Empty walls can make an apartment feel cold or unfinished. A well-thought-out decoration adds balance, style and personality without the need for major changes. In this article, we share practical ideas to decorate empty walls and improve the overall look of your apartment in a simple and long-lasting way.
Article Contents
- Before decorating a wall: key aspects to consider
- Pictures and prints: a safe decorative solution
- Decorative mirrors: more light and a greater sense of space
- Decorative shelving: balanced functionality
- Textures and materials to add depth to walls
- Wall plants: a contemporary decorative feature
- Common mistakes when decorating empty walls
- Decorating walls with balance: less is more
Before decorating a wall: key aspects to consider
Wall size and proportions
Not all walls need decoration, and not all of them suit the same elements. Large walls allow for statement pieces and wider compositions, while smaller walls benefit from lighter solutions. The most common mistake is choosing elements that are too small and therefore fail to balance the space.
Function of the room
Wall decoration should adapt to the use of each room:
- In the living room, create a focal point: The living room is one of the spaces where wall decoration has the greatest visual impact. Creating a focal point that organises the space and naturally draws attention works particularly well. This could be a large artwork, a well-aligned gallery of prints or a decorative mirror placed above the sofa.
- In the bedroom, prioritise calm and comfort: Bedroom wall decoration should convey tranquillity. Soft colours, relaxing illustrations or low-contrast photographs work better than bold compositions. It is best to focus decoration on the headboard wall and avoid filling every wall in the room. A well-decorated wall with few, well-placed elements helps create a more serene and welcoming atmosphere.
- In hallways or entrance halls, add visual continuity without overcrowding: These are transitional areas, so decoration should be light and consistent with the rest of the apartment. Mirrors or a single decorative element help add interest without overwhelming the space, while ensuring a good first impression.
Consistency with the apartment’s style
Maintaining a coherent decorative line is essential. Wall decoration should complement the furniture and colour palette of the apartment. Mixing styles without a clear intention often creates visual noise and a sense of disorder.
Pictures and prints: a safe decorative solution
Choosing the right size
One of the most common mistakes when decorating empty walls is choosing artwork that is too small. In general, a large wall requires larger pieces or a well-balanced composition that works in harmony with the furniture.
Compositions that work
Gallery walls can be very effective when alignment and spacing between pieces are carefully considered. Another reliable option is a single centred artwork, especially above the sofa or bed.
Decorative mirrors: more light and a greater sense of space
Mirrors are one of the most effective ways to decorate walls in small apartments. They reflect natural light, visually enlarge the space and add elegance. They work particularly well in living rooms, entrance halls and corridors. For a timeless look, choose mirrors with simple frames and neutral colours.
Decorative shelving: balanced functionality
Decorative use without overcrowding
Wall-mounted shelves can add visual interest, but they should be used in moderation. In rental properties, less is more: light, well-organised shelving works better than overly busy arrangements.
What to place on decorative shelves
Books, small decorative objects or a plant are usually enough. It is best to avoid fragile items and too many small pieces, as they tend to create a sense of clutter.
Textures and materials to add depth to walls
If you want to take things a step further, walls can gain character through subtle textures:
- Wallpaper on a single wall: Adds personality without overcrowding the space.
- Simple mouldings: Add structure and elegance without visual overload.
- Discreet decorative panels: Provide depth and warmth in neutral tones.
Wall plants: a contemporary decorative feature
Plants add freshness and a natural touch to any space.
Common mistakes when decorating empty walls
- Overcrowding the wall
- Lack of consistency
- Artwork placed too high or too low
- Overly trend-led choices
Decorating walls with balance: less is more
Visual balance is key when decorating walls. Decorating empty walls properly is not just about aesthetics. A well-considered decorative choice improves the perception of the property and contributes to a better guest experience.
If you found this article useful, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. And if you need personalised advice to improve your apartment’s decoration, our team will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
