15 DIY Wall Art Ideas That Look Expensive

There’s something incredibly personal and powerful about transforming a blank wall into a visual story. But let’s face it: gallery-quality wall art often comes with a steep price tag. The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to create something stunning. With the right inspiration and a few clever materials, DIY wall art can look like it walked straight out of a high-end interior design showroom.

Whether you’re refreshing a modern living room, styling a small space, or adding character to a hallway, these 15 ideas blend luxury looks with down-to-earth effort. Each is designed to deliver impact, personality, and serious style points.

1. Textured Canvas with Plaster

Textured art is a huge trend in modern interiors, thanks to its tactile quality and sculptural presence. Plaster or joint compound can be used to create abstract reliefs that mimic designer pieces.

Pro Tip: Apply lightweight spackle to a blank canvas with a palette knife. Once dry, paint over it in a warm neutral or monochrome tone for a high-end finish.

2. DIY Floating Frame Art

Floating frames add an elegant border that elevates even simple art prints. They create depth and sophistication, making artwork appear more curated.

Pro Tip: Use inexpensive IKEA or thrifted frames and remove the mat. Mount artwork on foam board to give it that dimensional “floating” effect.

3. Botanical Pressed Gallery

Natural elements bring softness and calm to a room. Pressed ferns, eucalyptus, or dried flowers inside clear glass frames create a minimalist organic wall statement.

Pro Tip: Stick with a symmetrical grid layout using matching frames for a gallery-wall effect. Black or brass finishes add polish.

4. Oversized Typography Posters

Large-scale type art is bold, modern, and surprisingly easy to DIY. It makes a visual statement while letting you personalize a space with quotes or monograms.

Pro Tip: Use free design tools like Canva to create large letterforms or phrases. Print as engineer prints at your local office supply store.

5. Painted Mural Blocks

Color blocking is a high-design strategy that breaks up wall space with visual rhythm. You can achieve the effect of a mural without the need for illustration skills.

Pro Tip: Tape off geometric shapes (arcs, half-moons, rectangles) and fill them in with on-trend paint colors like ochre, sage, or dusty rose.

6. Shadow Box Art with Found Objects

Shadow boxes turn everyday items into curated treasures. They add dimension and tell a story, whether it’s souvenirs, textiles, or natural finds.

Pro Tip: Use linen fabric as a backdrop for cohesion. Mount small objects (like antique keys or seashells) for a custom collectible display.

7. Minimalist Line Art

Line art is sleek, expressive, and ideal for Scandinavian or modern interiors. Its simplicity adds sophistication without overwhelming a space.

Pro Tip: Trace or freehand draw on watercolor paper with black ink or marker. Frame with a wide mat for gallery appeal.

8. Fabric Wall Hangings

Textiles add softness and warmth to walls. Woven art, batik, or large scarves can create visual texture that feels both artisanal and upscale.

Pro Tip: Attach fabric to wooden dowels or use curtain rods for clean hanging. Neutrals or earthy tones keep it timeless.

9. DIY Abstract Painting

Abstract art allows for total creative freedom. When done right, it reads as high-end, especially with balanced composition and tonal color schemes.

Pro Tip: Use a limited palette (3–4 shades) and layer with sponge, brush, and scraping techniques. Gold or copper accents add a luxe touch.

10. Mirror Collage Wall

Mirrors aren’t just functional—they bounce light, open up small spaces, and add glamor. Mixing vintage and modern shapes creates a curated gallery effect.

Pro Tip: Source secondhand mirrors in varying shapes and sizes, then spray paint them in matte black, gold, or bronze for a unified look.

11. Corkboard Inspiration Grid

This is a stylish and ever-changing art display. Pin mood boards, magazine clippings, fabric swatches, or Polaroids for a dynamic, personal vibe.

Pro Tip: Cut cork tiles into clean geometric shapes and mount them in a grid. Paint the edges for a finished look.

12. Sculptural Paper Art

Layered paper art brings movement and dimension to your walls. It’s especially impactful in monochromatic color schemes.

Pro Tip: Use cardstock in varying shades of the same color. Cut abstract or floral shapes and layer them in a shadow box frame.

13. Painted Arch Accent

Painting a soft arch directly on the wall behind a piece of art or a mirror frames it like a built-in niche, adding architecture without renovation.

Pro Tip: Trace the arch shape with a string and pencil for symmetry. Choose a muted contrast color like taupe or muted olive.

14. Wall-Mounted Sculpture

3D wall sculptures draw the eye and add tactile interest. Think ceramic discs, wood pieces, or even folded metal.

Pro Tip: Create your own with polymer clay, wire, or wood slices. Mount in odd numbers for an artful composition.

15. Frame Your Wallpaper or Fabric

Framing bold wallpaper or a patterned fabric panel turns it into instant art. It’s a great way to experiment with pattern without committing to a full wall.

Pro Tip: Choose oversized frames and use coordinating colors in surrounding decor to make it look intentional and luxe.

Final Thoughts

DIY wall art is about more than saving money—it’s about expressing your style, telling your story, and making your space feel uniquely yours. With these elevated ideas, your walls will look designer-curated, without the designer price tag.

Which of these ideas would you try first? Tell us in the comments!

Tackle one this weekend and tag us in your transformation—we love featuring creative DIYs from our readers!