Bare walls are a vibe killer. While there is something to be said for being minimalistic, there isn’t much to be said for a place that lacks personality. But if you have a taste for the finer things in life, getting high-end art can be a challenge. That is, unless you invest in this super simple hack.
DIYer Beccy Hayward came up with the perfect affordable solution when her living room walls were looking a little bare. The space above her couch needed a little something, and she added it with the most creative solution. Her secret? Free wallpaper samples.
As silly as it sounds, there are tons of free samples at decor stores that you can take and frame. All she did was choose a larger frame and pop them in. To give it a little more class and opulence, she added an art light above them. The final result looked like something that popped out of Architectural Digest, and left followers nearly speechless in the comments.
“Omg this is so smart. I’m literally stealing this idea. Thank you,” wrote one enthusiastic follower.
Ways to Personalize the Look
Hayward went for a more abstract art look, but there are tons of ways to take it. If you love a more maximalist look, choose a dark green or textured wallpaper. If you’re more into a cottagecore vibe, choose something that resembles a china pattern.
Related: How to Source Affordable, Stylish, Quality Art for Your Home
And don’t be afraid to play with the frame too. Going with a variety of materials like wood or solid black can totally change the look. You could even add matting to make it look more polished. The point is, looking high-end doesn’t have to kill your budget.
This story was originally reported by Parade Home & Garden on Sep 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade Home & Garden as a Preferred Source by clicking here.