How To Dress That Naked Wall:  Top Ten
Decorative Wall Accents
Author: Kimberly Lawn

We all have it. That bare spot. It feels naked, almost
vulnerable. It simply must be covered to make a room complete,
but with what?

You've picked the furniture, the carpets, even the window
treatments – but what to do with that glaring, empty wall space?


Here's my list of the Top Ten decorative accents for your
walls:

1. Hand-touched Giclee Print on Canvas – OK, it's not an
original artwork, but it looks pretty darn close and is much
more affordable. With the quality of giclee reproduction coupled
with the texture of canvas and the added texture provided by
hand-embellished oil paint, only you and your wallet will know
the difference. With gallery-wrapped options, no frame is
needed, and say goodbye to the glare you get from glass-encased
prints.

2. Memo or Chalkboard – Make that accent functional as well as
decorative. For busy families on the go, a message board is an
indispensable way to remember those little errands. Choices
include magnetic chalkboards with unique magnets, ornate wood or
decorative metal framed corkboards with funky pushpins, or memo
boards coupled with art prints.

3. Decorative Ironwork – A unique wall hanging, it will not
compete with colors, patterns and textures in the room like a
painting might. Iron finishes can range from rustic and antique
to shiny and new, depending on how you want to complement the
rest of the elements in the room.

4. Uniquely framed antique glass mirror – I love the look of
smoky antiqued styles, they are mirrors without being mirrors,
if you know what I mean. They add reflected light and help to
visually enlarge a room.

5. Candle Sconce – Add a little romantic light and instant
ambiance without paying an electrician to rewire. Wrap cascading
bead garland around the base of your candle to really dress it
up.

6. Wall Planter – You don't need a green thumb to bring a
"natural" feel to a room. Some realistic faux trailing ivy or a
bunch of artificial hydrangea flowers will do wonders, and only
you will know the truth.

7. Shadow Box Displays – Show off a few prized possessions or
treasured mementos to personalize your décor. Use your
imagination, and the possibilities are endless. And you can't be
any more unique – your art will be one of a kind.

8. Reproduction Antique Clock – Make a timely statement with an
interesting and functional wall clock. Styles reminiscent of
vintage establishments and cities around the world suggest they
were plucked off the wall of a century-old café.

9. Coat & Hat Hooks – Face it, coats never make it into the
closet when you first get home, so cut to the chase and hang
some great hooks so you can at least get them off the backs of
your chairs.

10. Photograph Collection – My personal favorite, and a
guaranteed show stopper. Who can resist stopping to gaze at your
best shots? For a really impactful display, unify the group with
one consistent element, such as similar frames, the same color
mats, the same size or all black and white images.

Each situation is different, so take note of what you already
have and how big an area you have to work with while you
consider the suggestions above.  Although some options are
obviously not suited to some rooms, try to visualize the space
with one or more accents and run with your favorite choice.

Don't just leave that empty wall hanging! Dress it stylishly
and you will give your room the finished look it deserves, and
yourself an elegantly decorated room you can be proud of.


About The Author: Kimberly Lawn is the founder of
http://greatroomsdecor.com -- a unique online store featuring
distinctive accents, furniture, art and gifts for the
well-appointed home, specializing in furniture-style bath
vanities.