11 Large Empty Wall Ideas for Living Rooms to Turn Blank Walls into Stunning Features

Empty walls can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to make your living room feel complete. That bare space stares back at you, waiting to be transformed into something special that matches your style and personality.

You can turn that blank canvas into an eye-catching focal point with simple decorating tricks that work for any budget or design preference. From gallery walls filled with cherished photos to creative shelving displays, the options are endless. Your living room holds so much potential – it just needs your personal touch to make it shine.

1) Create a gallery wall with mixed frame styles

A gallery wall with mixed frames can turn your empty wall into a stunning focal point. Pick frames in different sizes, colors, and styles to add visual interest to your living room.

Start with one large piece as your anchor – aim for at least 24×36 inches. This will be the center of your display and help ground the arrangement.

Mix in medium and small frames around your anchor piece. A good rule is to use 60% large frames, 30% medium frames, and 10% small frames for balance.

Keep 2-3 inches of space between smaller frames and 4-6 inches between larger ones. This spacing helps each piece stand out while maintaining a cohesive look.

Try combining ornate gold frames with simple black or white ones. You can also mix in wooden frames or even painted frames to match your room’s color scheme.

Fill your frames with a variety of art – try photographs, prints, paintings, or even fabric pieces. Choose items that tell your story and match your style.

Make sure to hang the bottom frames at least 8-12 inches above your furniture. This creates a clean look and keeps your artwork at eye level.

2) Install floating shelves for a sleek look

Floating shelves add a modern touch to your living room while giving you extra space to display photos, plants, and decor. These shelves look like they’re magically attached to the wall since they have no visible brackets.

To hang floating shelves safely, find the wall studs first. Each stud allows your shelf to hold about 45-50 pounds. Use a level to mark where you want the shelves to go.

Pre-drill pilot holes into the studs and install the mounting brackets. Make sure they’re straight and level before moving forward. Some shelves come with built-in bubble levels to make this step easier.

When placing the shelf on the brackets, set the front edge slightly higher than the back. This helps balance out any weight you’ll add later. Double-check that everything is secure before putting items on your new shelves.

Try different arrangements with your shelves. You can hang them in a straight line, stagger them, or create a geometric pattern. Mix up the lengths to add visual interest to your wall.

Keep the shelves from looking cluttered by leaving some empty space between items. This creates a clean, organized look that matches the sleek style of floating shelves.

3) Use large-scale art pieces to make a statement

Large-scale art can transform your empty wall into an eye-catching focal point. When choosing a piece, pick something that matches your style and the room’s color scheme.

A good size guide is to choose artwork that takes up about two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall space. If you’re hanging art above furniture like a sofa, the piece should be about 75% of the furniture’s width.

For the perfect hanging height, place the center of your artwork at 57 inches from the floor. This height matches the average person’s eye level and helps create visual balance in your room.

Try bold graphic abstracts for maximum impact. You can also mix things up by adding two black-and-white photos on either side of your main piece.

Use proper picture-hanging hooks instead of regular nails to keep your statement piece secure. These hooks are stronger and will give you peace of mind when hanging heavy artwork.

Don’t feel limited to just paintings – large prints, photographs, or even tapestries can work as statement pieces. The key is choosing something that grabs attention and reflects your personality.

4) Incorporate woven baskets for texture

Woven baskets make stunning wall decor that adds natural texture and warmth to your living room walls. Pick baskets in different sizes, shapes, and weaving patterns to create visual interest.

Hang them in a cluster arrangement to fill up empty wall space. Three to five baskets grouped together often look best, but you can adjust the number based on your wall size.

Mix flat gathering baskets with deeper storage-style ones to add depth. Natural materials like seagrass, rattan, and wicker work perfectly for this look.

Add some seasonal flair by tucking dried flowers or greenery into the baskets. This simple touch brings color and life to your wall display.

Consider combining your basket wall with other decor elements like decorative plates or wall art. The woven textures pair nicely with both modern and rustic home styles.

For extra function, choose some deeper baskets that can hold small items while still looking stylish on your wall. This gives you hidden storage that doubles as decor.

5) Hang an oversized mirror to add depth

A large mirror can transform an empty wall into an eye-catching feature. Pick a spot where the mirror can reflect something interesting, like a window or a beautiful light fixture.

The reflection creates an illusion of more space in your living room. Your room will feel twice as big, and natural light will bounce around to brighten up dark corners.

Choose a mirror with a frame that matches your style. A chunky wooden frame adds rustic charm, while a sleek metallic frame creates a modern look.

Don’t be afraid to go big – a mirror that’s at least 3 feet tall can make a strong statement. Just make sure to secure it properly to the wall for safety.

Place your mirror at eye level for the best effect. If you have high ceilings, you can hang it slightly higher to draw the eye upward and showcase your room’s height.

6) Add a vibrant wall decal or mural

Wall decals and murals offer a quick way to transform your empty wall into an eye-catching focal point. You can pick from thousands of ready-made designs or create your own custom artwork to match your style perfectly.

Removable decals are great if you rent or like to change up your decor often. They peel off easily without damaging the wall underneath, giving you the freedom to try new looks whenever you want.

Go bold with a floor-to-ceiling mural that makes a statement, or keep it simple with smaller decal elements scattered across the wall. Nature scenes, geometric patterns, and abstract designs are popular choices that can instantly refresh your living room.

For a personal touch, try word art that features your favorite quote or a meaningful phrase. You can also mix and match different decal sizes and shapes to create your own unique wall composition.

Make sure to pick colors that work with your existing furniture and decor. A well-chosen wall decal or mural can tie the whole room together and give your space that finished, professional look you’re after.

7) Mix and match wall sconces for lighting

Wall sconces can transform your empty living room wall into a stunning design feature. You can create visual interest by mixing different styles, sizes, and finishes of sconces.

Try pairing modern and vintage-inspired sconces for an eclectic look. Metal finishes like brass, chrome, and matte black work great together when you space them evenly along the wall.

Place your sconces at eye level for the best lighting effect. You can install them in pairs or create a zigzag pattern for more dramatic impact.

Consider the light temperature when choosing bulbs. Warm white bulbs (2700-3000K) create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere in your living room.

Some sconces can be adjusted to direct light up or down. This lets you highlight artwork or architectural features while adding a soft glow to your space.

Don’t forget to check the wiring requirements before installation. Some sconces need hardwiring, while others can be plugged into an outlet. You might want to hire an electrician for safe installation.

8) Display a tapestry for a bohemian vibe

A tapestry can transform your empty wall into a stunning focal point. These large textile pieces add instant color, pattern, and texture to your space without the commitment of paint or wallpaper.

You can find tapestries in many different styles and sizes to match your taste. Popular options include mandala patterns, nature scenes, geometric designs, and vintage-inspired prints.

Hanging a tapestry is super easy. Use a rod pocket if your tapestry has one, or try command strips for a damage-free option. You can also frame your tapestry or hang it loosely for a more relaxed look.

Try layering your tapestry with other wall elements like small plants, woven baskets, or string lights. This creates depth and makes your wall more interesting.

For the best effect, pick a tapestry that’s large enough to fill most of your wall space. A too-small piece might look lost on a big wall.

Mix in some cozy elements near your tapestry. Add a comfy chair, some throw pillows, or a small side table with candles to create a welcoming seating area.

9) Arrange a collection of decorative plates

Decorative plates can transform a blank wall into a stunning focal point in your living room. Mix plates of different sizes, colors, and patterns to create visual interest.

You can find beautiful plates at thrift stores, yard sales, or discount home stores like Marshall’s and Ross. This makes it an affordable way to fill large wall spaces.

Try arranging your plates in an asymmetrical cluster instead of a rigid grid pattern. This creates a more relaxed, artistic look. Start with a center plate and build outward with smaller pieces.

Make sure to use plate hangers that grip securely and won’t damage your plates. These are easy to find at craft stores or online.

Consider choosing plates that match your room’s color scheme. You can also pick plates with complementary patterns or stick to a single color family for a cohesive look.

A plate wall works especially well above a sofa or sideboard. You can start small with 5-7 plates and add more over time as you find pieces you love.

10) Use vertical plant hangers for greenery

Want to make your empty wall burst with life? Vertical plant hangers are perfect for adding a natural touch without taking up floor space. They’re a great choice for both small and large living rooms.

Macrame hangers work really well for showing off trailing plants like pothos or string of pearls. You can mix different hanger styles and heights to create an eye-catching display that draws attention upward.

Make sure to pick plants that match your room’s lighting conditions. Some good options include spider plants, philodendrons, and ivy – they’re tough and look amazing when hanging from the wall.

Before mounting any hangers, check that your wall can handle the weight of pots, soil, and plants. Use proper wall anchors and mounting hardware to keep everything secure.

Try grouping three or four plant hangers together to make a statement, or spread them out along the wall for a more relaxed look. You can even mix in some empty hangers as decorative elements.

Remember to place a waterproof mat or tray underneath your plants to catch any drips when watering. This will protect your walls and floor from water damage.

11) Design a photorealistic wall mural

A photorealistic wall mural can transform your living room into a stunning visual experience. Pick a high-quality image that matches your room’s style – maybe a peaceful forest scene, city skyline, or beach sunset.

You’ll want to work with a professional printing service that specializes in wall murals. They can help you choose the right materials and ensure the image quality stays sharp at a large size.

Make sure to measure your wall carefully before ordering. The mural should cover the entire space without awkward cropping or stretching.

Consider the lighting in your room. Natural light hitting the mural can create different effects throughout the day. You might want to add some strategic accent lighting to highlight certain parts of the image.

The best part about photorealistic murals is how they create an illusion of depth. Your wall can become a window to another world, making your living room feel bigger and more dynamic.

Choose a scene that brings you joy or calm. You’ll be looking at it every day, so pick something that won’t get old quickly.

Understanding The Importance Of Wall Art

Wall art has a huge impact on a living room’s look and feel. It creates visual interest and helps turn your space into a true reflection of your style.

Impact On Room Atmosphere

Empty walls can make a room feel cold and unfinished. The right art pieces transform the energy of your space right away.

Wall art works as a focal point that draws people’s attention when they enter the room. It can make your space feel bigger or cozier depending on the size and style you pick.

Different art styles create different moods. Bold, colorful pieces add energy and excitement. Soft, neutral artwork brings calm and balance to your room.

The size of your art matters too. A piece that’s too small can look lost on a big wall. Large statement pieces fill the space nicely and make a strong visual impact.

Personalizing Your Space

Art lets you put your own stamp on your living room. Pick pieces that speak to you and match your interests.

Mix different types of wall decor to create a unique look. Try combining:

• Framed photos
• Canvas prints
• Tapestries
• Metal wall art
• Mirrors

Your art choices tell visitors about who you are. Family photos show what you value. Abstract pieces reveal your creative side. Travel photos share your adventures.

Don’t be afraid to change your wall art over time. Your style grows and changes – your decor can too.

Tips For Choosing The Right Wall Decor

Picking the right decor for your large wall takes careful planning to create a look that fits your space perfectly. The right choices can transform an empty wall into a stunning focal point.

Matching Your Room’s Color Scheme

Start with your room’s main colors as your guide. Pick wall decor that includes at least one or two shades from your existing palette.

Try using the 60-30-10 rule: 60% of your wall decor should match your primary room color, 30% should complement your secondary color, and 10% can be an accent color that adds a pop of interest.

Test samples of your chosen pieces against the wall in different lighting conditions. Colors can look different throughout the day.

Considering Different Textures

Mix different materials to create visual interest on your wall. Try combining smooth metal frames with rough wooden pieces or soft fabric hangings.

Natural textures like woven baskets or wooden panels can add warmth to your space. They work really well with most decorating styles.

Think about adding depth with textured wall hangings or 3D art pieces. These elements catch light differently and create shadows that make your wall more dynamic.

Keep the textures balanced – too many rough or smooth surfaces in one area can make the wall feel uneven.