Small wall decor: ideas for empty walls and small corners
Not every empty wall calls for a large painting or a striking wall mirror. It is precisely with small wall decor that you can add more color and personality to a forgotten corner, a narrow wall, or the space above a small cabinet.
In this guide, you will discover how to use small art, mirrors, prints, and unique objects to turn an empty spot into a playful composition. Without making the space feel busy or cluttered.
Small wall decor in a nutshell
- Use small decor on narrow walls and forgotten spots.
- Choose one object as an accent or combine several small items.
- Repeat colors or shapes to bring tranquility to the composition.
- Combine prints, small mirrors, and three-dimensional objects.
- Leave enough space around each item.
Why choose small wall decor?
Large wall decor immediately draws attention, but it does not fit every wall. In a narrow hallway, a niche, above a desk, or next to a cabinet, a large object can quickly feel too heavy.
Small wall decor adds color and character without taking over the entire room. Moreover, it is easier to move things around, combine pieces, and add new objects later on.
Think of the wall as a graphic composition: it’s not just the object itself that counts, but also the empty space around it.
1. Give a forgotten corner one striking accent
A small empty spot often only needs one special object.
Think of the space above a nightstand, next to a door, between two windows, or above a narrow shelf. Choose a shape or color that contrasts with the wall, so that the object remains clearly visible despite its small size.
Wearable Wall Art is perfect for this: a small reflective art object that you hang on the wall and can also wear on your clothing with the Magnetic Brooch Cover.
How does Wearable Wall Art work? →
2. Hang a small mirror above a cabinet or desk
A small mirror not only adds shape and color but also captures light and reflection.
Hang it above a dresser, desk, wall shelf, or side table. This connects the objects on the furniture with the empty wall above.
Choose a unique graphic shape instead of a standard rectangle. That way, the mirror also functions as a small art object.
View small mirrors →Small does not mean inconspicuous
A clear color contrast, a reflective material, or an unexpected shape can give a small object just as much character as a large work of art.
3. Create a mini gallery wall
You don't need a huge empty wall for a gallery wall. With three to five small objects, you can create a playful mini gallery wall.
Combine, for example, a small print with a reflective object, a photo, and a unique shape. Repeat a color from one item in another, so the individual pieces belong together.
Lay out the composition on the floor first or trace the shapes on paper. This allows you to try different arrangements before attaching anything to the wall.
Read the gallery wall guide →
4. Utilize a narrow wall with a vertical composition
A narrow strip of wall next to a cabinet, window, or door is easily forgotten.
Hang two or three small objects one above the other, keeping roughly the same distance between the shapes. This emphasizes the height of the space and creates a calm rhythm.
The objects don't have to be identical. A combination feels cohesive when you repeat a color, material, or shape.
5. Combine small and large wall decor
Small wall decor doesn't always have to stand alone. Use small objects to give a larger mirror, print, or other piece of art more balance.
Place a small object slightly above or below the side of a large item, rather than exactly next to the middle. That makes the composition less static and adds movement.
Within the Studio collection, you will find larger designer mirrors that you can combine with small mirrors and Wearable Wall Art.
View Studio Mirrors →
How do you prevent small wall decor from looking lost?
- Choose the right spot: use a small wall or a clear zone above a piece of furniture.
- Work with contrast: let color, shine, or shape stand out against the background.
- Make a cluster: combine several small items when one object feels too lonely.
- Leave breathing room: give each object enough space to remain visible.
- Repeat something: let a color, shape, or material recur in multiple places.
Unsure about the composition? Take a photo of the wall and place the different shapes digitally or with paper templates first. This will help you quickly see which arrangement feels right.
Frequently asked questions about small wall decor
What do you hang on a small wall?
Choose a small mirror, print, photo, wall object, or a combination of a few small items. Adjust the size to the available wall and leave enough empty space around the decor.
How big should wall decor above a cabinet be?
The decor doesn't need to fill the entire width of the furniture. One small object works well when it is clearly connected to the cabinet. If you want more volume, combine several small shapes into one composition.
How do you combine different types of wall decor?
Choose one connecting element, such as a recurring color, graphic shape, or material. Then combine, for example, a print with a mirror and a three-dimensional object.
Is Wearable Wall Art suitable as small wall decor?
Yes. Wearable Wall Art consists of small reflective art objects that you attach to the wall with the included wall plate. With the separately available Magnetic Brooch Cover, you can also wear the same design on your clothing.
How do you make a small gallery wall?
Start with three to five items in different sizes. Lay the composition on the floor first, choose one clear eye-catcher, and build around it with smaller objects.
Give that empty corner more personality
Discover small reflective art objects and colorful mirrors for walls that could use some extra character.