Wall Decor Ideas to Refresh Your Space

Looking for wall decor ideas to refresh your space? Those empty walls are filled with possibilities—and a few additions can make a house feel like a home. If you're ready to turn those stark, bare walls into stylish centerpieces, keep reading. No matter your style, we've got the tricks that can amp up your walls and bring out your personality and taste. Whether you’re an art collector, a nature enthusiast, or a book lover, your walls can be customized so that you can be surrounded by the things you adore. Discover 20 wall decor ideas that are sure to add style to your home.

1. Go for Large-Scale Art

Cap: Grant Gibson lets a 10' x 6' Peggy Wong photograph take center stage in a client’s living room.

An oversized painting or photograph will command attention and set the tone in a small space. Try a black-and-white photo in a minimalist space or add color with a vibrant abstract piece.

2. Create a Gallery Wall

Cap:The Paris apartment of design dealers Laurence and Patrick Seguin features a wall of artworks by Richard Kern, David Noonan, Sam Durant, Carol Bove, and others. Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand designed the desk and swivel chair; the lounge chair is by Jean Prouvé.

Nothing adds personality and color quite like a gallery wall. Display a collection of art or photographs, or add wall hangings and other ephemera. Opt for simple, cohesive frames or bring in an array of ornate variations to mix things up! Pro tip: Extend the gallery wall to the ceiling to create the illusion of a larger space.

3. Incorporate an Accent Wall

In addition to adding to the walls, think about decorating the walls themselves. Try using a bright and bold paint color to create an accent wall, or bring in pattern with wallpaper, stenciling, or other decorative paint techniques. (Think about transforming your ceiling while you’re at it!) These decorative accents can have an even bigger impact in a small space.

4. Showcase Fabric

Cap: In a guest room at artist Cindy Sherman’s Hamptons farmhouse, a 19th-century Italian tapestry is displayed behind an Anthropologie bed draped with a suzani coverlet from Xenomania.

A tapestry or wall hanging can add color and pattern, as well as a sense of softness to a space. Consider framing vintage scarves or other pretty textiles. Bonus: These are a lot easier to move than framed paintings when it comes time to head to your next home.

5. Hang Mirrors

Cap:A mirror from Hilary Batstone hangs in the living room of Oscar-nominated screenwriter Peter Morgan’s London home, which was renovated by interior designer Rose Uniacke and architecture firm Eldridge Smerin. 

Mirrors reflect light, helping a small space to feel bigger and brighter. Try hanging an oversized mirror, or display several smaller pieces salon-style.

6. Paint a Mural

Cap: A scenic landscape wallpaper by Au fil des Couleurs is the focal point of designer AmélieColombet's inviting living room in Paris.

Let your walls transport you to another place by adding a mural. Whether you hand-paint it or choose a wall covering, the motif will make a big impact.

7. Install Shelves

If you’ve run out of floor space for bookshelves, take your collection to the wall. Install floating shelves and display hardcovers, small sculptures, and other odds and ends.