Are you tired of staring at blank walls? Is there a spot that just won’t clean up or damage that you want to cover up?
If you’re looking for cheap and inspirational ways to cover nasty walls, then you’ve come to the right place.
The Best Cheap Ways to Cover Walls
So you want to breathe new life into those plain, uneven walls but don’t want to spend a lot or do anything too permanent.
We get it—that’s why we’ve rounded up 22 of our favorite ideas to help you breathe new life into your room.
1. Ivy Wall
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For an organic-looking plant wall, try hanging an artificial ivy screen. This wall covering is a bright, tactile addition that will make your indoors feel lively and refreshing, like the outdoors.
It is a good option for full or partial coverage, as you can put it up whole or trim it into shapes.
2. Faux Brick 3D Wall Panels
Plain wallpaper can end up being just as boring as bare walls, but this 3D, brick-textured wall paneling can give your house a whole new vibe.
Put it up on part or all of the wall to breathe new life into otherwise dull walls. This is a good choice for people who don’t want decorations but can’t stand the plain walls.
3. Tiled Pictures/Collage
Another fun full-coverage option is to put up a solid wall of themed photos. You can put up this hippie-themed pack in tile or collage formation to form a solid wall of colorful images.
This is a good alternative to wallpaper, as it is more interesting to look at and allows you to customize the layout.
4. Chalkboard Wallpaper
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For an even more customizable design, why not put up some chalkboard wallpaper? This gives you the option to constantly change and redesign your space.
You can use it to make notes, write grocery lists, or draw elaborate murals. And you don’t have to be limited to just white chalk, either.
5. Hanging Photo Display
If you are an aspiring photographer or just got a Polaroid camera, you need a hanging photo display to show off your art.
Put those precious moments where you can see them and cover plain walls at the same time. This is another customizable wall covering that is unique to you.
6. 3D Butterfly Mirrors
If you are looking for a partial wall covering with a bit more pizzazz, try arranging some 3D mirrored butterflies for a pop of brilliance.
While they might not work as well as actual mirrors due to their shape, these are an excellent addition to help spread natural light around a room.
7. Wall-Mounted Bookshelves
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Perhaps you are looking for something that will not only cover your plain, ugly walls but will have a function as well.
Rather than buying a huge, free-standing bookcase, try adding some wall-mounted bookshelves for a varied and unique look.
These bookshelves are stylish and modern and make fitting even the largest of books a breeze.
8. Mirrored Wall Art
Like mirrors? Like wall art? Well, here’s two in one. This wall art piece forms an abstract tree out of mirrored panels.
It is a two-for-one deal, as it provides you with a wall-covering piece of art and a usable mirror.
Plain mirrors can look just as dull as bare walls, and art pieces, while pretty, serve no purpose. This mirrored wall art takes the best aspects of both.
9. Dry-Erase Whiteboard Panels
An alternative to chalkboard wallpaper, whiteboard wall panels let you draw freely wherever you are. You can arrange the panels into a solid wall or just put a few here and there.
The options are limitless. Put them up in the kitchen, around your desk, or in the main hall if you want. They add function to any wall.
10. Peel and Stick Wall Mural
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Your walls aren’t the only place you can spice up. Try adding this door mural to turn your door into a hallway to another world.
With tons of designs, you could put one on every door in your house and still have options left over. Try it with other wall coverings to transform rooms into far-off vistas.
11. Massive 3D Art Piece
If you want an accent piece that doubles as a wall covering, try this massive 3D wall art. The metal is both mat and reflective, and the 3D design feels organic and engages the room.
This art piece is easy to install too and only requires a few small hooks, making it ideal for temporary homes and apartments.
12. Corkboard Panels
For more ways to add function to your walls, try corkboard panels. You can put them up in pieces or all together or even combine them with the whiteboard and chalkboard wall coverings.
Use them to put up photos, leave memos, add inspirational quotes or just leave them blank. They also provide some excellent sound dampening for noisy neighbors.
13. Vine Decal
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If you liked the plant theme from earlier but aren’t super into the idea of brushing with fake plants, try this 2D hanging vine wall decal.
It adds the same bright, green, and natural vibe as the ivy wall, but at a lower cost and with less hassle. It also doesn’t require dusting.
14. Wire Grid Wall Organizer
If you like the idea of using your wall coving for different things, then you’ll love this wire grid wall organizer.
With it, you can hang photos, put up plants, add notes, keep stationary, or suspend other decorations. It is fully customizable and can be a great way to add function to plain walls.
15. Wall-Mounted Cat Tree
Speaking of functional wall hangings, check out this wall-mounted cat tree.
If you have a feline companion that loves to climb and tons of blank wall space you don’t know what to do with, why not devote it to your furry friend?
Give them the gift of exercise and height in one fell swoop. Your wall will no longer be boring, and your cat will no longer be bored.
16. Adhesive Tiles
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For the perfect kitchen look, to protect your walls from food spray, or to liven up your bathroom, why not add some tiled printed wallpaper?
While it may not be real tile, it is waterproof, perfect for any room or situation. You don’t need to worry about replacing it if it gets dirty. Just wipe it off and carry on.
17. Acoustic Soundproofing Panels
If you have boisterous neighbors, play an instrument, or just want to avoid reverberating sounds, acoustic soundproofing panels are a stylish and convenient way to cover walls and block out noise.
Not only are they easy to put up, but you can arrange them however you please. The more you use, the quieter the room will be.
18. Macramé Wall Hanging
Try a classically Boho wall covering with this giant macramé wall hanging. It adds artistry to your room while still looking organic and unobtrusive.
It covers a significant portion of the wall but doesn’t feel like you’re trying to hide anything behind it. Try it in conjunction with some foliage for an even more natural look.
19. LED Curtain
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Do you light the look of fabric wall hangings but wish they didn’t make the room feel so dark? Why not add lights?
This LED curtain adds a magical aura to any room and helps cover ugly and uneven walls. Try it in a warm yellow, like fairy lights, or go for the psychedelic color-changing option.
20. LED Smart Light
If you’re into the idea of lights, but not the curtain part, then try this LED smart light bar.
You can set up this multi-piece light bar in different configurations, colors, and styles. It can spice up any room and add the perfect ambiance to any party, dinner, or movie night.
21. Gilded Frames
For a truly unique look, try arranging some empty picture frames. Use gilded frames or plain modern ones.
You can set them up on their own as an art piece or use them to frame other wall hangings. Try putting them up around small wall-mounted plants or using them with sections of the chalkboard wallpaper.
22. Artsy Wall Clocks
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For another piece that is functional and beautiful, try this iron and rhinestone wall clock.
It is large and helps fill the space on blank walls while also acting as a timepiece. It is both a centerpiece and a good way to cover unsightly patches on walls.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Keep in mind before you commit to any design that there can be limitations and roadblocks. Consider these points:
- Are you trying to cover smooth walls or irregular and bumpy walls?
- Can you make holes in the wall?
- Do you want full or partial coverage?
- Are you looking for a functional or decorative wall covering?
- Will the wall covering need maintenance of any kind, like dusting?
- How much are you willing to spend?
- What room are you putting it in?
- Do you have kids, pets, or roommates that will damage it?
- Does it match the other décor?
What’s Your Favorite Cheap Way to Cover Walls?
There are so many unique ways to cover up and change nasty old walls, and most of them are cheap and temporary. It doesn’t take a lot of exposure to the same off-white eggshell paint to get bored.
Look for something that inspires you, adds brightness to your day, or brings function to your life. They’re your walls, even if you can’t put holes in them.