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55 Things to Hang on Walls That Aren't Framed Artwork

Dress up your walls in style with unique statement pieces

Woven placemats hung on the wall as decoration next to houseplants and framed print

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

When it comes to choosing things to hang on the wall, most people automatically think framed prints, posters, and photos. But, the reality is that so many other fabulous wall decor ideas go beyond the usual two-dimensional options.

Sports fans might display signed sports gear or memorabilia, or if you have a breezy, eclectic style, consider items like hats, wreaths, plants, or baskets.

Take a look at these 55 wall decor ideas if you're looking to add a few extra things that you can hang on your walls. Honor a favorite hobby, place, or outfit—and hang it.

55 Creative Things to Hang on the Wall

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    Light a Neon Sign

    neon LED wall art

    Chelsey Brown

    With so many companies offering customizable word art, you can easily recreate the hip aesthetic of that ultra-Instagrammable restaurant downtown in your own home. Whether you showcase a quote that uplifts you, a funny saying, or spell out your name (it is your home, after all!), neon lighting will add plenty of pep to your walls.

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    String Up Raquets

    diy tennis racquets

    Brynne Delerson

    Celebrate your love for sports by hanging a fave piece of equipment on the walls—or make a DIY version, as seen here with these tennis racquets. Sporting gear will add a playful touch to any space and promote a laid-back feel.

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    Add Leaves

    leaf decor on wall

    @s.u.s.a.p.

    A leaf-shaped wall accent is a great way to add a touch of nature to your space—no pruning or watering is required. Bonus points if you pair it with actual plant friends to keep the theme going.

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    Hang Street Signs

    street sign decor

    Beth Diana Smith

    Honor a favorite place with a street sign that will bring instant character to your space. If you're willing to spend a bit more, you could even go the vintage route and hunt down an antique street sign from a city you love. (You can find Parisian artifacts and the like on secondhand sites.)

    Tip

    To hang unusual objects on the wall, use wire, picture hanger kits, and sheetrock screws just as you would for paintings and other framed art.

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    Drape a Tapestry

    scarf decor

    Amaryllis

    Woven wall hangings are called tapestries, and if this look gives you major dorm room throwbacks (and not in a good way), craft one of your own. Consider using a leftover piece of fabric or throw. Pick a pretty pattern and drape the fabric over a dowel for an instant, one-of-a-kind wall hanging idea.

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    Choose Objects Around a Theme

    nautical gallery wall

    Cori Robinson

    If you hang a gallery wall that centers around a specific theme, think outside the box a bit as to how you can fully celebrate the place or hobby on which you're focusing. Here, a vintage ship ball makes for the perfect out-of-the-box touch.

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    Mix Accessories for a Hobby

    wreaths on gallery wall

    Suzy Handgraaf

    Hang a mix of accessories—wreaths, baskets, and hats all look lovely in the above gallery wall, to name a few. Note that wreaths can be styled year-round and add instant color and texture to any wall. Pair faux leafy pieces with those made from branches to keep the setup interesting, as seen here.

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    Showcase Sculptural Objects

    sunburst wall

    David Land for Saudah Saleem

    Sculptural objects, especially when hung in varying sizes and scattered throughout the length of a wall, will make your home feel like it's part of a museum installation. Simple gold sunburst designs take center stage in this space.

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    Frame Ceramics

    ceramic sculpture on wall

    @paigekontrafouris

    Turn your home into a museum-like space by hanging plaster or ceramics on the wall. You don't need to travel far when you can make your own house into a storied spot.

    Tip

    Command strips are an excellent option for those who need to hang things on painted walls, as they don't leave behind marks. Read the packaging for weight limits and weigh the wall-hanging item.

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    Put Up Hats

    hat wall

    Sabrina Tan

    If you have loads of hats in your closet, why not let them sit pretty on the wall instead? It's a win-win: You'll free up valuable storage space and can showcase your love of fashion to all who stop by your home.

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    Display a Collection

    fish decor on wall

    Cate Black Photography for Etch Design Group

    If you have a favorite collection of 3D objects that are petite enough to hang on the wall, take them out of their storage boxes and get to work making them wall hangings. Here, a fish collection swims in an artful pattern on this dining room wall.

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    Show Off Your Shoes

    roller skate shoe wall

    Nick Glimenakis for Eneia White

    How cool is this collection of skates that doubles as decor? If you have a lot of pairs of colorful shoes, consider going this route, too—talk about an amazing conversation starter.

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    Put Up a Basket

    basket in kitchen

    Kate Dreyer and Stylish Productions 

    Take a beloved basket in your cupboard out of its hiding spot, and hang it above your oven for some intrigue. Given how much time we spend standing in the kitchen prepping meals, the space deserves a little extra oomph.

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    Add a Sculpture

    large gold sculpture

    Benjamin Johnston Design

    An oversized sculpture deserves to stand in the spotlight. Place it somewhere prominent, such as over the fireplace, as we see above. Its material juxtaposes wonderfully with the stone backdrop.

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    Place One Piece at the Center

    sunburst sculpture over mantel

    Benjamin Johnston Design

    Earlier, we saw how nicely miniature sunburst sculptures looked when scattered across a wall, but a larger version of this type of piece can stand on its own. Again, oversized artwork looks best above a mantel or in another central spot.

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    Hang Mirrors

    mirror trio art

    Julie Soefer for Benjamin Johnston Design

    Mirrors can make for artful decor when grouped—a trio is always a solid wall hanging idea. Look for pieces that feature eye-catching details that make those walking by want to pause.

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    Frame a Dress

    framed dress

    Julie Soefer for Creative Tonic

    Framing a dress or another piece of well-loved clothing from childhood is an excellent way to honor the past and preserve memories. Other clothing items that look wonderful framed as wall hangings include athletic gear (such as team jerseys) and pocket squares.

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    Replicate Hotel Stays

    skateboards in bedroom

    Julie Soefer for Creative Tonic

    Hotels give excellent wall decor ideas for things to hang on walls in bedrooms. If you visit a hotel and absolutely fall in love with the decor, replicate it at home. Here, skate decks featuring patterns from The Beverly Hills hotel add character and dimension to this otherwise traditional bedroom.

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    Decorate With Some Plants

    plants in bathroom

    Julie Soefer for Emily June Designs

    Plants make for affordable, vibrant, and peaceful things to hang on walls. Install hanging planters in the bathroom to bring that spa-like feel home. If you don't have any natural light in your loo or don't want to remember to care for any more plants, go for faux.

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    Display Figurines

    action figures on wall

    Julie Soefer for Emily June Designs

    Embrace your inner child by giving a few favorite action figures a well-deserved place as wall hangings. Adhering lucite boxes to the wall ensures that your favorite figurines are safe from fingerprints and scratches but still get to be appreciated daily.

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    Highlight a Sport

    paddles outdoors

    Stephen Karlisch for Lucas/Eilers

    An outdoor entryway is a great place to show off your sporty side. Here, colorful paddles make for festive (and functional) things that hang on walls.

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    Hang Some Flotation Devices

    floatation devices

    Stephen Karlisch for Lucas/Eilers

    If you're craving a relaxing or memory-filled moment? Here, floatation devices used as wall hangings can remind you of joyful summer beach days.

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    Suspend Dishes

    dishes on walls

    Stephen Karlisch for Lucas/Eilers

    Beautiful dishes are popular for wall decor, especially in traditional homes. Whether you have a coordinating set that you love or have worked to collect an eclectic mix of pieces over the years, dishware of all kinds looks fabulous as wall decor.

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    Show Off a Silk

    framed silk scarf

    Megan Lovoi for Meg Lonergan Interiors

    Whether designer or purely sentimental, a beloved scarf looks perfectly preserved in a unique frame as a wall hanging idea. Lucite is a popular choice, as the material allows colorful silk to pop.

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    Hang a Message

    word art in nursery

    Kate LeSueur for Meg Lonergan Interiors

    3D word art doesn't need to be a cheesy thing that you hang on the wall. When used sparingly, it can be pretty sweet. A nursery is perfect for incorporating a thoughtful phrase like this one.

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    Put Up Oyster Plates

    oyster plates

    Megan Lovoi for Meg Lonergan Interiors

    Oyster plates are a popular collector's item, and while they have a culinary purpose, they certainly don't need to be hung in a kitchen. They add plenty of personality and pep as wall decor in a powder room.

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    Show Off Beautiful Baubles

    jewelry in display boxes

    Megan Lovoi for Meg Lonergan Interiors

    Show off a stunning assortment of jewels by placing baubles into protective lucite frames for a unique thing to hang on the wall. Not only will you have a full inventory of your pieces readily available, but you can also simultaneously add instant color to your bedroom or dressing area.

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    Hang Up Clocks

    eclectic kitchen with large clock hung up

    @martinas_cosy_crib / Instagram

    Clocks aren't only functional but can be totally stylish pieces of decor too. Here, @martinas_cosy_crib picked a bold black clock to fill in some extra wall space above her oven.

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    Adorn With Macrame

    marcrame wall hanging

    The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

    Macrame adds an earthy, textured moment to any room. These knotted tapestries come in various designs, sizes, and colors. Use a macrame to highlight a certain area, as shown here.

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    Float Some Shelves

    Floating shelves with minimalist styling

    Ashley Web Interiors

    Floating shelves provide a sleek storage solution while simultaneously being decorative. With floating shelves, anything goes including stacked books, vases, plants, trinkets, file storage, and all sorts of other decorations. When styling your shelves, experiment with various heights, colors, and spacing for the most dynamic look.

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    Stick On Wall Decals

    living room with muted colored wall decals

    Aleksandra Zlatkovic / Getty Images

    Make a statement with a large wall decal. This warm beige, circular decal highlights a console table beautifully. Matching the decal to the circular shape of the mirror gives an intentional, framed look.

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    Put Up Wallpaper

    Eat-in London kitchen

    Andreas von Einsiedel / Getty Images

     

    With the endless amount of options of both traditional and peel-and-stick wallpaper available today, there is bound to be a design that would work well with your particular space. You could wallpaper an entire room or simply opt for an accent wall for an extra burst of personality.

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    Construct Molding and Paneling

    Sun room with vinyl siding as wall paneling.

    Interior Impressions

    Molding and paneling can add dimension and visual interest to any room. There are various options you can choose from including box trim, fluted varieties, shiplap, and more. Here, Interior Impressions opted for vinyl siding indoors.

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    Hang Maps

    airy living room map on wall

    Malorny / Getty Images

    Maps are another great option to hang on the wall. You can choose a world map, as shown here, or could even find maps of your state, hometown, etc. You can go big or small in size, too, making maps a versatile decor option.

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    Decorate With String Lights

    neutral and cozy corner of a room

    @herzenstimme / Instagram

    Hang string lights to add a cozy ambiance to any room while also providing more lighting. These string lights frame the floating shelves beautifully. The black wires create more contrast in the neutral color scheme of the space as well.

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    Hang a Wreath

    wreath in rustic kitchen

    @finding__lovely / Instagram

    Wreaths aren't just reserved for the front door or the holiday season. They can add a rustic element to any room as well, as shown in finding__lovely's gorgeous kitchen here. The brown hues of the wreath pop nicely against the white walls and trim of the windows, creating interesting contrast while still staying neutral and cohesive.

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    Choose Unique Shelving Shapes

    minimalist and earthy living room

    arbor & co.

    This hexagon-shaped shelving unit provides ample opportunities for extra storage and decor while also functioning as its own art piece. Centering the shelf over the couch anchors the room nicely, providing a central focal point. The plant on top of the shelf adds an unexpected styling moment too.

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    Send a Message With a Letter Board

    colorful office with floating shelves and plants

    @houseofchais / Instagram

    Letter boards are so fun because you can swap out your message as often as you'd like! Letter boards are particularly stylish in offices and kitchens.

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    Think About Bonus Storage Solutions

    neutral kitchen with pops of copper and gold

    Ajai Guyot

    Utilizing any extra wall space is an excellent way to create bonus storage solutions while still looking decorative. In this stunning kitchen designed by Ajai Guyot, a gold rod is hung beneath the kitchen cabinets to hang a dishtowel and extra cooking utensils. Not only does this make these easy to grab, but the gold rod and copper measuring cups coordinate with the rest of the gold and copper accents of the kitchen.

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    Light Up With Wall Sconces

    sconces above daybed

    Design: Thomas Guy / Photo: Jen Burner

    The debate between overhead lighting and table lamps has expanded, and will now include wall sconces. These light fixtures add extra warmth to a room, coupling function and style simultaneously. There are so many different styles of wall sconces you can pick from, making this a versatile design element anyone can incorporate.

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    Try Bolga Fans

    bolga fans

    @afrobohemianliving / Instagram

    These gorgeous Bolga fans, as featured in @afrobohemianliving's home, give extra texture and warmth to this small nook. Choosing different colors and sizing for the fans creates more visual interest while still looking balanced.

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    Hang Up Bells

    decorative bells on wall

    Calimia Home

    Wall hooks can be used to hang accessories, as seen here with these bells. The white body of the bells and the tan color of their ropes coordinate beautifully with the throw pillows beneath them. It all ties together wonderfully.

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    Hang Multiple Full-Length Mirrors

    three full length mirrors hanging on wall

    Rush Me Home

    Hanging several full length mirrors can help fill in a blank wall. Mirrors help reflect light in a room, making it appear brighter and bigger. This is an excellent hack for small spaces particularly.

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    Display Your Wine Collection

    wine wall

    Sire Design

    Show off your wine collection by hanging your bottles on the wall. Here, the bottles alternate between red and white wine bottles to create a cohesive pattern. If you want a more eclectic look, opt for bottles with different labels, colors, etc.

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    Adorn With a Flowerbed

    eclectic living room

    @my_interior_motive / Instagram

    This fireplace mantel turned flowerbed adds a touch of whimsy to this airy and bright living room. The bright sunflowers pop against the rest of the greenery. You can choose real flowers or faux varieties.

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    Add Potted Greenery

    eclectic and bright office

    @nudeandthenovice / Instagram

    Potted greenery is never a bad idea. In this office, the black pots coordinate wonderfully with the rest of the black accents in the room. The plants also infuse extra color into the space.

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    Branch Out

    rustic entryway

    @milkandhoneylife / Instagram

    Branches don't just need to frame the trees. Branches can make for beautiful wall decor, too. Decorating with branches is especially stylish in rustic, farmhouse designs.

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    Display a Solo Statement Mirror

    blue and gray living room

    Morse Design

    We've already talked about grouping mirrors, but sometimes a solo mirror is the right move. This large gray wall is totally enhanced with this large and gorgeous mirror. The organic shape is unexpected, adding extra style and visual interest.

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    Show Off a Fish

    fish art in dining room

    Mary Patton Design

    Whether you are an avid fisher or love someone who is, decorating with a fish figurine celebrates the hobby. Here, this bold fish adds a quirky twist to the dining area. The reddish hue complements the green pendant lamp.

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    Decorate With Deer Heads

    taxidermy deer heads in a game room

    Margaret Wright Interior + Lifestyle Photographer

    This game room is complete with two deer overlooking the room. This adds a rustic element to a more contemporary space. This creates extra personality.

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    Hang Up Wired Baskets

    airy living room with wired baskets on wall

    M. Wilcox Design

    Hanging wire baskets in varying sizes is perfect for contemporary designs. In this modern living room, the gold and black wiring of the baskets coordinate with the rest of the room's trim and accents. Since these are hung higher, they draw the eyes upward, making the living room feel even bigger.

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    Put a Name On It

    ballerina-themed girl's nursery

    M-Teriors Style & Design

    This nursery is so cute with its ballerina theme. The "Victoria" sign in cursive above the crib adds even more joy and girliness. The ballet shoes hung on the sign add extra texture too.

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    Decorate With Figurines

    gold figurines on wall

    Forbes + Masters

    Work with the wallpaper in a room by using figurines that would make sense in the scene. Here, these golden insect figurines add a playful element. It is small details like this that can make a big difference.

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    Light a Neon Line Drawing

    neon light

    Alvin Wayne

    Neon signs don't need to say anything in order to make a statement. As shown here, this bright pink neon sign featuring a line drawing of a rose pops against the neutral wallpaper.

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    Celebrate Your Love Of Dogs

    dog plate gallery wall

    @lucygleesoninteriors / Instagram

    This whimsical bedroom is made complete with a gallery wall full of dog plates. These can be created yourself to feature the faces of the dogs you've loved throughout your life. If you're not a dog person, cats or whatever animals you adore will work as well.