces often come with a higher price tag, but you can always create your own! Check out my separate blog post How To Make DIY Oversized Canvas Art for a budget-friendly hack.

2. Full-Length Mirrors-

gallery wall of large mirrors on wall in kitchen

If you want to brighten a space or give the illusion of greater spaciousness, you really can’t go wrong with an oversized, full-length mirror.

Refusing to shell out nearly a grand for a properly sized one here on a large wall in my kitchen, I actually grouped together 8 individual floor length mirrors. For a total cost of only $64, I love the dimension these $8 mirrors added to my once unremarkable space.

3. Book Shelves or Built-Ins-

living room wall with built in shelves

If the room you are working with could use a little extra storage and you have plenty of wall space, consider adding shelving or cabinetry. Not only does this break up the blankness of a large wall, it provides functional storage (a win-win).

This approach especially works well for living rooms, dining rooms and offices.

4. Gallery Wall of Textural Items-

large gallery wall of hats in a modern farmhouse foyer

If your large wall could use a little texture or warmth, consider constructing a gallery wall from unconventional pieces like baskets or hats. While my dining table is restricting the view of the entire wall in my foyer, what you can’t see in the photo above is that I also added a bench at the bottom of the “hat gallery wall” to not only fill in some white space, but to serve as a catchall for purses, coats and backpacks.

Best part of it all? I didn’t have to buy any expensive wall decor as I already owned this collection of hats.

5. Tapestries or Wall Hangings-

dark moody dining room with large tapestry hung on wall
Design by Collusus Mfg. Photography by Stephanie Russo

If you want to break away from the monotony of your typical framed print or canvas art, consider a more textural work of art like a tapestry or woven wall hanging. I am so freaking obsessed with this moody dining room by Collusus Mfg. The textural tapestry used on the wall here adds a beautiful layer of warmth and brightness to the receding dark walls

6. Millwork-

picture frame molding detail on large wall in entryway

Looking to add instant character to a large wall? Consider installing custom trim work on your walls like I did here with this DIY modern picture frame molding back at my 1980’s fixer upper.

7. Mural Wallpaper-

mural wallpaper on walls of an earthy modern office
Julia Marcum

If you don’t want to worry with hanging wall decor at all (or the nail holes which inevitably ensue), consider an enthralling wallpaper design like Julia Marcum did here in this stunning office. When done thoughtfully, wallpaper can beautifully elevate a space- giving it a custom feel.

8. Wall-mounted Wine Racks-

wine racks mounted to large dining room wall
Living With Lolo

Want your dining room to feel like a swanky steak house? Consider hanging multiple rows of black metal wine racks like Living With Lolo did here in this fabulous space.

At about $30 a rack, this is a surprisingly budget-friendly way of adorning a large wall!

9. A Set of Art Prints Paired with Sconce Lights-

large wall in dining room with shelf and art

Here in my dining room, I had a really hard time finding just one piece of art to properly fill the space so I opted for a set of canvas prints. Without the sconce lights, the art would have still felt a tad bit underwhelming.

Never underestimate the power of lighting to serve as a sculptural work of art! Especially when framed art alone is just not cutting it, flank it with sconces.

10. Gallery Wall-

modern organic living room with large eclectic gallery wall
Heidi Woodman Interiors

While I have executed my fair share of grid gallery walls, there is something so intriguing about this mixed media gallery wall by Heidi Woodman Interiors. Whether you like the uniformity of a grid design or the character of this eclectic variety, gallery walls are a great opportunity to not only fill in a large blank wall, they are also a great chance to express your unique personality.

large living room wall decorated with abstract art and gallery light

Thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of the internet this week! I hope these ideas have empowered you to finally conquer that big, scary wall you’ve been putting on the back-burner.

If you found this post helpful, it would mean so much to this small business of mine if you could share it on social media or with a friend…

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modern living room with large mirror on the wall

Now get out there and design some good vibes along with a fabulous life!

collage of ideas of rooms with big walls decorated
selfie

Welcome!

My journey in interior design and home improvement began with transforming my first fixer-upper home, all while managing a budget and raising two young boys. My work, a reflection of my passion for creating beautiful, uplifting spaces, has been recognized by top publications like Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, HGTV, and more. I invite you to explore my site and witness the transformation of my home and the vibes we've designed.Read more...

Manon

Wednesday 30th of October 2024

Putting several mirrors together to make one large mirror idea is BRILLIANT. Thanks!

Designing Vibes

Wednesday 30th of October 2024

Thank you, Manon! Wish I could take credit for the original idea, but I saw a variation of this mirror hack on tik-tok and was able to adapt it for my needs. Wishing you a great rest of your week. :)

Donna

Wednesday 30th of October 2024

Erica- Thanks again for the affordable and doable ideas! As usual, you gave ideas for every taste. Enjoy the rest of your week.

Designing Vibes

Wednesday 30th of October 2024

Thank you so much, Donna! Happy Halloween eve. :)