How to Decorate a Large Blank Wall in a Family Home: Easy, Kid-Friendly Ideas

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Have you ever looked at a big, empty wall in your home and wondered what in the world to do with it? You’re definitely not alone! Whether it’s the wall behind your living room couch, an empty space in the playroom, or a hallway that needs a little personality, decorating a large blank wall can feel overwhelming.

The good news? You don’t need a huge decorating budget or professional design skills to create something beautiful! With a little creativity, a few family-friendly decorating ideas, and maybe even some help from your kids, you can turn that empty space into something special.

From oversized artwork and family photo displays to adorable DIY projects and creative ways to show off your children’s masterpieces, let’s explore some easy ways to decorate a large blank wall while keeping your home comfortable, practical, and kid-friendly.

1. Start by Measuring Your Blank Wall

Before you start shopping for decorations or pulling out your craft supplies, take a few minutes to measure your wall.

I know, measuring isn’t exactly the fun part of decorating! But it can save you from buying something that looks adorable in the store and surprisingly tiny once you hang it up.

Measure the width and height of your wall, along with any furniture underneath it, such as a couch, dresser, or bookshelf.

Here’s a helpful decorating tip: Aim for artwork that covers approximately two-thirds of the available wall width.

For example, if your couch is 90 inches wide, a piece of artwork or a collection of frames measuring around 60 to 70 inches wide will usually look nicely balanced.

You can even use painter’s tape to outline different artwork sizes directly on the wall. It’s an easy, inexpensive way to see what looks best before making any holes!

2. Make a Statement With One Large Piece of Artwork

Sometimes, the easiest decorating solution is also the prettiest!

Instead of filling your wall with lots of little decorations, consider choosing one large piece of artwork that brings the whole room together.

Oversized artwork works especially well above couches, dining tables, and beds because it creates a beautiful focal point without making the room feel cluttered.

For a family home, look for cheerful colors, soft watercolor designs, nature-inspired paintings, or something that complements your existing decorations.

If you’re looking for something large enough to fill a spacious wall, collections like Crib of Art’s XL+ paintings offer oversized artwork that can make a statement all on its own.

And here’s a little mom-friendly decorating tip: choose artwork you won’t have to constantly straighten, rearrange, or dust around!

One beautiful piece can make a room feel finished while keeping decorating simple.

3. Create a Family Photo Gallery Wall

One of my favorite ways to make a house feel like a home is by decorating with family memories.

Instead of letting all those sweet pictures stay hidden on your phone, why not turn them into a beautiful gallery wall?

You could include family portraits, vacation memories, pictures of the kids at different ages, and those adorable candid moments that make you smile.

To keep everything looking organized, try choosing matching frames or sticking with two or three coordinating colors.

Easy gallery wall ideas:

• Create a grid of six or nine matching picture frames.
• Mix family photos with simple inspirational artwork.
• Include a few of your children’s favorite drawings.
• Use black-and-white photos for a timeless look.
• Add a wooden family name sign as the centerpiece.

Before hanging everything, arrange the frames on the floor to find a layout you love.

You can also trace the frames onto paper, tape the paper shapes to the wall, and move them around until everything looks just right.

This makes planning your gallery wall so much easier!

4. Turn Your Kids’ Artwork Into Beautiful Wall Decorations

If your house is anything like most family homes, you probably have a growing collection of colorful drawings, paintings, and crafts.

And while every masterpiece deserves a little appreciation, there’s only so much room on the refrigerator!

Why not give your children’s creativity its own special place on the wall?

A kids’ art gallery is a wonderful way to decorate an empty space while showing your little ones how proud you are of their hard work.

You don’t need anything fancy, either!

Try using matching frames that open easily so you can swap out artwork whenever your kids create something new.

You could also hang a sturdy display board or use a securely mounted picture ledge to showcase their favorite projects.

For an extra-special touch, let your children help choose which pictures go on display.

This is also a fun opportunity to use some of the printable crafts and coloring activities from Simple Mom Project!

Whether your kids enjoy making animal crafts, seasonal artwork, or colorful alphabet projects, their creations can become part of your home’s decorations.

Mom tip: Keep a folder or storage box for older artwork so you can rotate the display without having to throw away those precious creations.

5. Try a Fun DIY Wall Decorating Project

Decorating a large wall doesn’t have to mean buying expensive artwork.

In fact, some of the sweetest decorations are the ones you make together as a family!

DIY wall decorations are especially fun for playrooms, homeschool spaces, and children’s bedrooms.

You could create a colorful paper flower display, frame your child’s handprint artwork, or make a large collage using scrapbook paper and family pictures.

Here are a few simple ideas to try:

• Paper flower wall: Make oversized paper flowers in coordinating colors for a cheerful display.
• Handprint family tree: Create a tree design and add handprints from everyone in the family.
• Alphabet art: Decorate letters with colorful paper, paint, or craft materials.
• Seasonal craft display: Change the decorations throughout the year using your children’s latest projects.
• DIY canvas art: Let each family member paint a small canvas and arrange them together.

These projects are a great way to spend creative time together, and your kids will love seeing something they helped make hanging in your home.

Just remember to secure heavier decorations properly and keep small or breakable items out of little hands’ reach.

6. Use Shelves for Books, Baskets, and Family Treasures

If you’re decorating a family room or playroom, why not make your wall beautiful and useful?

Wall shelves are a wonderful way to display decorations while creating extra storage.

You can use them for favorite children’s books, framed photos, small baskets, or a few meaningful keepsakes.

In a playroom, shelves can even become part of your organization system.

Try placing frequently used books and toys on lower, child-accessible shelves, while keeping fragile decorations higher up.

However, safety should always come first when decorating around children.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Anchor It campaign encourages families to secure furniture and televisions to help prevent dangerous tip-over accidents.

Make sure shelving is properly installed using hardware suited to the wall and the weight it needs to support. Tall bookcases and other furniture should also be anchored.

After all, a beautifully decorated room should still be a safe place for kids to play and explore!

7. Add a Large Mirror to Make the Room Feel Brighter

Does your living room feel a little dark or smaller than you’d like?

A large mirror might be just what your blank wall needs!

Mirrors reflect natural light and can make a room feel more open and welcoming.

Try hanging a large mirror across from a window to help brighten the space.

You can also choose a mirror with a wooden frame for a cozy farmhouse look or a simple rounded frame for something a little more modern.

If you have babies or toddlers at home, be extra careful about mirror placement.

Large mirrors can be heavy, so they should be securely mounted with appropriate hardware and kept away from areas where children might accidentally knock into them.

If you’re already getting a home ready for a new baby, it’s a great time to think about which decorations should be moved higher or secured more carefully.

8. Decorate With Removable Wallpaper or a Fresh Coat of Paint

Sometimes a blank wall doesn’t need more things hanging on it.

Sometimes it just needs a little color!

Painting an accent wall is one of the simplest ways to give a room a fresh new look without spending a fortune.

Soft sage green, warm beige, muted blue, and gentle earthy tones can make a family room feel cozy and inviting.

For a child’s bedroom or playroom, you might choose something a little more playful.

Removable wallpaper is another fun option, especially if you enjoy changing your decorations as your children grow.

Think simple floral patterns, woodland animals, colorful shapes, or soft watercolor designs.

You can even let your kids help choose the colors or patterns for their own spaces.

For busy family homes, washable paint finishes are especially helpful because fingerprints and little smudges are practically guaranteed!

9. Make an Educational Wall for Your Playroom or Homeschool Space

Here’s an idea that’s both adorable and practical!

If you have a large blank wall in your playroom, homeschool area, or children’s bedroom, consider turning it into a learning wall.

This is a fun way to decorate while encouraging your little ones to practice important early learning skills.

You could include an alphabet display, a colorful number chart, a weather station, or a rotating collection of educational printables.

For preschoolers and kindergarteners, try creating different learning sections on the wall.

For example, one area could feature letters and letter sounds, while another displays shapes, colors, or counting activities.

You can also hang a bulletin board where your children can proudly display completed worksheets and crafts.

The best part? You can easily change the decorations as your child learns new skills.

And if you already enjoy using printable activities from Simple Mom Project, this is a wonderful way to give those projects a second purpose!

10. Use Cozy Textures to Make a Large Wall Feel Warm

Not every wall decoration needs to be a picture frame.

Sometimes adding a little texture can make a room feel much more comfortable.

Think woven wall hangings, decorative quilts, wooden signs, or fabric artwork.

These decorations can be especially lovely in family rooms and bedrooms because they add warmth without making the space feel too busy.

A handmade quilt can also become a meaningful family decoration, especially if it was made by a grandparent or passed down through the family.

If you’re working with a very tall wall, consider hanging something vertically to help balance the space.

This can also be useful when decorating rooms with unusual layouts.

For example, if you’re turning an attic into a liveable room, decorating the full-height wall with a tall textile or a collection of framed artwork can make the room feel more finished without crowding the sloped ceiling.

11. Add a Little Greenery for a Fresh, Natural Look

Plants are another beautiful way to bring life to an empty wall.

You can add a securely mounted plant shelf, use wall-mounted planters, or place a tall plant beside a piece of artwork.

Greenery works especially well with neutral decorations and natural wood tones.

But if you have curious toddlers or pets, make sure you choose your plants carefully.

Some popular houseplants can be harmful if swallowed.

Before bringing a new plant into your home, check the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants, particularly if you have cats or dogs.

Even non-toxic plants should be kept out of reach of young children who might pull on leaves, tip over pots, or play in the soil.

If you’d rather skip the upkeep altogether, good-quality artificial greenery can create a similar look without watering or worrying about sunlight.

12. Think About Lighting Before Hanging Your Decorations

Lighting can make a surprisingly big difference in how your finished wall looks.

A beautiful piece of artwork might look perfect during the morning but become difficult to see when afternoon sunlight creates glare.

Before hanging anything permanently, take a look at your wall at different times of day.

Does it receive lots of direct sunlight? Is the room naturally dark? Would a little extra lighting help?

According to the Northeast Document Conservation Center, exposure to light can cause permanent fading and damage to artwork and other materials.

That means treasured family photographs and original children’s artwork are usually better displayed away from strong direct sunlight.

If your wall needs a little extra brightness, consider a wall-mounted picture light or a pair of simple sconces.

Battery-operated lighting can sometimes be a convenient option, but make sure any battery compartments are secure and that button batteries are inaccessible to children.

13. Keep Wall Decorations Safe for Little Ones

When you’re decorating a home with children, it’s important to think beyond how everything looks.

Little ones love to explore, and decorations that seem completely harmless to adults can sometimes create unexpected hazards.

Here are a few family-friendly decorating reminders:

• Choose lightweight canvas artwork or acrylic glazing instead of breakable glass in active play areas.
• Secure heavy frames, mirrors, and shelves using appropriate mounting hardware.
• Keep hanging decorations and cords away from cribs and other sleeping spaces.
• Avoid displaying small decorative pieces where babies and toddlers can reach them.
• Anchor tall furniture and televisions to help prevent tip-over accidents.
• Check wall decorations occasionally to make sure everything is still securely attached.

If you’re decorating above a couch, try leaving about 6 to 8 inches between the top of the couch and the bottom of the artwork.

And while artwork is often centered around 57 to 60 inches from the floor, safety and the furniture underneath should always take priority.

A family-friendly home doesn’t have to sacrifice style. It just needs decorations that work with everyday family life!

14. Decorate Your Large Blank Wall on a Budget

You really don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to make a big wall look beautiful.

If you’re decorating on a budget, start with what you already have.

Look through old family photographs, your children’s artwork, unused picture frames, and craft supplies tucked away in storage.

You might be surprised by how much you can create without buying anything new!

Thrift stores and secondhand shops can also be wonderful places to find inexpensive frames, baskets, mirrors, and other decorations.

If you’re starting from scratch, try decorating in stages.

Begin with a fresh coat of paint or one larger focal piece. Then add family photos, handmade artwork, or a few coordinating decorations as your budget allows.

Remember, you don’t need to fill every inch of the wall.

Sometimes a simple arrangement with plenty of open space looks more beautiful than a wall crowded with decorations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Decorating a Large Blank Wall

What is the easiest way to decorate a large blank wall?

One of the easiest ways is to hang a single oversized piece of artwork or create a simple family photo gallery. Both options make a big visual difference without requiring lots of decorations.

How can I decorate a big wall without spending much money?

Try displaying your children’s artwork, framing family photographs, creating DIY paper decorations, or painting an accent wall. You can also find affordable frames and decorations at thrift stores.

What can I put on a large playroom wall?

An alphabet display, children’s artwork gallery, educational posters, colorful DIY crafts, or a securely mounted bookshelf can all work beautifully in a playroom.

How do I make a large wall look cozy?

Add warm colors, natural textures, family photographs, soft lighting, or meaningful handmade decorations. Mixing a few complementary materials can make the space feel welcoming without overwhelming it.

Is a gallery wall a good idea for families with kids?

Absolutely! A gallery wall is a wonderful way to display family memories and children’s artwork. Use securely mounted frames and avoid breakable glass in areas where kids are actively playing.

How high should I hang artwork above my couch?

A good starting point is about 6 to 8 inches above the back of the couch. Make sure the artwork is securely installed, especially if children frequently climb or play on the furniture.

Can I decorate a large wall with my children’s crafts?

Of course! Framed drawings, painted canvases, paper flowers, and seasonal craft projects can make adorable wall decorations. Rotating the artwork regularly keeps the display fresh and gives your children a chance to show off their newest creations.

Final Thoughts on Decorating a Large Blank Wall

Decorating a large blank wall doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

Whether you choose a beautiful oversized painting, a collection of family photographs, or a colorful display of your children’s artwork, the most important thing is creating a space that feels like home.

And remember, some of the most meaningful decorations aren’t the ones you buy. They’re the little handmade treasures, family memories, and creative projects that tell your family’s story.

So grab your measuring tape, gather a few decorating ideas, and maybe invite your kids to help with a fun DIY project.

With a little creativity, that big empty wall can become one of your favorite spots in the house!

Looking for more fun ways to get creative with your kids? Explore the free printable crafts, coloring pages, and easy activities here at Simple Mom Project for plenty of inspiration you can make, display, and enjoy together!