Don't miss these insider tips for taking any wall in your home from a blank space to a captivating canvas of creativity.

A large macrame wall hanging from Candice Luter Art + Home
Photo by: Candice Luter

As any art collector (amateur or otherwise) knows, there’s no greater thrill than stumbling upon an artist for the very first time and feeling like their work speaks directly to you. This connection is what turns the easiest-to-execute wall decor idea into a true piece of art you'll treasure.

When it comes to choosing wall decor, Etsy’s senior merchandiser for home goods, Lindsay O’Brien, gives us her expert advice: “Artists on Etsy love to experiment, which creates a wonderful opportunity to discover something that you personally find super interesting and unique. Whether you have $30 to spend on a photography print or a little more saved up for an original oil painting for your wall, you can own a one-of-a-kind work of art with a story behind it, and that’s a special feeling.”

How to choose wall decor

Choosing the right decor for a blank wall is all about finding that connection Lindsay speaks about. Are you looking for happy decor ideas to bring a bit of joy to your kitchen (a space many overlook)? Or perhaps you seek abstract wall prints in a minimal frame that will transform your bedroom into the relaxing retreat of your dreams.

As you browse through these top ideas, offered up by the home decor shops on Etsy, lean into what you intuitively connect to. When narrowing down your options, consider a few major factors that determine if the piece is right for that part of your home: the size of the entire room, the size of the wall where your art or decor will hang, the color palette of the room, and the emotional impact you’d like the space to have. Your wall art selections for your children’s room may have a very different look, feel, and size than those you select to accent your bathroom. 

Whatever vibe you’re going for—quirky, natural, or ultra-romantic—and in whatever room of the home you’re decorating, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite fresh wall decor shops whose innovative ideas cover a spectrum of surprising methods and mesmerizing motifs. Here are some of the top wall decor ideas and advice for how you can discover the pieces that speak to you, straight from the brilliant creatives behind some of the wall decor shops on Etsy.

Focus on how a piece makes you feel

Assorted illustrated wall art prints from Meenal Patel Studio SHOP: Wall art prints from Meenal Patel Studio

Featuring warm, vibrant images of women of all ages engrossed in books, sharing wholesome meals, and even scaling mountains, Meenal Patel's inspirational illustrations and art prints serve as heartfelt reminders that there’s strength in both solitude and sisterhood. “Drawing is the place where I can sort out all kinds of emotions, oftentimes turning them into a little bit of joy in illustration form,” Meenal says. “My hope, with my art, is that a bit of that positive energy reaches someone else, that they sense a part of themselves in my work, and it makes them feel seen or understood.”

Look for small, unexpected touches

Abstract landscape wall art from Ayaka MP Art on Etsy SHOP: Abstract landscape with thread stitching from Ayaka MP Art, $30

Using an elegant combination of watercolor, collage, and embroidery, mixed media artist Ayaka Prenton creates beautifully multilayered wall art that cultivates calm and encourages contemplation. “It’s very easy for one medium to overpower the rest, so I’ve been experimenting to maximize the potential and strength of each,” explains the Michigan-based artist, whose abstract interpretations and stitched floral compositions come in a range of soothing, subdued hues. “I hope my customers feel tenderness when they view my work, and that my pieces give them a sense of both the grandeur and delicacy of nature.”

Simple subject matter can be striking

Botanical photography by Desiree Pfeiffer on Etsy SHOP: Modern Flowers still life from Desirée Pfeiffer Photo, from $60

Inspired by the interplay between colors, textures, and shapes in nature, still-life photographer Desirée Pfeiffer painstakingly composes miniature cinematic landscapes filled with suspended florals and artful objects, then captures their quirky modern essence on film. The result? A captivating collection of ultra-lush prints and wall decor that range from the whimsically surreal to rich reinterpretations of Dutch classics. “My aim is to create something contemporary, yet timeless,” Desirée says.

Add a tactile element with textiles

A hand-painted wall hanging from Candice Luter
SHOP: Fiber art and mirrors from Candice Luter

Ready to decorate a large wall in the living room? Find awe-inspiring wall decor ideas with Candice Luter, whose incredible macrame installations will add loads of texture and dimension to even the most intimidating empty space. “Most people like to place my work over beds and sofas and in those hard-to-style areas, like stairwells,” explains the Iowa-based artist and previous Etsy Design Awards finalist. “It’s one thing to find a piece you love that has the width you need, but to also have the vertical height has been a huge bonus.” Crafted from a mix of wood, mirrors, and neutral cotton fibers with long fringed tips, each made-to-order masterpiece can even be dip-dyed with a custom pop of color to match your existing home decor scheme.

Reimagine common items as wall decor

Wall quilts from Excell Quilt Co. SHOP: Wall quilts from Excell Quilt Co.

Contemporary textile designer Kayleigh Excell gives traditional quilting methods an on-trend twist with her colorful collection of patchwork tapestries and pennants. Carefully pieced together from cuts of soft cotton, her cheerful compositions feature bold, geometric interpretations of rolling hills, rainbows, and sunsets—each one crafted with modern interiors in mind. Similar to the wall rug wall decor trend, these pieces reimagine traditional craftsmanship with modern touches and prove that placement can make a big statement.

Pull professional photography into your gallery wall

Assorted travel prints from MO Photography Prints SHOP Photography from MO Photography Prints

Create an affordable gallery wall with photos from your own travels, or fill your walls with inspirational images of bucket list destinations, like the gorgeous travel photography from Mina Okamura's shop. From remote Icelandic fishing villages to the cobblestone sidewalks of Denmark, Mina’s quietly stunning photos capture the distinct feeling of being in a particular place at a unique moment in time. “My goal is to portray the actual experience of taking the photo—the light, the wind, the smell,” says the California-based shutterbug, who hopes her gallery-quality giclée wall prints will instantly transport her customers to their favorite faraway destinations as well. “I fill my own walls with these photos, and each one rushes me with feelings.”

Go three-dimensional

Three dimensional clay flower wall decor from Etsy SHOP: Porcelain gardenia wall flower from MAAPSTUDIO Artworks, $309

As in nature, each sculptural ceramic wall flower from UK-based artist Monika Skrzypkowska is completely unique. Individually carved from 100% porcelain, high-fired for indoor-outdoor durability, and fitted with a keyhole for easy hanging, these wilt-proof statement pieces are designed to grace your walls with a touch of tranquility for years on end. “My aim is to create objects that connect us with peaceful gardens and encourage us to pause,” Monika says. Whether you choose a spray of gold-lined tulips for your living room, a set of petaled tiles for your backsplash, or a single porcelain gardenia to mount above your headboard, these decorative clay blooms are sure to captivate and inspire the rest of your room decor and are perfect large wall art for any bigger walls that need decorating.

Curate a collection of canvas art

Landscape oil painting print from Albina Bratcheva Art SHOP: Original artwork from Albina Bratcheva Art

Alternating between oils, watercolors, and acrylics each time she puts paint to canvas, Ukraine-based artist Albina Bratcheva produces an inspiring array of naturalist pieces that range from vast moody landscapes to incredibly detailed floral bouquets. Snatch up one of her hand-painted originals and display it as a singular centerpiece, or incorporate one of her paintings into your gallery wall art in your living room for an eclectic display. “I see my work in cozy homes with beautiful interiors, white walls, and high ceilings,” Albina says of her widely appealing aesthetic.

Embrace color and form with abstract pieces

The moon over the sea abstract pastel painting from Yoshie Suzuki SHOP: Abstract pastel painting print from Yoshie Suzuki, from $8

The brightly pigmented squiggles, circles, and curves in Japan-based artist Yoshie Suzuki’s original abstract painting prints come alive using a surprising technique. “I paint only with my fingers. I press my finger gently and rub the pastel on paper,” Yoshie says. By focusing on broader strokes and leaving room for imagination, Yoshie lets her customers find their own meaning in each piece—a process that’s intended to be somewhat therapeutic for the beholder. “My works are a prayer for peace and happiness,” she says. “I hope when someone sees my pictures, they heal any aches in the mind.”

Bring life to a space with botanical prints

Botanical art print by Art and People SHOP: Illustrated print from Art and People, from $27

No matter the season, Argentinian artist Laura Garcia Serventi's illustrated tropical plant prints have a way of instantly beaming onlookers to a thriving oasis that's as soothing as it is magical. “The world of plants fascinates me, and botanical gardens are one of my favorite places to visit,” she says. And from covetable indoor plant collections and mystical scenes of the Sonoran Desert at night to palm portraits featuring vibrant pops of pastel, Laura's colorful creations will bring the garden to your walls—no green thumb required.

Make it personal

Custom name sign from Etsy SHOP: Modern farmhouse name sign from Heritage Sign Co., $97

Welcome guests into your space with a custom address sign or name sign in your entryway or living room. Go farmhouse chic with a wooden sign or add a modern flair to your wall decor with a funky neon sign.

Maximize your budget with a mural

Wallpaper mural wall decor idea from Etsy SHOP: Tree wallpaper mural from Sian Zeng, $281

Nothing transforms a room quite like a printed wallpaper, and Etsy offers an eclectic variety of colorful wallpapers for your bathroom or laundry room, renter-friendly peel and stick wallpapers for your apartment, and soothing wallpaper fit for a nursery. But if you're not ready to commit to an all-around pattern, consider an accent wall or try framing a large-scale wallpaper sample and hang it as a brilliant and bold mural.

Where to buy wall decor?

Etsy offers a wide selection of wall decor for every budget, style, and room, and the best part is you can get one-of-a-kind, vintage, and handmade wall decor directly from makers. If you find a home decor shop that has something you love and want a custom item fit perfectly for your space, send a message to the seller and they'll likely be happy to accommodate your needs—that's the magic of shops on Etsy!

How to decorate a wall on a budget?

You can take advantage of these wall decor ideas without breaking the bank. Mix and match functional items and decor like a wood floating shelf that’s beautiful and provides display space, or go for maximum coverage with wallpaper or a mural for big impact on a smaller budget.

How we selected these wall decor ideas

The wall decor ideas in this guide were sourced from Etsy shops. These shops were evaluated on their buyer reviews, customer service, and item ratings, as well as their creativity and craftsmanship. You can learn more about each independent seller and review their shop policies and reviews on their shop page.