An empty wall doesn’t need expensive art. These 29 DIY wall decor ideas on a budget include easy wall art, cheap projects under $10, and rustic, modern, farmhouse and boho looks, each with the cost and time it takes.
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DIY Wall Decor Tips
- Size matters: one large piece usually looks better than several tiny ones. Above a sofa, aim for about two-thirds of its width.
- Hang at eye level: the center of the art at roughly 57 to 60 inches from the floor is a common guide.
- Plan on the floor: lay out a gallery wall before you make any holes, or tape paper templates to the wall.
- Renting? Removable strips and hooks work for light pieces. Check the weight rating.
Easy DIY Wall Art
These easy DIY wall art ideas need no drawing skills.
1. Abstract Canvas Painting
Paint a large canvas with loose shapes in two or three colors from your room. Use painter’s tape for crisp lines if you like. Nobody can tell you it’s wrong.
2. Pressed Botanical Frames
Press leaves and flowers in a heavy book for a week or two, then arrange them in simple frames. A set of three looks especially polished.
3. Printable Gallery Wall
Print free public-domain art at home or at a copy shop and fill matching frames. Museums offer many free high-resolution images. Check the license first.
4. Fabric-Wrapped Canvas
Stretch a pretty fabric over a cheap canvas or board and staple it at the back. It’s a quick way to add pattern. Iron the fabric first.
5. Washi Tape Wall Art
Create geometric shapes or a mountain outline directly on the wall with washi tape. It usually peels off cleanly, but test a small area first. It’s ideal for renters.
6. Sheet Music Collage
Mod Podge old sheet music onto a canvas and add a painted silhouette or word. Use copies if the originals matter to you. It gives a vintage feel.
7. Hand-Lettered Quote
Letter a favorite quote on heavy paper and frame it. Trace it from a printout if you’re nervous. Keep it short for bigger impact.
Cheap Wall Decor Ideas DIY
These cheap wall decor ideas DIY cost under $10 each.
8. Woven Placemat Cluster
Hang round woven placemats in a cluster for a boho look. Dollar stores often carry them. Mix sizes for interest.
9. Paper Plate Fan Art
Fold paper fans and mount them on the wall in a group. Use patterned or metallic paper. They look great above a bed.
10. Thrifted Plate Wall
Collect mismatched plates from thrift stores and hang them with adhesive plate hangers. Stick to a color family. It’s a charming look for a kitchen or dining room.
11. Dollar Store Mirror Cluster
Hang small round mirrors in a loose cluster. Spray-paint the frames one color. It bounces light around a dark room.
12. Twig Wall Hanging
Tie straight twigs in a row with twine to form a hanging panel. Add a small sprig of greenery if you like. Collect dry twigs on a walk.
13. Paint Chip Art
Cut free paint chips into shapes and glue them into an ombre pattern on a board, then frame it. It’s a surprisingly stylish freebie.
Rustic Wall Decor DIY
This rustic wall decor DIY uses wood and natural materials.
14. Pallet Wood Art
Cut pallet boards, assemble them into a panel and paint or stencil a design. Use heat-treated pallets (marked HT) and sand well. Avoid pallets with chemical stamps or stains.
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15. Wood Slice Wall
Glue wood slices of different sizes onto a board in an organic shape. Mount it above a mantel or bed. It’s a striking natural piece.
16. Rustic Rope Mirror
Wrap and glue thick rope around a plain round mirror. Add a rope loop to hang it. It suits coastal and cabin rooms.
17. Old Window Frame
Hang a thrifted window frame as art and add photos or a small wreath. Old windows may have lead paint, so don’t sand them unless they’ve been tested.
Modern DIY Wall Decor
Modern DIY wall decor uses simple shapes and limited colors.
18. Geometric Painted Wall
Use painter’s tape to create an arch or color-blocked shape on a wall. Peel the tape while the paint is still slightly wet for a crisp line. It’s the cheapest large statement.
19. Line Art Prints
Draw or print simple one-line faces or botanicals and frame them in thin black frames. Use original or properly licensed designs. Two or three look clean together.
20. Oversized Paper Art
Paint a huge sheet of paper with bold strokes and clip it between two wood dowels. It looks expensive and costs very little. Roll it up to change it out.
21. Pegboard Display
Paint a pegboard, mount it with spacers, and hang small shelves, plants and photos. You can rearrange it anytime. It’s useful in an office or craft room.
Farmhouse Wall Decor DIY
This farmhouse wall decor DIY works with our farmhouse DIY decor projects.
22. Stenciled Plank Sign
Stain a board and stencil a short word or phrase. Sand the edges lightly. It’s quick and very farmhouse.
23. Wire Basket Wall Display
Hang a wire basket on the wall and fill it with faux greenery or cotton stems. Use two for a pair. Anchors will hold it steady.
24. Grapevine Wreath Trio
Hang three small grapevine wreaths in a row, each with a bit of greenery. It works on a long, narrow wall. Change the greenery by season.
25. Hanging Clipboard Art
Hang wooden clipboards in a row and clip on prints or kids’ art. Change the art whenever you like. It’s a great family wall.
Boho Wall Decor DIY
This boho wall decor DIY adds texture with yarn, cord and natural fibers.
26. Macrame Wall Hanging
Knot cotton cord onto a wood dowel with square knots and comb out the ends. Start with a small piece. It’s a boho staple.
27. Yarn Tassel Hanging
Make yarn tassels in warm colors and tie them along a dowel, varying the lengths. It’s a good project while watching TV. Hang it above a bed.
28. Dried Pampas Arrangement
Fix dried pampas grass in a wall-mounted vase or woven holder. Spray with hairspray to reduce shedding. Keep it away from heat and flames.
29. Woven Basket Wall
Hang flat woven baskets in a cluster, mixing sizes and patterns. Thrift stores and import shops are good sources. It adds warmth to a large empty wall.
DIY Wall Decor FAQ
How can I decorate my walls cheaply?
Use free printables in thrifted frames, woven placemats, fabric-wrapped canvases, twig hangings or washi tape art. All cost under about $10.
How high should I hang wall art?
A common guide is to put the center of the art around 57 to 60 inches from the floor, roughly eye level.
How do I hang decor without nails?
Removable adhesive strips and hooks work well for light items. Check the weight rating, and press firmly on clean walls.
What can I put on a big empty wall?
Try one oversized canvas, a gallery wall, a basket cluster or a painted arch. Large shapes fill space more cheaply than many small items.
More ideas: farmhouse DIY decor, easy crafts for adults, and Dollar Tree DIY crafts.
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Photos are illustrative stock images from Pixabay. Prices are approximate and were checked at the time of writing.
