Alternative artwork that makes a statement
I love finding new and interesting ways of decorating a room, but it can be hard to find the exact thing you’re looking for, particularly when the space is a strange shape.
So that’s why I’ve done all the hard work for you and discovered some alternative artwork you can put in your home that will make a statement and fit the space perfectly, whether you own or rent. Continue reading to the bottom for some inspiration images too that should give you some ideas.
Textile and tapestry art
I’m starting off with something a little different to your usual print or painting.
Fabric-based art, such as tapestries, embroidered pieces, and woven wall hangings, can add warmth and texture to a room. They also make for excellent soundproofing, ideal in a space that has tiled or wooden floor with few soft furnishings.
Large-scale tapestries can serve as a focal point, while smaller pieces can bring some intricate detail and craftsmanship to a room. You may even want to go down the vintage route and find some secondhand embroidered textiles, the ideal things for both modern and bohemian-inspired interiors.
Macrame wall hangings are another popular wall feature that can be relatively cheap but have a big impact.
Vertical art
Who says art needs to be horizontal? Vertical art can be so beautiful and fills awkward spaces that are long and narrow.
See how the artwork draws your eye right to the bottom of the room? This makes it ideal for areas where you want to draw the eye up, perhaps a hallway or stairway, or for rooms that feel a little small. Atelier Printworks specialise in long artwork that can be hung both horizontally and vertically for any awkward wall spaces in your home. Their collection is enormous and affordable, so it’s absolutely worth checking them out to see what you can find.
Sculptural and 3D wall art
If you want to move away from standard 2D prints or paintings, perhaps consider sculptural or 3D alternatives.
Metal wall sculptures, ceramic art, and wooden relief carvings provide depth and dimension, so they can make your walls feel more dynamic. Or you could arrange a collection of sculptural wall decor, such as baskets or mirrored accents that create a unique gallery-style feature.
Framed fabric and wallpaper panels
Don’t know what to do with your unused, leftover wallpaper? Or perhaps you just reupholstered some seat cushions and have spare fabric. Don’t waste these things, use them!
It’s a super cheap and effective way of adding artwork to a room, and adds a sense of unity (the artwork now matches the curtains or the wallpaper). This approach allows you to easily update your decor over time, swapping in new fabrics or wallpapers to refresh the look of your space and hardly spending anything (winner!).
Neon and LED light art
For a modern and playful take on wall art, neon signs and LED installations can be a fab way of decorating a room. Plus it’s multifunctional – artwork and lighting in one.
Custom neon signs featuring inspiring quotes, abstract designs, or personalised symbols create a bold statement, particularly in contemporary or industrial-style interiors. They’re ideal for a games room, bar room or even a bedroom.
Botanical and natural art
I love bringing nature into the home, and doing this through your artwork can help to create a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Some ideas you might want to consider include pressed flowers, framed leaves, or preserved moss panels. These can all help to introduce greenery without the need for regular maintenance. Driftwood arrangements, stone sculptures, and shell displays can also add an organic and earthy touch to your decor.
This kind of artwork can be done yourself too. It’s really easy to press or dry flowers, or frame some leaves. So it won’t cost a fortune and you can tailor the artwork to the room you’ll put it in – lavendar in a bathroom, ferns in a bedroom.
A custom gallery wall
No, gallery walls aren’t ‘been there, done that’. They’re still very much popular and for a good reason. I love how personalised they can be, and how they can contain memories, mementos, and so much more. Perhaps you bought a print when you went on holiday. Maybe your other half bought you some artwork for a special birthday. A gallery wall can tell a whole life story.
When creating a gallery wall, play about with sizes, styles and frames to achieve the look you want. Doing this will enhance the visual impact and make the wall feel thoughtfully curated without being haphazard.
So, which type of alternative artwork is your favourite?
