Guide

5 creative alternatives to hanging pictures on your walls

Pia Seidel
12/1/2024
Translation: Katherine Martin
Pictures: Pia Seidel

There are two options when it comes to decorating your walls. You either keep things super simple, à la framed photos, or go for something offbeat, à la papier-mâché wall shelves. Here are some quirky suggestions from a variety of design expos.

I’ve gone to all sorts of design exhibits in the last few months, gathering plenty of good wall decoration ideas. Instead of your typical posters or paintings, these include objects made of wood, fabric or ceramics.

1. Tiles

Tiles are more than just a floor covering. In fact, they’re increasingly being used to decorate furniture and lamps. They also look great on walls, as demonstrated by design studio Rens. Ceramic tiles from the studio’s Re-Glow collection draw your gaze when they’re mounted on a wall.

Ceramic tiles from studio Rens’ Re-Glow collection.
Ceramic tiles from studio Rens’ Re-Glow collection.
Zassenhaus Coaster Marrakech star (1 x, Glass coaster)
Coasters

Zassenhaus Coaster Marrakech star

1 x, Glass coaster

Zassenhaus Coaster Marrakech star (1 x, Glass coaster)

Zassenhaus Coaster Marrakech star

2. Wood

Wooden wall sculptures such as the Atelier Plateau x Karimoku Case Study play with perception. Made of natural materials, with textures that make you want to touch them, they showcase the beauty of nature.

Atelier Plateau x Karimoku Case Study wall accessory.
Atelier Plateau x Karimoku Case Study wall accessory.
Source: Pia Seidel

3. Beads and fabric

The tactile theme continues with decorative pieces from Marijke De Cock’s Solo line. A mixture of glass beads, hand embroidery, cotton and plywood, the pieces have an air of mystery to them. Tablecloth by Boi Knit, originally intended to do just what it says on the tin, also looks good on the wall.

From top to bottom: the Solo collection by Marijke De Cock, Tablecloth by Boi Knit.
From top to bottom: the Solo collection by Marijke De Cock, Tablecloth by Boi Knit.

4. A mixture of clay, papier-mâché and resin

Organically shaped wall shelves in a monochrome, ceramic look are perfect for displaying any knick-knacks. Though inconspicuous, their curves make them look striking. The Art Studio wall shelf by Mette Ditmer is just one example. It makes typically rectangular walls seem less harsh.

Art Studio wall shelf by Mette Ditmer.
Art Studio wall shelf by Mette Ditmer.
BePureHome Clay (70 x 45 x 23 cm)
Shelving
EUR229,–

BePureHome Clay

70 x 45 x 23 cm

5. Glass

There are plenty of decorative mirrors out there, but few do the job as skilfully as these wavy designs by 13 Desserts, Joyful Objects, Yes! and Paul Ketz. In contrast to linear and standardised designs, their shape catches the eye and injects a bit of variety into your walls. What’s more, they can also evoke positive emotions and associations with water.

From top to bottom: Magaud by 13 Desserts, La Celebración by Joyful Objects, Yes! and Sunny Side Up by Paul Ketz.
From top to bottom: Magaud by 13 Desserts, La Celebración by Joyful Objects, Yes! and Sunny Side Up by Paul Ketz.

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Like a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.

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