Decorating Ideas for a Big Empty Wall

Wall Art Groupings

• Photos of family, painting of nature scenes or prints of famous artists work well to cover up a bare wall. However, the arrangement and setting makes a difference in creating an engaging focal point or an uninteresting one. Group art pieces in even or odd numbers, 2 inches apart and in any direction. Get creative with the layout. A pyramid, diagonal line or an organic shape will call attention and make viewers notice the work displayed. For smaller framed works, use a large quantity such as seven to nine pieces per grouping. For large or oversize pieces, use three of four works to balance out the wall.

Fabric Patterns

• If you don't want to hang art pieces, fill blank space with patterned fabric over canvas. Purchase canvas covered frames in different sizes, then cover them with fabric containing bold florals, large geometric designs or narrow stripes. Secure the fabric to the backside of the canvas frame with a staple gun. Instead of going for flat covered canvases, punch up the dimension by scrunching fabric together before stapling it in place. Place a smooth, fabric covered canvas in the center of a grouping of scrunched fabric pieces.

Go Large

• A giant abstract piece of art with bold uses of bright color can immediately create a focal point for a room. Mount a large, eye-catching piece over a sofa or table. If you need to take up floor space as well, lean an oversize artwork up against the bare wall for a lower visual point. Hang smaller, similar pieces over the leaning piece. For instance, lean an oversize piece of art up against a wall then put three 8-by-10-inch matching pieces of art 2 feet above the top of the leaning piece.

Use Artifacts

• Choose three-dimensional pieces to hang on a bit empty wall along with framed artwork to break up the monotony and to define the area. For instance, a woven rug, wall vases or sconces can create depth, fill up space and give a room a subtle mix of texture and pattern. Clocks, mounted lighting fixtures and shelving units work well to provide purpose to a wall. A wall decorated with a pair of sconces, a grouping of artwork plus a clock could fill the wall. Or try a grouping of a woven rug, light fixture and a large art piece.