How to Style Wall Art & Decorative Wall Pieces

Walls often shape the atmosphere of a room more than we realise.

While furniture anchors a space, wall décor introduces character, texture and visual balance. When styled thoughtfully, wall pieces can transform an otherwise simple room into one that feels layered and intentional.

Wall décor doesn’t have to be limited to framed artwork. Sculptural pieces, decorative hooks, hanging objects and textiles can all contribute to a wall in subtle but meaningful ways.

The goal is rarely to fill every inch of space. Instead, thoughtful placement and a mix of materials often create the most natural result.

Below are a few ways to approach styling wall art and decorative wall pieces in your home.

What Is Wall Décor?

Wall décor refers to objects placed on walls to introduce visual interest, texture or function within a space.

This can include:

• Framed art or photography
• Textile pieces
• Sculptural objects
• Decorative hooks
• Bells or hanging ornaments
• Wall-mounted objects

Each type of piece contributes something slightly different. Artwork introduces imagery or colour, while objects made from materials such as brass, rattan or ceramic add dimension and texture.

When layered thoughtfully, these elements help walls feel like part of the room rather than empty surfaces.

How to Style Wall Art Without Overcrowding a Room

One of the most common styling mistakes is placing too many pieces too close together.

Walls often feel more balanced when they include a single focal point with enough space around it. This focal piece might be a framed artwork above a console table, a textile piece in a hallway or a sculptural object positioned near an entryway.

Leaving some negative space allows each piece to stand out while keeping the room feeling calm and uncluttered.

Can You Mix Wall Art with Decorative Objects?

Yes. In fact, combining artwork with decorative objects often creates a more interesting wall.

Rather than relying on artwork alone, many homes include smaller objects that add texture and dimension.

For example:

• Framed art above a console paired with decorative hooks nearby 
• Brass bells hanging beside artwork
• Sculptural pieces placed beside framed textiles, or in-between larger art pieces

These combinations introduce variety while still keeping the overall arrangement cohesive.

Where Wall Décor Works Best in a Home

Different rooms benefit from different types of wall décor, both in terms of functionality and the common differences in sizes of each room.

Entryways: Entry spaces often benefit from functional wall pieces such as hooks. These provide a place for bags or hats while also adding texture to the space.

Living Rooms: Larger artworks often anchor living rooms, particularly above sofas, console tables, or on large wall spaces between windows.

Bedrooms: Bedrooms tend to suit simpler arrangements such as a single artwork or a pair of smaller pieces. These help to keep the room feeling more intimate while also remaining balanced with wall décor and the larger furniture pieces. 

Hallways: Hallways are ideal for smaller wall moments that create visual rhythm along longer walls. Depending on the shape and length of your hallway, you may look to create an art-gallery style wall, or can mix and match shelves and décor. 

Bathrooms: Even small wall objects can introduce warmth and personality to bathrooms. Wall hooks for towels or robes are also a great option to decorate your walls in potentially a smaller space. 

Choosing Wall Pieces That Feel Personal 

The most compelling walls rarely come from purchasing everything at once.

Instead, they often build gradually as pieces are discovered and added over time.

Materials, craftsmanship and personal meaning often matter more than matching a particular style - an staying away from that your wall pieces were purchased as a set, delivers a personal feeling as well as a more refined room.

A single object that feels distinctive can often do more for a wall than several pieces chosen simply to fill space.

Common FAQ's 

How do you style wall art without making a wall look cluttered?

Start with one focal piece and leave enough space around it. Negative space helps each piece stand out and prevents a wall from feeling crowded. Play around with both symmetrical and asymmetrical layouts. 

What can you hang on a wall besides artwork?

Walls can hold many types of decorative objects including hooks, sculptural pieces, bells, textiles, hanging ornaments, or clay pieces like cultural face masks.

How high should wall art be hung?

Most artwork should be hung so the centre of the piece sits roughly at eye level. When placing art above furniture, leave about 15-25 cm between the furniture and the frame. Be guided by the placement of it in your room, on your wall, and the space allocated. You will also want to consider keeping breathing room around the artwork so nothing is ever going to the very edges of the walls. 

Can wall hooks be decorative?

Yes. Decorative hooks made from materials like brass, wood or rattan can function as both storage and visual detail. They draw the eye up and in to their finer details and can help break up an expected art-piece being placed on a wall.