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.
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Spell It Out
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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Play Ball
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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Get Natural
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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Pick a Place
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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Drape It
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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Choose a Theme
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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Mix It Up
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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Get Sculptural
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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Make It Cozy
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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Accessorize It
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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Display a Collection
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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Kick It
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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Grab a Basket
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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Sculpt It
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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Shine Bright
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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Reflect A Bit
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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Dress Up
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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Replicate a Fave Place
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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Go Green
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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Be a Kid Again
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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Get Sporty
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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Float Away
Craving a relaxing vibe? Here, floatation devices remind us of lazy summer days on the river.
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Dish It Out
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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Show Off That Silk
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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Send a Message
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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The Full Scoop
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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Beautiful Baubles
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.