Wondering what to do with that blank wall? Try one of these paint-free wall decorating ideas!
Generally speaking, filled walls produce a lived-in look loaded with personality, while blank walls suggest you don’t on sticking around for long.
And while paint is the most common decorating solution for residential walls, it’s not always the hassle-free decorating technique people think it is.
It can be smelly, messy, and time-consuming, and the level of aggravation jumps up a notch if you’re painting intricate woodwork and ceilings. So why not make your life easier and consider other concepts for your walls?
With some creativity, you might even stumble across some paint-free wall decorating ideas you’ll love. Well, don’t worry!
Here at Wipe And Organize, we’ve done our homework and found 10 innovative ways to dress up walls without spilling a single drop of paint or cleaning up any paintbrushes. They’re great to look at and perfect for stylishly hiding unsightly eyesores like holes and dents.
So, without further ado, here are 10 paint-free wall decorating ideas to jazz up your spaces without reaching for a brush and bucket of paint.
Paint-free wall decorating idea: Tile transfers
Have a boring tiled bathroom or kitchen? Don’t worry, you can redecorate those too! Tile transfers, or stickers, are an effortless way to add some character to a tiled room without the major overhaul and, of course, the cost of re-tiling the entire room.
Available from most home stores, including Amazon, tile transfers are similar to wall decals, although we must admit they’re not always as easy to remove. The longer you leave them on, the more difficult it will be to remove them.
But we think that with a bit of elbow grease and some water, anything’s impossible. Just bear it in mind if you choose this option.
Paint-free wall decorating idea: Tapestries and stretched fabric
We absolutely LOVE the idea of using fabric to decorate walls. But is it really possible? It turns out there’s a wide range of different methods, though we should point out that although attaching fabric is more accessible than painting, it can also be a bit more expensive.
This method also uses screws, which is often a no-no if you’re renting your place. Other methods include using starch, which works effectively but can also be messy. On the other hand, you don’t have to go for a full-on fabric wall.
You can choose a tapestry by utilizing various methods to attach it, including Velcro strips, drapery rods, coat hangers, and curtain poles.
Paint-free wall decorating idea: DIY wall design using masking tape
While it may be a little more difficult, this creative method requires using decorative and colored easy-peel tape to create your favorite designs on your wall.
You can come up with some really pretty creations at the price of a few rolls of inexpensive masking tape, and your possibilities are endless!
The great thing about this is that the masking tape will come off effortlessly and cleanly. So you won’t have to worry about leaving behind any marks!
Paint-free wall decorating idea: Shelves
Shelving is fantastic because it has a dual purpose: decor AND storage. A more permanent element is that it’ll be difficult to remove the shelves without having to refill or repaint the wall. But, large shelving units can break up a boring space if you have the room.
Another reason why shelves are a great option is because you can change what they display, meaning you can quickly revamp the room again if you get bored or want to create a new theme.
Paint-free wall decorating idea: Peel-and-Stick confetti
You can hide those nasty nicks and stains on the wall of a rental apartment by using DIY peel-and-stick confetti. These are self-adhesive stickers that create a collage of different shapes and colors that make a flaw in the wall look like it’s all part of the plan.
Peelable stickers are fantastic because they’re easy to remove when moving on to a new place or when another clever decor solution pops into your head.
Paint-free wall decorating idea: Bamboo blinds
Yes, we all know that blinds are for windows. But bamboo roller blinds, especially, can look fantastic as wall panels. This design also works well with straw beach mats! It’s an excellent way of adding depth and texture to a minimalist bedroom, for example.
Paint-free wall decorating idea: Hanging art or photos
The trick to using hanging wall art is to use removable wall hooks. They don’t require any glue or nails and can be easily removed whenever you want, leaving no trace behind them. One drawback, though, is strength.
They won’t be able to stand hefty frames, so keep this in mind to avoid a loud smashing noise! With large, bare walls, you’ll want to hang your art in a way that makes the space look more interesting. Another fantastic idea is using pictures.
If you have many digital photos you want to display, print them out and create an interesting photo wall. You can give the space a brick look by ensuring all the images are printed at the same size and arranged in exact rows.
Pro Tip: If you have a postcard collection, you can adapt this method to display them.
Paint-free wall decorating idea: Wall-length curtains
You don’t have to limit the idea of curtains to just covering your windows. They can be used in many rooms and in many ways to add design features, including headboards, room dividers, and decor.
In this case, you can use a curtain to create a feature wall or a focal point in the center of a room. This approach also makes your windows stand out more.
Paint-free wall decorating idea: Washi Tape Decor
Here’s another fantastic idea that’s perfect for smaller spaces. It’ll spruce up boring white walls while offering a way to cover up tiny holes created by picture hangers. You can use black washi tape to create a repeated plus pattern.
Washi tape, which is a decorative masking tape made from Japanese rice paper, is very popular among crafters because it comes in many patterns, colors, and sizes. And, even though it’s surprisingly durable, washi tape is also a breeze to remove.
For the best results, you’ll want to begin with a clean surface. So get rid of any dust or dirt from your wall using a clean, damp rag or gentle cleaner. After it dries, you’re ready to place the tape.
As for the cost of this magical tape, prices vary based on style and width. But we found some great deals on Amazon. Check ’em out here!
Paint-free wall decorating idea: Wall decals
Wall decals have become increasingly famous over the years, and we understand why. Not only are they relatively affordable, but they’re also straightforward to put up and can completely transform a bland looking wall.
These decals are essentially oversized stickers, but unlike the traditional stickers, they’re super-easy to take off the walls if you move away or tire of them. So again, they’re a good option for renters.
What do you think about the paint-free wall decorating ideas we have for you? Can you think of any others? Please feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
And if you liked this article, we highly recommend you also read: Interior Designers’ Home Decor Taboos: 11 Awful Things to Steer Clear Of
