The most creative DIY wall painting ideas can transform your home quickly and without a big expense. It’s no secret that a lick of paint is a treat on tired or dated walls, but there’s more to decorating than just painting the walls a single, uniform color from top to bottom. Using tape, a bit of string, or even a steady hand and picking the right color combination is a great way to add interest to your living room, bedroom, hallway, or any other space in your home.
Most of these techniques can be done easily by beginners and you can improve your space in as little as a few hours or a weekend…
What’s the most creative way to paint a wall?
Marianne Shillingford, Artistic Director of Dulux (opens in a new tab) says, ‘The most creative way to paint a wall is to use more than one color. This can range from horizontal split colors and color blocks to define different areas to one color on the ceiling rather than the walls or a fully immersive hand painted mural. And it’s so personal to you, but that’s the beauty of DIY. Whether you want to get dirty and create a Pollock-style accent wall or use masking tape to add a pop of color in your home office is up to you.
1. Paint a shaded blue wall in a bathroom
(Image credit: Annie Sloan)
A DIY shaded wall is one of the most stunning yet truly doable wall painting ideas. Beautiful in a bathroom and sure to make an impact in a living room or bedroom too, whatever tone you choose. Just get a few cans of your favorite paint colors and your best brushes.
2. Add structure with paint to a bedroom
(Image credit: Dulux)
A little duct tape can really help make an impact when getting creative with bedroom color ideas. Mark with a square section – staggered for more interest – and choose a contrasting color to make a statement. This room has been brought to life using the signature Simply refresh paint in Golden Sands (opens in a new tab) by Dulux and it’s the perfect way to add some structure to a soft, boho decor theme.
3. DIY a painted wall arch
(Image credit: Dulux)
A painted wall arch will add the pop of color needed to brighten up a neutral space. Ideal for a child’s room or to better zone a workspace in a home office. Recreate this accent wall using tape, string and chalk – to get the perfect curve – and Dulux Ink Well paint (opens in a new tab).
4. Paint a headboard pink and in style
(Image credit: Crown Paints)
Geometric patterns and electric colors painted on a headboard bring liveliness to this cool sleeping space. Nodding to other colorful elements in the room as well.
5. Paint your ceiling in a contrasting color
(Image credit: Dulux)
We all tend to play it safe when it comes to painting ceilings. Choosing different shades of greige (beige + grey) or just letting that popcorn look do its own thing… However, going for bright colors that match, or totally contrast, the color that’s on your walls is a great way to tinker with a new look with paint, just more imaginative. Try Spicy Honey (opens in a new tab)ceiling by Dulux.
6. Paint a dream mural by hand
(Image credit: Murals Wallpaper)
A mural is your chance to go freestyle, we love the aubergine purple against the white in this rugged abstract painted wall. The simple lines and concept really work, proving you can skip the detail and just work your wall like a canvas to create the best results.
7. Paint color duos to match the furniture
The pink on the walls and the dresser/dresser makes this room stand out in every way
(Image credit: Annie Sloan)
If you have a centerpiece that you love in your bedroom, you can replicate that color on the walls to help it stand out even more. Choose a color blocking technique to make it stand out like created here with Annie Sloan (opens in a new tab) Paint.
8. Paint everything the same color – strip the ceiling
Farrow and Ball India yellow (opens in a new tab) makes an awkward kitchen area much more spacious and bright to boot
(Image credit: Farrow and Ball)
Painting the walls the same color as the large pieces of furniture and even the planks of your floor may seem like a maximalist choice. And, it’s a bit. But it’s a great way to improve a small room or uncomfortable space. Plus, you won’t have to worry about paint splashing on the floor while you’re painting…
9. Paint the wall panels in light shades
This is Farrow and Ball India Yellow (opens in a new tab) has been combined with a touch of black and pure, bright white to create an alternative wall
(Image credit: Argos)
The best way to add interest to legacy wall panels is to paint them yourself. Try color blocking with a few different layered colors that match the hues of your furniture, to create a uniform appeal. A good look for all scales and totally customizable too.
10. Paint a pink border to frame hanging artwork
(Image credit: Katie Lee)
Forget wallpaper borders when you can paint one yourself for a more modern appeal. Pink works well in this hallway space filled with neutrals and thin pops of color, perfectly showcasing the artwork on the walls.
11. DIY Paneling with Dark Paint
(Image credit: Farrow and Ball)
If you’re dreaming of an economical way to add wall panels to the bedroom or living room, why not mimic the look of wood paneling with dark paint? One of the most affordable and adventurous wall painting ideas, just paint a quarter of the height of your walls in a contrasting color, use masking tape to mimic the panel grooves if you want to go pro, and you’re assured of very chic results.
12. Paint a kitchen backsplash in unexpected colors
(Image credit: Katie Lee © Future)
Want an expensive tiled kitchen backsplash but don’t have the budget? Creating a tiled look is one of the most brilliant wall painting ideas that you can recreate very quickly with test pots and tape. Simply mark your scale drawing on paper and transfer it to the wall. If you mess up, you can just repaint. Clever.
13. Add details to dark walls
(Image credit: Dulux)
Another brilliant budget idea you can recreate by painting a wall. Again, you can use masking tape to create your design – either masking out the headboard pattern itself and painting it in, or using masking tape to create the headboard and painting the whole thing. wall of a different color to add detail – remove the tape when the paint is dry and you have your design.
14. Go square with white and blue paint
(Image credit: Annie Sloan)
Splitting a wall in half horizontally has a number of positive benefits: it can create the appearance of a paneled wall, can give a square, modern room extra character and a period feel, and it can, if the wall is painted a darker color underneath. dado level than above, make the ceiling of the room appear higher.
If you’re not just using your current wall color as the base color for your project, start by painting your entire wall in this first color for best results.
15. Create the illusion of a headboard
(Image credit: Alternative Flooring)
Frame your bed with a faux headboard by simply masking out a rectangle and filling it with paint. Note the relaxing vibes this light blue brings to the room.
16. Paint a view in a contrasting color
(Image credit: Mylands)
A pop of earthy pink in a hallway makes for a lovely view from a neutral living room.
17. Paint your floor on the wall
(Image credit: Carpetright)
Azure blue from scratch creates more fun and space in this eclectic dining room.
18. Add zigzag details in your living room
(Image credit: Maisons du Monde)
Many DIY wall painting ideas will also add movement and style to living spaces. This color selects furniture hues for a rounded finish.
What can I use instead of painting the walls?
Shillingford suggests “Use canvases to add creative pops of color to walls and paint furniture to fill in the space between your favorite shades.” You can also add color by painting old vases, frames and accessories. ‘
Is sponge painting still in fashion?
“Wait, painting with everything from sponges to rags to plastic bags is about to make a comeback. Getting creative with paint is something we’ve fallen in love with again during lockdown and the the fact that locker rooms will soon be back on our screens will rekindle our love of all things paint effect – but with a really modern take on the 90s vibe.’ Shillingford says, and we totally agree. Okay with that, it’s a great way to entertain kids after all…
Paint + tape = very exciting looks.