How to Decorate a Large Wall

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Large walls can be very intimidating to decorate. Have no fear! I have 10 different ways to give you some ideas on how to decorate a large wall to take the stress completely out of it!

When we moved into our current house the family room was very large with a stone fireplace at one end and a bank of windows with a sliding glass door on the other. The opposite walls are very large, especially with the 16-foot vaulted ceilings!

It only made sense to put our tv on one wall and then I had the job of figuring out what else to put up, because there was a lot of wall left!

I decided to go with one of the options I am sharing here today. But don’t worry, there are so many other options too.

How to Decorate a Large Wall

You don’t have to have vaulted ceilings to have a large wall. Most family rooms and bedrooms have a large wall that when left bare looks totally weird.

I have 9 different ways you can decorate that large wall! You are sure to find something here.

Large Scale Wall Art

Using a large piece of artwork to cover a good deal of the wall is a great way to decorate. You can DIY it like Lauren did in the photo above. Or you can buy one. My favorite places to find wall art are Kirklands, Hobby Lobby and Wayfair.

Lauren did something fun and unique here. She framed this artwork and hung it above a dreser which gave the wall depth and texture.

Using a large scale piece of art also is good for people who don’t like things to get too busy, who like a more minimalist look.

Add Architectural Interest with Millwork

In my home I used millwork to decorate lots of walls. I used it here in my stairwell as you can see from the photo below.

As you walk into the house you see this large back wall of a stone fireplace. You can also see the stairs so I wanted it to be something special and it needed brightened!

I created box molding by using sheets of mdf and bright white paint. This was a few years ago and It still to this day is one of my favorite projects I have done in my home.

Picture Molding is another method for adding interest to a large wall which is what I did this in my master bedroom.

I didn’t want a ton of artwork here. I am the type of person that gets sick of artwork and I don’t have the budget to change it out all the time. So to decorate the walls I added picture molding!

Board and Batten is another method of adding millwork. You can do it on the lower third of the wall or you can do what I did and go about two-thirds of the way up. I used Sherwin Williams Studio Blue Green above.

This is another example of not wanting to have a lot of art, so the molding is the artwork!

And here is one more example from my entryway where I used board and batten with a built-in shelf to display family photos.

A Gallery Wall

I created this gallery wall around the tv on my large family room wall. This space has vaulted ceilings that at the peak are 16 feet high. That’s pretty much the definition of a large wall!

I bought these frames from IKEA and printed popular photos of my kiddos throughout the years and hung them as straight as possible. A laser level was my best friend there.

Here is another example of a gallery wall using different types of frames and different types of photos on the wall above a couch. You can’t resist the adorable doggie either!

A Large Mirror

Using mirrors, large mirrors like this one, is a very popular option. It’s great to lean against the wall like this or hang them over a console table or buffet.

This is a great idea if you want something you can decorate for different seasons.

Lean Your Artwork

If you don’t want to put a lot of nails in your walls, and if you are like me and want to change out your artwork often, leaning it against the wall is a great option!

Layering that artwork with different sizes and decor items will also add a ton of interest and give your home a really cozy feel.

Here the artwork is leaning against a bank of windows from a table. You can also hang some floating shelves and lean artwork.

Or you can use a mantel and lean your artwork against the wall. This is perfect for those who like to change up their mantel decor often for different seasons and holidays. (like this girl!)

Hang Tapestries or Textiles

Hundreds of years ago people hung tapestries on walls to keep out the cold. Today we do it for decoration! Tapestries and textiles are great because they add a texture to a room that a framed piece of art cannot do.

Texture is good for the feeling it gives a space. It makes it more cozy and if you have a room of all neutrals, texture is what you need to add personality.

I honestly want to start crocheting just so I can make something like this. It’s gorgeous!

Add a Bold Paint Color

A really cheap way to decorate a large wall is with paint. This photo above shows how to add some architecture and interest with wood and paint.

Cut out wood squares of different sizes and nail them to the wall. Then give it all a bold color. You have a really need look that is one of a kind.

Add Wallpaper

Wallpaper is having a major moment right now and using it for a large wall is perfect to create a gorgeous space like this girl’s bedroom.

If you have a large wall you can use a large scale print like this one to create a wall full of art. Or you can have a small geometric pattern to give the wall a subtle and sophisticated look.

Let One Piece Set Center Stage

One large piece can create a focal point and add character to your room. It can be a large piece of furniture or something like a fireplace.

Fireplaces are great for large walls and you don’t have to do major construction to get one. You can buy electric ones that will not only give you a focal point for a large wall but they also will keep your room warm.

I love this fireplace how they added molding above to take it all the way to the ceiling. It really creates drama without having a huge fireplace.

This room has drama and then some! The vaulted ceilings are dramatic but adding the stone fireplace all the way up just takes it to the next level.

They also added large shelving units to flank the fireplace. So in this case you have not one large piece but three.

And can we talk about those floors?! They are so much drama! This room is simply amazing.

Bonus Tip on How to Decorate a Large Wall

Okay so here is one more bonus idea to add to the nine we already discussed.

Why not try combining some of the above ideas together?! Like have board and batten on the lower part of a wall and add a dramatic wallpaper above, or a bold color.

Use picture molding on the wall and add a large leaning mirror. Maybe paint the walls a bold color.

Mixing and matching these ideas is a great way to make your home unique and your own. So get to work and start decorating that large wall!

Final Thoughts

Large walls can be intimidating but there is no need to fret. There are many ways to create a space you will love with large walls. I recommend combining ideas to make your space special.

Let’s recap the different ideas to decorate that large wall you have in your home:

• Use Large Scale Wall Art to take up most of the space on the wall
• Use Architectural Millwork to break up the space and add interest
• Create a Gallery Wall with decor that you love
• Lean or Hang a Large Mirror
• Lean Your Artwork to create vignettes and texture
• Hand Tapestries or Textiles
• Add Wallpaper
• Add a Bold Color
• Let one piece take center stage

You have all the things you need to create a gorgeous home. All you need to do is get going! Happy Decorating!

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