Decorating a large wall on a budget can seem like a daunting task, but with a little creativity, you can turn an empty space into a stunning focal point without breaking the bank. Recently, while working on a Habitat for Humanity living room project, Kim and I tackled this challenge head-on. We were fortunate to receive a couch and loveseat from an estate sale—while they weren’t designer pieces, they were in excellent condition and neutral in color, making them a perfect base for our design.
Our vision for the space was to keep things bright with a predominantly white palette and incorporate touches of purple—the homeowner’s favorite color. To keep ourselves on track while sourcing items, I created a design board that helped us visualize the final look. ( Affliliate links included for your convenience.)
Designing a Living Room Around Existing Pieces
One of the standout elements in the room was a gorgeous rug that Kim generously donated. It featured gold tones that complemented the couches beautifully, along with subtle hints of purple. With the foundation set, the next challenge was finding the perfect piece of artwork to fill the large, empty wall above the couch.
The homeowner already had a landscape painting she loved in another room, so I used that as inspiration when searching for artwork that would tie everything together.
I’ve always admired the work of Kim Coulter, especially her piece Passion—the colors and texture are absolutely stunning.
Unfortunately, an original painting by Kim Coulter was beyond our budget, so I decided to create an alternative that would still bring color, depth, and interest to the space without the hefty price tag.
Creating Budget-Friendly Art for a Big Wall
I started with an iPhone photo I had taken of a breathtaking sunset in Maine. The original image had a low resolution, which would have resulted in pixelation if printed at a large scale. To overcome this, I used the Brushstroke app to give the photo a painterly effect, which softened the edges and created the appearance of a real painting.
Once I was happy with the edited image, I had it printed as a 24″x36″ poster at Staples.—an affordable and accessible option for large-scale prints.
To elevate the look, I divided the poster in half and framed each section using IKEA’s Ribba frames. The frames now come with white mats, which instantly make any print feel more sophisticated. The mat openings are 16”x20”, while each half of the poster measured 18”x24”—I simply trimmed the edges so the two halves aligned perfectly when framed side by side.
Matting and Framing Tips for Large Wall Art
Here’s a quick tip for matting your artwork flawlessly:
- Lay the print on a flat surface and apply a piece of tape to the top center of the back of the picture, keeping the adhesive side facing up.
- Carefully position the mat over the print, adjusting it as needed before pressing down to secure the image in place.
This method ensures the artwork is centered without shifting inside the frame.
The best part? The homeowner can easily swap out the artwork in the future, but for now, these framed sunset prints add a warm and cheerful touch to the room.
Affordable Ways to Make Cheap Art Look More Expensive
If you’re looking to decorate a big wall without spending a fortune, here are some creative tips to make inexpensive art look high-end:
1. Transform Low-Resolution Photos with Art Apps
- Apps like Waterlogue and Brushstroke allow you to convert digital photos into stunning faux watercolors or oil paintings.
- This technique disguises any blurriness when enlarging photos, making them look intentional and artistic.
2. Use Mats to Elevate the Artwork
- Even a thin, affordable mat (like the ones included with IKEA frames) can make a big difference.
- Mats not only enhance the overall presentation but also increase the artwork’s dimensions, making it more impactful on a large wall.
3. Divide a Poster into Multiple Frames
- A 24”x36” poster can be cut into two or even three pieces and framed separately for a diptych or triptych effect.
- You can also create a grid of smaller frames, such as nine 8”x10” pieces, to form a cohesive and oversized statement art piece.
- Consider using Inexpensive paper maps , blueprints, or make huge block art—these look fantastic when divided into multiple frames.
4. Keep Frames Simple and Sleek
- When opting for budget-friendly frames, choose a narrow and minimal profile.
- IKEA’s Ribba frames, while not premium quality, blend well in a gallery-style setup because they don’t distract from the artwork.
- Avoid ornate frames unless they are high quality—intricate designs can make cheaper frames look overly artificial.
Final Thoughts: Big Wall Art on a Budget
Finding inexpensive art for a big wall doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. With a little ingenuity, you can create stunning, budget-friendly artwork that reflects your personality and enhances your space. Whether you repurpose personal photos, use digital art apps, or strategically frame large posters, the possibilities are endless!
Looking for more wall art inspiration? Check out the Art Project Gallery for additional creative ideas!
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