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

Dress up your walls in style with unique statement pieces

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

Light a Neon Sign

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.

String Up Raquets

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.

Add Leaves

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.

Hang Street Signs

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.

Drape a Tapestry

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.

Choose Objects Around a Theme

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.

Mix Accessories for a Hobby

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.

Showcase Sculptural Objects

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.

Frame Ceramics

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.

Put Up Hats

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.

Display a Collection

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.

Show Off Your Shoes

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.

Put Up a Basket

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.

Add a Sculpture

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.

Fireplace Mantel Ideas and Decorating Tips

Place One Piece at the Center

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.

Hang Mirrors

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.

Frame a Dress

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.

Replicate Hotel Stays

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.

Decorate With Some Plants

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.

Display Figurines

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.

Highlight a Sport

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.

Hang Some Flotation Devices

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.

Suspend Dishes

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.

Read Next: 52 Eye-Catching Gallery Wall Ideas That Will Breathe Life Into Any Room

Show Off a Silk

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.

Hang a Message

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.

Put Up Oyster Plates

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.

Show Off Beautiful Baubles

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.

Hang Up Clocks

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.

Adorn With Macrame

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.

Float Some Shelves

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.

Stick On Wall Decals

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.

Put Up Wallpaper

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.

Construct Molding and Paneling

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.

Hang Maps

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.

Decorate With String Lights

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.

Hang a Wreath

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.

Choose Unique Shelving Shapes

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.

Send a Message With a Letter Board

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.

Think About Bonus Storage Solutions

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.

Light Up With Wall Sconces

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.

Try Bolga Fans

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.

Hang Up Bells

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.

Hang Multiple Full-Length Mirrors

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.

Display Your Wine Collection

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.

Adorn With a Flowerbed

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.

Add Potted Greenery

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.

Branch Out

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.

Display a Solo Statement Mirror

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.

Show Off a Fish

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.

Decorate With Deer Heads

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.

Hang Up Wired Baskets

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.

Put a Name On It

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.

Decorate With Figurines

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.

Light a Neon Line Drawing

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.

Celebrate Your Love Of Dogs

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.

Read the original article on The Spruce.