Say Farewell to your empty wall

By Samantha van Egmond in association with 

Discover budget-friendly ways that fill your large walls with mirrors, art and textiles.

A bare, white wall in your living area can be intimidating and make even the loveliest of homes feel cold, especially in winter. However, there are ways to inject personality into a blank surface that extend beyond paint and wallpaper (not to mention large and expensive artwork). Take a look at these ideas to bring life to an empty wall without blowing the budget.

Photo by David Boyle Architect – Look for art

Make a gallery wall

Grouping artwork close together has a bigger impact than one lonely little frame, especially on a large wall. Mix and match sizes, colours and styles, hanging everything from cheap and cheerful illustrations to treasured postcards for an eclectic look.

Photo by Blackband Design – Look for beach style family room design inspiration

Divide and conquer

Expansive walls call for equally expansive art, which can be costly – not to mention impractical if you move house and need to find a new spot for your piece. As a more versatile option, look for multiple panels that create one large artwork so they can be separated if necessary.

Photo by Karen Aston Design – Browse contemporary living room photos

Tip: If you’re artistically inclined, why not try your hand at creating your own artwork? Spreading the design across several canvases will help you to avoid feeling overwhelmed by one enormous piece – they can also be separated slightly to fill an even larger surface space.

Photo by Sarah Davison Interior Design – Search decorative pillows

Hang an oversized mirror

A mirror hung strategically to fill an empty surface will work particularly well in smaller homes, creating the illusion of more space by reflecting light. Frame with string lights or group several smaller mirrors together to bring brightness and depth to a bare wall.

Photo by Atmosphère d’Ailleurs – Browse beach style living room ideas

Get hooked.

Not only are wall hooks great at adding interest to a bare wall, they’re also one of the simplest ways to maximise space in any room of your home. They are particularly handy in hallways and entrances where there is often little space for storage. Choose your most display-worthy hats, bags and jewellery to keep the walls from looking stark.

Photo by Nanette Wong – Discover your next contemporary rug

Turn to textiles

A beautiful blanket or a vintage tapestry can often be picked up at a fraction of the cost of artwork, making an eye-catching wall-hanging and lending texture to a bare surface. Keep an eye out at secondhand markets and local charity stores for a bargain.

Tip: You might be surprised at what you’ll find when you rummage through your drawers and craft cupboards. A silk scarf or a unique piece of fabric can be transformed into a beautiful piece of art with the addition of an inexpensive frame.