Adulting 101: Wall Decor Essentials And Tips for Your First Adult Apartment

Moving into your first adult apartment is a big step. It's a time to celebrate your independence and start creating a space that is uniquely your own. One of the most important things to consider when decorating your new home is wall art. There are so many options out there, that it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've put together this list of 11 wall decor items for any first adult apartment – read on to learn more!

Reproductions of famous paintings – surround yourself with classics

If you are not yet able to afford the real deal, reproductions are the next best thing. Reproductions of famous paintings are a great way how to add a touch of class to your new home. It is also an opportunity to learn more about famous artists and educate yourself on cultural topics. If you are someone who enjoys the cultural scene, this is definitely a wall decoration for you.

You can have a reproduction that looks perfectly like the original painted by someone very talented or you can have a printed reproduction. But you can also have fun with it and purchase a modern art piece that is inspired by a famous painting. That can be a 19th-century painting turned into a pop art piece or something with an element of a famous painting but enriched with other features. Whatever speaks to your heart.

Art from new artists – own an original piece

There are lots of talented young people who are just waiting for their discovery. You can usually find art from new artists at farmers' markets, craft fairs, or even online. Their art will be cheaper compared to popular artists’ work and you will get a chance to own an original piece. And you don’t know, maybe in the future exactly this artist will become popular and you will own their first original work of art.

That is also a chance to find something unique and modern that perfectly reflects you and your personality. Art is a great way how to express yourself, even if you are not the one creating it. For example, you can get a piece that represents your values, goals or just sparks joy. Art should be fun and enjoyable – choose what suits you and your home best!

Professional photography – prints that inspire

Another great way how to decorate your wall is by hanging beautiful photography. There are some amazing photographers out there and their pictures are more affordable than buying painted art. But don’t be fooled – photography is as valuable art as any other art form and will look very sophisticated and elegant on your walls.

In the matter of what to choose as your prints – it can be art photography of still life or something creative and abstract. Or it can be beautiful pictures of nature and people. Find images that speak to you, and frame them!

Gallery wall – express your personality

If you are looking for a more personal way to decorate your walls, consider making a gallery wall. This is when you put together a collection of different pieces – it can be art, photography, postcards, or anything else that you like. The great thing about gallery walls is that they are always unique and special because they are created by you.

When you create a gallery wall it is best to first make a mock-up with craft paper to see the layout of the pieces. Trace the frames and objects you have collected for the gallery wall and then add the paper to the wall to see how the gallery wall will look. When you are satisfied with the layout put the real artwork up!

Accent wall – make the room pop

An accent wall is a great way to make a statement in your new home. It can be done by painting one of the walls in a different color than the rest or by hanging wallpaper. If you choose the wallpaper you can either use regular or stick and peel wallpaper – both will look great.

If you go for a wallpaper option, there are lots of prints to choose from. Floral and nature-inspired prints are really trendy right now as well as tropical designs. Geometric shapes and color blocking also will look good on a wall. It all depends on your personal preferences, the interior of the room, and the rest of the decor.

An accent wall will look great in any room and will give it an interesting twist. The room will look more fashionable and thought of, especially if the wallpaper print matches with other interior elements, for example, by having the same color palette. And if you choose stick and peel wallpaper option, you can even exchange the wallpaper every season or have a yearly theme – it is an easy way how to make a big impact in the room, but don’t spend much resources and effort on creating it.

Mirrors – brighten and widen the room

Another great way to decorate your walls is by hanging mirrors. Mirrors are not only a stylish decoration but they also help brighten and widen the room. If you have a small space, mirrors will be useful to make it look bigger, and if you have a dark room, mirrors will help you bring in more light.

There are all sorts of different mirrors you can choose from – big or small, round or square, oddly shaped, with or without a frame. It all depends on your personal preference and the style of your home. You can even get creative and make your own mirror frame!

Macramé wall art – for a boho touch

If you are looking for something unique and special, consider macramé wall art. Macramé is a form of textile made by knotting threads or cords in patterns. It became popular in the 1970s and it is making a comeback now.

The macramé wall art will add a beautiful bohemian touch to any room. It is a great way to add texture and interest to your walls. And the best part is that it is very easy to make yourself! There are lots of tutorials online on how to make macramé wall art. You can even find kits that come with all the materials you need. Macramé is a great way to add a personal touch to your home and make it truly unique.

Calendar – stay organized

A calendar is a must-have in any adult home. It is a great way how to stay organized and keep track of important dates. A wall calendar can also be good home decor. You can find all sorts of different designs – from simple and minimalistic to colorful and fun. The calendar can be artistically made or have a more classical look. It can be a paper one or a blackboard/whiteboard one where you can add your personal comments and events. There are also lots of different sizes to choose from.

Whiteboard, chalkboard, or corkboard – for a functional wall

If you are looking for functional wall decoration, consider a whiteboard, chalkboard, or corkboard. These are all great ways to keep track of important notes, reminders, and to-do lists. They are also great for displaying photos, artwork, and other things you want to keep up on your wall.

It is traditional to hang these boards in the kitchen area or office corner, but you can get creative with it and hang them in the hallway or even the bathroom. They can serve as a functional decor or they can be a place where, for example, guests can leave messages or you can write yourself an inspirational note.

Hat display – for a fun and unique wall decoration

Hat display is a fun and distinctive method to decorate your walls. This is a great way to show off your personality and style. You can use it to display your collection of hats or just your favorite ones. You can even use these hats just as art if you are not a hat-wearing enthusiast.

Hat display can work with different home decor styles, you just need to find corresponding hats. For a boho room go for straw hats; for an eclectic style – all sorts of historic hats will be great; for a travel-inspired interior – hats from different cultures will look fabulous, even for a modern, minimalistic interior look you can find a classic hat that will suit that style.

A map – for travel enthusiasts

Maps are a great way to add an interesting and unique element to your wall that reflects your personality. You can use them to track your travels, display the places you have been to, use as an inspiration for your next trip, or just hang as decoration. There are all sorts of different maps you can choose from – world maps, country maps, city maps, metro maps, antique maps, etc. The map can be made of paper, wood, or plastic – the material choice gives you interesting opportunities on how to decorate your walls.

A fun way how to use a map as a wall decoration is to have a print of the city or area you are living in and make markings in your favorite spots. For example, your favorite coffee shop, the best place to have lunch, the spot where you like to chill out, or your favorite party place. The map can be artistic and not necessarily accurate.