How to Create Wall-Hangings for Décor

Home décor remains key to our castles, and although there are people who maintain the same surroundings for a lifetime, many of us vary our environment in small ways as an inexpensive variation on the original theme.

Traditional wall fare consists of framed paintings, rock posters and family photos—-maybe arranged as a collage. Sometimes it includes sconces or small shelves as accents.

But, today, anything goes. Here are some alternative ideas that are catching on.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Personalized or heirloom quilts make beautiful wall hangings when used with dowels.

   With the popularity of vaulted ceilings, taller walls mean more space to work with. Vintage quilts, hung from dowels, can handily fill that space. Wedding or anniversary quilts are another option—where each guest at the event designs a portion--and the squares are joined together into one personalized memory.
   
   Tapestries or hand-crafted and lined fabric panels, ironed into color-coordinated strips compatible with the room’s dimensions and hung from decorative rods, make excellent additions. They can also be highlighted by lit sconces for extra drama, or to draw more overall attention to the area.
   
   Remember that if a room is too limited in width for spaciousness, take advantage of the height for added panache and to fool the eye. Color panels add textural dimension and interest, even if they exactly match the wall color, and an alternative is to offer patterns of blended colors.
   
   Themed rooms—-such as some dens or bedrooms—-are frequently used to display ethnic costumes or family heirlooms, such as christening gowns. These are usually ironed and plumped out with tissue paper, then hung on hangers or dowels. Sometimes other items accompany them; for instance, a kimono might have an open fan and painted Oriental screen grouped with it, or a grandfather’s much-loved old hat or tie might be mixed with a shelf of pipes, eyeglasses, and favorite old books.
   
   Animal skins or rugs are more ideas, and usually preferred by men or placed in rooms that have a distinctively masculine touch.

2. 
   Wall fountains provide tranquil accents both inside and out.

   Newly popular interior pieces include natural materials, like antlers or other animal remnants, as well as grasses and vines. Arranging them as a cascading focal point brings the eye to a display that can supplement rooms filled with leather and wood furniture. Some antlers might even be serviceable as racks to hang hats or light coats on, in absence of closet space.
   
   More three-dimensional art that is taking both interiors, and exteriors, by storm is the wall fountain. Usually made of materials like copper, river rock or slate, the fountain is generally lit for emphasis, and provides pumped water as a soothing reminder of nature’s best tranquilizer. Fountains can be bought in pre-made kits, or—if you are especially creative. You can make your own to custom-fit your dimensions.
   
   Travel items are always nice homages to vacations past, and can enshrine musical instruments, shelves with coral or other sea life, or native masks—along with pottery or glass items.

3. 
   Wrought iron wall hangings can be fashioned from headboards and footboards, too.

   Stained and leaded glass panes have never gone out of style, and now they are featured on more than just windows. Christmas ornaments, door panels, and other beautiful additions to home décor offer designs and scenes captured in lovely glass colors and beveled dimensions.
   
   You can also receive the ambiance of stained glass without the large cost by purchasing stained/leaded valances, half-round pieces, or just the corners. Ornate corners or halves can then dress up plain mirrors or glass in any room, or be doubled up with sconces or other art.
   
   More and more, large candle-holders and pottery are being used as original art, and one well-liked style features one-of-a-kind, Native American horse-hair pottery. Any of these can adorn a mantel, or be set on shelves and joined by other wall art.
   
   Wrought iron metal is widely used—-outdoors as well as indoors. More and more garages, half-walls and gardens are sporting sundials and accents—either alone or to accompany other art or greenery.
   
   Although craft stores like Michael’s and JoAnn’s regularly carry these articles, consider metal from other origins, like old headboards and footboards, table legs, bicycles or auto parts. If you are adept with a welding iron, there is opportunity in every nook of your basement, or cranny of the garage.

4. 
   Ethnic or family art can be illuminated for more drama.

   Coupling effects together is an individual way to create your own unique look.
   
   Mirrors in any room—-even bathrooms-—can be especially effective when paired with sconces, and some can even be drilled through the glass. The advantage there is added reflection with the light in the glass as well as the sconce, providing double light.
   
   Likewise, incorporating light behind items like sculpture or hand-molded faces, can highlight the art’s materials or subtler nuances, not otherwise seen with a single glance.
   
   Picture frames can still service the decorator-—but liven it up a bit. Paint them the same color as the walls and leave them empty, centered with another empty frame, shelf with candle/vase, or small mirror. Or paint and sand them, leaving mere hints of paint, and find a way to group them with other art pieces to create your own individual look.

[Clem-Media]

on 11/18/2008 Thanks so much!

[Hirani]

on 11/18/2008 Quite a creative article indeed! Congrats! Keep it up!
-- P. P. HIRANI (Photo-Journalist) India/USA

[Clem-Media]

on 10/17/2008 Will it prevent mold on me, too? LOL.

Thank you; that's a very good idea.

[srhgompf]

on 10/17/2008 This is a wonderful article full of great ideas.

Did you know if you put Tea Tree Oil in your wall fountain, it prevents mold and mildew from growing in it and it scents the air.

I like the idea of using found objects to make decorative accents for a room. The garage, thrift shops and Craigslist are just a few places to find items to turn into treasures.

[Clem-Media]

on 10/1/2008 Why, thankee!