Creative Solutions for Placing Art When Your Walls Are Full

Art is more than just decoration; it speaks to your soul. It expresses your life, joy, and story. If you’ve ever felt torn between your love for art and a lack of space to display it, you’re not alone. This is a common dilemma. However, your connection to art doesn’t have to end there. Now might be the perfect time to reimagine how you surround yourself with the things you love.

Connecting with Other Artists

Every time I do a show, I connect with other artists and often come home with more art than I planned. Between collecting their work and creating my own, I’ve discovered some fun, space-saving ways to show off my pieces without sacrificing style. So, I thought I’d share some ideas for displaying artwork, even when your walls are packed.

1. Shelving

One of the easiest ways to bring more art into your space is by using shelves. Try setting up a dedicated art shelf where you can lean your favorite pieces. It's super simple, and you can switch things out whenever you're in the mood for a refresh.

Floating shelves are a great option. They add a modern touch and draw the eye upward while keeping things tidy. The image below features a framed art print of a red fox I painted. It’s propped up on a floating shelf with a small tree branch leaning against the frame as a sculptural accent.

Another idea is to mix and match different sizes and frames. For instance, placing a tiny print next to a bold canvas creates an eye-catching display.

2. Focus on Surfaces

When wall space runs out, get creative with surfaces like tables, mantels, or dressers. A cute easel is perfect for showcasing larger pieces, making them feel like the centerpiece of your room. For smaller pieces of art, try framing them and placing them on shelves or desks alongside your favorite books and plants. This simple approach changes things up while keeping your art front and center.

3. Hang Artwork on Doors

Don’t overlook your doors as a display option; they’re hidden gems! Hanging smaller pieces on closet, pantry, or bedroom doors can free up wall space while letting you enjoy your favorites. It's a bit unexpected, and it infuses those underused spots with personality. You can use removable hooks, over-the-door hangers, or even magnetic frames for metal doors. It's a great way to sneak in more art without overcrowding your walls.

4. Get Creative with Ladders

Old ladders are always in style and can serve as unique display options. Lean a decorative ladder against a wall and hang smaller art pieces or drape textiles. This rustic approach adds character and functions as a unique display method. For a more artistic flair, you could hang pieces on the rungs using decorative S-hooks or wreath hangers.

5. Utilize Vertical Space with Hooks

This next design idea might sound a bit out there, but hear me out: consider hanging a piece of art over a curtain rod in front of a window. This unexpected spot can look really stylish when done thoughtfully. Use a hook or ribbon to suspend a small-to-medium framed art piece from the curtain rod, right between the panels. It creates a layered effect that draws the eye and adds personality to a space that’s usually left bare.

This trick works especially well if the window doesn’t get strong, direct sunlight since UV rays can fade colors and damage your art over time. Choose shaded windows or north-facing ones where the light is softer. If you're unsure, you can always rotate art in and out or use UV-protective glass for prints you don’t mind fading slightly over the years.

My philosophy is simple: no matter how full your walls may be, there’s always a perfect spot for the art you love. Experiment to find what works best for your style and space. Above all else, remember that your home is your haven. Do what makes your spirit happy.

And if you're looking to expand your art collection further, consider exploring options here.