Blank walls are a canvas of opportunity, but a full-scale renovation or expensive wallpaper isn’t always in the cards. The good news? You don’t need a hefty budget to give your walls a dramatic and stylish update. With a little creativity and some DIY spirit, you can achieve a high-end look for a fraction of the cost.
Credits: @onwall.it
From timeless textures to bold, modern statements, here are our favorite cheap wall covering ideas to revitalize any room in your home.
1. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Why it’s a great cheap option: While traditional wallpaper can be pricey and require professional installation, the modern peel-and-stick alternative is a budget-friendly game-changer. It’s perfect for renters and DIY novices, as it’s easy to apply and, more importantly, easy to remove without damaging the walls. You can use it to create a stunning accent wall in a bedroom or living room, which requires far less material than covering an entire room.
Credits: @malermester_naesvik
Pro Tip: Look for sales from online retailers and always order a sample first to test the color and texture in your space’s lighting.
2. Reclaimed Wood or Shiplap Accents
Why it’s a great cheap option: You don’t need to cover an entire wall to make an impact. Sourcing reclaimed wood from pallets, old barns, or even construction sites can be incredibly inexpensive. Installing a shiplap or wood plank accent wall on a single focal wall—like behind your bed or sofa—adds immense character and warmth. This approach is a cornerstone of many Modern Cottagecore Ideas and farmhouse styles.
Pro Tip: For a clean, uniform look, you can achieve a similar effect with new, primed Shiplap Ceiling panels applied to the wall.
3. Paintable Wall Paneling
Why it’s a great cheap option: For a fraction of the cost of real wood paneling, you can use materials like beadboard, MDF, or even simple wood trim to create custom looks. Paintable wall paneling kits are available at most home improvement stores and can be installed with basic tools. This is an excellent way to add architectural interest to a plain room. For a full breakdown of options, check out our Wall Paneling Ideas guide.
Pro Tip: Create a sophisticated wainscoting effect by installing beadboard on the lower half of your wall and painting the top a complementary color.
4. Creative Paint Techniques
Why it’s a great cheap option: A can of paint is still one of the most affordable ways to transform a space. Go beyond a simple solid color with these creative techniques:
- An Accent Wall: The simplest way to add drama. Choose the wall with a natural focal point, like a fireplace or behind your bed.
- Stripes or Patterns: Use painter’s tape to create crisp vertical or horizontal stripes. Varying the widths can make the room feel taller or wider.
Credits: leejofa
- Sponging or Rag-Rolling: These classic techniques add subtle texture and depth for a sophisticated, aged look.
5. Fabric Wall Coverings
Why it’s a great cheap option: If you find a fabric you love on the clearance rack or have leftover curtains, you can use it to cover a wall. Fabric can be stretched over canvas frames for a modern art installation or attached directly to the wall using liquid starch. The starch method is non-permanent, making it ideal for renters.
Pro Tip: Linen, cotton, and other lightweight fabrics work best. This method also has the added benefit of softening room acoustics.
6. Removable Wall Decals & Murals
Why it’s a great cheap option: Wall decals are the perfect solution for adding art, patterns, or even faux architectural details without the commitment. You can find everything from geometric patterns and nature scenes to quotes and faux Wood Beams on Ceiling effects. They are easy to apply and peel off cleanly when you’re ready for a change.
7. Stenciling
Why it’s a great cheap option: Stencils offer the custom look of wallpaper for the price of a pot of paint. With a huge variety of designs available—from Moroccan trellis to floral patterns—you can create a truly unique feature wall. It does require patience and a steady hand, but the result is a high-impact, personalized space.
8. Plywood Panels
Why it’s a great cheap option: As we discussed in Why Plywood Walls are the Ultimate Design Flex, plywood is an incredibly versatile and affordable material. Large, thin plywood sheets can be stained, painted, or sealed to show off their natural grain, then installed to create a warm, modern, and textural wall covering.
Pro Tip: For a truly custom look, have the plywood cut into different-sized panels and arrange them in a geometric pattern.
9. Gallery Wall
Why it’s a great cheap option: Your walls don’t need a “covering” in the traditional sense—they can be a display for your life and memories. A Gallery Wall Living Room arrangement is a fantastic way to fill a large, empty wall. Use a mix of thrifted frames, personal photos, kids’ artwork, and mirrors to create a collected, personal look that tells a story.
10. Wall-Mounted Plates or Baskets
Why it’s a great cheap option: Look to your local thrift store or your own cabinets for decorative items that can double as wall art. A collection of vintage plates, woven baskets, or even antique kitchen tools can be arranged into a beautiful, three-dimensional display that adds color, texture, and personality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the cheapest way to cover a damaged wall?
For walls with minor cracks or imperfections, a textured paint or a simple stucco-style roller can help hide flaws. For more significant damage, the most cost-effective solution is often to cover it with a material that adds its own texture, like a shiplap accent wall, large-format fabric, or strategically placed Gallery Wall Living Room art.
2. Are peel-and-stick wallpapers truly removable?
Yes, high-quality peel-and-stick wallpapers are designed to be removable. The key is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, ensuring your wall is clean, smooth, and dry before application. When it’s time to remove, slowly peel from a corner at a 45-degree angle. They are ideal for renters, but it’s always a good idea to test a small area first.
3. Can I use these ideas in a rental home?
Absolutely! Many of these ideas are perfect for renters. Peel-and-stick wallpaper, fabric applied with starch, removable decals, and gallery walls are all non-destructive options that won’t risk your security deposit. Always check with your landlord if you’re unsure.
4. What’s the best wall covering for a bathroom or kitchen?
In high-moisture areas, durability is key. While peel-and-stick wallpaper made for bathrooms is an option, more permanent and moisture-resistant solutions include:
Beadboard Wainscoting: Protects the lower half of the wall from splashes.
Water-Resistant Shiplap: Perfect for creating a cozy, cottage feel.
Painted Tile-Backer Board: An inexpensive substrate that can be painted and handles moisture well.
High-Gloss Paint: Easy to wipe down and reflects light beautifully.
Conclusion
Transforming your space doesn’t require a massive budget or professional skills—it just requires a bit of creativity and the courage to experiment. As we’ve seen, from the timeless charm of a fresh coat of paint to the modern flair of removable wallpaper, the rustic texture of wood pallets, or the personal touch of a fabric or photo gallery, the possibilities for affordable wall makeovers are truly endless.
The true beauty of these budget-friendly ideas lies not just in their cost, but in the opportunity they provide to infuse your personality into your home. Don’t be afraid to mix and match techniques or to start with a single accent wall. Your home is a canvas, and these ideas are your starter palette.
So, look at that blank wall not as a challenge, but as an opportunity. Pick the idea that best speaks to your style, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a space you love without stretching your wallet. Your stunning, budget-friendly feature wall is waiting to be discovered.
