Looking for inspiration for the walls of your home? A big blank wall can be overwhelming. Here are three simple wall of art ideas.
Happy labor day.
Today I’m all about the day and the laboring.
In the never-ending quest with what to put on a big blank wall in the family room…
…I may or may not have come up with a solution.
The wall in this room is kind of like the Mount Everest of decorating dilemmas.
It’s big.
And blank.
And long.
And without windows or architectural features of any kind.
Let’s look at its journey from where it started to where it is now.
Here are three simple wall of art ideas for that big blank wall in your living room.
Here’s the biggest, blankest picture I have of the room.
I found this in one of the before pictures of the kitchen.
You can see it in the background looking at us.
Blankly.
three simple wall of art ideas
1. frame encyclopedia book pages
This is the easiest of all the wall of art ideas. I simply bought these frames from IKEA and framed encyclopedia book pages.
I liked it.
For a minute.
But the khaki background kind of overpowered the encyclopedia pages and eight frames seemed like too much and kind of got in the way of the lamps.
Plus there was still a lot of blankness left in the space over to the left.
2. create art from pressed leaves
I pressed leaves from my yard and hung them on the wall.
I took away two of the frames so the lamps didn’t block the art.
I also added a hutch to the left to help fill up part of the space.
But the pressed leaves wouldn’t stay in place. I’d look up and one of them would be sliding down the frame and I thought the wood box on top of the hutch was too much white all in one place and I needed something longer under the pictures.
3. create one big picture from smaller pictures
They say the third times a charm.
I’m feeling optimistic.
I purchased this downloadable set from etsy.
It’s actually six 16 x 20 individual pieces.
They are hung together to create one larger image.
Here’s a close-up of the art.
It’s a drawing of the strawberry guava plant.
I love the detail and the lines.
And it’s a little unexpected.
I used the same IKEA frames and hung them together in a grid.
Here you can see the close-up of the drawing.
I also took the wood box off the top of the hutch and added these baskets to add a little texture.
The wood box is now on the table under the artwork.
You also kind of see the roman shades I added to the breakfast nook.
Here’s a better view.
These doors lead outside and help let light into the space.
This table is great for breakfast or cards or homework or writing a book.
Here’s the view from the breakfast nook into the rest of the space.
You can get a better view of the perspective of the room.
I love the sunlight dancing in through the french doors.
Here’s one more look at the blank wall and one of my favorite wall of art ideas. I also put together a pinboard of some more of my favorites.
And now my wall? It’s looking more cozy.
And less blank.
And the best part?
My mother was sitting in the striped chair to the right yesterday talking to me about her day and the Baylor football game and life in general when suddenly she paused and looked around…
…and told me the room looked cute.
I must be on the right track.
Because cute is exactly what I was going for. 🙂
PS If you want a story with your labor day coffee. Here’s one about all about the day the house tried to be cute.
Right on the mark....love the new artwork and the room in general looks like a great place to hang out and relax 😊
Hi Karianne, Love the whole room. I have a question about the striped chairs, especially since your mom was sitting in them- are they comfortable? I love them, but need 2 chairs that are comfy. Don't need them to be too soft, just a good back angle. I love the table and chairs as well- just beautiful.
Winnie, My mother-in-law just commented on the pos below! She said she's sat in the chairs and they are comfortable! LOL! Nothing like a first-hand recommendation. :) They are also super affordable and on sale right now! Here's the link on my shop my house page: https://thistlewoodfarms.com/shop-my-house/ They come in navy and khaki and I have both colors! Happy day friend! karianne
It looks cuter than cute! ;)
What is your wall paint color? I love it!
Please give details of the strawberry guava plant download you purchased from Etsy. Lovely!
I looked all over Etsy for the download of the four prints you have on the wall. How do I find them Karianne.? Your rooms are darling. I love everything you do and often wonder if you actually live in it. It seems to stay perfect. I admire that.
Hanging a small quilt would be "cute". But that's just me.
I love it All.... except the white box... and it may just be me looking at pictures, but it just seems off...
I agree, the white box looks as if the table below your new picture is too small to balance under the picture. Perhaps it is the angel of the shot. Love everything else.
It's nice but I bet you change it ! An original piece of art would be great and.become an heirloom , downloads from Etsy shout ' temporary ' and instant . Take your time And seek out something you really love that will become a great keeper !!
I'm loving this room more all the time and yes, the chairs are comfortable..
I love everything you do but I think I agree with Cristie. I don't think the white box is needed at the bottom of the pictures. But you know best.
I LOVE your new art! Great choice:) Your sliding leaves reminded my of a time when I used leaves and ferns for art by photo copying them on white paper using a color printer at a print shop. Cheap, easy and they looked Exactly like the real thing!!! Something you might want to try sometime:) You're the best and the cutest!
I LOVE this whole space -- the sofas and chairs, the coffee table and bookcases, and especially that cute white hutch in the breakfast area! The only part that doesn't fit in with the rest, IMO, is the new wall hanging. It's a bit too angular and modern to fit in with the relaxed farmhouse charm of the rest of your family room. I really appreciate your showing us your different choices for that wall and I'd love to see other "evolutions" in your house as you add and change things.
I love the room.!!! And I love the artwork!! What a great idea.
Oh my gosh... you nailed it right on the head again!!🤗. You are so impressive!! You may have wanted "cute", but you got beautiful and outstanding!!
You are pulling it all together Sis and it is lookin' goooood!!!
Hey there!! I love the entire space! Looks so awesome! I would love to know the where the chairs are from around your table? Thanks!
Debbie, Yes! They came from Overstock. SUPER affordable for that price. The link is on my Shop My House page: https://thistlewoodfarms.com/shop-my-house/ Happy day friend! karianne
I love each room in your house. And love each change you make. My only suggestion would be large pictures of your kiddos! It’s a family Room, and I see nothing that says there’s a family living there. But I’m partial to photos over most stuff. Keep doing what you do so well!
Hi! To my eye, it looks like two separate rooms. The living area is more modern than the eating area. I love the hutch but it seems out-of-place to me. Just my opinion, of course. I love the addition of blue yo your color palette and the art piece!
Your family room is so bright and cute. Have you talked about that rug before? It is seriously HUGE. All of your furniture fits on it, plus another 4' of rug behind the sofa! Details, please?
Ange, Yes! I love it! It's 10 x 13 and it came from Wayfair. SUPER affordable for that price. The link is on my Shop My House page: https://thistlewoodfarms.com/shop-my-house/ Happy day friend! karianne
Thank you for your quick response! It's hard to tell the thickness and texture of a rug online. Since you purchase so many of your area rugs online, do you have suggestions to pick a quality rug? Thanks so much!
I love the look of the room. Very comfortable but stylish ! The rug would look perfect in my living room. May I ask where you got it?
Love!! You have great taste and style😊💕
I really like number 3. It seems just right just like Goldilocks - it took her three times too and she was a blonde. I don't think she was wearing red lipstick yet. The room looks super comfy-- a place where you can sit and just relax and enjoy the day. And it's always good when mom gives her stamp of approval. Hugs!!
I love it. It matches with your rug. So pretty. Happy Labor Day Much love, Rose
Sorry doesn’t work at all for me. Much too busy and the white box is distracting. Getting a little visually confusing. Less is definitely more in this case. Have been a follower of yours for years. First time commenting. Loved the botanicals. Prints would work to replace the sliding leaves 🍁 don’t you think?
Love the balance. Each time I think it's perfect and then you go ONE EXTRA....and your mom is right. The room is perfectly balanced and cute.
It's always fun to try new things. I love how bright and friendly this room is, very cheerful. I like the baskets on top of the hutch, My favorite was the framed greenery. The green was nice with the plants in the room. I have always liked framed photos of plants such as those taken from botanical books. Art is personal, so not too into the new one, but glad you enjoy. Big no on that box. Not anywhere really .
It really does look cute and really really cute for sure. I love the new art.
I like the new art also. Just curious what you think about putting up family photos in a room. I'm not talking old ones. I'm talking about favorite pics of kids, etc, you just can't seem to take down.
Ooo...you got it! It IS cute! One thought: I think I like the greenery back on the box. I think that's why it looks out of place. Good job as always! :D
i think it looks great, and most importantly, if you love it and it’s in your budget, it’s perfect for your home! I have to say I am baffled at some of these comments that imply that it doesn’t work. People are drawn to artwork because it speaks to them. If it speaks to you, it tells your story and works in your home! keep up the good work
This area of your home is SUPER cute and perfect. I was wondering about your wreaths hanging vertical by your hutch. Is it something you created or purchased? I have a large shutter that I was wanting to use in my home. Again, your new home is perect. It's your home and if a comment is negative, don't comment.
Perfect
Your mom is right! Cute, cute, cute!!!
Karianne - as always just love your taste and style. About that wall. I am surprised that you didn't do a large scale "waterlogue" on "canvas pop" that you introduced to us several months back. That was just such a wonderfully creative and beautiful idea … and personal at that! I think you should try something like that. In fact, I can see you doing something seasonal in that vein and having several that you pop up depending on the seasons and your whims. I say that because the prices for doing that type of art is so very reasonable (and personal) that you could actually do several to match your mood. I figure that some night you will pop out of bed and announce … "THATS IT" and as usual it will be perfect. Hope you appreciate a suggestion that you introduced us to that was absolutely FABULOUS!
Beautiful home Karianne! Love the rug, love the chairs,........just love it all! May I ask what color paint is on the walls?
I love it!
KariAnne, I'm not crazy about the strawberry guava print, but I thought the room looked beautiful in each of the three phases! It looks really great now and I wish I could come over and have a cup of coffee (or sweet tea?) with you and sit on one of those striped chairs. Thanks for constantly inspiring me!
Kari, I think that you are going to change it again.. Maybe a longer picture. Remove the baskets and the white box. There just seems to be too much white on that wall. Sort of like the girls who wore white lipstick in the sixties. Your trademark is red lipstick (color). Go for it. Maybe darker lamp bases against the wall. Whatever you do will turn out fabulous. Its great that you are willing to show a design dilemma and the progression to perfection.
Is it just me or are folks being way more critical than normal? I love the room and I love how brave you are to put your home, your life, and yourself out there everyday for the world to see. I know I have spent years trying to get my house just right and I STILL haven't done it yet. It's a process. Remember folks, it's not what you say it's HOW you say it. You don't have to like everything about the room but let's be honest, does your house look this fantastic? Love ya Karianne.
I’m not a huge blue person, but I think you nailed it! Love it all! Your Roman shades are beautiful and the rug ties everything together! I’ve gotten quite a few things from Wayfair and Etsy......love both places.
Wow, great job! I personally think the room isn't just cute. With the new wall art its dramatic, classy, sophisticated and comfy, as well as cute. The whole area -- breakfast nook and family room -- have come together beautifully!
Well....I think it’s pretty, although there was something about the framed green leaves that really caught my eye. Maybe some really good "faux" greenery framed would work for you. I thought that green was your "pop" of colour and looked so pretty with the blues and neutrals in there. Your strawberry guava sorta blends right into everything and just doesn’t catch my eye. What I don’t understand is why people get all bent out of shape because people state their opinions. I feel when you "put it all out there" for people to see and make comment's, that you expect the good with the bad and everyone has their own opinion . What I find distracting (to my eye) is the Roman shade on that window over the tv. I’m not sure what you could do there though. My one question is...what is that box or table or whatever it is under the picture?
Hi, If you love wall paper , such beautiful ones out there I think that would have done the trick or a very large tallish mirror.
I love the evolution of the room. It looks like a perfect spot for relaxing with friends.
Looks great! I like the new artwork. For some reason I have the urge to remove the scalloped edge on the buffet piece to update it...have you thought about that? I'm not sure it can be removed, but it might update the piece just a little to go with your new look. Also, congrats on book launch day! So proud of you!
Love the art work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Looks wonderful, KariAnne, I would love to live in that room. If you would like some feedback, here is mine: Absoloutely no large family "photo posters". A beautiful contemporary american impressionist-style landscape with a full range of colours would look wonderful. Like a window to the outside world where your mind can wander. (No more beige or blue and white.)
I love all the things you are doing, KariAnne... the blues are just lovely! My new mantra is "So many ideas, so little space!" I'm so glad you have the space to try all your lovely ideas!
I think the third time IS a charm! Love, love!! xoxo
You have, as they say, nailed it! But without sarcasm.! This room sings now and looks just right! Love the art!!
KariAnne, the new artwork looks great behind your sofa! What you have accomplished in your Family Room is just so full of sunshine -- just like you! Hope you can just sit and relax and enjoy this gorgeous room with your dear hubby and family. I love the white antique tool box at the back of your sofa, under your artwork! Blessings! Have a great day!
Hi KariAnne- I am a little late but I think you should move the TV to that wall so you can see if from the kitchen. I am not a fan of the artwork. But I like the rest of the room!
This is nice,. But ya know, even though you have used three different approaches on this wall, I’ve got a suggestion for a fourth: hang your grandma’s quilt (which a few years ago, you mentioned being one of your favorite things). This wall’s perfect for it since it’s big and also has no direct light which otherwise could damage your beloved heirloom. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a reminder of her every day? It’s realized that your foree back into color is gradual, and this may be too much color for you now, but I think the quilt’s colors and personality would play nicely off of the rug Mr. Twinklig Brown Eyes gifted you. If you decide to keep the current illustration in place, please either remove the tool box below it or “treat” the box to more antiquing with some subtle blues and blue greys. To my eye, right now the brightness of the box competes with the collage and it’s just too big. Maybe either have just the lamps or, possibly, a longish and lower planter (than the current box) with some ivy (fake, for Buddy’s safety) or maybe, some African Violets - though the amt. of sunlight may not be adequate. Also, if Af. Viol. are used, you’d need to ensure they’re dog safe. (Purples and pale pinks). Don’t get me wrong, do like the collage...
All your ideas are great. Room is more than “cute” Combining scale and textures is the key. Now go do another room!
I liked all your attempts, but ur last one is the best! The artwork is great and the room is well balanced with so much charm! I love the rug!!!
Anddddddddddd..... we have a winner !!!! Love it! Of course the room was gorgeous before too... but .. this is REALLY CUTE .. CUTE ... CUTE!! :)
KARIANNE, Thank you for all your wonderful ideas! I too have a large living room/dining room with large expanse of walls. You've given me a lot to think about & hope of making it a homey space that's comfortable as well as pleasing to the eye!