How to Break Up a Long Wall

Define your space with a big piece of wall art.

A large painting or print will make a bold statement. An oversized piece of art will take command of the room and interrupt a vast wall, making it feel less expansive. This artwork will set the tone for the entire room. For a more minimalist aesthetic, consider a sober black-and-white piece; a busy, colorful painting will add more vibrance to the room.

Hang a large mirror.

No need to limit yourself to paintings or photos. Display an oversized mirror to give your room depth and movement. Experiment with strategically placing mirrors parallel to a wallpapered wall or an entryway to another room. Hang a large vertical mirror 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) off the floor so you can see your entire body when you're looking in the mirror. Alternatively, hang a large mirror horizontally to reflect light and open up the space.

Make a large tapestry the focal point of your wall.

Go for a bohemian look. Display a large tapestry and give your wall the character it needs, with some added texture and softness. Not only do tapestries look great, they’re practical: textiles are a lot easier to carry than a large painting or mirror!

Make a gallery wall.

Instead of one big painting, curate a wall collage. This option gives your space a trendy salon feel. And once again, you don’t have to limit yourself to paintings and photos—you can branch out to include tapestries, clocks, mirrors, maps, or even painted ceramic plates or baskets. Consider making your gallery wall a memory wall: hang photos of loved ones, as well as less traditional decor, like framed ticket stubs, diplomas, and letters. Pro tip: lay a sheet on the floor and mark off the size of your gallery wall. Then, place your art on the sheet and play around with the arrangement so you know how you want it to look before you start hanging it on the wall.

Put tall furniture against the wall.

Tall shelves and cabinets will downplay the length of the wall. But make sure not to keep all of your furniture pushed up against the wall: it will draw attention to the length of the room.

Paint an accent wall.

Define your long wall with a bold paint job. A sectioned accent will divide the wall into multiple dynamic planes. Or, in a room with a light paint job, you can downplay the expansiveness of your long wall by painting it a dark, rich color to make it feel cozier.

Paint a mural.

Take that accent wall a step further. A mural is sure to add vivacity and personality to your living space. You can hire a professional to create your mural, but don’t be afraid to paint your wall yourself: just like a memory wall, a hand-painted mural can add an extra personal touch.

Use wallpaper.

It’s a classic for a reason. Wallpaper is elegant, fun, and sure to add a pop of boldness to your space, particularly if you only cover your long wall, making this option another variation on the accent wall trend. Hang wallpaper that is neutral and subdued to create a calming environment, or create a more exciting space with busier patterns and colors. Want the mural with less hassle? Consider mural wallpaper.

Install shelves.

Shelves are a stylish and functional way to disrupt your large wall. You can keep it simple and install a few shelves to display your books and knickknacks, or go nuts and devote the entire wall to shelving for an extreme accent wall. Consider turning your wall into a living wall by filling every nook and cranny with plants for a verdant, vivacious living space.

Install paneling or molding.

Wall paneling doesn’t have to mean outdated fake wood. You can get creative with this option and install artificial molding, brickwork, wainscoting, and more to give your wall immediate character. This is also a cheap, simple, and impermanent option if you’re renting your current space or looking to move in the near future.

Divide the room with a curtain or a folding screen.

Turn one big room into two distinct spaces. Hanging a curtain or folding screen partway down the room is an elegant and artistic way to create multiple distinct spaces in your room without building a literal wall. And unlike a wall, a curtain or screen can be folded back to make the room expansive again when you need the space. Consider different materials to match the desired aesthetic of the room: a transparent lacy or gauzy curtain will give the room a lighter feel, while a heavy velvet curtain will add more drama and privacy between the two spaces.

Install a fake wall.

Create another room entirely with a temporary wall. While you can utilize wall decor to manipulate the illusion of space, a temporary wall lets you manipulate the space itself! You can build a temporary wall to turn a corner of an oversized living room into an office, a closet, or a child’s room—and to create a cozier living room in the process. Temporary walls are also a great option if you don’t own your living space—or if you just aren’t ready to commit to a real wall.

Install a half-wall.

A half-wall is a good compromise between a full wall and a curtain. A half-wall not only segregates one part of the room—say, an office area or a lounge—from the rest; it can add a lot of extra charm to an otherwise unremarkable space.