Creative ways to decorate a large wall in your living room

If you’ve ever been to my house, you’ll notice that my walls are full of creative pieces, from my own artwork and macrame wall hangings to up-cycled sculptures and a gallery wall.

I’ve always believed that your living room should reflect your unique style, even if you have limited funds. In this blog, we’ll delve into creative ways to decorate a large wall in your living room on a tight budget. I’ve put together this helpful guide with lots of fun options to spark your imagination!

Gallery Wall

Let’s kick things off by exploring the concept of a gallery wall. It’s a fantastic way to adorn your large living room wall without draining your wallet. Head over to your local homeware shop and pick up some sleek black wooden frames to give your collection a cohesive and polished look.

When it comes to framing, the choices are endless – opt for a range of different sizes or different types of frames, or go for the same size frame. Gather an assortment of affordable images – think family photos, postcards, or even vibrant magazine cutouts. Artfully arrange them into a centrepiece that’s entirely one-of-a-kind.

DIY Art

Tap into your creative side and let your inner artist shine by crafting your very own unique living room wall art. You don’t have to be Picasso; whether it’s abstract art, mesmerising geometric patterns, or elegant line drawings, these creations can turn into modern living room wall decor wonders when thoughtfully framed.

Mirrors

Incorporating mirrors into your living room decor not only adds a touch of sophistication but also creates the illusion of a larger space and enhances natural light reflection. For those on a budget, you can discover budget-friendly mirrors at thrift stores or your local Facebook Market place. With a little DIY flair, you can repaint or decorate the frames to align with your unique living room wall art vision.

Temporary Wallpaper 

Temporary Wallpaper is a practical solution to infuse pattern or colour into your living room wall without making a long-term commitment. Whether you’re seeking modern living room wall decor ideas or a unique design twist, these peel-and-stick wallpapers are budget-friendly and offer a quick way to refresh your space.

Floating Shelves

Let’s explore another creative solution: Floating Shelves. These versatile shelving units not only offer a practical way to display books, decorative objects, or plants but also add a touch of style to your wall. You’ll find affordable options at most hardware shops. While they’re relatively easy to install, it’s essential to take care during the installation process. If you’re unsure, consider seeking professional assistance to ensure they are securely and safely mounted.

Wall Decals or Murals

These versatile decorations are available in a plethora of designs and are an excellent way to infuse your wall with personality. Whether you’re into abstract designs or vibrant patterns, wall decals offer a simple and temporary solution for transforming your living space. Plus, they are effortlessly applied and easily removed without leaving any damage to your paint – a practical choice for those seeking modern living room wall decor ideas.

Macrame

Now, let’s look at Macrame Art. If you’ve visited my blog before, you’ll find plenty of tutorials on macrame, and there’s nothing more rewarding and budget-friendly than crafting it yourself. Whether you opt for wall hangings or plant hangers, these handmade creations can infuse your space with bohemian charm and a touch of DIY elegance. You can often find affordable macrame supplies at craft stores or online shops. 

Textiles 

How about Textile Art? A budget-friendly and visually captivating option. If you’re looking for unique living room wall art, consider using fabric or scarves. For example, I absolutely love these beautiful scarves from Helen Ruth in Aberdeen. You can transform these exquisite scarves and others into stunning wall hangings. Stretch them over canvas frames for a sleek, modern look, or opt for a more bohemian vibe by securing them onto wooden dowels. Or even framing them behind glass if they are priceless. This approach allows you to infuse your living room with a touch of textile artistry that complements your style without breaking the bank.

Framed Maps and Posters

Let’s add some character and colour to your living room wall with Framed Maps or Posters. Take a trip down memory lane and uncover treasures like old maps, vintage posters, or even those retro university posters you cherished in your dorm room days.

Now, rather than being confined to your mum’s attic, you can give them a stylish grown-up revival by framing them up. This not only keeps your budget intact but also infuses your space with a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, while adding a delightful touch of your personality and history into your chic living room decor.

Natural Elements 

Bring the beauty of nature indoors with Natural Elements. Decorate your living room by incorporating items like driftwood, twigs, or pressed flowers into shadow boxes. These delightful additions infuse your space with a touch of the great outdoors, allowing you to connect with nature’s beauty right in your living room.

String Art

Unleash your creative side with String Art. Hammer nails into your wall to form intricate patterns or your desired shape, then wrap them with colourful string. This DIY project not only results in visually appealing wall decor but also fits perfectly into a budget-friendly approach, allowing you to express your unique style while adding a charming touch to your living space. Watch those fingers!

Up-cycling 

If you’ve been following my previous blog posts, you probably already know I’m a big fan of up-cycling. Keep your eyes peeled for discarded or charity shop gems like old windows, shutters, or reclaimed wood – they can be transformed into charming wall features. And don’t underestimate the potential of items like old bicycle wheels. If you’re up for a fun challenge, I once tried my hand at up-cycling old cassette tapes, using the tape itself to create intricate pictures. Yes, it can be a bit time-consuming, but the end result is incredibly rewarding, adding a friendly and personalised touch to your living room decor.

Paper Mache Art

Last but not least, let’s look at Paper Mache Art! Get ready to unleash your inner artist by creating 3D masterpieces with paper mache. To get started, simply whip up your own paper mache paste using a mixture of 1 part PVA craft glue and 2 parts water. Then sculpt your desired 3D shapes using newspaper or tissue paper, and make sure to smooth out any wrinkles as you layer on the paste-soaked strips. Allow each layer to dry thoroughly before adding more, and once you’ve built up enough layers, it’s time to unleash your inner Van Gogh with some colourful paint. If you’re new to paper mache, think of it as creating a delightfully messy paper and glue lasagna that magically transforms into fantastic 3D art. 

Now, if you’re a fellow Friends enthusiast (who isn’t, right?), you might recall the episode where Phoebe gave Monica her memorable paper mache art ‘Gladys‘. It was… well, let’s say impressive, albeit a tad on the terrifying side with that mannequin creeping out of the frame. But hey, if you’d rather avoid creepy art, no worries! You can always go for something simpler, like an abstract textured piece.

Final Thoughts

I hope these ideas have tickled your creative fancy and given you some fantastic, budget-friendly ways to jazz up that vast, empty wall in your living room. Don’t be intimidated by the size – think of it as a sprawling canvas just waiting for your artistic touch! Whether you’re into quirky decor, DIY adventures, or turning everyday items into art, let your inner decorator run wild. Have a blast with your decor project and turn that blank wall into a delightful masterpiece that’ll make your living room the ultimate hangout spot! Let me know how you get on in the comments below!