27 Things to Hang on the Wall That Aren't Framed Art and Prints

By
Sarah Lyon
sarah lyon, writer for the spruce
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast from the DC area. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 11/23/21
wall art that isn't photos

Valiance Home

When it comes to wall decor, most of us automatically think of framed prints, posters, and photos. But the reality is, there are so many other fabulous decor possibilities that go beyond these usual 2D options. We've rounded up 27 ideas for those looking to add a little something extra to their walls. Whether you seek to honor a favorite hobby, place, or even outfit, we've got you covered below.

  • 01 of 27

    Spell It Out

    neon LED wall art

    Chelsey Brown

    With so many companies offering customizable word art, you can easily recreate the hip vibe of that ultra-Instagrammable restaurant downtown in your own home. Whether you choose to showcase a quote that uplifts you, a funny saying, or simply spell out your name (it is your home, after all!), neon lighting will add plenty of pep to your walls.

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  • 02 of 27

    Play Ball

    diy tennis racquets

    Brynne Delerson

    Celebrate your love for sports by hanging a fave piece of equipment on the walls—or make a DIY version, as seen here with these tennis racquets. Sporting gear will add a playful touch to any space and promote a laid back feel.

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  • 03 of 27

    Get Natural

    leaf decor on wall

    @s.u.s.a.p.

    A leaf-shaped wall accent is a great way to add a touch of nature to your space—no pruning or watering required! Bonus points if you pair it with actual plant friends to keep the theme going.

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  • 04 of 27

    Pick a Place

    street sign decor

    Beth Diana Smith

    Honor a favorite place with a street sign that will bring instant character to your space. If you're willing to spend a bit more, you could even go the vintage route and hunt down an antique street sign from a city you love. (You can find Parisian artifacts and the like for sale on secondhand sites!)

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  • 05 of 27

    Drape It

    scarf decor

    Amaryllis

    If tapestries are giving you major dorm room throwbacks (and not in a good way!), why not craft one of your own using a scarf? Pick a pretty pattern and drape the fabric over a dowel for instant, one-of-a-kind decor.

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  • 06 of 27

    Choose a Theme

    nautical gallery wall

    Cori Robinson

    If you hang a gallery wall that centers around a specific theme (this one is clearly nautical!), think outside the box a bit as to how you can fully celebrate the place or hobby on which you're focusing. Here, a vintage ship ball makes for the perfect out of the box touch.

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  • 07 of 27

    Mix It Up

    wreaths on gallery wall

    Suzy Handgraaf

    Hang a mix of accessories—wreaths, baskets, and hats all look lovely in the above gallery wall, to name a few. Note that wreaths can be styled year-round and add instant color and texture to any wall. Pair faux leafy pieces with those made from branches to keep the setup interesting, as seen here.

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  • 08 of 27

    Get Sculptural

    sunburst wall

    David Land for Saudah Saleem

    Sculptural objects, especially when hung in varying sizes and scattered throughout the length of a wall, will make your home feel like it's part of a museum installation. Simple gold sunburst designs take center stage in this space.

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  • 09 of 27

    Make It Cozy

    ceramic sculpture on wall

    @paigekontrafouris

    Turn your home into a museum-like space by hanging plaster or ceramics on the wall. You don't need to travel far when you can make your own house into a storied spot.

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  • 10 of 27

    Accessorize It

    hat wall

    Sabrina Tan

    If you have loads of hats in your closet, why not let them sit pretty on the wall instead? It's a win-win: You'll free up valuable storage space and can showcase your love of fashion to all who stop by your home.

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  • 11 of 27

    Display a Collection

    fish decor on wall

    Cate Black Photography for Etch Design Group

    If you have a favorite collection of 3D objects that are petite enough to hang on the wall, take them out of their storage boxes and get to work displaying them! Here, a client's collection of fish swim in an artful pattern on this dining room wall.

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  • 12 of 27

    Kick It

    roller skate shoe wall

    Nick Glimenakis for Eneia White

    How cool is this collection of skates that doubles as decor? If you have a lot of pairs of colorful shoes, consider going this route, too—talk about an amazing conversation starter!

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  • 13 of 27

    Grab a Basket

    basket in kitchen

    Kate Dreyer and Stylish Productions 

    Take a beloved basket that's sitting in your cupboard out of its hiding spot, and hang it above your oven for some intrigue. Given how much time we spend standing in the kitchen prepping meals, the space deserves a little extra oomph.

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  • 14 of 27

    Sculpt It

    large gold sculpture

    Benjamin Johnston Design

    An oversized sculpture deserves to stand in the spotlight. Place it somewhere prominent, such as over the fireplace, as we see above. Its material juxtaposes wonderfully with the stone backdrop.

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  • 15 of 27

    Shine Bright

    sunburst sculpture over mantel

    Benjamin Johnston Design

    Earlier, we saw how nicely miniature sunburst sculptures looked when scattered across a wall, but a larger version of this type of piece can stand on its own. Again, oversized artwork looks best above a mantel or in another central spot.

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  • 16 of 27

    Reflect A Bit

    mirror trio art

    Julie Soefer for Benjamin Johnston Design

    Mirrors can make for artful decor when grouped together—a trio is always a solid solution. Look for pieces that feature eye-catching details that will make those walking by want to pause.

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  • 17 of 27

    Dress Up

    framed dress

    Julie Soefer for Creative Tonic

    Framing a dress or another piece of well-loved clothing from childhood is an excellent way to honor the past and preserve memories. Other clothing items that would look wonderful framed include athletic gear (such as team jerseys) and pocket squares.

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  • 18 of 27

    Replicate a Fave Place

    skateboards in bedroom

    Julie Soefer for Creative Tonic

    If you visit a hotel and absolutely fall in love with the decor, there's no reason you can't replicate it in your own home. Here, skate decks featuring patterns from The Beverly Hills hotel add character and dimension to this otherwise traditional bedroom.

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  • 19 of 27

    Go Green

    plants in bathroom

    Julie Soefer for Emily June Designs

    Plants make for affordable, vibrant, and peaceful decor! Install hanging planters in the bathroom to bring that spa-like feel home. If you don't have any natural light in your loo or just don't want to have to remember to care for any more plants, go for faux.

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  • 20 of 27

    Be a Kid Again

    action figures on wall

    Julie Soefer for Emily June Designs

    Embrace your inner child by giving a few favorite action figures a well-deserved place in the spotlight. Adhering lucite boxes to the wall ensures that your favorite figurines are safe from fingerprints and scratches but still get to be appreciated on a daily basis.

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  • 21 of 27

    Get Sporty

    paddles outdoors

    Stephen Karlisch for Lucas/Eilers

    An outdoor entryway is a great place to show off your sporty side. Here, colorful paddles make for festive (and functional!) decor.

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  • 22 of 27

    Float Away

    floatation devices

    Stephen Karlisch for Lucas/Eilers

    Craving a relaxing vibe? Here, floatation devices remind us of lazy summer days on the river.

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  • 23 of 27

    Dish It Out

    dishes on walls

    Stephen Karlisch for Lucas/Eilers

    Beautiful dishes are a popular choice for wall decor, especially in more traditional homes. Whether you have a coordinating set that you love or have worked to collect an eclectic mix of pieces over the years, dishware of all kinds looks wonderful hanging up.

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  • 24 of 27

    Show Off That Silk

    framed silk scarf

    Megan Lovoi for Meg Lonergan Interiors

    Whether designer or purely sentimental, a beloved scarf deserves to be preserved in a special frame. Lucite is a popular choice, as the material allows colorful silk to really pop.

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  • 25 of 27

    Send a Message

    word art in nursery

    Kate LeSueur for Meg Lonergan Interiors

    3D word art doesn't have to be seen as cheesy! When used sparingly, it can be quite sweet. A nursery is the perfect place to incorporate a thoughtful phrase like this one.

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  • 26 of 27

    The Full Scoop

    oyster plates

    Megan Lovoi for Meg Lonergan Interiors

    Oyster plates are a popular collector's item and while they have a culinary purpose, they certainly don't need to be hung in a kitchen. Here, they add plenty of personality and pep to a powder room.

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  • 27 of 27

    Beautiful Baubles

    jewelry in display boxes

    Megan Lovoi for Meg Lonergan Interiors

    Show off a stunning assortment of jewels by placing baubles into protective lucite frames. Not only will you have a full inventory of your pieces readily available, you can add instant color to your bedroom or dressing area at the same time.