I have enjoyed creating my own artwork from quality paper for years. When you want something pretty on your walls but don’t have the “right” piece, heavy-duty wrapping paper is a perfect and affordable solution. It works for temporary or permanent installations—from wallpapering an accent wall (I used map paper and push pins for a fun hallway feature) to framing sheets as standalone art, which I’ve done in a powder room.
After painting the bedroom in our current home, I realized I didn’t have a suitable artwork for the wall next to the closet. To fill the space, I picked two favorite full-size sheets of wrapping paper that complemented our color palette: a blue marbleized design and a delicate peacock pattern. These sheets are larger than typical scrapbook paper—more like poster size—so they make a strong visual statement when framed or mounted.
Because I wanted a sizable impact and didn’t have frames in the right dimensions, I bought two inexpensive gray frames and updated them with a touch of gold Rub ’N Buff to give them a more refined look. Framing the paper instantly elevates it into polished artwork that anchors the room.
Framed paper becomes a bold patterned statement. Leftover sheets can be used elsewhere around the house—lining drawers, covering bookshelves, or creating smaller framed accents—so the investment is economical and versatile.
My daughters used the same approach in their townhouse hallway, hanging a map-style sheet with a poster hanging kit to create a neat, inexpensive art installation that fits the space perfectly.
Below is a selection of paper designs I love for walls—ideas that work equally well framed, tacked up, or used as wallpaper. Scroll through and get inspired.
Blue on Natural Marble
Botany
Constellations
Gold on Natural Marble
Lokta White Anchors on Blue
Small Blue Fish on Cream
Gold on Cream Mums
Hemisphere Map
Peacock
Gold Scallops on Sea Green
Gold Stripes on Cream
Blue Batik Zig Zags
Blue Squares on Cream
Dark Blue Marble
Black String Dot on Cream
Distressed Blue Floral on White
Thank you for the feedback on my new bedroom paint color. I encourage being brave and choosing finishes that feel right for your home, whether they’re trendy or not. The deep, frosted plum hue we used has made the bedroom one of the coziest and most romantic rooms we’ve had—exactly the feel we wanted—and I’m thrilled with the result.
I’m excited to share more updates as the house comes together. This week I’ll reveal the new dining room light fixture and a small change that has already refreshed our living room fireplace.
More Inspiration:
Beautiful Bedroom Wallpaper Ideas
10 Little Ways to Refresh Your Home
9 Ways to Decorate Above a Bed
5 Things Every Small Bedroom Needs
25 Ways to Restyle Your Home