4 Best Budget-Friendly Giant Wall Art Ideas

Are you looking for a place to save on your room project? Well, you've found it – Giant wall art offers fantastic savings! Dive into the world of DIY, explore thrifting, repurpose materials, and discover how to create stunning, expensive-looking, budget-friendly art. Ready to jump in? Here's 4 of the Best Budget-Friendly Giant Wall Art Ideas you'll find anywhere.

A Note About Size

Option 1: Giant Framed Art on a Budget

Option 2: Massively Affordable Abstract Art

Option 3: Cheaper than a Stretched Canvas

Option 4: Repurpose Like a Pro

Question + Answer

A Note About Size: The size of wall art is a critical aspect often overlooked in regular homes. Most off-the-rack art from Target or Home Goods tends to be too small for spaces like over sofas, beds, or on large empty walls. Wall art should be approximately 2/3 the size of the furniture it hangs above, or 2/3 the size of the entire wall if hanging on its own. For an 84” sofa, the art above should be around 55” wide. For gallery walls, go even a little bigger than the "2/3 rule."

Pick the Orientation: (square, vertical, landscape) is determined by the shape of the furniture the art is hanging above. If the dresser is wider than it is high, then you need landscape. If the art is hanging along on a wall, then mimic the proportions of the wall - is it square? square, is it taller than it is wide? vertical or portrait.

Option 1: Giant Framed Art on a Budget

Method: Thrift the frame + print downloadable art from a print shop

Thrift a giant frame (following the 2/3 rule to determine size), then remove the art and glass and give it a makeover with spray paint if you don't love the paint or finish.

Purchase a downloadable art print from Etsy (most under $10). Search the term "printable digital download art" in Etsy and add some additional descriptor words such as: horizontal or vertical orientation, moody, pastel, watercolor, New York City (whatever you're looking for). You can also purchase "bundles" or "gallery wall bundles" that offer a series of coordinated prints.

Print the art to the size of your frame (or slightly larger) at a local print shop. I live in central Texas and use FedEx. The large printers typically only print on thin paper, and this works well. You can glue or tape the print to the cardboard backing of the frame (or foam board) with rubber cement or another kind of adhesive that won't cause the paper to warp or bubble.

Remove the glass and create brush strokes with satin mod podge directly on the print, to create a brush stroke texture over the piece (test for bleeding first).

Voilà, your walls just became an art gallery of budget-friendly giant wall art brilliance!

Option 2: Massively Affordable Giant Abstract Art

Remember: Thrift a Giant Canvas and DIY Your Own Abstract Art

Thrift a giant canvas from a thrift store (following the 2/3 rule to determine size). The canvas doesn't need to be blank – see painting tips and consider priming first to avoid bleed through.

Find a few abstract art inspiration photos you love that don't look complicated to execute, and purchase latex paint samples from a hardware store in colors from your photos or in your room. I recommend bringing along fabrics from your room and having them color matched. We want to avoid primary or secondary "crayon box" colors here and go for colors that are more muted and sophisticated.

Paint over the canvas! If the existing colors are particularly dark, consider priming the canvas before painting. Now, use your $4 paint samples from the home improvement store, and channel your inner Picasso...

Who said art had to cost a fortune? These 4 budget friendly giant wall art ideas say otherwise.

Note: If you aren't artistic, consider bringing a friend along who is and can guide you. And spend more time on the color selection step than you plan to – my favorite pieces I've DIY-ed have been ones where the colors are interesting and complex. That seems to matter more in the overall room design than the actual artwork execution. I also suggest using knives and spreaders in addition to brushes to add different kinds of texture.

Option 3: Best Budget-Friendly Giant Wall Art Stretched Canvas

Method: Use the giant Bjorksta frames from IKEA to display a beautiful shower curtain

IKEA isn't just about meatballs and relationship-testing-assemble-it furniture. They have the best prices on giant (and I mean giant) frames.

Purchase a Bjorksta Frame from IKEA (following the 2/3 rule to determine size).

Find a shower curtain you love. Society 6 is a great place to start your shopping, and other websites have even better deals. I recommend natural shapes, abstract paintings, or irregular patterns – that won't look odd if pulled unevenly (and distorted a bit) in the frame. Realistic and highly recognizable shapes (think people or pets) are likely to always look slightly off because the fabric will pull some when it stretches in the frame.

Gently stretch the shower curtain in the IKEA frame (avoid distorting the image as much as possible).

Add shine and canvas-like texture with satin mod podge. Test a small spot for colorfastness before committing to the entire piece.

Option 4: Repurpose Like a Pro - 4 Best Budget Friendly Giant Wall Art Ideas

Method: Find something beautiful that doesn’t usually go on a wall and put it there.

Ultra-affordable large-scale wall art ideas:

Paneled room dividers, especially antique ones

Antique collections like tennis rackets or baskets

Rugs

Quilts

Wallpaper

Old headboards look great over sofas

Kids' artwork or old maps (use flat pushpins to "wallpaper" a section of your wall with it)

Hooks displaying jackets or hats or bow ties (doesn't have to be antique - anything in a large enough quantity will work)

For heavy items, try using monkey hooks and hanging wire. Maybe lean heavy items against the wall first if you’re a renter or want to be sure you love it before committing.

Most of these items will look great following the "2/3 rule" but you can also size up.

For rugs, try a few nails at the top, or buy specialty hanging hardware for wall tapestries and rugs if you think it looks like it's pulling.

Your space deserves a dash of uniqueness without breaking the bank.

Calling all home lovers (and strugglers)! What are the current design dilemmas in your home? I love helping busy folks find affordable ways to love their homes, and I’d love to answer your questions in the comments or a future post!

As we wrap up this round-up of budget-friendly wall art, remember – your space is a canvas waiting to tell your story. With a sprinkle of thriftiness and a dash of creativity, you can turn your home into a masterpiece that reflects your style, your vibe, and your budget.

xoxo, Your Thrifty Design Buddy Kelley

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What suggestions do you have for cheap décor in a bedroom?

Consider thrifting for a statement piece like a giant framed mirror or a unique headboard. Repurpose items like rugs as wall art or opt for a beautiful quilt to bring softness and character. For a touch of sophistication, try wallpapering a feature wall – a cost-effective and temporary solution for those who love to switch things up.

Where can I save money on my living room? 

Thrift giant frames, spray paint them for a fresh look, and print downloadable art from Etsy for a stunning, affordable gallery. Explore the beauty of abstract art by thrifting a giant canvas and channeling your inner artist with $4 paint samples. IKEA's giant frames can be a game-changer, especially when paired with a beautiful shower curtain stretched across – a unique and cost-effective alternative.

What can I do with $100 in my living room? 

Working with a tight budget? Fear not! With just $100, you can make a significant impact in your living room. Thrift a giant frame and download affordable art prints for a personalized touch. Alternatively, explore the world of abstract art by thrifting a canvas and using budget-friendly paint samples. Consider repurposing items like room dividers or rugs for a unique twist. Every dollar counts when you unleash your creativity and embrace the thrifty design spirit.

Inexpensive home décor ideas? 

You can make a huge difference with wall art sized correctly (it should be 2/3 the size of whatever it’s hanging over)! Giant framed art on a budget is a game-changer – thrift a frame, spray paint it, and print downloadable art for an affordable masterpiece. Dive into DIY abstract art by thrifting a canvas and experimenting with paint samples. Explore IKEA's budget-friendly frames, or repurpose items like room dividers, rugs, quilts, or even wallpaper for a touch of uniqueness without breaking the bank.

Where can I save on my renovation project?

Consider taking savings from finishing touches like wall art. Thrift for unique pieces like giant framed mirrors or room dividers to add character without the hefty price tag. Repurpose rugs as wall art or use wallpaper strategically to create feature pieces. IKEA's affordable frames paired with a stretched shower curtain can be a cost-effective gorgeous piece of art. Remember, the key to a successful renovation lies in embracing creativity, being flexible on the finishing touches, and making the most of your budget.