8 Large Wall Decor Hacks Interior Designers Swear By

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve stared at a big empty wall, wondering what on earth to do with it. A single frame looks too small, shelves feel out of place, and leaving it bare makes the whole room feel unfinished. If you’ve been there too, you know the frustration — it’s like the wall is silently daring you to figure it out.

The good news? You don’t need to spend thousands on custom art or designer pieces to make a blank wall feel polished. With the right hacks, you can turn that empty space into something that looks expensive but stays budget-friendly. And the best part is, these ideas are practical enough for real homes — not just Pinterest-perfect showrooms.

Have you ever looked at your wall and thought, “This needs something, but I don’t know what?”

Why These Hacks Work — The Secret to Affordable Luxury

Here’s the truth: making a wall look expensive has less to do with how much you spend and more to do with scale, texture, and finish. Our brains associate large, bold pieces and tactile surfaces with high-end design. That’s why a single oversized mirror or a wall with moulding can instantly feel more luxurious than a cluster of tiny prints.

Think about it this way — when you walk into a hotel lobby or a well-designed restaurant, you rarely see bare walls or small scattered décor. Instead, you see statement elements that pull your eyes in. The same trick works at home, even on a budget. According to design experts at The Spruce, moulding and trim are some of the most cost-effective ways to add instant elegance, proving that small changes in texture and proportion carry big visual weight.

Here’s what to keep in mind when aiming for “affordable luxury”:

• Scale matters: One oversized piece can look pricier than five small ones.
• Texture is key: Mix matte, glossy, and soft finishes to add richness.
• Materials trick the eye: Even inexpensive items like paper or fabric can look high-end when framed or styled well.

The beauty is, once you understand this psychology, you can apply it to almost anything you put on your walls.

1. Frame Remnants — Wallpaper, Fabric, or Gift Wrap

I’ve learned that you don’t need expensive art prints to fill a frame. In fact, some of the most striking walls I’ve seen used leftover wallpaper scraps, bold fabric samples, or even luxe-looking gift wrap.

The trick isn’t just what you frame, but how you frame it. A cheap frame paired with a mat board instantly elevates the look. Choose a bold pattern, keep the frame simple, and let the design speak for itself.

Here’s how you can nail it:

• Pick luxe-looking patterns: Florals, geometric metallics, or textured fabrics mimic high-end art.
• Use symmetry: Hang frames in a grid or line for a polished gallery effect.
• Add mats: White or black mats create breathing space and instantly feel more professional.

It’s low effort, low cost, but high impact. Plus, you can swap the inserts seasonally if you get bored. If you’re working with leftover wallpaper pieces, you might also find it useful to know 4 proven ways to remove wallpaper in under an hour, so you can prep your walls smoothly before starting any décor project.

2. Custom Paper Art — Oversized 3D, Typography, Flower Installations

If you want something one-of-a-kind, paper art is your best friend. I’m talking giant 3D flowers, layered typography cut-outs, or even full-wall paper sculptures. It sounds complicated, but trust me, with just scissors, tape, and a bit of patience, you can pull it off.

Paper has this magical quality: it’s cheap, but when scaled up, it feels artistic and intentional. I once made oversized white paper leaves for a corner wall, and people honestly thought it was an installation piece.

Here’s why it works so well:

• Ultra budget-friendly: Cardstock, craft paper, or even recycled packaging works.
• Endlessly customizable: Choose colours that fit your room, or stick to all-white for a gallery vibe.
• Flexible: You can cover a whole wall, or just make one dramatic focal point.

If you’ve ever wanted décor that sparks conversation without draining your wallet, this is it.

3. Architectural Molding & Millwork — Paint It Out for Subtle Sophistication

There’s something about molding that instantly makes a wall feel grown-up and polished. The best part? You don’t need a contractor or a huge budget. With simple trim pieces from your local hardware store, you can create DIY picture-frame molding or a classic board-and-batten look.

The real secret is in the paint. When you paint the molding the same colour as the wall, it blends into the background, creating depth and dimension without screaming for attention. It’s elegant, timeless, and gives that “architectural detail” vibe people pay thousands for.

Quick tips to get it right:

• Use lightweight moulding strips or MDF boards to keep costs low.
• Go tone-on-tone with wall paint for that subtle luxury feel.
• Start with one accent wall before tackling a whole room.

This kind of project is beginner-friendly, but it looks like you hired a pro.

4. Textural Layering: Baskets, Macramé, Plates Mix

If flat walls bore you, think in layers. I’ve found that mixing textures like woven baskets, macramé hangings, and even decorative plates adds a tactile richness that paint or prints alone can’t deliver.

The magic happens when you vary sizes and shapes. A cluster of round baskets beside a long macramé piece instantly feels curated. Even better, most of these items can be thrifted or picked up second-hand, making them both affordable and unique.

Here’s how to pull it off:

• Combine at least three different textures (wicker, ceramic, cotton).
• Play with scale — one oversized piece plus a few small accents.
• Stick to a colour family for a cohesive look.

This approach makes walls feel warm, lived-in, and inviting — the opposite of flat and sterile.

5. Upcycled Everyday Objects — Rugs, Pegboards, Strings

Sometimes the best décor isn’t in the store — it’s already in your home. I’ve seen people hang vintage rugs as statement art, transform pegboards into functional displays, and even stretch string into geometric wall installations.

What makes this hack powerful is the mix of sustainability and creativity. You’re reimagining what you already have, giving it new life, and creating a look no one else has.

Ideas you can try right now:

• Hang a patterned rug for instant colour and texture.
• Turn a pegboard into rotating art + storage.
• Use nails and coloured string to design bold geometric shapes.

According to creators at Southern Yankee DIY, even simple items like rugs or leftover wood pieces can become art with the right framing or arrangement. It’s proof that personality beats price tag every time.

6. Luxe Patterns with Minimal Effort — Polka-Dot Accent or Trendy Prints

Sometimes the smallest pattern makes the loudest statement. One of the easiest ways to elevate a plain wall is by using polka-dot accents or bold graphic prints. You don’t even need wallpaper — removable decals, stencils, or even hand-painted dots can transform an empty surface into something playful yet chic.

The beauty of this hack is flexibility. Go subtle with soft neutrals for a calm vibe, or lean into bold, high-contrast colours if you want that fashion-forward look. In fact, design editors at Better Homes & Gardens noted that polka dots are making a comeback in 2025 décor trends, proving that even the simplest patterns can feel current and luxe.

Tips to get started:

• Stick to one wall for a statement instead of the whole room.
• Pair dots or shapes with simple furniture so it doesn’t overwhelm.
• Mix scale — small dots in one corner, larger ones for dramatic impact. Interestingly, even traditional principles like Vastu for wall clocks show how the right placement and design choices can influence the mood and harmony of a room — proving décor is about more than just looks.

7. Heritage Maximalism — Curated Collages That Tell a Story

If minimalism leaves you cold, this one’s for you. Heritage maximalism is all about layering — mixing heirloom frames, sentimental objects, and richly patterned pieces to create a wall that feels curated, personal, and expensive.

Think of it as storytelling through décor. That old black-and-white photo of your grandparents, a vintage textile from a flea market, or even your child’s framed artwork — all of it belongs. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s personality.

How to make it work without chaos:

• Stick to one colour family for balance.
• Use a mix of old and new frames.
• Layer textures (metal, wood, fabric) for richness.

This style shines because it feels deeply personal while still aligning with luxury trends.

8. Social-Media Tested DIY: TikTok Print Hacks & Hometalk Favorites

If you’ve ever scrolled TikTok late at night, you’ve probably stumbled upon a genius hack you never thought of. From oversized print tricks (like engineering prints for just a few dollars) to quick décor flips, social media has become the testing ground for the most budget-friendly wall ideas.

Platforms like Hometalk thrive on these community-tested hacks, where everyday people share what worked in their own homes. That makes it relatable and trustworthy — you know these ideas have been tried and approved by thousands.

Some quick hacks worth trying:

• Get an engineering print of your favourite photo for a dramatic oversized wall piece.
• Repurpose calendars or coffee table books into framed art.
• Try peel-and-stick murals that can be changed with the seasons.

These hacks aren’t just trendy — they’re proof that sometimes the smartest design ideas come from real people, not design magazines.

Bonus: Smart Layering Tips — Lighting, Mirrors, and Scale

Here’s the part most people overlook: it’s not just what you put on your wall, but how the environment interacts with it. The right lighting, a strategically placed mirror, and careful attention to scale can take even the simplest DIY hack and make it feel designer-level.

Think about it — a framed fabric remnant looks nice on its own, but add a spotlight above it and suddenly it feels like a gallery piece. A cluster of thrifted baskets can look rustic, but pair it with a mirror opposite a window and the whole wall comes alive with light and depth.

A few rules I’ve found helpful:

• Lighting: Use picture lights, sconces, or even well-placed lamps to highlight textures.
• Mirrors: Place them where they reflect natural light or open up smaller rooms.
• Scale: Always go one size larger than you think you need — oversized décor feels more luxurious.

The beauty is that these adjustments don’t cost much, but they amplify everything else you’ve done. And if you’re refreshing your walls as part of a bigger home upgrade, you might also enjoy learning how to install shingles on your shed roof like a pro — another DIY that instantly boosts curb appeal.

Quick Comparison of All 8 Ideas

Here’s a fast reference to help you pick the right hack for your wall:

Out of all these eight wall décor hacks, which one feels most doable in your space right now?

Closing Thought — Let Your Walls Speak Your Story

At the end of the day, your walls aren’t just empty spaces waiting to be filled — they’re opportunities to tell your story. Whether you choose bold polka-dots, framed remnants, or a heritage collage of family pieces, what makes it powerful isn’t the price tag. It’s the emotion, the personality, and the creativity you bring into it.

I’ve found that the best wall décor always sparks a reaction — a smile, a memory, a conversation. And that’s the real definition of “expensive” style: something that feels priceless because it reflects you.

So don’t hold back. Experiment, layer, and let your walls become a reflection of your journey.

Which hack from this list do you see yourself trying first? Share your thoughts in the comments below — I’d love to hear your ideas. And for more home inspiration and smart DIYs, be sure to check out Build Like New.

Disclaimer: The ideas shared in this article are for informational and inspirational purposes only. Always follow proper safety guidelines and consult professionals when needed before starting any home improvement projects.