4 Wall Art Ideas
Wall art is the ultimate way to transform any space. Whether your style is symmetrical and neutral, rustic and eclectic or bold and directional - we asked UO Home stylist Juliet Caswell to show us how to create 4 completely different wall art ideas. Featuring everything from prints, frames and collages, to plates, vinyls, photos and tapestries - get inspired and discover Juliet’s tips for curating your own statement wall. And guess what? No nails needed.
Traveller
This display has a lot of elements, so I started with the tapestry. Knowing that I was going to be filling the space with lots of little things, I wanted to leave room to play with shapes and mini compositions of pics, tickets, maps and keepsakes.
Tips on curating a memento wall:
Anything and everything goes here. This is a wall that can develop over time, so don't feel like you need to finish it all in one go. As you collect stuff (postcards, maps, gig tickets, posters, stickers etc), this memento wall can be something that evolves and changes with you. Eventually it might take over your entire room...
How to hang a plate:
To mount a plate make sure to check the dimensions of your plate as you need to get the correct size! To hang it on the wall use a heavy weight command hook.
Alternative ideas:
Pin-up anything you’ve collected from your travels or just in life! Restaurant menus, newspaper clippings, textured papers, cards, letters, fans - the list is endless. Here I mounted a fallen branch which I decorated by wrapping it with coloured thread - have the freedom to just go with it and get creative!
Tips on curating a memento wall:
Anything and everything goes here. This is a wall that can develop over time, so don't feel like you need to finish it all in one go. As you collect stuff (postcards, maps, gig tickets, posters, stickers etc), this memento wall can be something that evolves and changes with you. Eventually it might take over your entire room...
How to hang a plate:
To mount a plate make sure to check the dimensions of your plate as you need to get the correct size! To hang it on the wall use a heavy weight command hook.
Alternative ideas:
Pin-up anything you’ve collected from your travels or just in life! Restaurant menus, newspaper clippings, textured papers, cards, letters, fans - the list is endless. Here I mounted a fallen branch which I decorated by wrapping it with coloured thread - have the freedom to just go with it and get creative!
Modern Muse
The artwork in this category is natural, organic and of the female form. For me the palette was obviously neutrals; browns, pinks, creams and soft greens with black in moderation. I didn't want the placement to feel stiff, so I aimed for an organic yet considered arrangement.
Basket:
To hang the basket, simply get some clear command hooks from your local supermarket or online. You can weave them through the basket for an almost invisible hold. Here I used fishing wire and a Command hook, placing the basket high-up the wall, which works best for something that's an awkward shape or has a tight weave.
Palm:
I used a substantial amount of blue tack and some washi tape for extra hold and a decorative touch.
Layering the print on paper for texture:
I’ve used a large watercolour-type paper with frayed edges. Mount the print using glue dots or double sided tape, or you could use washi tape for a rustic, collage feel. You could also use a thin canvas, muslin or jute to layer up your wall art – depends on how crafty you feel!
Alternative ideas:
Build up your composition with interesting pages from books and magazines. Hang necklaces from hooks for a 'grandmillennial' aesthetic, or experiment with hats or statement pieces from your wardrobe.
Basket:
To hang the basket, simply get some clear command hooks from your local supermarket or online. You can weave them through the basket for an almost invisible hold. Here I used fishing wire and a Command hook, placing the basket high-up the wall, which works best for something that's an awkward shape or has a tight weave.
Palm:
I used a substantial amount of blue tack and some washi tape for extra hold and a decorative touch.
Layering the print on paper for texture:
I’ve used a large watercolour-type paper with frayed edges. Mount the print using glue dots or double sided tape, or you could use washi tape for a rustic, collage feel. You could also use a thin canvas, muslin or jute to layer up your wall art – depends on how crafty you feel!
Alternative ideas:
Build up your composition with interesting pages from books and magazines. Hang necklaces from hooks for a 'grandmillennial' aesthetic, or experiment with hats or statement pieces from your wardrobe.
Rebel
I didn't want this wall to feel too considered, but not too crazy either. Generally I'd take into account size, shape, colour and texture. I like having a big frame leaning against the wall, it’s also a great way to bring larger artwork into a small space. I wasn't bothered about trying to make a perfect washi frame either, I wanted it to be a bit off-kilter.
Collage tips and coloured paper backing:
Feel free to go wild. Large coloured paper sheets are a good base for this - and when it comes to collage, don't be shy.
__Washi tape boarder: __
Washi tape is super fun and comes in different patterns and colours. You could do this around all of your prints, or simply use it to highlight your faves. It's safe to put on most walls without causing any damage – great if you're renting.
Leaning frames:
Great alternative to hanging if you have a smaller space, you're unable to use nails or you have large artwork that can't be held up by adhesive strips.
Alternative ideas:
Get creative and make collage landscapes or scenes. Use books, magazines, newspapers, print outs, posters, packaging, wallpaper - whatever! There are some cool collage artists on Instagram to draw inspo from like @mattattack426 and @marianopeccinetti.
Collage tips and coloured paper backing:
Feel free to go wild. Large coloured paper sheets are a good base for this - and when it comes to collage, don't be shy.
__Washi tape boarder: __
Washi tape is super fun and comes in different patterns and colours. You could do this around all of your prints, or simply use it to highlight your faves. It's safe to put on most walls without causing any damage – great if you're renting.
Leaning frames:
Great alternative to hanging if you have a smaller space, you're unable to use nails or you have large artwork that can't be held up by adhesive strips.
Alternative ideas:
Get creative and make collage landscapes or scenes. Use books, magazines, newspapers, print outs, posters, packaging, wallpaper - whatever! There are some cool collage artists on Instagram to draw inspo from like @mattattack426 and @marianopeccinetti.
Desk Space
I went for a minimalist approach and took inspiration from industrial design – think metals, electronics and plastics. I was thinking mostly about grids and wanted everything to feel orderly and simple with pops of bright colour.
Tip for creating homemade art:
Look for easy DIY options - the grid foam board is always a cool idea. Instead of washi tape, I went for electrical painter’s tape and photography gels. Craft stores and websites have tons of creative materials, papers and textures, so have a browse and get inspired to create something for your wall.
Attaching vinyl:
Use old vinyl you no longer listen to or pick up some old records from a charity shop. Attach using removable glue dots or command strips (be careful these can damage). If you want to keep the vinyl safe, use a small nail or clear hook and hang via the hole in the record.
How to create the gems and CD:
Use glue dots to stick old CDs to the wall, (these are safe for painted walls) then simply stick your coloured photography gel over the top. Experiment by layering over text and prints to build up your wall.
Alternative ideas:
Hang up a skateboard, sign, frame a band T-Shirt or even a coloured glass 'whiteboard' for general doodles.
Tip for creating homemade art:
Look for easy DIY options - the grid foam board is always a cool idea. Instead of washi tape, I went for electrical painter’s tape and photography gels. Craft stores and websites have tons of creative materials, papers and textures, so have a browse and get inspired to create something for your wall.
Attaching vinyl:
Use old vinyl you no longer listen to or pick up some old records from a charity shop. Attach using removable glue dots or command strips (be careful these can damage). If you want to keep the vinyl safe, use a small nail or clear hook and hang via the hole in the record.
How to create the gems and CD:
Use glue dots to stick old CDs to the wall, (these are safe for painted walls) then simply stick your coloured photography gel over the top. Experiment by layering over text and prints to build up your wall.
Alternative ideas:
Hang up a skateboard, sign, frame a band T-Shirt or even a coloured glass 'whiteboard' for general doodles.