Your staircase isn’t just a means to reach different levels; it’s a vertical runway awaiting your design prowess. Whether you’re inclined towards classic elegance, modern minimalism, or a fusion of styles, the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination. From captivating color schemes that harmonize with your existing decor to ingenious storage solutions that make every step count, our staircase decor ideas will inspire you to elevate your home’s aesthetic and functionality.

But it’s not just about aesthetics—staircases can be more than just a pretty backdrop. They can be the focal point of your home, a showcase of your personal taste and style. With the right decor choices, your staircase can become a conversation starter and a visual masterpiece. So, join us as we embark on a journey through innovative and stylish staircase decor ideas that will turn your staircase into a work of art.

1. Accent Wall Staircase Decor Ideas

An accent wall is one that features a different color, texture, or wallpaper than the room’s other walls. A stairwell is a good place to add a new color or interesting wallpaper design that might be too bold if used on every wall.

Beadboard, shiplap, or brick veneer are all good ways to add a textured accent wall to your staircase. If you want a monochromatic effect, purchase a paintable, heavily textured wallpaper for the stairwell and paint it the same color as the rest of the room.

2. Embracing Contemporary Designs

Contemporary interior design embraces a “less is more” philosophy. This translates into neutral or monotonal colors, clean lines, and open spaces. Even so, a bold pop of color is not out of place and a staircase wall is a good place to add this decorative accent.

Metal wall art or panels are excellent contemporary staircase wall ideas. Mirrored surfaces also speak to the contemporary aesthetic.

3. Exploring Decal Decor Options

Staircase decal ideas bring a touch of artistry and innovation to your home’s vertical transitions. These adhesive wonders offer an array of design possibilities, from whimsical and nature-inspired motifs to inspirational quotes and geometric patterns.

Staircase decals not only provide a unique visual appeal but also serve as a creative way to delineate each step, enhancing safety. They’re versatile, easily customizable, and can complement any interior style, whether you prefer a rustic charm or a contemporary flair. These decals allow you to personalize your staircase, making it a reflection of your personality and interests while transforming it into a captivating focal point that tells a story with each ascent or descent.

4. Elevating With Fancy Railings

Replacing a tired stair railing is a fabulous way to update your staircase design. Replace basic wooden balusters with an intricate wrought iron railing. Though expensive, they add elegance to straight, curved, or spiral staircases.

Clear or frosted acrylic panels or wire railings are another good replacement for plain wood banisters and rails. They add a modern, dramatic ambiance to your entryway.

5. Captivating Farmhouse Staircases

The horizontal wood planks called shiplap add a warm farmhouse vibe to any staircase. Paint them a classic white, cream, grey, or another light-colored hue that compliments your decor.

White stairs with wood steps and a dark handrail are another traditional farmhouse pairing. Hang farm-themed signs, a simple wreath, and other country wall art along the stairwell to complete the look.

6. Curating a Stunning Gallery Wall

A gallery wall is a decorating idea that can be tweaked to fit any home decor style. Showcase a collection of framed black-and-white family photos for a vintage vibe, or compose a modern gallery wall from a simple row of modern art paintings.

Add other accents between framed pieces for an eclectic, bohemian, or shabby chic feeling. Good choices include metal wall sculptures, wood plaques, wreaths, or wall planters filled with greenery. Empty picture frames add another interesting touch to a stairwell gallery wall.

7. Illuminating Staircases with Lighting

Stair lighting is not only a decorative element—it’s also a matter of safety. But since adequately illuminating your staircase is vital, you might as well make it stylish.

Hang a dramatic chandelier over your stairs or line up a row of descending pendant lights. On the stair wall itself, wall sconces are welcome lighting fixtures to install. If you only need a little additional light, hang string lights along the railing.

8. Infusing Luxury Into Staircase Decor

Luxury staircase ideas incorporate fine wood, intricate details, and marble or other natural stone finishes. A dramatic staircase is the entryway focal point in many luxury homes and its finishes and details should reflect the same opulence as the rest of the home.

In a two-story entryway, a large chandelier or collection of artistic pendant lights is a must. Add additional lighting with wall sconces or small, step-level lights that illuminate each stair. An exquisite Turkish carpet stair runner not only makes your entryway more beautiful; it helps guard against slips and falls.

9. Mastering the Art of Minimalism

Your minimalist tastes can be showcased by the simplest stair decoration elements. Paint the wall a contrasting color, or simply hang a perfectly spaced row of minimalist line drawings.

Because clutter is the enemy of minimalist design, keep it simple. One dramatic painting or textile centered over a stair landing may be enough in a minimalist interior.

10. Reflecting Style With Mirrors

Framed mirrors or mirrored tiles are dual-purpose staircase ideas. Not only do they reflect light and make your staircase feel more spacious, but they’re also great for a quick hair check as you hurry down the stairs on the way out.

Intersperse small framed mirrors among other pieces on a staircase gallery wall. They will add little sparks of reflected light that draw the eye toward your creative staircase ideas.

11. Embracing Modern Staircase Trends

Modern decor is simple and streamlined, featuring natural elements such as metal, wood, and stone. Keep your staircase modern by not overdoing the decor.

Floating stairs can make a strong enough visual impact on their own. Add a new metal handrail with glass panels instead of balusters to turn a basic staircase chicly modern. Horizontal balusters are another great way to modernize a staircase.

12. Painting Staircases With Panache

Staircase painting decor is a transformative art form that breathes life into your home’s vertical passageway. Beyond mere functionality, a painted staircase becomes an engaging focal point, infusing personality and character into your space.

Whether you opt for a vibrant burst of color that energizes the area or a subtle, elegant design that exudes sophistication, staircase painting is a canvas for your creative expression. It offers endless possibilities to match your interior style, from classic and timeless to contemporary and avant-garde. With a brush in hand, you can elevate your staircase from mundane to magnificent, turning each step into a captivating visual journey.

13. Greening Up With Plants

Planters along a staircase wall add a lot of life to a plain stair design. Hang wall planters on a solid wall and add succulents or trailing vines. Small plants can also be set on small floating shelves, or on the stair surface itself right along the railing. Bigger plants look nice on stair landings.

Much like leaving a Christmas tree up all year and changing the decor to match the seasons, you can run a faux boxwood garland along your banister and change it seasonally. A neutral green garland can be decorated with flowers in the springtime, stars or seashells for summer, and tiny pumpkins and pinecones for fall.

14. Rustic Charm in Staircase Design

A rustic staircase could include any or all of the following: heavy wood, distressed paint finishes, metal accents, or railings made from recycled plumbing.

Other rustic stair wall decor could include baskets or macrame wall hangings. A coastal rustic home could emphasize the nautical theme by replacing wood hand railings with thick, heavy rope.

15. Scandinavian Flair on Stairs

Pale colors and light woods are hallmarks of Scandinavian decor, so avoid anything too visually heavy when decorating a staircase in this style. Light and airy touches include simple floating shelves, whitewashed wood, and exposed brick painted in soft hues.

A Scandinavian-style stair runner might feature a simple botanical print or thin stripes of color. Open wire baskets and potted plants complete the vibe.

16. Seasonal Staircase Decor

Christmas stair decoration ideas should be included in any holiday decor scheme. Wind an evergreen garland along the banister and decorate it with ribbon, pine cones, Christmas lights, and ornaments. Match the garland’s colors with your other Christmas decor for a cohesive appearance.

Bows are another Christmas decoration that really makes your staircase a foyer focal point. Weave velvet, mesh, or satin ribbon in wide widths around your banisters, then finish the newel post with a greenery swag and matching big bow.

17. Seating Solutions for Stairwells

Seating at the staircase base, landing, or staircase top is not only attractive but functional. These seats are good places for removing your shoes when you get home or waiting for an Uber to pick you up.

Turn stair seating into a design element by adding a small side table, lamp, and green plant. Add a coat and umbrella tree to your bottom-of-the-stairs seating configuration.

18. Choosing the Perfect Staircase Runner

Staircase runners add a lot of style to your stairs. Not only are they a decorative accent, carpet runners also make it safer and quieter to navigate the stairway.

A striped or patterned stair runner adds color to your staircase, but solid runners also work well. An animal print stair runner is a good way to heighten the drama in your foyer.

If a carpeted runner isn’t your preference, paint a decorative runner. Use a stencil or vinyl letters to decorate each stair riser with a favorite verse or design. If you’re seeking a coastal or rustic vibe, a jute runner introduces that flavor to your staircase decor.

19. Adding Statues

Statues are classic staircase decorations in stately manors and estates. Set upon a pedestal at the base of the stairs, or as landing decor, marble busts are a classic choice. Artistic sculptures are also a good choice for grand staircase decorations.

Recessed shelves along a stairway wall are good places for small sculptures and statues. Add a candle display within the shelf cove for a warm, dramatic effect at night.

20. Vintage Stairway Vibes

Vintage art, antiques, and other aged treasures are excellent additions to a staircase decor scheme—especially if you live in an older home. Look for art that represents the period your home was built while complimenting your other decor.

Place an antique table at the base of your stairs, topped with gold-framed photos and a vase of fresh flowers. Vintage light fixtures and paint finishes help convey a time-tested style. Finish the look with a Persian rug in the foyer and a matching stair runner.

21. The Art of Wainscoting

Wainscoting is wooden paneling that covers the lower part of the wall. It looks particularly elegant when carried up a staircase from the walls of the room below. Wainscoting is often painted white, but it can be painted any color that suits your style.

You can find wainscoting panels in a wide variety of styles and heights. Real hardwood panels are the most expensive type, and ideal if you want a warm stained wood appearance. If you plan to paint the wainscoting, you might as well go for less-expensive plywood, MDF, or plastic paneling.

22. Creative Wall Decor

Anything that can be attached to the wall can be used as a type of staircase wall decor. Inexpensive options include creating an abstract piece of art by nailing together strips of wood painted in different colors.

Display a collection of imported baskets and trays along your staircase for a fun bohemian type of wall decor. Metal flowers and candle sconces are additional interesting elements to add to staircase walls.

23. Wallpaper Inspiration for Stairs

Wallpaper is an excellent thing to include in staircase decor. A boldly printed wallpaper that includes the foyer’s or living room’s main colors can be the one thing that ties the room together. Use painters tape to paint a striped or random pattern on your staircase wall.

Wall decals are a popular choice for adding certain scriptures or words to live by on your home’s interior walls. For the best effect, mix flat decal art with dimensional pieces in one cohesive display.

24. Zen Stairway Concepts

Incorporating Zen concepts into home decor means using neutral colors and natural elements such as stone, plants, and wood. On a deeper level, it can incorporate Feng Shui principles that are intended to balance the energy flow through your home.

Traditionally, stairs have a bad Feng Shui reputation as heavy structures that suppress positivity in the home. Using light, soothing colors, and keeping stairs illuminated are good ways of counteracting their anti-Zen energy.

Staircase Decor FAQs

Staircase size, location, and purpose all factor into flooring choices. Noise, safety, and personal style are other considerations that will help narrow down your choices. Each type of stair flooring has its benefits and drawbacks.

Find out when and where each type of flooring works best and see our recommendations for each category.

1. Carpet

Carpet is a great flooring material for stairs. It comes in a ton of textures, patterns, and colors and buffers noise better than any other kind of flooring. This is a huge consideration for a staircase located near bedrooms, offices, or other areas of your home where keeping quiet is a priority.

Wool carpet looks beautiful but is not the best choice for a busy staircase. Synthetic carpets are much more durable and resist soil and stains better than natural carpet fibers.

The right kind of carpeting also helps prevent staircase slips and falls by providing traction for those traveling up and down. Printed carpet helps camouflage pet hair and dust while turning the staircase into a beautiful focal point. Look for nylon carpet that has built-in stain protection for the greatest durability on high-traffic stairs.

Stainmaster PetProtect Natural Essence Pattern Carpet

Stainmaster’s PetProtect Natural Essence Pattern Carpet is a nylon fiber carpet with outstanding soil and stain resistance. It’s specially made for extra durability and each of the nine neutral colors is made from multiple color fibers to help hide pet hair and stains.

Its low pile and textured surface are ideal for stair installation and will also help ensure safe footage. Although it has a low pile, it’s still soft underfoot and its texture is subtle enough to coordinate with any style of home decor.

2. Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is a classic type of floor covering that has never gone out of style. Although many materials imitate the look of hardwood flooring, there is no substitute for the rich finish and underfoot feeling of genuine hardwood surfaces.

There are hundreds of hardwood flooring options, including solid wood, engineered wood, and sustainable bamboo. Hardwood floors come in a range of colors ranging from pale birch to deep ebony. Hardwood planks can also be painted in any color – an easier option than stripping and staining worn wooden stairs.

Properly finished, hardwood stairs can last for decades, but you may need to install no-slip treads to keep them from being too slippery under sock-covered feet.

Bruce Plano Oak Gunstock Solid Hardwood Flooring

Bruce’s Plano Oak Gunstock Solid Hardwood Flooring is ¾ inch thick and each hardwood plank is five inches wide. Random wood plank lengths range between 12 and 84 inches long – a unique feature that adds a bit of whimsy. This hardwood flooring highlights the beauty of natural wood by keeping knots, small holes, mineral streaks, and minor milling imperfections. This provides a comfortable, lived-in feeling without being overly rustic.

In addition to the warm brown gunstock finish, it comes in grey, natural, mocha, and three additional shades of brown. It can be stripped and refinished up to three times, so it is designed for longevity at an affordable price point. This makes it a good surface choice for a busy stairway.

3. Laminate

Laminate stair flooring is a budget-friendly alternative to real wood. It comes in a variety of other styles as well. Because you can purchase textured laminate flooring that provides more traction than wood floors, it makes a great alternative to carpeted stairs.

Laminate flooring is durable and easy to keep clean. It also resists moisture, dents, and dings much more readily than wood. Most laminate flooring is easy to install and replace when necessary. This gives it a clear budget advantage over wood or tile – not only because the product itself is cheaper, but because you can save a lot of money by installing it yourself.

American Concepts Liberty Oak Laminate Flooring

If you want affordable laminate flooring that looks like a classic oak wood floor, check out American Concepts Liberty Oak Laminate Flooring. Each laminate floor plank is eight inches wide by 51 inches long. The thickness is just seven millimeters, which means you may be able to install it on top of your existing flooring.

It has a slip-resistant surface – ideal for staircase use. It also offers excellent UV, scratch, stain, mildew, and fade resistance which means that it’s suitable for all kinds of interiors. It will hold up through the demands of a busy family.

The medium brown color has a heavily variegated finish that looks like a natural hardwood floor peppered with attractive organic flaws. If you prefer a more solid-colored floor, choose the Smith honey oak finish instead.

4. Pre-Made Stair Treads

Pre-made stair treads are the easy solution for a DIYer who needs to refresh the look of an existing hardwood staircase. Not only are they suitable for a worn wooden stairway, but they’re also ideal for resurfacing a stairway covered in carpeting that only has bare lumber wood underneath.

Pre-finished stair treads are made from edge-glued wood – not laminate or veneered material – so they provide the look of hardwood without the difficulty of creating hardwood stairs yourself. Wood stair treads are available at home improvement centers and flooring stores. Some pre-made stair treads come with an attached facing that covers risers in a matching finish.

Carpet stair treads are another option for refreshing tired staircase surfaces. Carpet treads are rectangular carpet mats that cover the center of each step’s surface. Other styles fold over the stair nosing and look more like carpet than individual mats.

Oak Valley Designs Carpet Stair Treads

Oak Valley Designs Carpet Stair Treads Bayside Charm are 27-inch-wide carpeting panels with a bullnose edge suitable for hardwood or painted staircases. While they are considerably more expensive than basic carpet tiles or mats, their tailored look is worth the price. In addition, you can purchase matching landing mats. Colors include various shades of beige and grey, and each one has adhesive on the back to keep it in place.

These carpet treads are an excellent option for someone who wants the look of a stair runner but not the expense. The feeling underfoot is like that of a low pile carpet with a little padding underneath. Pet owners appreciate how they help aging dogs navigate stairs without slipping or falling – and they’re easy to replace if one gets soiled or stained.

5. Stair Runner

A stair runner is an economical type of carpet designed just for stairs. Sold on rolls of a certain width, a carpet stair runner is installed in one solid waterfall down the staircase, bent around each stair nose, and nailed in place. If your stairs are beginning to show signs of wear and tear, a carpet runner is an easy way to refresh them.

Because your original wood floor finish will still show on each side of the runner, it’s a great compromise between carpeted and hardwood stairs. You can still see the beautiful hardwood flooring, but gain the safety of the carpet.

You can find this type of stair carpet in solid colors or highly detailed prints that come with matching area rugs for your landings. Most are made of synthetic carpet fiber that has been engineered for extra durability and soil resistance.

TrafficMaster Derbent Gray Stair Runner

TrafficMaster Derbent Grey Stair Runner is an attractive, affordable, and durable way to add carpet to your staircase. It has a monochromatic scrollwork pattern that gives it an appearance somewhere between a Berber carpet and an area rug. It’s great for those who like traditional decor, but aren’t fans of overly busy rug patterns on a staircase.

The Derbent stair runner is 26” wide and has an affordable, mid-range price point. Because your final cost is calculated by the linear foot, there is very little waste at the time of installation. It is easily spot-cleaned and regular vacuuming helps keep it looking new.

6. Tile

Tile flooring is a durable, waterproof flooring material that is common in beach cottages, Mediterranean architecture, and luxury homes. Because of its moisture resistance, tile is ideal for basement stairs and other areas where excess dampness might present a problem.

Natural stone tiles are the most expensive, but their natural textures make them a better choice than smoother tile when it comes to stair surfaces. Glass, porcelain, or ceramic tile mosaics are a beautiful way to enhance stair risers.

Slippery-surfaced tiles are an obvious no-go for stair treads. For safety reasons, be sure to choose a textured tile that provides some degree of traction. A professional tile installer will know not to use wall tiles for flooring, but it would be easy for a DIYer to purchase the wrong type. Step tile must also be thinner than 3/8 of an inch to not affect riser height.

Della Torre Belmont Multicolor Glazed Porcelain Stone Look Floor and Wall Tile

This 12-inch by 24-inch Della Torre Belmont Multicolor Glazed Porcelain Stone Look Tile is perfect for foyer or basement stairs, floors, and walls. It looks like real slate but at a fraction of the cost. Its rectangular design breaks away from traditional square tile shapes and the multicolor finish works well with cool or warm colors.

Purchase the matching bullnose trim tile for finishing the edge on each of your tile steps. Don’t let the idea of installing tile yourself intimidate you. Basic tilework is a relatively easy DIY project, and while stairs present their own challenges, you can save a great deal of money by learning basic tile laying and grouting skills.

7. Vinyl

If you already have vinyl flooring, you can install vinyl plank or tiles on your stairs.  However, your treads must be completely level for vinyl plank or vinyl tile to install properly. Like classic tile, vinyl tile is another good choice for a basement or kitchen staircase where moisture can be an issue.

Luxury vinyl is considerably thicker and more durable than traditional sheet vinyl flooring. Luxury vinyl plank flooring comes in a wood-plank shape and closely mimics real hardwood colors and textures. Luxury vinyl tile looks like textured stone, ceramic, or concrete tile.

FloorPops Medina Gray Peel and Stick Floor Tile

FloorPops is a popular brand of peel-and-stick vinyl tiles. Not only are they easy for nearly anyone to install, but they also come in all the latest trendy designs. Each Medina Peel & Stick Floor Tile Grey is a 12 x 12-inch square with an intricate ironwork design. Equally compatible with chic farmhouse, bohemian, or even gothic decor, the Medina pattern is available in light grey or black, paired with white.

These peel-and-stick floor tiles are perfect for anyone looking for an easy, affordable way to update their flooring. Each box of FloorPops includes enough tile to cover 10 square feet. Just know that the adhesive is permanent; therefore, it may not be a good choice if you’re renting your home or apartment.

Flooring for Stairs FAQs

Well, there’s actually a lot more to carpet selection than that. Although color and style matter, high-traffic areas like stairways require extra consideration. Follow our outline for points to consider when shopping for stair carpeting, and you’ll be well-prepared to make the best choice for your home.

1. Best Carpet for Stairs That Fit Your Budget

As with any type of flooring, the first step is determining how much you’re able to spend. Fortunately, it’s possible to find affordable carpet options without having to sacrifice quality. Because stair carpet gets a lot of wear and tear, you should aim for the highest quality carpet and padding you can afford.

Measure your staircase then look online to get an idea of how much certain carpets cost per square foot, including installation. Next, visit a home improvement center or carpet store so you can see and touch the different carpet styles before making a final budget decision.

2. Exploring Colors and Styles

Carpet comes in a huge variety of colors, patterns, and textures. Some are suitable as stair coverings while others aren’t ideal. For example, wool carpet feels great underfoot and has natural stain-and-soil repelling properties, but it’s expensive and not as durable as synthetic materials.

Darker-colored carpets, striped carpets, and carpets with other patterns are some of the best for stairs. Prints are great for helping camouflage food and pet stains. The Lifeproof Perfectly Posh Artillery Pattern Gray Carpet has an elegant swirling medallion print that will instantly upgrade curved stairs or any style of wood stairs.

Even if you prefer a solid color, choose a multi-colored carpet to better hide pet hair and other debris between carpet cleaning sessions. A solid light-colored carpet is probably the worst option for stairs that receive a lot of traffic as it can begin to look dingy fairly quickly.

There are two installation styles for stair carpeting: waterfall and French cap. Waterfall is exactly how it sounds – the carpet is simply bent over each step and falls straight down to the tread on the next step. It’s a fast and easy form of installation and the one that most builders choose.

The French cap method takes longer and is a bit more complicated. The installer wraps the carpet around each step and tucks it under the lip, creating a more defined contour that many people prefer.

3. Long-Lasting and Durable Selections

Given how much wear and tear the average stair tread endure, it’s important to choose a carpet fiber that can take it. Carpet made from synthetic fiber lasts longer than cotton or wool fibers. Nylon carpet fiber is more durable than olefin or polyester fiber. Stainmaster and Anso are another two fiber types that hold up well on stairways.

Two main carpet construction types influence carpet durability. Bulked continuous filament (BCF) carpet is made in sections, with one continuous piece of fiber for each section. Major manufacturers of synthetic carpets favor this method because it offers more design options and is shed-resistant. Staple carpets weave together many short fiber lengths. It’s mainly used with natural carpet fibers, such as wool.

Protection against color fading is another factor to consider. Look for solution-dyed nylon fibers because they hold their color longer due to how the color penetrates the entire fiber. Of course, pay attention to cleaning instructions so you don’t accidentally fade your rug color by using the wrong kind of carpet cleaner.

4. Maintaining Pristine Floors

You aren’t likely to have as many spills on the stairs as you would in a bedroom or living room. But soil and stain resistance are still important considerations when choosing your carpet. This is especially true if you’re a dog or cat parent who frequently deals with pet messes.

Cleaning up after humans can also be a challenge in a carpeted home. Even if you don’t wear shoes inside the house, the oils on the bottom of your feet can leave a residue on your carpet that acts as a dirt magnet over time. Choose carpeted flooring that has built-in stain protection to keep your stair runner looking new.

5. Considering Thickness

While a thick carpet and padding may feel wonderful underfoot, the ideal stair carpet pile height is half an inch or less. Thicker carpet narrows the amount of room your foot has on each step which can lead to slips and falls. It’s also harder for carpet installers to wrap thick carpet around stair nosing and railings.

Staircases also need thinner carpet padding than regular floors. While some cushioning is necessary to serve as shock and sound absorbers, don’t go over 7/16 inch thick on a stair carpet pad.

6. Tactile Appeal

There are several different types of carpet styles available that can be used when carpeting your staircase. Below are some of the best to use.

• Pile is a carpet term that describes how the carpet is constructed. Cut pile carpets have fibers that stand up like tufts of grass cut evenly across. Loop pile carpet looks like a row of circles or loops when viewed from the side. Some carpets combine the two and are called loop-cut loops, or LCL.
• Berber carpeting is one of the best carpet ideas for stairs as it’s durable and low-profile. The Seneca Beige Berber/Loop Carpet is an affordable synthetic carpet stair covering with multiple colors woven throughout its fibers. This flecked color pattern helps disguise lint and soil between vacuuming sessions and its overall warm hue looks great against any shade of hardwood or laminate flooring.
• Saxony carpeting is what most people think of when they hear the word “carpet.” It’s a medium-height cut pile carpet that can work on stairs provided that it’s not too long. Saxony-style carpeting can come with a textured surface or have a smooth, velvety appearance. Textured Saxonies are the better choice for stairs. They provide a little more traction and don’t show footprints as easily as the smoother types.
• Frieze is the new term for shag carpeting. It has long fibers – considerably longer than Saxonies -and is a great match for more casual home interiors. Although some people like the way the long fibers help hide seams on stairs and railings, their thickness may not be the safest carpet choice for busy staircases.

Regardless of the type, tighter, denser carpets hold up better than those with thinner construction. Face weight describes the amount of fiber in ounces per square yard. Look for a 35 to 40-ounce face weight on a low-pile carpet.

7. Understanding Warranty Coverage

Carpet warranties are a little more complicated than you’d think. There are separate warranty sections that cover wear, texture, appearance, color fading, staining, and soiling. Each category may have a different length of time that the manufacturer guarantees its product, so read it carefully.

Traditionally, carpet manufacturers have exempted stairs from warranty coverage, stating that it’s “abnormal” wear and tear – despite the fact that so many dwellings have stairs. Many companies have had a change of heart on this and now include stairs in their warranties.

Before settling on your stair carpet, see if stair use is covered. Also, take note of any warranty exclusions. These can be oddly specific, such as not covering staining caused by mustard, urine, or bleach.

Stair Carpet FAQs

Whether you prefer to paint a stair runner or install a carpet runner, keep your overall design scheme in mind. For example, a sisal stair runner would be perfect in a coastal cottage, but too plain in a Victorian mansion.

Scroll through our best stair runner ideas to spark your own custom stair runner ideas.

1. Stair Runner Ideas Incorporating Animal Prints

Animal print stair runners add a wild, tribal feeling to your décor. When used as a stair carpet, they can add a sense of whimsy or elegance to your entry or hallway.

Zebra, leopard, cheetah, and snake scale prints are available in virtually any color imaginable. Some animal print carpeting is bold and highly contrasting, while others are subtly monochromatic.

If you like the exotic feeling of animal prints but find them a bit too bold, look for tribal-inspired carpeting instead.

Tribal patterns include Indian, African, Asian, and Native American lines and shapes in large or small prints. If you already have animal or tribal print area rugs at the top and bottom of your stairs, connect them with a natural sisal stair runner.

2. Crafting Your Own Stair Runners

It’s possible to achieve the look of a staircase runner without hiring a professional. Simply buy a regular hallway runner rug or two and a good-quality staple gun.

Add a rug pad underneath if you want a padded effect. Embellish your DIY stair runner by installing metallic stair rods at the corner of each stair riser. 

If you’re moving into a new home, wait until the movers leave before launching your stair runner project. That way, your stair tread will only be exposed to ordinary wear-and-tear instead of the heavy traffic of movers hauling your belongings up and down stairs.

If refinishing or repainting your staircase before installing a stair rug, be sure to allow three to four weeks for the finish to completely dry first.

3. Embracing Modern Designs

Because of the simplicity of modern design, you may question whether to add a stairway or hallway runner to your home.

After all, bare wood stairs and unadorned floors go well with minimalist decor. However, there are several modern stair runner options if you want to soften your journey between floors.

If your modern home is monochromatic, feel free to use a solid color on your stair runner. Note that stains stand out more on a solid material than a print. A solid black stair runner could be perfect in a modern, minimalistic home.

4. Elegant Neutral Colors

If your home is carpeted, it is most likely in a neutral shade of white, tan, or gray. If you don’t want to draw attention to your staircase, use the same carpet as your stair runner rug material.

When choosing stair runner rods to hold the runner in place, match any metals or colors used on the staircase itself.

Popular stair runner materials in neutral colors include sisal and jute. Seagrass has a hard texture that makes it a poor choice for flexing around stair treads and risers.

Therefore, if you love the look of seagrass rugs, note that you’ll need another material on your stairs. These natural neutrals can be difficult to spot clean, as they are prone to water spots and stains.

5. Exploring Oriental Influences

Oriental rugs are among the most popular and time-tested home decor materials. Their colors and patterns are nearly limitless and can fit into a wide range of home décor styles. An oriental stair runner looks elegant with carpet rods or without.

Genuine antique oriental stair runners are available but be prepared to spend a lot on these vintage treasures. You should be able to find new, reasonably priced runners and coordinating rugs in your favorite patterns online.

Oriental rugs are often named for the city or region where they are made. Patterns include flowers, lines, and abstract tribal designs.

6. Artistic Painted Solutions

Painting a stair runner can be far less expensive—but much more time-consuming—than installing a fabric runner.

Painted stairs can provide anything from an elegant to a beachy to a bohemian vibe, depending on how they’re done. Painted risers and step surfaces provide the appearance of a classic runner without the trip hazards of carpet.

A painted runner is a good idea for basement stairs, where moisture issues can damage the carpet. Be sure to use a paint designated for flooring, as some types of paint will quickly chip or wear off with normal use. Creative painted stair runner ideas include:

• Ombre steps, where one color on the top step and a different one on the bottom step fade together in the middle.
• Rainbow-painted risers, in bright or pastel hues.
• Flowers or trailing vines that ascend the staircase.
• Chevron stripes, tile patterns, or polka dots.
• Literary or inspirational quotes, where you paint a few words on each riser and can read the entire statement while standing at the bottom of the staircase.

7. Diving Into Patterns

Patterned stair runners are a fun way to add personality to your staircase. But what’s better—a large or small print?

Choose a pattern and material that suits you, but keep in mind that large-scale patterns may not show enough repeat on a standard-size staircase. A small pattern may look more like a texture or get lost in a wide expanse of carpeted stairs.

If your staircase has a landing or wedge-shaped “pie turns” it may be a bit trickier to line up a complicated pattern.

With curving or elaborately designed staircases, it’s generally best to keep your stair rug runner a solid color or choose a very simple pattern. This avoids your pattern making the stairs feel dizzying or distracting.

8. Stylish Striped Inspiration

A striped runner can be tricky to install so that the lines run perfectly even with the stairs’ angles. However, when done correctly, stripes add a classic design element to any decor style.

Stripes that run vertically up the stairs can help a staircase feel taller and narrower, while the opposite is true of horizontal stripes. Striped stair runner patterns can be wide or thin, simple or complex. Consider unique stripes, such as chevron stripes, pinstripes, or nautical-inspired Breton stripes.

If you want a customized striped pattern, paint the runner instead of searching for ages to find the right rug material.

9. Discovering Unique Styles

Accessorizing your stair runner is a great way to add a unique touch to your hallway or entryway. Elegant brass stair rods or brass tacks add a classic flair to a vintage rug pattern.

Wide edge binding and contrasting borders make interesting boundaries between the runner and the tread and riser surfaces.

Accessorize a neutral wool stair runner with a narrow band of cotton binding in red, blue, or another hue that goes with your color scheme.

A plain jute runner can benefit from a wide patterned border, perhaps a print that’s represented elsewhere in the room. A leather or faux leather border is durable and develops a rich patina over time—but it can be expensive.

Stair Runner FAQs

What’s brilliant about a wall paneling project is that you can adapt it to the interior design approach you have for your home. Picture frame trim work looks elegant and sophisticated, but you can give it a more unassuming feel with the right choice of trim pieces.

Shiplap tends to be the common choice for rustic and farmhouse design, but you could paint it and give it a more sophisticated look. These wall paneling ideas will help you choose the best wall treatment for your home.

1. Exploring Innovative Wall Paneling Ideas

Modern design trends have allowed a wide variety of wall panels to come pre-fabricated. This makes it easy, affordable, and fast to create any type of wall paneling treatment you can think of.

Mount 3D panels to create a textured interior wall. Panels can come in expensive wood finishes with ornate trim work. This instantly gives your home an expensive feel without the investment or expense. Some don’t come as a complete wood wall panel but are pre-cut pieces available in different sizes measured by the square foot. You then glue or nail them to the wall in a pattern.

These options are perfect for an accent wall that can add a bit of style to the room.

2. Enhancing Your Living Room

Your living room probably has some of the largest wall space in your home. This gives you a large canvas for your wall panels.

Depending on the type, intricacy, and color, you may want to keep your paneling to one wall so that it’s a feature wall. This works well if you want to create a reclaimed plank wood wall. The varying textures and colors would be overwhelming if you tried to do every interior wall with them.

More subtle designs, like a board and batten, picture frame, or raised panel in a light color or white, can go all the way around the room and look beautiful. If you have a more open floor plan, you’ll want to consider continuing the paneling beyond your living room. Extend it into your kitchen, dining room, or hallway.

3. Embracing Modern Aesthetics

Modern wall paneling says goodbye to the trim pieces and intricate designs. Instead, you’ll see walls that have a floor-to-ceiling 3D wall panel. It’s a single sheet that’s shaped to create depth and dimension. It could be an abstract pattern of wavy lines or have a geometric shape. Plan to have minimal wall decor if you take this approach. The decorative wall panel itself becomes your wall decor.

Another modern option is to mount several flat panels on an entire wall. They can be square or rectangular for a more uniform look or have a randomized freeform shape. Mount them at different heights so that they create depth on the wall. Give your wall an extra bit of flash by installing lighting. Hidden LEDs can create a beautiful glow and futuristic effect.

4. The Warmth and Elegance of Wood

When choosing wood paneling as your wall treatment, you need to consider the color and type of wood. Then decide how you want to design the panels on your wall. Choose too dark a shade, and you risk your home looking dated. A lighter wood will look fresh and help brighten up the room.

Create a patterned design with your wood paneling to give it a modern feel. Use skinnier planks and space them out. Use wider wood planks arranged into a herringbone or chevron pattern.

Embrace the look of nature and use wood panels alternated with living wall panels. Use moss or succulents to cover the living wall panels. For a sleek minimalist look, add metal panels to the design.

5. Creative and Doable DIY Options

You don’t have to hire an expert craftsman for your wall paneling project. You can easily adhere to sheets of a vertical panel. Look for ones that have a texture or are 3D for a modern take. If you want a complete DIY project for your kitchen design, then make your own panels.

You could use wood planks, cut square pieces of wood across the grain, and cover the wall in shims. Head to your local Home Depot or online, and buy several pieces of decorative trim. Then cut them and arrange them on the wall. Use a geometric shape to add visual interest.

Try to keep your design as uniform as possible when repeating it. Any slight deviation will become even more noticeable when done. Measure twice and cut once.

6. Artfully Painted Inspirations

Natural wood wall panels have their place in home design. However, they don’t work in all homes. A Scandinavian-designed home can look beautiful with a light wood panel.

A reclaimed plank wall looks right at home in a rustic-inspired home. Those with a farmhouse appeal can support beadboard well.

If you want to use a particular type of wooden wall, but the look of natural wood doesn’t quite work with your home, then you have one option, paint it. This hides the wood grain but also gives the paneling a refined look.

It allows the details to become more subtle and gives your walls an elegant feel they wouldn’t typically have. For a bold look, try painting your wall one color and then trimming another. This works well with picture frame panels. You could also paint the wall one color and your raised or sunken panels another color for a contrasting look.

7. Elevating Your Bathroom with Stylish Panels

You could use wall tile from the floor to the ceiling. This creates a solid look that can blend the bathroom together. For a fresh take on your bathroom walls, try adding a wood panel treatment to the walls’ bottom half.

Wainscoting is a traditional wall paneling treatment that can look fresh when used in the bathroom. Typically, you find it in other areas of the home, such as hallways and dining rooms. When adding it to the bathroom, you can use various paneling types for the bottom half of the wall.

The beadboard, picture frame, and raised panels all look beautiful as a lower wall treatment in your bathroom. Then you can paint or use tile on the upper half of the wall.

8. Chic Half-Wall Paneling Ideas for Your Space

While you could apply your wood paneling to the entire wall, this can look overwhelming or become expensive. A smart budget and design option is to use it only on half the wall.

The traditional approach is to use the paneling on the bottom half of your wall. However, this isn’t the rule in modern times. You could use the paneling on only the top half or use two different kinds for the top and bottom.

Pair your paneling with a complementary design. Many people choose to paint or use wallpaper on the half that doesn’t have paneling. They keep the paneling a clean white or other delicate neutral. Then they let the other half of the wall have a louder design.

9. Timeless White Elegance

All-white rooms are beautiful and present a clean and crisp design aesthetic. However, if done incorrectly, you could end up with a stark and barren room. Wall paneling is a perfect solution for adding texture and visual interest to the room while keeping in line with the all-white approach.

Consider wall paneling that will add depth and texture to your room. A whitewashed shiplap is suitable for a farmhouse or rustic room. Board and batten in a large square or rectangle pattern can blend well with a variety of design themes.

Picture frame molding can give your home a distinctly sophisticated and traditional look. Leave the space in the frames empty to keep your paneling looking modern.

10. Dining Room Walls That Impress

Most people view their dining room as one of the most formal rooms in their home. This makes it the perfect place to try out some of the fancier wainscoting, molding, and wood paneling ideas. Look for wood trim pieces that have multiple levels and added designs.

Accent your walls with additional scrollwork and millwork applique pieces. Then complete the look by adding complementary pieces to the ceiling.

Skip the board and batten and instead create a raised panel or picture frame design. You can create multiple levels and have additional shapes and designs added to the mainframe. If you don’t want to create these designs from scratch, you can buy premade panels that come with the design already applied. Then all you have to do is mount the panels on your wall.

11. Hallway Makeover

All too often, people forget about designing their hallways. This space links one well-designed room to another. Your hallways also have walls that deserve decoration.

A low wooden paneling can define the space and make it feel longer. It can also help define the space by giving it its own distinct style. For a refined look, try wainscoting with a raised panel or board and a batten design. These are simple and can easily be scaled to fit the size of your hallway.

Too large, and the pattern won’t repeat enough, making it look poorly planned and haphazard. Too small, and it will repeat too often, making your hallways feel smaller than they really are.

12. Dreamy Bedroom Inspirations

Add a wood panel wall to one of the walls of your bedroom to create an accent wall. The wall behind your bed’s headboard is a perfect place for making this accent wall. Wood paneling, in its natural glory, gives your bedroom a warm and natural feel. It successfully brings nature into the room.

However, not all of us want a rustic or farmhouse bedroom design. In this case, you can paint the paneling a bold color. This will make even shiplap look like a fresh design. Try creating a unique design, such as using faux leather panels, 3D panels, or metal panels with a design cut into them.

13. Rustic Charm

Shiplap or plank walls are classic wall paneling options. It’s clean and easy to install and adds texture to the room. This makes it one of the most popular wall-covering options. It comes in a variety of finishes, including natural, stained, and whitewashing.

For an authentic look, use reclaimed wood. However, this will require a lot more work as you’ll need to trim and shape each piece of wood into the proper shape.

An easier option is to use wooden panels. These are premade pieces that you can easily clip together and mount on the wall. You can use this wall treatment in your kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, or hallway. Give your wallcovering visual interest by using wood planks that are of different colors. Balance them to have an even distribution.

Wall Paneling FAQs

These wall painting ideas will show you that there are countless possibilities for your home’s walls. You can use your home as a blank canvas for artistic expression with a little imagination and creativity. So, are you ready to say goodbye to your boring old walls and try one of these painting ideas?

1. Creating Dimension

When painting artwork on your walls, add depth and dimension by creating a 3D effect. With the use of perspective and shadows, you can create the illusion that your walls are further away or “deeper” than they are. Using this wall painting technique can be a tricky one though. If you find it’s beyond your skill level, look for a wallpaper with a design that creates the 3D effect for you.

When painting animals, flowers, leaves, or trees, add depth by painting sheer shadows slightly offset from the object. To make this effect work, you’ll want to pick an imaginary point to be the source of light. Then paint the shadows as they would be if the light were actually shining on your painted design.

To correctly add perspective, you may need to measure out and outline your painting first. Then you can keep all of the lines heading towards the same distance point. Remember that objects get smaller as they get further away.

2. Transforming Bedrooms

Your bedroom is your personal space. Whatever you choose to put on your walls is right if it’s what you enjoy. However, if you need some help deciding, here are a few things to consider to help you narrow down the options.

If you have crown molding, paint it a bright white and then choose a darker color for your walls. The contrasting colors create a crisp and bold look that can make your bedroom feel larger than it actually is. If you have low ceilings, paint the crown molding the same color as the walls to give the illusion of a taller ceiling.

Choose a color for your bedroom that you find appealing. Colors can affect your mood. Cool colors like blue, green, and purple will create a calming environment. Warm colors tend to create an energetic environment, such as red, orange, and yellow. However, keep the tone in mind; a darker-toned red can create a darker mood than a bright fire-engine red. Then there are the neutrals. You can create a minimalist look with white or black walls.

3. Artful Designs

Create a design with your paint to give the room visual interest and color. The easiest way to do this is with horizontal or vertical stripes. Choose two colors and paint your entire wall the lighter of the two colors. Use painter’s tape to mark off where your second color will go.

A vertical stripe will make your walls seem taller and the ceiling higher. A horizontal stripe will make the room feel longer.

Choose two lighter colors for a softer look. This approach works well in a minimal or white room. The pattern adds depth and texture to the space. Bolder color combinations with light and darker colors are a stronger statement that can become the focal point in the room.

4. Geometry in Focus

Creating geometric shapes across the entire wall is a popular accent wall idea. Most people choose at least two or three different colors for the shapes. However, you can choose as few or as many colors as you want.

The simplest method for creating your shapes is to use masking tape. Place it on the wall to create shapes of varying sizes. They can all be triangles or geometric shapes with various numbers of sides.

For a cleaner look, eliminate the white lines the masking tape makes by painting your wall in phases. This will require you to mark off the shapes for the first color. Then you’ll tape off the next color’s sections when the first color is dry. The two-color shades will be against each other and eliminate the white borders.

5. Whimsical Spaces

A girls’ room is the perfect place to get creative and add some sparkle or glamour to the walls. Start by painting the walls a color that they love. You can then decorate with wall stickers. A pretty look is to use polka dots. They can be evenly placed over the entire wall, or you can have them placed closer together at the top of the wall and gradually spread out as you work your way down the wall for a fade effect.

If the girl is a creative type, then paint one of the walls with chalkboard paint. This creates an entire chalkboard wall that’s perfect for doodling or creating custom drawings. When she grows tired of her creations, she can wipe them off and start again.

6. Beyond the Surface

The safest interior paint colors you can choose from are neutral colors. This can be anything from pure white to shades of cream and beige. These colors are light, reflect light well, and look beautiful with any design aesthetic you choose. They’re also universally appealing and pleasant to look at.

Brave homeowners will throw neutrals out of the window and create a colorful piece of art on their walls. Turn a large blank space into a wall mural. Use several vibrant colors to paint a custom design that takes up the entire wall.

This approach works well if you don’t plan to have anything else on the wall. You wouldn’t want to try and create a gallery wall over your mural. The wall paint and your pictures will compete with each other.

7. Gradient Magic

When you hear about ombre, it’s usually in reference to hair, but that isn’t the only place you can enjoy ombre. The idea is to blend multiple color combinations together for a seamless transition from one color to the next. To look the best, start with the darkest color on the bottom of the wall and get lighter as you reach the ceiling.

There are two painting techniques you can use when painting your ombre wall. The first is to paint horizontal stripes over the bulk of the wall, leaving space between each color. Then working quickly so the paint doesn’t dry, mix the colors together to create a new blended color. Brush that color on the wall in the spaces to create a visually pleasing impact.

The other option is to use your lightest color to paint a base coat over the entire wall. Then thin out the other colors to create a wash of color that gets gradually darker and more opaque the further down the wall you go.

8. Artistic Expression

Not all paint comes in cans that you then apply to the wall with a brush or roller. Using spray paint can give the wall of your home an urban look. This takes practice and skill, so it’s best if you give it a few tries before you attempt to paint your walls.

It can help to use a stencil. This eliminates some of the steady hand and skill required. It can also help to find a design that you get inspired by. Then you can create a design using it as a guide to creating your own artwork.

Spray paint can be toxic, and you’ll need a well-ventilated space to use it in. It can also be very messy. It’s best to leave spray painting on the outside walls. Then there’s plenty of space and ventilation. It also won’t matter if you drip paint on the ground during the painting process.

9. Nature’s Touch

Adding a tree to your wall can bring nature inside. This is a perfect solution for someone who doesn’t have a green thumb or lives in a place that doesn’t have great light. Perhaps you have a room that doesn’t get much sunlight, and a real plant would struggle to thrive in the space.

Paint a tree on the wall and have greenery that never dies. Add blooms, and you’ll enjoy colorful flowers year-round.

While this is one of the most popular creative wall painting ideas, it can be tricky to pull off. You can use a stencil for the trunk and branches. Then another for the leaves. For a realistic look, add small details and texture to your tree by adding bark to the trunk and veining in the leaves.

10. Dual Tones

Add multiple colors to your room by painting the walls two colors. Choose two complementary colors. Then use the darker color on the bottom portion of the wall and the lighter color on the upper portion of the wall. The wall paint colors you choose should look good together. Some possible color combinations are black and white, yellow and peach, deep teal and cream, or plum and lilac.

A simple approach is to divide the wall in half and paint the bottom half one color and the top the other. However, you can create a unique look by painting the majority of the wall one color and only a small portion of the other. This creates more of an accent color approach with the second color.

11. Get Crafty

What’s exciting about paint is that you have the freedom to be as simple or as creative as you want. You are the one with the paint, rollers, and masking tape. Look at your blank wall as if it were a large canvas.

If you’re afraid of doing too much or aren’t the creative type, you can stick with creating an accent wall. Paint all but one of the walls one color. Then on the last wall, create a design to turn that wall into a feature wall.

One approach is to do a paint treatment; use a sponge, glaze, color wash, strie, or rag roll. These are treatments that you apply to the entire wall. Another approach is to use masking tape to create a design. It can be abstract geometric shapes or a mural design of mountains or a tree.

12. Outdoor Art

Painting the outside of your home presents unique challenges that you don’t have to worry about when choosing interior paint. The exterior of your home takes a beating from the weather, temperature changes, the sun, wind, and animals. The paint needs to look beautiful and be durable enough to last.

Look for an acrylic paint that has UV blockers built into it. This will prevent fading, cracking, and peeling. For extra durability, apply an acrylic primer first and then your color paint. This will give you the best-looking finish with the most accurate color hue.

Wall Painting FAQs

Gone are the days when altering your interior design meant making permanent changes. Temporary wall ideas have revolutionized the way we think about spaces, allowing us to experiment with layouts and aesthetics without the worry of damaging the existing structure. With materials ranging from sleek modular dividers to bookshelf walls that double as storage units, you can seamlessly adapt your environment to suit your evolving needs.

In this article, we delve into a curated selection of temporary wall ideas that cater to different tastes and purposes. Discover how sliding panels can create versatile rooms, explore the elegance of Japanese shoji screens, and unveil the contemporary charm of geometric-patterned partitions. Whether you’re aiming to establish designated areas in an open floor plan or aiming to add a touch of artistic flair, these temporary wall ideas are sure to spark your imagination and redefine the way you perceive interior spaces.

1. Elevate Your Apartment Space With These Temporary Wall Ideas

Many renters can make do with a fabric curtain instead of a full temporary wall. However, adding a partition is a great option for those living in rent-dominated markets or looking to upgrade their small apartment without permanently altering the original floor plan.

Temporary walls come in all styles. You can find plenty of DIY solutions that are easy to install and take down as needed. Or hire a contractor to build a temporary wall that looks like the real deal.

Seamless walls look like permanent fixtures but have no impact on the room’s base construction. You can paint them or install a sliding door and plexiglass transom windows. Panels are a nice alternative if you don’t need to create an entire room.

2. Bedroom Transformation Inspirations

The star of every bedroom layout is, without a doubt, the bed. So it makes sense that most room divider ideas for the bedroom would focus on this piece of furniture.

Install a half partition around your bed to add privacy without losing the openness of the space. Wall-to-wall fabric curtains work great in a studio apartment or to separate a guest space in a multi-purpose room.

You don’t need opaqueness for a partition to be effective. The room divider needs to trick the eye into seeing the room as two distinct spaces. Frosted glass panels or screens will give you the perfect amount of privacy without making the bedroom too claustrophobic.

3. Creative Bookcase Integrations

A freestanding bookcase wall is an uber-functional way to split a large room into two independent spaces. Use a set of matching bookshelves for a custom-sized partition wall or just one for something simple and compact.

Choose a bookcase with openings on both sides so decor can be seen from all areas of the divided room. If your chosen bookcase has a traditional one-sided design, cover the back with fabric, framed wall art, or a hanging tapestry.

Don’t worry if your bookcase doesn’t reach up to the ceiling—very few bookshelf walls do. As long as you don’t need to completely separate one space from the other, any height will work for this makeshift room divider.

4. Stylish and Functional Dividers

Room dividers are great when you need a compromise between privacy and accessibility—and this solution is a bit more polished than just hanging a curtain. Room dividers are incredibly useful for breaking up an open-concept floor plan or hiding clutter from view.

Folding screen dividers come in all sizes and styles. They are incredibly portable and can be set up or taken down with a moment’s notice.

Sliding dividers are excellent if you have a multi-functional space that sometimes needs division and other times doesn’t. You can permanently install this type of divider with built-in tracks or invest in a set of freestanding panels with wheels.

5. Do-It-Yourself Temporary Wall Concepts

There are tons of DIY temporary wall ideas out there that don’t just involve hanging a curtain. The best style for your home will depend on the specific space and how it’s used.

Bamboo dividers work well both indoors and outside. They’re ideal for situations where you need to visually differentiate two parts of a room but aren’t too concerned with privacy. Vertical and horizontal wood beams are another great idea.

Bookcases are extremely popular as multi-purpose room dividers. You can transform any old bookcase into a temporary wall. Consider upgrading your project with some paint and a set of caster wheels. You’ll be able to easily roll your DIY room divider wherever you need it most.

6. Living Room Flexibility and Design

A room divider can be purely functional or a stylistic choice. When it comes to the living room, most temporary walls and dividers perform double duty.

You can also use room dividers anywhere in your living room—not just right in the middle. If your home has an open floor plan, add a divider along the perimeter of your living room to differentiate the space from adjoining rooms.

If your living room’s divider wall doesn’t feature any innate design elements, don’t leave it blank. This is the perfect spot to mount a TV and floating entertainment center. Or you can build a bookshelf into the wall to display decor and make the space as a whole feel roomier.

7. Temporary Walls for Outdoor Charm

Temporary walls are an ideal way to create separate living spaces and supplement the existing privacy outdoors. After all, nearly everyone has nosy neighbors. Wood and bamboo are great materials if you prefer a natural look. Otherwise, plastic and metal dividers offer a more contemporary aesthetic.

You can also use outdoor dividers to bring some much-needed shade to your patio or balcony. Consider installing shutter-style panels so you can control the exact amount of sunlight that shines through your temporary wall.

Just because your temporary wall is outside doesn’t mean you can skip the wall decor. Hang string lights, climbing vines, or planters on your divider panels to finish off the project.

8. Uniquely Innovative Partition Ideas

Go ahead and get creative with your dividing wall. Treat your room divider as accent decor by giving it a standout paint color, finish, or pattern that will contrast against the rest of the space.

You can find modular divider walls that look like Legos and other unique building block shapes. Shiplap and recycled pallet wood will work nicely alongside any rustic or farmhouse-inspired decor idea.

Stand up dried reeds, grasses, or tree branches in containers for an organic room divider. As long as total privacy isn’t a must, experiment with using negative space in your temporary wall design.

9. Exploring Temporary Wallpaper Innovations

If all you’re after is fresh interior design, the secret might be in the walls you already have. You can use temporary wallpaper to revitalize an existing wall with a decorative mural rather than adding a brand new one.

Peel-and-stick wall decals are perfect for adding intrigue to a single accent wall but can technically be used anywhere. This product is particularly popular with renters and those looking for short-term design solutions.

Of course, you can always combine removable wallpaper with any room divider or temporary partition idea. You can even apply wallpaper to wood panels for a feature wall that is truly temporary and can be repurposed in another space entirely.

Temporary Wall FAQs

Interior (and exterior) wall murals are an amazing way to add color and movement to your living spaces. You don’t need to be a skilled artist, either, since you can just as easily install a mural using large-scale wallpaper or decals as you can a bucket of paint. So if your walls are in need of a facelift, adding a mural might be the perfect solution.

Check out these wall mural ideas to get those creative juices really flowing.

1. Exploring the World of 3D

If you really want to bring a room to life, nothing is more impactful than a 3D mural. These wall murals come in two styles. The first features a regular pattern with an embossed design over top. The second features a printed image that creates an optical illusion of 3D depth.

You can create 3D wall art of literally any subject matter. Natural elements are incredibly popular, from botanical imagery to animal life. Many murals also feature geometric patterns that play with perspective for a 3D effect.

Embossed wallpaper can bring an extra dimension (no pun intended) to an otherwise plain accent wall. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even design your own multi-dimensional mural from scratch using wood panels and paint.

2. Embracing the Beauty of Abstract Designs

It can be hard to choose a theme for a wall mural. If the room in question doesn’t already have a curated theme, you might be afraid to box yourself in with an ultra-specific mural. In these scenarios, an abstract statement wall is the ideal solution.

An abstract wall mural is easy to create with decals or removable wallpaper. Play around with shape and texture—there are no real rules when it comes to abstract artwork.

For an abstract mural with a more organic aesthetic, look into macro images. These images feature zoomed-in photos of stone, wood, plant life, and more. While these murals boast all of the color and texture of their original subject matter, the macro perspective makes them undeniably abstract.

3. Transforming Your Bathroom

If you’re unsure where to include a wall mural in your interior design, turn to your home’s smallest rooms. A space like a bathroom can really benefit from a wall mural because it won’t take up any floor space or elbow room.

Nature-inspired artwork is particularly popular for the bathroom. For a tranquil, feminine touch, go with a floral wall mural. Of course, murals depicting the ocean, or water in general, are classic choices for this room.

To avoid overpowering a small powder room, opt for a mural design with a singular image instead of a floor-to-ceiling pattern. This could be anything from a watercolor painting to an abstract silhouette.

4. Enhancing Your Bedroom

When choosing a custom wallpaper or mural design for your bedroom, err on the side of subtlety. You don’t want your bedroom to become overwhelmed by a mural that’s too loud and in your face. It should gracefully fade into the background.

Select a soft color palette for your mural wall. Botanical designs work great in a bedroom. Or go with an abstract pattern featuring brush strokes and other textures.

If you do opt for a more dramatic bedroom wall mural, keep the rest of the room comparatively simple. This includes the surrounding walls. While an accent wall is perfect for a relaxing space like the bedroom, too much of a good thing will drown out the rest of your room decor.

5. Garage Makeover

The garage is often an afterthought in interior design. So why not give it the attention it deserves with a stunning wall mural of its own?

For the ideal blank canvas, look no further than your garage door. Or fill the blank wall space inside your garage with vibrant colors and intriguing designs.

Graffiti-inspired artwork is a great idea if you’re looking to give your garage exterior a facelift. No matter your personal aesthetic—pop art, floral, realistic, or something else entirely—a custom wall mural is a perfect way to up your garage’s curb appeal.

6. Elegant and Timeless

Wall murals and bright colors often go hand-in-hand. But you can enjoy just as much artistry in grayscale as you can in full color. Gray murals are great at showcasing black-and-white photos or detailed artwork that would be muddied by a vibrant color scheme.

Natural subject matter, whether photo-realistic or artistically rendered, will ensure your mural conveys plenty of energy even without the use of color. Choose a design with lots of depth.

Be sure to introduce some color to the rest of your home decor. Deep muted tones and pops of bright color are both great options to contrast your gray wall decor. The more subdued your room’s palette, the more your mural will stand out as its focal point.

7. Hand Painted Artistry

Although custom wall decals have made designing a mural easier than ever before, nothing can replace the charm of a hand-painted feature wall.

Hand-painted murals are especially lovely in a nursery or children’s bedroom. However, nothing is stopping you from getting creative on your kitchen or dining room walls, either.

You don’t need to be exceptionally talented to create your own wall mural from scratch. All you need are some high-quality stencils, the right tools, and a bit of patience. Of course, there’s always the option of hiring an artist to complete your mural for you!

8. Sparking Imagination

Designing a kid’s room is never easy, especially when trying to do so on a budget. A wall mural is an excellent way to reinvent a young child’s room without the expense of new furniture or decor.

A kid-approved mural could be anything from an abstract pattern to their favorite cartoon character. If your child’s interests change on a whim, invest in a removable wall sticker instead of permanent wallpaper or paint.

If you want to try your hand at creating a nursery mural, remember that color is the most important factor. Choose a simple subject matter that includes lots of bright, contrasting colors for a wall mural design that will stimulate young minds.

9. Kitchen Ambiance

Due to cabinets, appliances, and countertops, the kitchen tends to have more standalone wall segments than any other room in the house. These small sections are the perfect spot to bring a wallpaper mural idea to life. Since you’re not covering a full-size wall, you can be much bolder with your design choice.

There’s no shortage of culinary, food, and botanical-themed mural ideas to choose from when designing a kitchen accent wall. But don’t limit yourself to these themes. Abstract and geometric designs work just as well.

You’ll want to think about stain and moisture resistance when installing a mural in your kitchen. Whether going with paint or wallpaper, choose one that is easy to wipe clean and won’t discolor.

10. Embracing the Outdoors

When searching for wall mural ideas, you can’t go wrong by turning to nature for a little inspiration. These motifs work especially well in rooms meant to be intimate and relaxing, like the bathroom or master bedroom.

Floral wallpaper and murals are probably the most popular in home decor. If flowers aren’t your style, transform a boring wall with a design of lush foliage or succulents. You can also choose a wallpaper pattern featuring abstract or geometric botanicals.

Don’t forget to pair your flora with some fauna. Decorate a nursery with a forest wall mural starring rich greenery and woodland critters. Or select wallpaper panels with a mix of plant life and birds or insects.

11. From Work to Wow

Decorating a home office can be tricky. While you want to make the room feel like part of your living space, it also needs to have a professional touch. This is especially true if you see in-person clients or take regular video calls.

Many corporate offices use murals to show off their industry achievements and wow customers. No matter your career, a wall mural is a great, inoffensive way to add style to your home office.

Adorn your office wall with an inspiring mural that motivates you to do your best work. You can also go with a photo mural that shows off your local city skyline or favorite spot in nature.

12. Enlivening Outdoor Spaces

Most notable wall murals are installed outside. So when it comes time to design a mural for your own home, don’t forget to (literally) think outside of the box.

Fencing of any kind will make a great canvas for a painted mural. Paint a pattern or image on your fence’s interior for a design that won’t bother the neighbors. You can also place small motifs on your home’s exterior or brighten up the siding on a garden shed.

Outdoor murals will take a beating from the elements, so make sure to invest in weather-safe paint and materials. This definitely isn’t the place for a wallpaper mural.

13. Captivating Trees

Just because a particular mural design is extremely popular does not mean it’s any less stylish. This is a good thing since trees are some of the most attractive (and most commonplace) subjects found in contemporary murals!

There is so much you can accomplish with a mural that features trees and nothing more. They can serve as a dramatic backdrop to a master bedroom or a child-friendly addition to a nursery wall.

Trees are some of the easiest subject matter for amateur mural artists to try out their skills on. Installing a wallpaper mural featuring a stunning forestscape or minimalist birch trees will take your room design to a whole new level without the artistic labor.

14. Stylish and Versatile

Wallpaper is slowly coming back into style. While wallpaper from a few decades ago featured extremely small imagery, the trend today is oversized, maximalist prints that resemble hand-painted murals more than anything else.

Wallpaper is the easiest way to create a full-coverage mural on an accent wall. It’s even an option for renters, with many companies releasing temporary peel-and-stick wallpaper in all different designs.

There really is no shortage of designs to choose from. From your favorite storybook characters to a photorealistic beach wall mural, anything can be printed onto modern wallpaper.

15. More Wall Mural Ideas

In addition to the popular wall mural ideas such as nature scenes, cityscapes, and abstract designs, there are numerous other captivating options to consider. One idea is to bring the beauty of underwater worlds into your space with a marine-themed mural, featuring colorful fish, coral reefs, and mesmerizing seascapes. Another unique concept is a celestial mural, showcasing the wonders of the night sky with stars, galaxies, and constellations. For a touch of whimsy, you can opt for a playful mural with cartoon characters, fairytale motifs, or imaginative landscapes.

Additionally, there is a growing trend of using geometric patterns and optical illusions to create visually striking murals that add depth and dimension to a room. From inspirational quotes and intricate mandalas to vintage maps and cultural motifs, the possibilities for wall murals are virtually limitless. Explore various themes, styles, and artistic techniques to find the perfect wall mural that captures your imagination and transforms your space into a true work of art.

Wall Mural FAQs

Place your bar cart in any room in your home. Use it for alcohol or anything else that you want to turn into a station spot. These bar cart ideas will prove that you can incorporate this grown-up idea into any home decor theme.

1. Coffee-Inspired Bar Cart Ideas

Modern trends have embraced the idea of turning alcohol bar carts into coffee bar carts. Place one in your kitchen and free up some of your cabinet and counter space. If you don’t drink coffee, you could opt for a tea trolley instead.

Outfit your kitchen cart with everything you need to make a delicious cup of your favorite beverage. You could have mugs on the bottom shelf.

Arrange a selection of different coffees or teas on the top shelf. Place your coffee or tea maker on the upper shelf. Then include an assortment of additions, such as milk, creamer, sugar, or honey. You could even turn it into a gourmet coffee station with caramel and chocolate sauces.

2. Elevate Your Entertaining

Give your home decor a feeling of luxury and elegance with a fancy bar cart. You could use it to display your elegant glassware collection. If you’re a wine lover, you could arrange your wine collection on it and turn it into a wine rack. Place the bottle on the upper shelves and the wine glasses on the lower ones.

This kind of bar cart is more than a home bar; it’s a decorative accent. Look for a cart that has intricate detailing, uses fine metals, or has an expensive stone for the shelves. Brass and gold are popular finishes.

3. Embrace Elegance

A glass bar cart will have glass shelves that are carefully rested on a metal, wood, or acrylic frame. These are perfect for smaller spaces because they help to keep the space feeling lighter. Because you can see through the shelves, the eye is tricked into thinking the space is larger than it is.

A metal frame looks best with glass shelves. Look for one with a sleek frame with either sharp corners or gentle curves for a modern look. Because you can see through the shelves, you could pick a cart with more than the standard two shelves. This gives you more storage space.

4. Industrial-Inspired Bar Carts

Industrial interior design is a beautiful mix of utilitarian and beauty. A bar cart is a perfect addition as both tend to have a more masculine feel. Look for a cart that follows traditional industrial design rules, such as mixing commercial building materials.

A perfect bar cart would have concrete shelves on a metal and wood frame. It could also have leather accents.

Place a decorative tray on the top shelve that adds layers. The tray should accent the cart to bring a lightness to it. This will balance the heaviness of the industrial cart. Once set up, you’ll be hosting cocktail hour like a pro.

5. Incorporate Metal Accents

You have your choice of metals when it comes to buying a metal bar cart. It could be black, brass, gold, silver, or nickel. It could then have a soft satin or a shiny finish to the metal. Choose a metal that will match the look of the rest of your interior.

6. Sleek and Contemporary

Modern bar carts embrace futuristic materials and designs. These chic bar carts stand out for their creative designs. They’ll feature geometric shapes or delicate counterbalances. They’re also made in bold colors, making them perfect for adding a pop of color to your room.

Get creative with your bar cart and use it to display a bowl of fresh fruit. Or use it in your bedroom as a makeup or hair care station. Place a bar cart in your bathroom and use it to store your toiletries.

7. Explore Chic Bar Cart Inspirations

Rattan and wicker are trending in current interior design trends. If you aren’t crazy about rattan furniture, incorporating it into your room with a bar cart is a great compromise. This turns it into bar cart decor. Try placing it in your dining room for a touch of nature in your formal room.

Most rattan or wicker bar carts have solid frames and woven shelves. These carts will look beautiful in a coastal, bohemian, or eclectic style. If you enjoy the vintage look, you can find several rattan bar carts that are authentic and give your home a creative touch with intricately woven designs.

8. Space-Saving Solutions

While traditional bar carts tend to be quite large, this isn’t the case with modern styles. These smaller carts are perfect for placing in an empty corner or at the end of your sofa. They’re just big enough for crafting your favorite cocktail recipe.

You could also use them as a fancier side table. Place a lamp, vase full of flowers, small statute, or any other decorative item on it.

The multiple shelves make it perfect for creating a multi-level display. Small carts also work well in a small entryway where space is limited. Place a bowl for keys and use the lower shelf as shoe storage for your guests.

9. Unleash Your Creativity

A bar cart is a perfect place to embrace the season without feeling like decorations have taken over your entire home. Decorate your bar cart and serve themed cocktails. This is perfect for holiday entertaining.

In October, you can have a Halloween bar cart. Place mini pumpkins on the cart and serve pumpkin spice cocktails. Then turn it into a holiday bar cart with peppermint or some other holiday-flavored drink. Decorate the cart for the holiday season with a mini Christmas tree, reindeer statues, or a Santa statue.

10. Vintage Charm

Embrace a bit of old-world elegance with a vintage bar cart, or at least one that looks vintage-inspired. It should have a pair of small wheels on one side and larger wheels on the other. Then it should have a handle that runs the length of the short end with the smaller wheels. Some are rectangular in shape. Others have fold-out sides that turn it into a round table.

Add a touch of feminine elegance to your vintage cart by placing fresh flowers in a small vase on it. Then add a touch of color with colorful glassware or bottles for holding the different types of alcohol.

11. Enhance Your Space With Wood

Wood adds a natural feel to your room and brings a sense of warmth. Choose a cart that is made of a type of wood that will complement the space. Lighter woods look beautiful in Scandinavian-inspired and modern rooms. Darker woods fit right into formal rooms. 

A wood bar cart can be made in any style. Match the style of the cart to the style of the room. A rustic room calls for a more rustic bar cart. An elegant or formal room needs a wood bar cart to match. You can even find a wood bar cart that fits in with a mid-century-inspired design.

A wood bar cart can be made in any style. Match the style of the cart to the style of the room. A rustic room calls for a more rustic bar cart. An elegant or formal room needs a wood bar cart to match. You can even find a wood bar cart that fits in with a mid-century-inspired design.

Bar Cart FAQs

Imagine a realm where your walls cease to be mere dividers and metamorphose into a stunning exhibit of your personality and taste. In this article, we embark on a journey through an enchanting array of wall shelf ideas that redefine conventional storage and push the boundaries of creativity. From minimalist marvels that seem to defy gravity to rustic wooden ledges that exude warmth, the world of wall shelves is a treasure trove of design inspirations.

Beyond their aesthetic allure, these wall shelf ideas are a testament to resourceful living. Urban dwellers can reclaim precious floor space by replacing cumbersome cabinets with elegantly suspended storage solutions. Book lovers can rejoice as literary sanctuaries take shape above their desks or cozy reading nooks. Plant enthusiasts can elevate their green companions to eye level, forging lush, botanical tapestries that enliven the atmosphere.

Join us in unraveling the artistry and practicality of wall shelf ideas that cater to every taste, space, and purpose. Let your walls transcend their conventional confines, becoming dynamic expressions of your personal style, all while orchestrating a symphony of both form and function.

1. Embracing Contemporary Wall Shelf Ideas

Contemporary design is hard to pin down, mostly because it’s constantly changing with the trends. If you want your wall shelf to look hip and current, play around with unexpected materials and unique shapes in your design.

Glass shelves are undeniably contemporary without being too trendy. Any shelf can be elevated with one-of-a-kind brackets. Skip a traditional black or silver finish in favor of vibrant yellow or rose gold.

Don’t neglect the wall behind your shelving, either. Painting a geometric shape around your wall shelf will turn it into the room’s focal point. Also, experiment with where you hang your shelving. “Randomly” scattering floating shelves across an open wall is a great way to strip your design of unwanted symmetry.

2. Utilizing Corners

Look for a floating corner shelf with a personality all its own—antique shops are a great place to start your search. Floor-to-ceiling corner shelves are a great alternative to a full-size bookcase. Cube shelving can be hung in the corner to hold decor or as extra storage space.

While corner shelving can be a stylistic choice, it’s also quite practical. Corner shelves are less likely to get bumped into or crowd the space as a whole.

Hanging your wall shelf in a corner can also add stability. If you want to utilize a free-hanging shelf in your room design but are a bit too nervous, place your new shelf in an unoccupied corner.

When you picture a corner shelf, you probably picture one tucked into a room’s inner corner. But you can mount floating shelves around protruding corners, as well.

Choose low-profile shelving and keep decor to a minimum—the shelves are plenty decorative in and of themselves.

3. Fusion of Function and Decor

Curating a beautiful wall shelf setup isn’t just about the shelves themselves. The whole point of hanging a set of shelves is to display and store items.

Books are a classic decor choice. If you’re not keen on using bookends, set each book on its side for more stability. Small potted plants can be scattered across shelves to bring the whole look together.

If your shelf is large enough, lean a framed print or mirror up against the wall. Place small items in front to break up the design without blocking the view. Store miscellaneous items in baskets to keep your shelves organized and looking their best.

On the other hand, opting for the most basic shelf option possible could be doing your home decor a disservice. Take the time to find the perfect shelf to elevate your room’s design as a whole. You can find shelves inspired by geometric shapes and motifs to fit any personal style.

4. Space-Savvy Solutions

When framed art prints and photos aren’t to your taste, it can be hard to decorate an empty wall. Use small wall shelves to fill up bare space and display your most cherished decor.

Floating shelves are a great way to tidy up furniture that has a tendency to collect miscellaneous decor. Layer several shelves to create a gallery wall—mix in other multimedia decor to give your design a professional touch.

Filling small shelves requires some careful planning. Place standalone items like candles, potted plants, and figurines on your shelves. While each shelf will only hold one or two items, you should still choose coordinating decor for a cohesive arrangement.

5. Stylish Cubes on Display

Upgrade your floating shelf to a stylish cube. Cube shelving looks its best in sets rather than alone. Arrange cube shelves into a mismatched gallery wall or line them up single-file.

Cube shelving is best for showcasing one or two of your favorite items. Avoid cluttering up each shelf—if you have multiple items to display, hang multiple shelves. Remember to use the entire cube shelf to display your favorite decor. Put simple items on top of your cube shelving to accent the main attraction placed inside.

If you have a thing for vintage decor, check out your local antique shop for a wall-mounted cubby set. This is a great way to store odds and ends in any room. Use your one-of-a-kind shelf to organize fashion accessories, herbs and spices, toiletries, or something else entirely.

6. Aesthetic Freedom

Free-hanging, or floating, shelves are a great way to supplement storage in awkward or hard-to-reach areas. You can hang just one or two shelves for a stripped-down design. You can also use an entire set to replace a bookshelf or other shelving unit.

If maximizing storage is a must, choose shelves with built-in organization solutions. Many shelves feature a coat rack, storage hooks, and more already built in. Wire shelves are a great choice for the laundry room or anywhere else you want to customize your storage options.

Free-hanging shelves are simple by nature. But that doesn’t mean you should throw design to the wind. Decide whether you want your wall-mounted shelf to stand out or blend into its surroundings. For example, a white floating shelf will practically disappear against a white wall. The same is not true for a dark, reclaimed wood shelf.

7. Streamlined Sophistication

Since modern decor is all about combining highly functional items with head-turning style, stay away from bare-bones shelving solutions. Instead, your wall-mounted shelves should be a statement piece all on their own.

Plain floating shelves work well in modern design because of their clean lines. However, don’t completely discount funkier shelf styles. Something like a ladder shelf can be both visually intriguing and packed with tons of useful storage space.

While you’re planning out your wall shelf design, think about the role lighting will play. Under-shelf lighting can immediately transform an otherwise basic design.

8. Culinary Charm on Walls

Open shelving is a favorite in contemporary kitchen design. Whether you’re looking to show off your finest china or keep pantry goods close at hand, a floating wall shelf is probably your best bet.

Choose a deep storage shelf with plenty of room for bulky kitchen staples and decorative items. Hang a set of hooks underneath your shelving to store mugs, measuring cups, utensils, and more.

Use an open shelf to fill awkward gaps in your cabinetry. If you plan to use this open shelving for storage, make sure it’s within reach of your sink or stovetop. There’s also no reason not to extend your kitchen shelving idea into the dining room.

The kitchen is one room where you’ll definitely want sturdy shelving. Take the time to hang your bracket shelves in a stud. If no stud is available, your best option is to pick a different spot or install additional support.

9. Vintage Elegance Meets Functionality

Rustic-inspired shelving benefits from an eclectic mix of decor. Choose shelving with tons of texture and color variation. For a contemporary aesthetic, avoid clunky hardware in favor of streamlined floating shelves.

Natural wooden shelves can warm up an otherwise simple room design. You can also include leather and worn metal accents to give the space a more inviting atmosphere. Or place potted plants on a small shelf for a bit of life. Faux plants and wreaths are great alternatives—no one will know the difference if you put them on a high-up shelf.

As far as mounting your shelves, try to stick with a traditional layout. Hang a floating shelf over your fireplace as a makeshift mantel. Or mount several along one wall of your kitchen for an open-air pantry.

10. Thoughtful Living Room Suggestions

Every living room needs comfortable seating and an inviting atmosphere. Leaving your walls blank will make achieving the latter incredibly difficult.

Open shelving is ideal for holding framed photos and other family keepsakes. As always, ensure your shelves are securely mounted on the wall. Purely decorative shelving can be installed close to the ceiling to keep everything out of the way (and out of reach of grabby hands).

Many living rooms double as a work or study space. If this applies to your home, invest in a hanging shelf unit that also serves as a desk.

Don’t be afraid to use your favorite floating shelf idea as a fireplace mantelpiece. Or create an all-in-one entertainment wall with floor-to-ceiling shelves framing your fireplace or TV.

11. Spa-like Serenity

When it comes to the bathroom, no amount of storage is ever enough. From a spare powder room to your master bath, shelving is an easy way to supplement the room’s available storage space.

Look around your bathroom for vacant walls. If you plan to use your new bathroom shelving primarily as storage, be sure the chosen spot is within reach. A few good mounting locations include above the toilet or bathtub. Hang multiple small shelves rather than one large one to avoid a cluttered appearance.

A floating shelf with a recessed design will keep small bottles and tubes from rolling off. If you’re going to store washcloths or hand towels, look for shelving with built-in hooks or bars. Of course, you can always install your own towel rack to the bottom of your favorite shelves for additional storage in a small bathroom.

12. Personalized Creations

Chances are, you don’t need anything crazy to give your wall decor a stylish upgrade. Building a DIY shelf out of reclaimed wood or regular lumber is quick and easy if you have a few simple tools.

Technically, all you need for a DIY floating shelf is some brackets and a wooden plank. Keep your new shelf minimalistic or invest in some trendy brackets for support. Building wooden crates or honeycomb shelves from a few pieces of two-by-four will provide even more interesting wall storage.

For a rustic DIY project, display your favorite decor on a pallet shelf. There are tons of great build plans out there for beginners and experienced craftsmen. Pallet wood is affordable and easy to find. Look for reclaimed wood with lots of color and textural variety or give everything a uniform finish with some paint.

13. Productivity Meets Style

Adding a shelf to your office can help make the space more personal or more functional. When installing wall shelves in a home office, you need to ask yourself whether they will serve as storage or decor first and foremost.

Any shelving you plan to use for additional desk storage should be hung within easy reach of your workspace. Choose shelves that offer plenty of room for storing heavy hardcover books, desktop electronics, and more.

Decorative shelves can be mounted anywhere your office walls need a little livening up. Adorn small shelves with one or two pieces of decor each. If your office can accommodate long, wall-to-wall shelving, space items sporadically for a clean and organized aesthetic.

Wall Shelf FAQs