Beyond The Matte and Frame, 8 Innovative Ways to Decorate Your Walls

You’re almost finished! The chocolate leather sofa set you ordered two months ago is in place. You have your coffee table aligned perfectly across from your new entertainment center. The antique bird cage in the corner is just perfect for that entrance wall. But you notice there’s something missing as you gaze upon your newly furnished room. Those pesky blank walls!
We have all been in a similar situation. Just how do we accessorize what is possibly the most important part of the room? Well Patricia Buzo, owner of Patricia’s Palette, has come up with eight unique ways to dress up those boring walls.
1. Supersize your artwork with a trompe l’oeil wall mural.
A wall mural can do wonders for a blank, drab space by making the room appear larger and more inviting. The term “trompe l’oeil” literally means “fool the eye”. (Smart Tip: Wall murals can be combined with other ideas listed below such as # 6 and 7.)
2. Embellish your blank space with a hanging tapestry.
Tapestries can be custom ordered in many sizes, bringing in a sophisticated and elegant piece of art. These can be made of fabric, leather, or hand painted canvas.
3. Hang a stained glass window.
Obtain either salvaged pieces from churches and old buildings, or brand new ones made by local artisans. (Smart Tip: Place your old holiday lights behind the window to make the colors in the stained glass really glow.)
4. Accent the area by hanging a decorative screen.
By using a semi-folded screen you can create an unusual 3-dimentional accent for your décor.
5. Create a collage of your collectibles.
These can be anything from scenic photos to your stamp collection. (Smart Tip: To create a ‘garden room’ place inexpensive trailing silk plants in wicker baskets at various heights on the wall.)
6. Fool ‘em with a ‘faux’ door.
Antique doors and windows salvaged from old buildings can be an excellent way to creatively fill up a blank wall.
7. Bring in dimension and texture with fabrics.
Fabric isn’t just for windows. Hang decorative fabrics from wall sconces and rods to create a unique “frame” for your wall.
8. Spruce it up with an antique map.
Unlike your typical schoolhouse maps, these can be applied directly to your wall without the use of a frame. (Smart Tip: For authenticity any map can be “antiqued” with a faux finish for an old world feel.)