8 Nontraditional Pieces of DIY Wall Art that Make a Bold Statement

If you’re feeling a little ho-hum about the state of your wall decor—and want something besides a gallery wall—we feel you. A blank wall is intimidating. That’s why we’ve done the legwork and found some statement-making, not-your-typical-wall-art DIYs that we’re sure you’ll love. 

What better way to bridge form and function than by hanging some of your favorite straw hats? When you cluster them together, like Geneva of A Pair and a Spare did, they look more like an art piece than a utilitarian one. You could do the same thing with your favorite straw bags or baskets, or use a mix of straw and rattan objects for even more interest. Make sure you arrange your items  in such a way that they look intentionally placed—you want to make sure this reads as a cohesive art piece versus a hat rack. Go for asymmetry, and don’t be scared to move the pieces around until you get a shape you’re happy with. It’s like an accessories puzzle!

A big, poppy macrame wall hanging can cost about as much as some paintings. But Katie from A Beautiful Mess came up with this DIY so you can give your space vibrance without paying an arm and a leg for it. The project is also incredibly easy, possible for even the most inexperienced crafters.

If you’re a compulsive mood board-er, you’re going to love this DIY from Brittni at Paper & Stitch. Instead of employing a corkboard to hang up everything that’s inspiring you at the moment, create an oversized display that basically requires some paint and plywood. You can also attach a wire basket and rope to turn it into a multi-use mood board organization station, and use washi tape to put up your favorite images and swap them out whenever the mood strikes you. 

Brighten up your wall with this clever faux foliage and light sign from Francesca at Fall for DIY.  It’s like a custom version of a neon light display, at a fraction of the price. If you’re about to get married, it also doubles as a fun wedding decor piece that you can repurpose after you big day. Spell out your and your partner’s names or a favorite saying with wire and leafy string lights. Easy peasy!

Using a Cricut Maker, Ashley of Sugar and Cloth cut a ton of simple wooden shapes and layered them on a piece of scrap wood, finishing the modern piece with a coat of spray paint. Your turn: Pick a paint color, hang, and let the compliments start rolling in. 

We’re head-over-heels for this attention-demanding, dried palm wreath from Katie Smyth and Terri Chandler of flower design brand Worm, based in London. Make your own version witht similar large, dried materials, which you can usually find in a local flower market, and an asymmetrical design. For the step-by-step, plus 19 other fresh and dried floral wreath DIYs, check out Smyth and Chandler’s appropriately named and beautiful book “Wreaths.”

Sometimes all it takes to make a statement piece of art with a lasting memory is a balloon and a frame. Katie Hunt, co-founder and CRO of retail concept Showfields, got the balloon above from a friend at a birthday party and decided to hold on to it to remember a special time surrounded by people she loves.  She had this frame made custom, but you can try out this same idea with a mass-produced one. 

Smyth and Chandler of Worm also created this simple but elegant hanging branch that’s ornamented with whimsical, dried lunaria stems. Try your hand at DIYing your own with a branch, fishing wire, and dried lunaria stems, remembering to vary the height of the stems for interest and an added organic feel, like Smyth and Chandler did.