Yes, you can make beautiful wall art at home without spending a lot of money or having special skills. This guide shows you simple DIY wall decor ideas that anyone can create. You’ll learn how to turn blank walls into amazing spaces using things you already own or can buy cheap.
We’ll cover everything from making your own art to hanging photos in cool ways. You’ll see how to use thrift store finds, natural items, and everyday stuff to make your walls look great. These projects work for any room and any skill level.
Why Choose DIY Wall Decor
Making your own wall art saves money and lets you show off your style. Store-bought art can cost hundreds of dollars. But DIY projects often cost less than $20.
The wall decor market is growing fast. In the United States, it’s expected to grow by $12.62 billion between 2024 and 2029, according to market research. More people want art that feels personal and one-of-a-kind.
Here’s why DIY wall decor makes sense:
- You save 70% or more compared to buying ready-made art
- Your home looks different from everyone else’s
- You can change things up whenever you want
- It’s fun and helps you relax
- You use items you might throw away otherwise
Plus, 83% of people prefer brands with good sustainability records, which means using what you have fits right in with what’s popular now.
Getting Started With DIY Wall Decor
What You Need
You don’t need fancy tools to start. Here’s what helps:
- Frames from dollar stores or thrift shops
- White glue or hot glue gun
- Scissors and tape
- Hammer and nails or Command strips
- Pencil and measuring tape
- Acrylic paint (optional)
- Canvas boards (optional)
Start with what you have at home. You can always buy more as you try new projects.
Planning Your Wall Space
Before you start making things, look at your wall. Measure the space. Think about what else is in the room.
Most gallery walls look best when the center sits about 57-60 inches from the floor. That’s eye level for most people. Leave 6-8 inches between your wall art and any furniture below it.
Use painter’s tape to mark off the area on your floor. This lets you try different layouts without making holes in your wall.
Easy Gallery Wall Ideas
Gallery walls are one of the most popular ways to fill empty wall space. They let you mix photos, art, and special items in one spot.
How to Plan Your Gallery Wall
Start by picking what you want to hang. Mix different things like:
- Family photos
- Art prints
- Small mirrors
- Special items in shadow boxes
- Postcards or greeting cards
Lay everything on the floor in the shape you want. Take a photo with your phone so you remember the layout.
Keep 2-6 inches between each frame. This makes them look like they go together on purpose.
Different Gallery Wall Layouts
Grid Style Line up frames in neat rows and columns. This works great with frames that are all the same size. It looks clean and modern.
Mix and Match Use different frame sizes and colors. Put bigger frames near the middle. Add smaller ones around them. This style feels more relaxed and fun.
Single Row Hang frames in one straight line down a hallway or above a couch. Keep them all the same size for the best look.
Around a TV Treat your TV like it’s another frame. Put art around it to make the whole wall interesting.
Choosing Frame Colors
Pick one or two frame colors and stick with them. All black frames look sleek. All wood frames feel warm. White frames make things bright and clean.
You can also mix metals like gold and silver with wood for a fancier look.
Budget-Friendly DIY Art Projects
You don’t need to be an artist to make art. These projects are so easy that kids can help.
Abstract Canvas Painting
Buy a cheap canvas from a craft store. Pick 2-3 paint colors. Pour them on the canvas and tilt it around. Or use a brush to make big swooshes of color.
There’s no wrong way to do abstract art. If you mess up, just paint over it and try again.
Cost: $5-$15
Paint Chip Art
Visit a hardware store and grab free paint chips. Pick colors you like. Cut them into shapes. Glue them onto a white board or canvas in a pattern.
You can make:
- Rainbow designs
- Ombre color fades
- Geometric shapes
- Your initials
Cost: Free (plus frame)
Book Page Art
Do you have old books with pretty pictures? Cut out pages with nice drawings or maps. Put them in frames.
Children’s books work great for this. Look for Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter, or classic fairy tale books at thrift stores.
Cost: $1-$5 (thrift store book plus frame)
Watercolor Easy Art
You don’t need to paint perfectly. Buy watercolor paints and thick paper. Make simple shapes like circles or lines. Add a black marker around them once they dry.
Try painting:
- Big dots in different colors
- Wavy lines across the page
- Simple flowers or leaves
- Color blocks that touch each other
Cost: $10-$20
Fabric Wall Art
Buy pretty fabric or use old scarves. Stretch the fabric over a canvas board. Fold the edges to the back. Staple or glue them down.
This works great with:
- Vintage fabric from thrift stores
- Your grandma’s old tablecloths
- Colorful dish towels
- Leftover fabric from sewing projects
Cost: $5-$10
Thrift Store and Upcycled Decor
Thrift stores are goldmines for wall decor. You can find frames, plates, and art for just a few dollars.
Empty Frame Gallery
Buy old frames with fancy designs. Paint them all the same color if you want. Hang them on the wall without any pictures inside.
The frames themselves become the art. This looks really cool when you use 5-10 frames together.
Cost: $10-$20 total
Vintage Plate Wall
Grab pretty plates from thrift stores. Buy plate hangers online or at hardware stores. Hang the plates in a group.
Look for:
- Blue and white patterns
- Floral designs
- Matching sets
- Interesting shapes
This works great in kitchens and dining rooms.
Cost: $15-$25
Covered Frame Art
Find a frame at a thrift store. Take out the old picture. Cover the backing with:
- Wallpaper samples
- Pretty wrapping paper
- Pages from old books
- Sheet music
- Maps
Just use a glue stick to attach your paper. Put it back in the frame.
Cost: $2-$5 per frame
Doily and Lace Art
If you find old doilies at thrift stores, display them in embroidery hoops. You can also frame them.
Hang several together for a cottage-style look. This brings texture to your walls.
Cost: $5-$10
Nature-Inspired Wall Decor
Bringing the outdoors inside is a big trend right now. Natural materials make rooms feel calm and cozy.
Pressed Flower Art
Pick flowers and leaves. Put them between heavy books for 2-3 weeks. Once they’re flat and dry, arrange them on paper. Frame them under glass.
This is free if you have flowers in your yard.
Cost: Free to $5
Branch Wall Hanging
Find a sturdy branch outside. Tie string or yarn to both ends. Hang photos, drawings, or dried flowers from it using clothespins or more string.
This looks modern and brings nature inside.
Cost: Free to $3
Leaf Print Art
Collect leaves with pretty shapes. Paint one side. Press the painted side onto paper. Lift up the leaf carefully.
You’ll have a cool print. Make several on one page. Frame it when you’re done.
Cost: $5-$10
Seashell Shadow Box
If you collect seashells, put them in a shadow box frame. You can add sand to the bottom. Glue shells in patterns.
This works with any collection – rocks, pinecones, or acorns too.
Cost: $10-$15
Photo Display Ideas
Your own photos make the best wall art because they mean something to you.
String and Clip Photo Wall
Hang string or wire across your wall. Use clothespins or small clips to attach photos.
This is perfect for renters because you only need two small nails. You can change photos whenever you want.
Cost: $5-$10
Photo Collage Canvas
Print your favorite photos. Cut them out. Glue them onto a canvas in a collage style. They can overlap.
You can add words cut from magazines or paint around the edges.
Cost: $10-$15
Instant Photo Display
If you have Polaroid photos or small prints, tape them right to the wall in a pattern. Make a heart shape, your initials, or a grid.
Use washi tape so it doesn’t damage your walls.
Cost: $5 (just tape)
Photo Transfer to Wood
Print a photo on regular paper using a laser printer. Place it face-down on a wood board. Cover with gel medium. Let it dry overnight. Rub off the paper with a wet sponge.
Your photo will be on the wood. This looks rustic and cool.
Cost: $10-$15
Creative 3D Wall Decor
Flat art is great, but adding items that stick out makes walls more interesting.
Floating Shelves
Small floating shelves aren’t just for storage. Style them with:
- Small plants
- Tiny framed photos
- Candles
- Small sculptures
- Books
Arrange shelves in patterns on the wall. Try putting three in a staggered row.
Cost: $15-$30
Paper Flower Wall Art
Make big paper flowers from colored paper or tissue paper. Layer circles of paper. Scrunch the middle. Glue them to a canvas or hang them right on the wall.
These add fun pops of color to kids’ rooms or parties.
Cost: $5-$10
Woven Wall Hanging
If you like crafts, try macramé or simple weaving. You can make these without knowing complicated knots.
Buy macramé cord or thick yarn. Tie it to a stick or dowel. Make simple patterns by knotting the strings together.
Cost: $15-$25
Letter or Number Art
Buy large cardboard or wood letters from craft stores. Decorate them by:
- Painting them bright colors
- Covering them with fabric
- Gluing on buttons or beads
- Wrapping them in yarn or string
Hang your initials or spell out words like “HOME” or “LOVE.”
Cost: $10-$20
Wall Decor for Specific Rooms
Different rooms need different types of decor.
Living Room Ideas
Living rooms need bigger, bolder art. Try:
- Large canvas paintings (make your own abstract ones)
- Big gallery walls above the couch
- Mirrors to make the room feel bigger
- Metal wall sculptures
Center your art about 8 inches above furniture.
Bedroom Wall Decor
Bedrooms should feel calm. Use:
- Soft colors like blues, greens, or pastels
- Photos of places you want to visit
- Inspirational word art
- Peaceful nature scenes
Hang art where you can see it from your bed.
Kitchen and Dining Room
Kitchens work well with:
- Vintage plates on the wall
- Framed family recipes
- Coffee or food-themed prints
- Herbs in small wall planters
Keep art away from cooking areas where grease can build up.
Kids’ Rooms
Make kids’ rooms fun with:
- Their own artwork in frames
- Colorful paper crafts
- Maps of places they want to go
- Letters spelling their name
Let kids help pick what goes up. Change it as they grow.
Bathroom Decor
Bathrooms need art that can handle moisture. Try:
- Canvas prints (not paper)
- Small shelves with waterproof items
- Framed vintage ads
- Ocean or water themes
Tips for Hanging Wall Decor
The best art looks bad if you hang it wrong. Here’s how to do it right.
Make Paper Templates
Trace each frame on paper. Cut it out. Tape the paper to your wall. Move things around until they look good.
Mark where nails go right through the paper. Then hammer nails through the paper into the wall. Rip off the paper. Hang your frames.
Use the Right Hardware
Light frames (under 5 pounds) need just a nail. Heavy frames need wall anchors or screws.
Command strips work great for renters. Follow the weight limits on the package.
Check Your Level
Use a level tool to make sure things are straight. Even being off by a little bit looks wrong.
Don’t Hang Things Too High
The center of your art should be at eye level. That’s about 57-60 inches from the floor for most people.
If you’re hanging art above furniture, leave 6-8 inches of space between the furniture and the bottom of your art.
Current Wall Decor Trends
Stay on top of what’s popular if you want your DIY projects to look modern.
Popular Styles in 2025
Natural Materials Wood, rattan, and woven items are huge right now. The global wall art market valued at $63.61 billion in 2024 shows people love organic, earthy decor.
Bold Colors Deep blues, emerald greens, and rich golds are in. Don’t be afraid of color.
Vintage Vibes Anything from the 1960s and 1970s is cool again. Look for retro patterns and colors.
Minimalist Looks Simple black and white art never goes out of style. Clean lines and lots of white space feel calm.
Personal Touch The biggest trend is making your home feel like YOU. Custom art and family photos beat generic store art every time.
Mixing Old and New
Don’t feel like you have to pick just one style. Mix vintage frames with modern prints. Put a sleek mirror next to rustic wood art.
Homes that mix styles feel collected over time. That’s what makes them interesting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others’ mistakes so you don’t have to make them yourself.
Hanging Too Small
One tiny picture on a big wall looks lost. Either go bigger or group several pieces together.
As a rule, art should take up about two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall space you’re filling.
Forgetting to Plan
Don’t just start hammering nails. Measure first. Use paper templates. Think about the whole room.
Using Only One Type of Art
Mix things up. Combine photos with prints. Add some 3D items like shelves or sculptures.
All the same type of art can feel boring.
Ignoring the Rest of the Room
Your wall art should work with your furniture and other decor. Look at colors, styles, and the feeling of the room.
If your room is busy, keep wall art simple. If your room is plain, wall art can be bolder.
Not Considering Lighting
Art needs light to be seen. If your wall is dark, add a lamp nearby or use lighter colored art.
Caring for Your DIY Wall Decor
Make your projects last by taking care of them.
Dusting and Cleaning
Dust frames and art every few weeks. Use a soft cloth or duster.
For glass, spray cleaner on your cloth first, not on the glass. This keeps moisture from getting into frames.
Protecting from Sun
Direct sunlight fades photos and art over time. If your wall gets lots of sun, use UV-protective glass in frames. Or hang art on walls that don’t get direct light.
Updating Seasonally
One great thing about DIY art is you can change it. Swap out photos. Paint frames new colors. Add seasonal touches.
Keep a box of backup art so you can switch things up when you want a new look.
Where to Find Supplies
You don’t need to spend a lot to get started.
Free or Cheap Sources
- Dollar stores for frames, canvas, and paint
- Thrift stores for frames, dishes, and vintage items
- Garage sales for hidden treasures
- Your recycling bin for cardboard and paper
- Nature for branches, leaves, and flowers
- Free printables online (check museum websites)
Online Shopping
- Amazon for frames in bulk
- Etsy for printable art (under $5)
- Michael’s or Hobby Lobby (use coupons)
- Walmart for printing photos cheap
Your Own Home
Look around before you buy anything new. You might have:
- Old frames to paint
- Books with pretty pages
- Fabric scraps
- Photos you never printed
- Maps or postcards
Budget Breakdown
Here’s what different projects might cost:
| Project Type | Estimated Cost | Time Needed |
| Gallery wall (5-7 frames) | $20-$40 | 2-3 hours |
| Abstract canvas | $5-$15 | 30 minutes |
| Thrift store upcycle | $2-$5 each | 15-30 minutes |
| Photo display | $5-$10 | 1 hour |
| Nature art | Free-$10 | 1-2 hours |
| Large DIY project | $15-$30 | 2-4 hours |
Most projects cost under $20 if you’re smart about shopping and use what you have.
Getting the Family Involved
DIY wall decor makes a great family activity.
Projects for Kids
Let kids:
- Paint abstract art
- Make handprint or footprint art
- Choose photos for a family gallery
- Decorate wood letters
- Pick colors for projects
Frame kids’ artwork to show them you value what they make.
Couple Projects
Work together on:
- Planning a gallery wall of your relationship
- Painting a large canvas together
- Building floating shelves
- Choosing art for different rooms
This makes decorating more fun and helps you both feel good about your home.
Final Thoughts
DIY wall decor lets you make your house feel like home without spending a fortune. You can start small with one or two projects. Add more as you go.
The best wall decor tells your story. It shows what you love and who you are. Store-bought art can’t do that.
Start with these simple ideas. Try the ones that sound fun to you. Don’t worry about being perfect. Your walls will look amazing because they’ll be filled with things you made yourself.
Remember that 52% of homeowners now choose textured, personal wall decor over plain painted walls. You’re part of a big trend when you make your own art.
Ready to transform those blank walls? Pick one project from this guide and start today. You’ll be surprised how easy and fun it is to create beautiful wall decor that’s all your own.
For more home decorating inspiration, check out our guides on bedroom ideas,living room design, and paint colors.