16 Stunning & Cheap Ways to Decorate an Empty Wall Fast
Looking for cheap ways to decorate an empty wall without sacrificing style? Well, you’re in the right place!
Staring at a blank wall can feel so uninspiring. And how do you decorate without spending a bajillion dollars?!
The good news is you don’t need expensive artwork or high-end decor to make your walls look beautiful and put together.
Decorating your walls gets to be an easy, enjoyable—and most importantly affordable— process.
When I was a first-time renter, I was determined to turn my space into a cozy, stylish sanctuary—but my wallet had other plans.
As much as I loved the beautiful artwork from Anthropologie and Desenio, they were way out of my price range. Instead, I got creative. I DIY’d some artwork and found budget-friendly alternatives to bring my walls to life.
Whether you’re looking for DIY ideas or renter-friendly decor inspo, this post has plenty of budget-friendly solutions to transform any empty wall into a statement piece.
This post is all about cheap ways to decorate an empty wall.
Cheap Ways To Decorate An Empty Wall
DIY & Budget-Friendly Wall Art Ideas
You don’t need to be an artist to create budget-friendly wall art that looks high-end. These easy DIY ideas require minimal materials but make a huge impact in any space.
Create Your Own Canvas Art
Blank canvases are affordable and easy to customize with acrylic paint, stencils, and abstract designs.
source: @Sophfrais on TikTok
Here’s what you’ll need to follow the tutorial for the DIY wall art shown above:
- One large canvases (36×48 inch)
- Acrylic paint (color of your choice)
- Large and Small Paintbrushes
- Insulation Seal Strips
- Staple Gun or Hot Glue Gun
Follow the quick and easy wall art tutorial here.
Use other TikTok or YouTube tutorials for inspiration, and don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and textures!
Frame Printable Art
Instead of splurging on expensive artwork, download free printable art online or buy affordable digital art prints on Etsy.
source: Etsy
You can purchase the art print shown above here. It’s a digital file for under $6.
You can print them at home—or print them with Shutterfly—and frame them for an aesthetic and budget-friendly decor idea.
DIY Macramé Wall Hanging
Use macramé rope to make a boho-inspired wall hanging. It adds warmth and texture to any space.
source: pinterest
📌 Follow a DIY macramé wall hanging tutorial here: [EASY BEGINNER MACRAME WALL HANGING TUTORIAL]
DIY Textured Wall Art
For a chic, modern look, try making a textured canvas art piece using mod podge, a bed sheet, and white paint.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Two large canvases (36×48 inch)
- Mod podge, bucket, and stiffen spray
- Queen bed sheet (for texture)
- Large paint brushes, white acrylic paint, clear gloss spray
- E6000 glue & Command Jumbo Canvas Hangers
📌Follow the DIY Textured Wall Art Tutorial here: [EASY DIY TEXTURED FABRIC WALL ART TUTORIAL]
Functional & Stylish Wall Decor Ideas
If you want decor that’s both stylish and functional, these ideas will elevate your space while keeping it practical.
Install Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are perfect for small spaces. They provide function and style. Use them to display plants, books, framed photos while keeping other surfaces clutter-free.
source: pinterest
Wire Grid Display
A wire grid panel lets you show off your personality by clipping on photos or inspirational quotes. You can switch them out anytime to refresh your decor.
source: pinterest
Decorative Hanging Baskets
Instead of a plain wall, add hanging baskets to store plants or small accessories. This adds a functional, yet rustic touch without cluttering your space.
source: pinterest
✅ Pro Tip: Use vertical storage to decorate and organize at the same time—especially in small apartments!
Thrifted & Repurposed Wall Decor Ideas
Instead of buying expensive wall art, you can thrift and repurpose stylish pieces for a fraction of the price!
Revamp Old Picture Frames
Paint thrifted frames for a vintage aesthetic.
You can add printed artwork from Etsy or Amazon for a high-end look without the expensive price tag.
Decorate with Vintage Mirrors
Mirrors are an easy way to style your space and they’re functional! They reflect light and make a room feel bigger.
source: pinterest
You can find affordable, second-hand mirrors and arrange them as a gallery wall for a chic, budget-friendly upgrade.
source: pinterest
Accentuate with Woven Baskets
For an easy boho aesthetic, hang thrifted woven baskets in a clustered pattern. This adds warmth and texture while keeping your decor light and airy.
source: pinterest
✅ Pro Tip: Mix thrifted vintage items with modern pieces for a trendy, eclectic look!
Minimalist & Easy Wall Decor Ideas
If you love a clean, modern aesthetic, these simple wall decor ideas will keep your space stylish without clutter.
Leaning Artwork on a Shelf or Dresser
For renters, this is a great alternative to drilling holes in the wall. Simply prop up wall art on a shelf—or dresser— for a casual, effortless look.
source: pinterest
Fabric Wall Hangings
Tapestries and scarves add a cozy, boho vibe. For a budget-friendly option, repurpose old fabric or scarves you already own.
source: pinterest
source: pinterest
Peel-and-Stick Decals
Affordable peel-and-stick decals add texture and depth without permanent changes—perfect for renters!
📌 My Personal Experience:
- In college, I used peel-and-stick decals to add color to my dorm—super easy to remove when moving out!
- In my first studio, I decorated a wall with 3D butterflies, and it turned out beautifully.
Gallery Wall on a Budget
Instead of buying expensive art, mix and match frames, posters, and personal photos.
source: pinterest
You can start small with 3-4 frames and build over time!
source: pinterest
Amazon has a lot of great options for gallery wall art.
Wall-Mounted Planters or Hanging Greenery
If you love a boho design style, add hanging plants for a fresh, natural vibe.
source: pinterest
String Lights or Fairy Lights
String lights and fairy lights are a cozy, budget-friendly way to decorate your wall.
When I moved into my first apartment, I hung up string lights with faux leaves—it was my “boho fairy aesthetic.” Don’t judge me, it was a vibe 😂.
source: pinterest
source: pinterest
✅ Pro Tip: Stick to 2-3 large statement pieces instead of many small ones for a modern, uncluttered look.
✅ Bonus Pro Tip: Use Removable Hooks & Strips to hang artwork, mirrors, or lightweight shelves without damaging walls.
Where to Buy Cheap Wall Decor Online & In Stores
If DIY isn’t your thing, you can still find affordable wall decor from these budget-friendly sources:
✔️ Dollar Stores – Great for cheap frames, faux greenery, and decorative trays.
✔️ Thrift Stores & Flea Markets – Find vintage art, mirrors, and unique frames to hang on walls.
✔️ Amazon, Walmart, and Target – Offer budget-friendly modern wall decor, wall-mounted shelves.
✔️ Etsy – Buy digital prints for under $10, print them at home or on Shutterfly, and frame them for cheap yet beautiful artwork.
✅ Pro Tip: Check thrift stores first before buying anything brand new—you never know what hidden gems you’ll find!
FAQs: Cheap Ways to Decorate an Empty Wall
What are the cheapest ways to decorate a wall?
You can decorate a plain white wall with a low budget by including affordable wall decor ideas like DIY artwork, thrifted framed artwork, printable art, fabric wall hangings, and hanging plants.
These options could easily be less than $50, but still can provide a statement piece without being overwhelming. Floating shelves also add function and style without costing a lot.
How can I decorate my walls without damaging them?
If you’re a renter or don’t want to damage your walls in general, try using removable hooks, command strips, peel-and-stick decals, or propping up artwork on top of a dresser and leaning it against the wall.
These options let you decorate creatively without leaving any wall damage.
Final Thoughts: Cheap Ways to Decorate an Empty Wall
Decorating an empty wall doesn’t have to be an expensive task. All you need is a little creativity and resourcefulness!
Whether you choose DIY artwork, thrifted decor, floating shelves, or peel-and-stick decals, there are so many affordable options to transform your space..
This post was all about cheap ways to decorate an empty wall.