Large empty walls can be very intimidating for any decorator. How do you make use of all of that wall space? I’m helping three readers develop stylish ways to fill the space in their homes.
I started my series “DIY On The Fly” last year and it has been so fun to help my followers with their design dilemmas both on the blog and on Instagram. It’s been such a joy to explore your homes and brainstorm creative solutions for tricky spaces!
Blank Walls, Oh My!
Recently, as I sifted through submissions, I noticed a recurring theme – blank walls. Readers asked questions like, What should I put above my couch? How do I decorate the empty wall in my bathroom? What about that awkward blank space in the kitchen or hallway? It became clear that many of us struggle with this same challenge.
That’s when I realized it was time to dedicate an entire blog post to decorating large blank walls. These spaces are blank canvases, brimming with potential, but they can also feel intimidating to tackle. The good news? With the right approach, a blank wall can be transformed into a standout feature that brings personality and function to your home.
In this post, I’m helping three readers with their wall decor dilemmas, showcasing creative, practical, and beautiful ways to fill their blank walls. Whether you’re working with a cozy living room, a functional bathroom, or a shared living/dining space, these ideas will inspire you to embrace those blank walls and make them your own!
Anna’s Design Dilemma – Blank Wall Over A Couch
If you’re looking at a big blank wall over your couch and feel stumped, you’re not alone. Anna’s space is a perfect example of how a well-styled wall can make a big impact in your living room.
First, I would take a look at other areas of the room. What’s on your other walls? Do you already have clusters of frames elsewhere? Does the room feel cluttered and busy? I don’t have any other images of Anna’s space, but I do notice a shelf in the corner and perhaps some built-ins in the right of the photo. I don’t think she would need any additional shelving over the couch.
My gut says to keep it simple over the couch to prevent this room from feeling cluttered. Therefore, I would go with one of the below design plans.
Statement Art with Picture Light
Large Wall Art // Picture Light
I would go with either one horizontal piece over the couch with a picture light above. Or, opt for two vertical pieces of art with a picture light above. Either way, you want the large-scale art to take up at least 2/3rds the width of the couch. Repeat after me, 2/3rd the width! Any smaller and it will look too dainty. Read this blog post all about scale and proportion to get it right.
The picture light will add some interest and make things look a bit more high-end. Just make sure the picture light spans 2/3rds the width of the art. Are you sensing a theme here?
Two Art Pieces with Sconces
If she goes for two vertical pieces, she should position them no more than 4 inches apart so they look like a cohesive piece of art. There are lots of wall pieces that are sold in pairs, so I would find something that resonates with Anna and go from there! Also, be sure to hang it at the right height. You don’t want art hanging too far above the couch. This blog post has my best tips for hanging items above any furniture piece.
On the outside, I would go with gold sconces to add some warmth and additional light sources to the living room. This would create a balanced look in the space.
Which option do you prefer?
Kari’s Design Dilemma – Large Space In Open Concept Home
Have you ever stared at a giant blank wall in an open-concept space and felt completely overwhelmed? Kari’s design dilemma is one I hear often – how to style a large wall that spans both the living and dining areas without it looking cluttered or disconnected.
Create Functional Zones
Gallery Wall // Blue Storage Cabinet // Floor Lamp // Gold Planter // Blue Vase
I would break that huge wall into separate zones with different functions. To create functional zones, think about the activities that happen in each part of the room and how the decor can support them.
It looks like they have kids’ items behind the couch and potentially a chalkboard wall. Therefore, I would make this area for the kids and have plenty of storage to hide toys away. I would suggest moving their brown cabinet over to the left, behind the couch.
Above it, a gallery wall could be really fun and I like this option from Framebridge to make it extra easy. Black and white family photos would keep things looking polished, yet cozy and personal.
In its place, I would opt for a large hutch with glass cabinets. This would draw the eye up, take up a bit of wall space, and add even more storage to their home. The glass cabinets also create a visual anchor to break up the wall’s length. This cabinet comes in lots of colors and I was so drawn to this gorgeous blue hue. It would add a bit of fun to this family-friendly home.
Remember, filling a wall doesn’t always mean hanging things on the wall. Adding a tall planter with some greenery or a floor lamp also helps to fill up the room, cover blank wall space, and add life and function to a space.
Kari’s large wall is the perfect example of how thoughtful styling can bring function and personality to even the trickiest spaces.
But what if your design dilemma is the exact opposite—a small wall that feels empty and uninspiring? Let’s take a look at Lena’s bathroom
Lena’s Design Dilemma – Boring Bathroom Walls
Lena mentioned that this is their most used bathroom and she hates how “blah” it feels. I think a powder room is the perfect place to have a little fun with color and pattern. Small spaces are my favorite places to incorporate bold color like a deep navy or rich green.
Wood Wall Treatment
You know I love a good wood wall treatment in a bathroom. I have beadboard in our basement and in our main bathroom, and then I added molding to our first-floor bathroom. Wood is an excellent way to add interest to your walls and it’s usually pretty inexpensive and fast.
In Lena’s space, I would go with picture frame molding on the bottom 1/3 of the walls. Above it, I would opt for a floral wallpaper. (I told you we were going bold in here.) Let’s take a look at my design plan!
Bold Powder Room Design
Floral Wallpaper // Picture Frame Molding Tutorial // Gold Towel Ring // Two Stack of Frames
No one would ever describe this bathroom as “blah”! The wood wall and wallpaper take things to the next level and really make the space feel cozy and elegant. I would opt for a stack of two frames over the toilet and a gold towel ring near the sink. Other than that, I don’t think she needs much else on the walls.
I know people get so nervous to go with dark colors in a small space. I’m telling you, these dark blues will create the illusion of a larger space. The entire room will feel spacious and inviting…trust me!
More Decor Ideas For A Large Blank Wall
Need more decorating ideas? There’s a good chance these blog posts will spark some inspiration for your own home.
Final Thoughts on Decorating Blank Walls
Decorating a blank wall doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re working with a large empty wall, a bare wall in a small area, or even an entire wall in a room with tall ceilings, you can intentionally fill the space. The most important thing is to balance decorative elements with your personal style and the room’s overall look.