The Best Decor to Hang on Your Walls That Isn’t Photography

Interiors & Decor

The Best Decor to Hang on Your Wall That Isn't Photography | Wit & Delight
Photo via Louise Gray

As previously seen on Wit & Delight


My favorite homes are ones that reflect the person living inside. You can find glimpses of all of us through the artifacts we choose to live with, art being the most revealing of them all. Because selecting what to hang on your walls is both subjective and somewhat daunting, most of us default to photography. This post is a reminder that it definitely isn’t the only option.

Truthfully, there are seemingly endless opportunities when it comes to accessorizing a blank wall. Have extra wallpaper hanging around? BAM, you’ve got yourself something to frame. Have a quilt from your grandma that is too pretty to sit on your bed? Hang that pretty thing up.

My appetite for unique wall decor has no end. With our Pinterest page covered in homes with artwork displaying offbeat styles, found objects, vintage tapestries, and repurposed signage, our team thought it would be great fodder for a good old-fashioned roundup! So, have I sold you on adding some character to a wall in your home? I hope so. Check out the 15 different looks below that are full of originality and artistic expression. Which is your favorite?!

A Quilt / A beautiful quilt can often be a true work of art that is more than worthy of being on display for guests to appreciate. Choose a piece you feel matches the overall aesthetic that you’re aiming to achieve.

Photo by Ashley Batz for Apartment 34

Mood Board / The walls of my office are always covered with magazine clippings, Pantone colors, sketches, and whatever else is inspiring me at the moment. They have become my own real-life Pinterest board, constantly being updated day by day, and inspiring me to keep creating.

Photo via The Style Files

Woven Baskets or Plates / For a touch of bohemian flair, hang an assortment of woven baskets of various sizes on a wall in a collage-like form. The rattan will add texture and dimension to a blank space and give the room a fresh, earthy feel.

Photo via HomeDeco

Framed Plants / If you’re looking to add some greenery and foliage to your walls, without the responsibility of having to take care of them, opt for framed plants and create a botanical gallery wall.

Photo via Chapter Friday

Or Framed Feathers / For something more unique (that still has natural beauty), create a gallery wall of framed feathers. The intricate detailing and colors of the feathers will give off a sophisticated vibe.

Photo by Pippa Drummond for Sight Unseen

Books / Create a library-inspired wall scene and install shelves to house your books. Not only is the assortment of texts easy on the eyes but it also omits the need for a bookshelf.

Photo via Collective Gen

Hats / Accessorize your walls with accessories! Hang a handful of your favorite sunhats and caps for an ensemble that is as practical as it is pretty. Pro tip: as the season’s change, mix and match which hats you display. The constant updates will keep you from feeling bored with your decor.

Photo via sf girl by bay

Mirrors / Hang a few unique mirrors in different shapes and sizes at different heights on one wall. The reflection of light off the mirrors will add dimension and make a small space feel bigger and brighter.

Photo via Hearthwood Home

Sheet Music / If you’re musically in tune *no pun intended,* frame sheet music from some of your favorite pieces. Guests will appreciate the sophisticated look and personal touch!

Photo via Design*Sponge

A Rug / Add some softness to a stark wall by hanging a textured rug with colors and patterns that compliment the overall feel of the room. I love the geometric shapes found in this rug; it perfectly offsets the free-spirited feel of the rest of the space.

Photo via A Beautiful Mess

A Plant Wall / Give some life to a dull space by adding a plant wall full of luscious greenery. Arrange a variety of indoor plants on several hanging shelves. To make the mini garden feel more cohesive, place all of the plants in pots that look somewhat similar.

Photo by Jeffrey Cross, via POPSUGAR

Plates / Forget hiding your plates and platters in a cabinet. Why not hang them where you can see and appreciate them on a regular basis? You’ll be surprised what it can do to amplify the overall aesthetic of a room!

Photo via No Glitter No Glory

Kitchen Knives / A wall magnet for your kitchen knives is both functional and fitting. To make it look as though the knives are hanging on their own, paint the magnet the same color as your walls.

Photo via Apartment Therapy

Macramé / Add texture and warmth to your room with a ’70s inspired weaving. Buying tip: explore Etsy for handmade macrame. Most are one-of-a-kind gems that you won’t see or find anywhere else!

Photo via Collective Gen

Purses / Save storage room and use your handbag collection to decorate blank wall space. For a more purposeful look, choose purses that look well arranged together like the woven bags shown above.

BY Kate Arends - August 16, 2020

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August 25, 2020 8:33 pm

Wow! These are such great ideas. I love how creative using hats as wall decors. I’ll definitely try it when I get to collect a few.

September 10, 2020 11:42 am

These wall hangings look so pretty and beautiful. Macrame is what I love most of all.

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