From Drab to Fab: 10 Ingenious Wall Art Solutions for Any Budget

From Drab to Fab: 10 Ingenious Wall Art Solutions for Any Budget


Hanging pictures on the wall can really make a space feel like home. They are a great way to put your own touch on a space and establish it as yours. But for many of us, renting or tight budgets can make hanging art a challenge.

That's why we've compiled a list of 10 unique and affordable wall art ideas to elevate your space, no matter your constraints.

 

1. Display Craft Projects

Enjoy the fruits of your creative labour and display your craft projects for everyone to appreciate. Ideas include embroidery, cross stitch, painting, découpage, mosaic, quilling, and more. The best part? You can switch projects out when you create something new.

Here we have used some embroidery projects from Cutesy Crafts: Heart Flower Embroidery Design | Bloom Hand Embroidery Pattern

 

2. Display a Favourite Quote

"Like wildflowers you must allow yourself to grow in all the places people thought you never would." ~ UNKNOWN

Choose an inspiring quote, write it out, or print it in a font you love. This is an easy way to get creative and switch up your wall art regularly.  Check out our Pinterest Inspirational Quote Board for inspiration.


3. DIY Your Own Frames

Make your own picture frames to perfectly fit your space and style. All you need is some cardboard, glue, paper, fabric and paint. Your unique frames become a work of art in themselves! Get an email notification when we share our step-by-step guide next week.


4. Frame Artificial Flowers

Create a holder from a tube or straw and switch out the flowers to represent the season or to match your gallery wall. We are sharing how we made the floral box frame above, next week. Get an email notification when we share our step-by-step guide.

5. Print Personal Photos

Make your display extra personal with photos from your camera roll -  friends and family, pets, landscapes, holiday snaps, ordinary moments of joy, beautiful flowers. We're sure you'll be spoilt for choice!

6. Frame a Cherished Greetings Card

Some cards speak to you on a deeper level, more than simply Happy Birthday or Merry Christmas. Give them the spotlight they deserve by framing them.

7. Repurpose Fabric or Paper

Grab a budget-friendly frame and fill it with a scrap of fabric, leftover wrapping paper, or craft paper. Bonus points if you use a frame you already own! 😃


8. Frame Old Postcards or Photos

Old black-and-white photos have a beautiful nostalgic feel, and postcards can showcase your favorite designs. Check thrift stores or ask older family members if they have any hidden gems you can display. (If they don't want to let go of the original, make a good quality copy - no one will know the difference!)

If colour is more your thing, we have some bright postcard sets for sale, check them out here


9. Seek Out Secondhand Pictures

Thrift stores are a treasure trove for unique, budget-friendly art. You never know what hidden gems you might uncover on your next visit.

 

10. Hang an Old Map

Find a map of a place that holds special memories, like a favourite holiday spot, your first home or where you got engaged.


All of these ideas can be hung with adhesive strips and hooks, making them renter-friendly and budget-conscious. Some require a bit of DIY, but you can always adapt them to use pre-made frames.

No matter your space, budget, or creative skill level, there are so many ways to transform your walls and make them feel like your own. From repurposing everyday items to showcasing your DIY talents, these 10 solutions prove that you don't have to break the bank to make your house a home. Start small, get creative, and watch your space come alive.





 

Joy on Tap Pick of the Week:



If you have a little money to spend, we have some lovely small prints that you can purchase for under £20, with shipping included.

Perfect for freshening up your gallery wall or for styling those small nooks around your home.

Your prints arrive ready to fill your favourite frame, or you can make one to perfectly complement the design.

Shop them here.

=============

Share your email to receive the latest blog post straight to your inbox and receive our beautiful 5 Days to Joy digital guide.

We'll also be sharing some curating ideas on Pinterest and Instagram so make sure to follow us and turn on notifications to get some inspiration and motivation.

Back to blog