Wall art is a vital finishing touch to any space…but what about those often overlooked spaces in your home?
We’re making a case for hanging art in unexpected places throughout your home, and why it can make such an impact!
Wondering where to hang art? In a nutshell, any open space in just about ANY room!
Here are 10 places you never knew you needed to hang art!
1. Hang Art In The Garage / Workshop
Coming in at the #1 top slot of most unexpected places to hang art is our very own garage workshop area!
While this might be considered a very unusual place to hang art, it felt completely natural to add a small piece of artwork after creating such a stylish workshop. The empty frame area is usually where I hang my scissors (when my kids haven’t stolen them). The small frame to the left of the plant filled an empty space and immediately added an air of sophistication to my workshop.
Tour the full workshop makeover here>>
2. Display Art In The Potting Shed
We often think of sheds as being the practical area filled with dirty planters and outdoor tools. But who says it can’t also be charming? A space you want to spend time working in? When your garden shed is as cute as it is practical, it just makes sense to add a few pieces of garden themed artwork!
A couple waterproof framed pieces sit propped on the shelf, and a non-framed poster piece fills an otherwise bare wall.
See the before and after of this stunning garden shed>>
3. Add A Gallery Wall In The Coat Closet
Never know what to do with the unused upper area of a coat closet? If you can turn it into more storage, great! If you can’t, then showcase it as an integral part of design by adding wall art!
Even a narrow band of wall by the door can be used to place small framed art with hooks at the bottom to hold your keys. It looks decorative, but serves a practical purpose.
Learn how to make decorative key organizers here>>
4. Use Art In The Bathroom
Your bathroom isn’t just another practical room in the house. It is where you prepare for the day! Add style by adding a moisture resistant piece of art.
Metal framed artwork with tightly fitting glass frames are moisture resistant. Printed (not painted) canvas also does quite well.
Tour the whole bathroom to see other ways we displayed art>>
5. Hang Themed Art In The Laundry Room
Find inspiration from the space where your artwork is displayed and choose themed art! Consider framing a helpful chart on stain removal, and include vintage or artistic photographs related to laundry.
Tour the full laundry room here>>
BUDGET DESIGN TIP: Do a search for “vintage laundry art printables” online. You can often find free prints, or pay a few bucks to download and print beautiful artwork.
6. Fill Odd Corners Like Small Under-Stairs Wall Space
A staircase art gallery is a great addition to transform the often overlooked “odd” space along the base of your stairs. Because of it’s triangular shape, it’s often hard to know how to add decor or fill this little section.
This area is often near an entryway, which makes a small bench or console table a practical solution. But this is also the perfect place to add a small gallery wall or your favorite family photos!
7. Hang Art In Front Of A Door or Window For Privacy
If you like lots of sunlight, but also a bit of privacy, hang a framed piece right in the middle of the window using a 3M Command strip hook.
This is especially perfect for windows you can’t add a pull-down shade to, like garden windows in a kitchen, or bay windows, or a door that can’t open.
8. Use Waterproof Art On Your Patio / Porch
Just because it is an outdoor space doesn’t mean your patio or deck area can’t boast a beautifully decorated look, including wall decor.
Use outdoor-friendly wall decor, like wood carved pieces of art, and metal decor made to withstand the elements.
(Affiliate link) Shop this outdoor artwork here>>
9. Place Art On Kitchen Counters To Hide Plugs & Outlets
Consider hanging art in unconventional places within your kitchen. Cabinet doors are a great way to add interest with small scale art pieces.
But simply placing a framed piece of art leaning on a kitchen counter can make an impact! Plus, it’s a great way to hide outlets and appliance cords. Place a couple clear rubber bumpers on the bottom of the frame so it doesn’t get wet from countertop spills.
10. In Front Of A Shelf
Smaller pieces of art can easily be displayed inside a bookshelf or on open shelving.
But those slightly larger pieces can be hung from the actual shelf itself for much bigger impact! Of course, you’ll want to ensure that any items you regularly pull out of the bookcase aren’t stored behind that piece of art or it will be harder to get to.
Quick Tip: How To Make The Most Of Artwork
Let this inspire you to think outside the box when it comes to hanging artwork. Remember, the purpose of a great piece of art is to add beauty, fill blank walls and empty spaces, and add personality.
Use It To Add Balance To Design
Within interior design, we understand that beautiful furniture and accessories are only part of a well designed space. Well placed artwork and wall decor can make a small room feel bigger, or an extra high ceiling feel a less awkward in relation to the rest of the living room.
Make A Statement
An eye catching art collection can make a statement in the room, help fill a large wall for best impact, or create a clear focal point in your design. Extra large or bold pieces will immediately catch the eye and make a statement.
Looking For More Inspiration?
I have saved many of my favorite pieces of artwork and wall arrangements to Pinterest. These are the things that inspire me, and I hope you’ll find them just as helpful!
Check out my favorite gallery walls here on Pinterest>>
Like This? You’ll Love These!
Learn how to create a stylish corner gallery wall for just $10 | Make your own DIY art using scrap paper and canvases (easy craft project)! | Turn clipart into stunning works of art with this hack! | Build your own DIY canvas frames | Make DIY marbled art | Check out this bedroom’s NY style art wall | Creating an art wall in a small closet | Minimal style art arrangement |
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Louis Tien
I love the idea of hanging a pic in front of a door. But I’m wondering it might drop down bcs frequent movement.
I think they should a stay at static places only.
Anw fantastic ideas… @Ursula
Ursula Carmona
Very legitimate concern! I only use lightweight framed art, non-glass (plexiglass), and use 3M Command strips to hold it in place. In the last year of using, I’ve had no issues at all.