12 Easy DIY Wall Art Ideas for Blank Walls (On a Budget)
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Big, blank walls can make a room feel unfinished. But large art is expensive. DIY wall art is a cheap, creative way to fill that space with something personal.
You don't need to be an artist. Most of these ideas need basic supplies and an afternoon. Here are 12 easy DIY wall art ideas.
Before you start: size matters
Small art on a large wall looks lost. As a guide:
- Art above a sofa should be about two-thirds the width of the sofa.
- Hang it with the center around 57 to 60 inches from the floor, or 8 to 10 inches above furniture.
If you're making smaller pieces, group them together. These gallery wall ideas explain how to lay them out.
12 DIY wall art ideas
1. Abstract painted canvas
Buy a large blank canvas (craft stores often have sales). Pick two or three colors from your room. Use a wide brush or a palette knife to make loose shapes, arches or color blocks. Abstract art is forgiving: there's no "wrong."
Tip: start with a base coat of off-white or beige for a softer, more finished look.
2. Textured plaster art
Mix joint compound (spackle) with a little paint or leave it white. Spread it on a canvas with a putty knife to make ridges, swirls or arches. Let it dry fully, then seal with a matte varnish. It mimics expensive textured art.
3. Framed fabric or wallpaper
Stretch a piece of patterned fabric, a tea towel or a wallpaper sample in a frame or over a canvas. Block prints, vintage textiles and botanical wallpaper look great.
4. Pressed botanicals
Press leaves, ferns or flowers between heavy books with parchment paper for one to two weeks. Arrange them on paper and frame them, or use a "floating" frame with two panes of glass.
5. Engineer prints
Engineer prints are large, black-and-white prints from print shops, originally for blueprints. They're very inexpensive for their size. Print a favorite photo and hang it with clips or a wooden poster hanger.
6. Free museum art
Many museums offer free, high-resolution public domain images. Download a vintage botanical drawing, a landscape or a classic painting and print it at a local print shop.
7. Tape art
Use painter's tape to create geometric shapes or stripes on a canvas, then paint over and peel the tape off. Clean lines with almost no skill needed.
8. Wooden poster hanger
Two thin strips of wood, glue and a piece of string make a hanger for any print or textile. It's a modern, Scandinavian look.
9. Mirror cluster
Group thrifted mirrors of different shapes and sizes. Paint the frames the same color to tie them together. Mirrors also bounce light, which helps darker rooms.
10. Woven wall hanging
A simple macramé or woven hanging needs only a dowel and cotton rope or yarn. Great for boho bedrooms and living rooms.
11. Basket wall
Hang a cluster of flat woven baskets or seagrass plates on the wall. They add natural texture and look striking in groups of odd numbers.
12. Framed kids' art or family recipes
Frame children's drawings in matching frames for a gallery that means something. Or frame a handwritten family recipe in the kitchen.
Supplies to keep on hand
- Large canvases or thrifted frames
- Acrylic paints in your room's colors
- Wide brushes and a palette knife
- Painter's tape
- Joint compound and matte sealer
- Picture hanging kit with a level
Use your room's colors
Pull colors from your rug, pillows or curtains. Art that repeats room colors looks intentional. If you're still deciding on a palette, this guide to a neutral living room color palette can help.
Renter-friendly hanging
Lightweight DIY pieces like poster hangers, canvases and fabric art often work with adhesive hooks or strips. Check weight limits. Leaning large art on a dresser or shelf also avoids holes. More ideas are in this guide on how to decorate a rental apartment.
Seasonal art swaps
Swap a print or two each season for an easy refresh. Pressed autumn leaves or a warm-toned abstract fit right into these cozy fall decor ideas.
Common mistakes
- Art that's too small for the wall
- Hanging pieces too high
- Too many unrelated colors
- Not sealing textured or paper pieces
- Skipping the level
Frequently asked questions
What can I put on a big blank wall cheaply?
Large engineer prints, a DIY abstract canvas, framed fabric, a mirror cluster or a gallery of thrifted frames all fill big walls on a budget.
Do I need to be good at art to make DIY wall art?
No. Abstract, textured and botanical projects are forgiving and don't require drawing skills.
How do I make DIY art look expensive?
Use a limited color palette, go large, add a simple frame or a wooden float frame, and hang it at the right height.
What paint should I use on canvas?
Acrylic paint is affordable, dries quickly and cleans up with water. It's ideal for beginners.
Read next: Gallery Wall Ideas and Layouts (Plan It Before You Drill) →