Cute Ideas for an Apartment With a Brick Wall

Paintings and Photographs

• A brick wall provides an ideal rustic backdrop for an art display. A large work of art centered on the wall and surrounded by several smaller works is an effective use of the space. Track lighting above the wall, or even lights on stands situated to highlight the art, can add a warm feel to your apartment and enhance the display of your artwork. Installing a lamp on each side of the wall is another way to highlight your art.

Mantels and Shelves

• Installing a wooden mantel over a partial-brick wall or wooden shelves on a wall that's all brick provides a contrast that will give your apartment a warm, rustic charm. Decorate the shelves with your favorite collectibles or small ceramic vases with flowers. With decorative bookends, the shelves can even double as a storage area for books.

Fireplace

• Create a cozy fireplace, without installing anything or breaking out any of the bricks. A fake fireplace positioned in front of the wall is all it takes. Fake fireplaces use lights to replicate the flame and even produce heat, making this a perfect way to save on your heating bill and to add a touch of warmth and a pleasing aesthetic to your apartment.

Natural Elements

• Embrace the stone element by decorating with floral arrangements, wicker, twig crafts and bamboo art that can bring out the personality of the bricks. Photographs with frames made of wicker or wood are also ideal. Themes such as nautical or country can be combined with these elements to give your wall a specific personality.

Murals

• Enlist the help of someone with painting skills or use stencils to create a mural that covers the entire brick wall. Think of the wall as a canvas. Brick can be painted with indoor house paint or spray paint. Scenes from nature, street scenes from of life in the city or even wild graffiti designs can be employed to give your brick wall a facelift. Just be sure the landlord is cool with that.