How to Decorate Every Type of Wall in Your Home

There are a few types of walls you’ll find in any home (and in most spaces):

• Empty walls;

• Walls with furniture;

• Walls with windows;

• Walls with doors.

Let’s talk about empty walls, because they can be tricky.

Sometimes an empty wall is needed to create balance in a room. But it depends on the function of the space and the architectural layout. Here’s a simple example:

Imagine a room where two walls have large windows with curtains, another wall has tall sideboards and the last wall is just… empty. That wall will feel out of place and unbalanced. It needs something to bring the room together.

This post is all about solving that problem — decorating your walls so they feel intentional and beautiful.

How to Decorate an Empty Wall

Sometimes, removing something helps — but often that’s not an option. So the best way is to add decor to the wall.

Wall Decor Options

Here are some simple and effective wall decor ideas:

• Paint;

• Textured finishes (like microcement);

• Tiles;

• Wallpaper;

• Wall mouldings;

• Wood panels;

• Acoustic panels;

• Lighting;

• Art and pictures;

• Mirrors;

• Open shelves, small furniture, plants.

Let’s go through them one by one:

Paint

Painting a wall is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to refresh it. You can completely change the mood of a room with the right color. Darker tones work especially well to add depth and create a cozy feel.

Textured Finishes (like Microcement)

These finishes add texture and visual interest through variations in color and shade. The result is a wall that feels more dynamic and artistic.

Tiles

Tiles come in endless sizes and finishes: wood-effect, marble, glossy, matte, smooth or textured. They can make a wall look either cozy or luxurious.

High-end tiles can be expensive, and installation requires a skilled professional. But when done well, the results are stunning. Always match your tile choice with the room’s overall color scheme and style.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is another easy way to decorate a wall. It's not as simple as paint, but it offers more patterns, textures and visual richness. Choose wallpaper that fits the room’s color palette and personality.

Wall Mouldings

Wall mouldings (also called trim, panels, or decorative framing) are a great way to add detail and character to flat walls. They work in both modern and classic interiors.

You can paint them the same color as the wall for a subtle texture or choose a contrast color to make them stand out. Popular styles include square frames, vertical stripes, or even full wainscoting.

They’re not expensive, easy to install, and instantly make a room look more elegant and designed.

Wood Panels

Wood is a natural material that adds warmth to any space. Panels can be flat, textured or carved. Today, you’ll find many engineered wood options that can be painted, stained or milled into beautiful shapes.

Acoustic Panels

These are designed to absorb sound, but they also look great. Many are covered with fabric, felt or wool and come in stylish colors and shapes. They reduce noise and add a soft, cozy touch — a win-win.

Lighting

Lighting can make a huge difference on a wall. Here are three main options:

• Wall lights;

• Floor lamps placed near walls;

• Ceiling lights directed at the wall.

Good lighting creates shadows and highlights that bring texture and movement to the wall. Plus, the light fixtures themselves become part of the decor.

(I’ll write a full post about lighting soon — it deserves its own spotlight.)

Pictures and Art

This is a classic and flexible way to decorate a wall. You can hang:

• A gallery of small photos;

• A few medium-sized pieces;

• One large, bold artwork.

Art is easy to update and it works beautifully with good lighting.

Mirrors

Mirrors can be framed like pictures or installed as large, frameless panels. Some even come with built-in LED lighting. Mirrors reflect light, open up the space and create movement on the wall. They also add a touch of elegance.

Shelves, Furniture and Plants

Sometimes, a small open shelf, a plant or a piece of furniture like an ottoman or console table is all you need. These elements make a space feel lived-in and layered.

Use them to repeat materials and colors used elsewhere in the room. And yes — don’t forget the lighting!

What About Other Types of Walls?

Not all walls are empty. Here’s how other wall types affect your design:

Walls with Windows

Windows bring in light — but they can make it harder to place furniture. That said, windows already fill part of the wall visually, and when styled with curtains, they act as decoration on their own. In this way, windows are the easiest walls to deal with!

Walls with Furniture

Furniture helps, but not always. A wall with a full-height wardrobe or kitchen cabinets is usually complete. But if it just has a sofa or low TV unit, you might still need some wall decor above it.

Walls with Doors

Doors have a big impact. There are so many door styles — frameless, classic, minimal, bold. They can either complement the wall or stand out.

The key is to choose the right door style early in the design process. That way, it will fit naturally with the rest of the interior. Minimal interiors look best with hidden frameless doors. Classic interiors can handle more decorative, heavier styles.

One Last Thing: Sockets and Switches

Electrical elements are necessary—but they can ruin the look of a well-designed wall.

Take time to plan where to place switches, sockets and controls. Hide them in furniture when possible or align them with other elements to keep the design balanced.

Final Thoughts

Wall decoration isn’t just about filling empty space — it’s about creating balance, atmosphere and harmony in your home.

Start with what’s already on the wall — windows, doors or furniture — then decide how to complete the space. Whether it’s paint, panels, pictures or plants, every wall deserves attention.