Staring at a massive empty space usually feels overwhelming until you realize it is just a giant canvas waiting for some texture. I pulled together my favorite ways to treat a bare surface so you can finally finish that awkward room.

1. Install Picture Molding

A massive expanse of flat drywall completely flattens a room.

Adding picture molding instantly creates architectural interest without requiring a massive renovation budget. You just nail the trim directly to the wall in large rectangular boxes and paint everything one solid color. The shadows cast by the molding give the space an immediate sense of history.

2. Group Vintage Mirrors

The average living room wall spans at least twelve feet from corner to corner. Hanging a single piece of art in the center usually leaves the edges feeling completely neglected and bare. Grouping a massive collection of vintage mirrors fills the visual void while bouncing natural light into the darkest corners.

Just make sure to vary the frame shapes so it feels collected over time.

Why it works: Mirrors act like extra windows, instantly doubling the perceived depth of your room.

3. Paint a Dark Accent Color

High contrast is the secret to making a flat surface feel completely dynamic. A deep, moody accent color instantly pushes the wall back and makes the furniture pop.

You can achieve this dramatic effect in a single afternoon with just a roller.

Pair the dark paint with warm metallic accents to keep the room from feeling like a cave.

• Matte black paint
• Charcoal gray limewash
• Deep hunter green

4. Mount a Long Picture Ledge

I always struggle with the awkward gap behind a standard living room sofa. Installing a shallow picture ledge running the entire length of the furniture anchors the seating area beautifully. You can easily swap out artwork and family photos without putting a hundred new nail holes in the drywall. It completely solves the issue of committing to a single gallery layout.

5. Hang a Woven Tapestry

Introducing heavy texture completely changes the acoustics and warmth of a stark room.

Hanging a massive woven wall hanging or vintage rug brings an unexpected tactile element to your decor. The soft fibers contrast beautifully against rigid furniture lines and hard flooring. It is the perfect solution for a tall stairwell or a cavernous primary bedroom.

6. Apply Bold Wallpaper

Most modern dining rooms feature one long wall that feels entirely disconnected from the dining table. Applying a bold peel-and-stick wallpaper creates an immediate focal point that ties the whole space together. The repeating pattern tricks the eye into seeing a much larger, more intentional room.

• Oversized botanical prints
• Subtle geometric patterns
• Textured grasscloth finishes

7. Lean Architectural Salvage

Lean oversized architectural salvage directly against the baseboard instead of trying to mount it. A massive reclaimed wooden door or an antique window frame adds instant height and character to an empty corner.

• Weathered barn doors
• Tall arched window frames
• Ornate iron garden gates

8. Fake a Custom Built-In

A standard bookcase is only twelve inches deep, meaning it barely eats into your floor plan. Pushing three or four identical freestanding shelving units together creates the illusion of custom built-ins for a fraction of the price. You can fill the shelves with a mix of hardback books, trailing plants, and sculptural objects to break up the rigid lines. Painting the shelves the exact same color as the wall behind them makes the entire setup look seamlessly integrated. This trick instantly cures a blank wall while solving all your storage problems.

• Woven storage baskets
• Trailing pothos plants
• Stacked coffee table books
• Ceramic vases

9. Create a Symmetrical Grid

My absolute favorite weekend project involves making a massive grid out of inexpensive frames.

A symmetrical gallery wall brings a sense of extreme order to an otherwise chaotic family room. You just need identical black frames and high-quality black-and-white photos to pull it off.

The rigid spacing makes even casual smartphone snapshots look like fine art.

10. Add Lower Board and Batten

Narrow hallways are notorious for feeling exactly like long, sterile bowling alleys.

Installing continuous board and batten along the lower half of the wall completely breaks up that tunnel effect. The vertical wood strips draw the eye upward, making standard eight-foot ceilings feel significantly taller. Adding a row of wooden pegs across the top rail gives you a functional spot for hats and bags.

11. Mount Oversized Wall Sconces

I recently started using oversized wall sconces to fill awkward gaps in primary bedrooms. Hardwiring fixtures can be expensive, but you can easily mount plug-in sconces on either side of a bed or sofa. The metal arms stretch across the blank drywall to provide beautiful ambient lighting and sculptural interest. You can even tuck the cords behind a narrow brass cord cover to make it look incredibly high-end. It completely eliminates the need for bulky table lamps on your nightstands.

Why it works: Wall-mounted lighting acts as functional art, drawing the eye up while freeing up valuable surface space below.

12. Display Vintage Cutting Boards

Blank walls in kitchens usually lack the softness found in the rest of the house.

Hanging a collection of vintage cutting boards warms up the cold tile and stainless steel appliances. The varied wood tones add an organic, rustic texture that feels incredibly inviting.

You can actually take them down and use them when you host big dinners.

• Round pizza paddles
• Rectangular butcher blocks
• French bread boards

13. Arrange a Basket Wall

I always keep a stash of shallow woven baskets in my design closet for emergencies. Creating a sprawling basket wall is the cheapest way to cover a massive amount of square footage. You can arrange them in a loose, organic sweeping motion that mimics a flock of birds in flight. The natural seagrass and rattan materials bring a relaxed, coastal vibe to a stark white room. Securing them requires nothing more than tiny finishing nails, so it is perfect for renters.

Why it works: The circular shapes and woven textures break up the harsh, straight lines of standard room architecture.

14. Lean a Massive Floor Mirror

Use a massive floor mirror to instantly double your perceived square footage. Leaning a heavy, ornate mirror against a blank wall bounces natural light from the windows directly back into the room. It acts like a giant piece of art while making a cramped space feel incredibly airy and open.

Make sure to secure the top edge to the wall with an anchor if you have pets or toddlers.