Wake up your walls with these stunning and unusual display ideas

Is the gallery wall finally coming to the end of it’s run? Maybe, judging by these hot new ways to decorate up your walls. People are finally breaking the rules and pushing the boundaries with their walls – using them as a way to display some of their favourite objects; from plants to plates, and from hats to tennis rackets.

Or, if you’ve got lots of framed pictures you’d like to display, save yourself the hassle of measuring and hanging by just leaning pictures against a wall, or displaying them on a shelf instead. Not sure what I’m talking about? Just browse the below inspiration. So from hat walls to hanging plates – there are many ways to decorate! Here are 10 fabulous decorating ideas to make your walls wonderful:

1. Plate wall

A collection of plates doesn’t have to look old or outdated. Choose unusual shapes, colours, patterns and even textures, and mix and match them for an eclectic vibe.


Image Credit: Aunt Peaches


Image Credit: Ciao Newport Beach


Image Credit: Todaloos


Image Credit: Vanessa Camara


Image Credit: via Pinterest


Image Credit: The Cottage Market

Alternatively, sticking to creams, whites and soft pastel colours but in striking and sculptural shapes will create an eye-catching yet calming display.


Image Credit: Alyssa Rosenheck

2. Hat wall

Hang a collection of straw hats against a white wall to create a coastal and country-inspired entrance hall.

Or mix and match cowboy hats for a more eclectic and bohemian atmosphere.


Image Credit: Emily Henderson


Image Credit: Kelsey Johnson


Image Credit: Stilettobeats


Image credit: Amber Interior Design


Image Credit: Instagram


Image Credit: The Glitter Guide


Image Credit: Instagram

3. Basket wall

Similarly to the hats idea, a collection of baskets can also make for a striking and original display.


Image Credit: Lonny

Use mis-matched African baskets as wall decor to create an eclectic feel.


Image Credit: Flat15


Image Credit: Flat15


Image Credit: Flat15


Image Credit: Flat15

4. Animal head wall

Faux animal busts are a fun and quirky way to add interest to a wall. The more realistic looking ones can suit a grown up interior, whereas soft toy or felt versions would perhaps be better suited to a children’s room or play room.


Image Credit: One Kings Lane


Image Credit: Domaine Home


Image Credit: Domino Mag


Image Credit: Notonthehighstreet


Image Credit: Pinterest


Image Credit: House and Garden


Image Credit: Emily Henderson


Image Credit: Anthropologie

5. Book wall

There are so many different ways to decorate with books – turn them into an artwork by assembling open books like the below, or arrange books facing outwards on shelves to display your favourite coffee table editions. Alternatively, a classic bookcase wall can also make a striking display.


Image Credit: Hometalk


Image Credit: The Works


Image Credit: Wealden Times


Image Credit: Wishflowers


Image Credit: Bloglovin


Image Credit: Domino Magazine


Image Credit: Homedit.com


Image Credit: Lonny

6. Lean on me

Lose the hammer and nails and display your art with literally zero effort. Place them on the floor (this works better with oversized art) or lean them on a shelf or mantelpiece. Bunch them together and use varying heights of frames to create visual interest.


Image Credit: SheerLuxe


Image Credit: Apartment Therapy


Image Credit: Bo Bedre


Image Credit: via Pinterest


Image Credit: Simple Details


Image Credit: Admagazine


Image Credit: Bloglovin


Image Credit: Little Green Notebook


Image Credit: My Scandinavian Home

7. Bring the outside in

Add some greenery to your space by arranging potted plants on shelves at different heights around the room.


Image Credit: Little Big Bell

For a more organised approach, you could arrange all your plants neatly onto shelves, but add interest by using pots of different shapes, sizes, colours and patterns.

8. Tennis racket wall

You could consider using the wall to display any favourite items in your home that you’re unsure what to do with – like an old tennis racket, for example.


Image Credit: Country Living

You could even integrate mirrors, clocks, or even some handy coat pegs to hang things from. 


Image Credit: Lonny

9. Statement art

Often one big piece of art makes a much greater statement than lots of little pieces assembled together. Display it in an entryway, on an otherwise empty living room wall or even in the bedroom.

Or, if you have smaller items, a gallery wall can make a stunning focal point when paintings are mixed between other items to create something more unique.


Image Credit: Interiorsyum


Image Credit: The Every Girl


Image Credit: Red Magazine

10. Hanging from the ceiling

I couldn’t find the right picture to illustrate my idea, but why limit pictures to the walls, when you can have them on the ceiling?


Image Credit: Graphic Exchange