Do It Yourself Wall Art For Living Room: Unique & Modern Designs

Are you looking for DIY living room decor? DIY wall art for the living room is a great way to add personality and style to your space without breaking the bank. You can create affordable wall decor with a personal touch, from simple easy wall art projects to more complex modern DIY wall art. This guide will provide inspiration and DIY wall art tutorials to help you create the personalized wall art living room of your dreams. Get ready to explore handmade wall art ideas and discover creative wall decor ideas for your DIY home decorating journey!

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Why Choose DIY Wall Art?

Why should you make your own wall art when you can just buy it? There are many reasons:

• Save Money: Store-bought art can be expensive. DIY lets you create beautiful pieces for a fraction of the cost.
• Personalization: You can create art that perfectly matches your style, color scheme, and interests.
• Uniqueness: Your art will be one-of-a-kind, something no one else has.
• Creativity: DIY projects are a fun and rewarding way to express your creativity.
• Sustainability: You can use recycled materials and give them a new life.

Easy DIY Wall Art Projects for Beginners

Not sure where to start? These simple projects are perfect for beginners:

1. String Art

String art is a fun and relatively easy project that adds a geometric or whimsical touch to your living room.

Materials:

• Wooden board (any size you prefer)
• Small nails
• Hammer
• Colored string or embroidery floss
• Printable template (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the board: Sand the wooden board if needed and paint or stain it to your desired color. Let it dry completely.
2. Attach the template (optional): If using a template, center it on the board and secure it with tape.
3. Hammer in the nails: Hammer nails along the outline of your template or desired design, spacing them evenly (about 0.5-1 inch apart).
4. Remove the template: Carefully tear away the paper template.
5. String the design: Tie the end of the string to one nail. Begin wrapping the string around the nails in a random or patterned way.
6. Secure the end: When you’re satisfied with the design, tie the string to another nail and trim the excess.

2. Painted Canvas Art

Canvas art for living room provides endless options and opportunities to showcase your unique style. Even if you don’t think of yourself as an “artist,” you can create stunning pieces with simple techniques.

Materials:

• Blank canvas (any size you prefer)
• Acrylic paints (choose your colors)
• Paintbrushes (various sizes)
• Palette or plate for mixing paint
• Painter’s tape (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the canvas: Ensure the canvas is clean and free of dust.
2. Tape off sections (optional): Use painter’s tape to create geometric shapes or patterns on the canvas.
3. Paint the canvas: Experiment with different techniques like abstract brushstrokes, color blocking, or gradient effects.
4. Let it dry: Allow the paint to dry completely.
5. Remove the tape (if used): Carefully peel off the painter’s tape to reveal the sharp lines.

Techniques for Painted Canvas Art

• Abstract Art: Use bold colors and loose brushstrokes to create an abstract design. Don’t worry about perfection!
• Color Blocking: Divide the canvas into sections and paint each section a different color.
• Gradient: Blend two or more colors together to create a smooth gradient effect.
• Textured Art: Add texture to your canvas by using thick paint, gesso, or other materials.

3. Pressed Flower Art

Bring nature indoors with this delicate and beautiful art project.

Materials:

• Dried and pressed flowers (you can press your own or buy them)
• Frame with glass
• Cardstock or heavy paper
• Glue or double-sided tape

Instructions:

1. Prepare the background: Cut the cardstock to fit the frame.
2. Arrange the flowers: Arrange the pressed flowers on the cardstock in a pleasing design.
3. Glue the flowers: Carefully glue the flowers to the cardstock.
4. Frame the art: Place the cardstock with the flowers into the frame and secure it.

4. Fabric Wall Hangings

Add warmth and texture to your living room with a fabric wall hanging. This project is perfect for using up fabric scraps.

Materials:

• Fabric scraps in various colors and patterns
• Wooden dowel or branch
• Scissors
• Glue gun or sewing machine
• String or yarn for hanging

Instructions:

1. Cut the fabric: Cut the fabric into strips of varying lengths and widths.
2. Attach the fabric: Glue or sew the fabric strips to the wooden dowel or branch, overlapping them slightly.
3. Add the hanging string: Attach a string or yarn to both ends of the dowel for hanging.

Intermediate DIY Wall Art Projects

Ready to take your DIY skills to the next level? These projects require a bit more time and effort but yield stunning results:

1. Macrame Wall Hanging

Macrame is a trendy and versatile craft that can be used to create beautiful wall hangings.

Materials:

• Macrame cord (cotton or jute)
• Wooden dowel or branch
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• S-hooks (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut the cords: Cut several lengths of macrame cord, each several feet long (the length will depend on the desired size of your wall hanging).
2. Attach the cords: Fold each cord in half and attach it to the dowel using a larks head knot.
3. Start knotting: Use various macrame knots (square knot, half square knot, etc.) to create your desired design.
4. Trim the ends: Once you’ve finished knotting, trim the ends of the cords to create a fringe or other decorative effect.
5. Hang the wall hanging: Use S-hooks or string to hang the wall hanging from the dowel.

There are many online DIY wall art tutorials that offer step-by-step guidance on various macrame techniques.

2. Geometric Wood Art

This project involves creating a geometric design using pieces of wood.

Materials:

• Wood planks or plywood
• Saw
• Sandpaper
• Wood stain or paint
• Wood glue
• Nails or screws

Instructions:

1. Cut the wood: Cut the wood into various shapes (triangles, squares, rectangles, etc.) using a saw.
2. Sand the edges: Sand the edges of the wood pieces to smooth them.
3. Stain or paint: Stain or paint the wood pieces in different colors or shades.
4. Assemble the design: Arrange the wood pieces on a flat surface to create your desired geometric design.
5. Glue and nail: Glue and nail the wood pieces together to secure them.
6. Hang the art: Attach hardware to the back of the artwork for hanging.

3. Mosaic Wall Art

Create a colorful and textured piece of art using mosaic tiles.

Materials:

• Mosaic tiles (glass, ceramic, or stone)
• Backing board (wood or MDF)
• Tile adhesive
• Grout
• Grout float
• Sponge
• Tile nippers (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the backing board: Ensure the backing board is clean and dry.
2. Apply adhesive: Apply a thin layer of tile adhesive to the backing board.
3. Place the tiles: Arrange the mosaic tiles on the adhesive, leaving small gaps between them.
4. Let it dry: Allow the adhesive to dry completely.
5. Apply grout: Use a grout float to apply grout to the spaces between the tiles.
6. Clean the tiles: Use a damp sponge to wipe away excess grout from the surface of the tiles.
7. Let it cure: Allow the grout to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. 3D Paper Art

This project involves creating a three-dimensional design using paper.

Materials:

• Cardstock or heavy paper in various colors
• Scissors
• Glue or double-sided tape
• Ruler
• Cutting mat
• Frame (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut the paper: Cut the paper into various shapes and sizes.
2. Fold and shape: Fold and shape the paper to create three-dimensional elements.
3. Assemble the design: Arrange the paper elements on a backing board to create your desired design.
4. Glue the elements: Glue the paper elements to the backing board.
5. Frame the art (optional): Place the artwork in a frame.

Advanced DIY Wall Art Projects

For experienced DIYers, these projects offer a greater challenge and the opportunity to create truly unique and impressive pieces:

1. Resin Art

Resin art is a technique that involves pouring epoxy resin onto a surface to create a glossy, abstract design.

Materials:

• Epoxy resin and hardener
• Resin pigments or dyes
• Mixing cups and sticks
• Heat gun or torch
• Wooden panel or canvas
• Safety glasses and gloves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the resin: Mix the epoxy resin and hardener according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Add pigment: Add resin pigments or dyes to the resin to create your desired colors.
3. Pour the resin: Pour the resin onto the wooden panel or canvas, creating your desired design.
4. Remove bubbles: Use a heat gun or torch to remove any air bubbles from the resin.
5. Let it cure: Allow the resin to cure completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Metal Wall Sculpture

This project involves creating a sculpture using metal pieces.

Materials:

• Metal sheets or scraps
• Welder (if welding) or metal adhesive
• Cutting tools (metal shears, saw)
• Grinder
• Safety glasses and gloves

Instructions:

1. Cut the metal: Cut the metal into various shapes and sizes.
2. Shape the metal: Use tools to bend and shape the metal pieces.
3. Assemble the sculpture: Weld or glue the metal pieces together to create your desired sculpture.
4. Grind and finish: Grind any rough edges and finish the sculpture with paint or a sealant.

Safety Note: Welding requires proper safety equipment and training.

3. Mixed Media Collage

This project involves combining different materials and techniques to create a textured and visually interesting piece of art.

Materials:

• Canvas or wooden panel
• Various materials (paper, fabric, found objects, paint, etc.)
• Glue
• Gesso (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the surface: Apply a layer of gesso to the canvas or wooden panel (optional).
2. Layer the materials: Layer the various materials onto the surface, gluing them in place.
3. Add paint and texture: Add paint and texture to the collage to create depth and interest.
4. Seal the art: Seal the finished collage with a varnish or sealant.

Tips for Choosing DIY Wall Art

How do you pick the right handmade wall art ideas for your living room? Here are some tips:

• Consider your style: Choose projects that match your existing decor style (modern, bohemian, minimalist, etc.).
• Think about color: Select colors that complement your living room’s color scheme.
• Determine the size: Measure your wall space and choose art that is appropriately sized. A large canvas can make a statement, while smaller pieces work well in groupings.
• Match the vibe: Ensure the art matches the mood you want to create (calm, energetic, sophisticated, etc.).
• Get inspired: Look online for inspiration, but don’t be afraid to put your own unique spin on a project.

Displaying Your DIY Wall Art

Once you’ve created your masterpiece, it’s time to display it!

• Consider the arrangement: Arrange multiple pieces of art in a gallery wall or create a focal point with a single statement piece.
• Use appropriate hardware: Use picture hooks or other hardware that can support the weight of your artwork.
• Think about lighting: Consider how the lighting in your living room will affect the appearance of your art.
• Experiment with placement: Try different locations and arrangements until you find the perfect spot for your art.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the easiest DIY wall art project for a beginner?

A: Painted canvas art with simple techniques like abstract brushstrokes or color blocking is the easiest project for beginners. String art is another great option.

Q: Can I use recycled materials for DIY wall art?

A: Absolutely! Recycled materials can add a unique and eco-friendly touch to your artwork. Consider using old newspapers, fabric scraps, or reclaimed wood.

Q: Who is this article for?

A: This article is designed for anyone interested in adding a personal touch to their living room decor through do-it-yourself wall art. Whether you’re a beginner looking for easy projects or an experienced crafter seeking new challenges, there’s something for everyone.

Q: What if I’m not artistic?

A: Don’t worry! Many DIY wall art projects are simple and don’t require advanced artistic skills. Focus on techniques that are easy to learn and allow for experimentation.

Q: How do I protect my DIY wall art from damage?

A: Use sealants or varnishes to protect your artwork from moisture and UV damage. Handle your art carefully and avoid placing it in direct sunlight or humid environments.

Q: What are some tips for making my DIY wall art look more professional?

A: Pay attention to details like clean lines, even paint application, and secure mounting hardware. Take your time and don’t be afraid to experiment until you achieve the desired look. Framing your artwork can also elevate its appearance.