Rooms with high ceilings can look gorgeous, but they also present some unique decorating challenges.
Those tall, empty walls can end up feeling cold and cavernous if you don’t give them the right treatment.
The trick is to draw the eye up and make the space feel warm and inviting.
With a little creativity and strategic decorating, you can transform your soaring ceilings from imposing to impressive.
Today let’s look at some creative ways to decorate tall walls in high ceiling rooms.
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Add Bold Wallpaper
One of the best ways to decorate a tall wall is with bold, eye-catching wallpaper.
A vibrant print or large-scale pattern will help anchor the wall and make it feel like a purposeful design choice versus an empty expanse.
When dealing with a high ceiling, you want substantial wallpaper that can stand up to the height.
Choose a paper with a striking motif in bright, saturated hues.
Florals, geometrics and oversized damasks work especially well.
Keep the surrounding walls and trim neutral so as not to compete with your statement wall.
For example, you could do a dark charcoal grasscloth on three walls and then cover the tallest wall in a vibrant Chinoiserie print wallpaper in emerald, violet and gold.
The interplay between the textures and colors will be gorgeous.
You could also do a neutral wallpaper like gray cork on three walls and then a navy and white graphic ikat print on the tall wall.
The combination would be bold yet still livable.
Just remember to pick a substantial pattern that will scale up well.
Stay away from anything too petite or subtle—it will just get lost.
Display Massive Artwork
Another excellent way to decorate tall walls is by mounting massive pieces of artwork.
When you have a soaring wall, you need something bold and oversized to match the proportions.
Large-scale paintings, prints or photographs will help fill all that empty space in an impactful way.
Lean towards artwork with bright colors, visible brushstrokes or interesting textures so they pop even from a distance.
For the biggest visual impact, stick to just one or two sizable pieces on your tall wall versus a cluster of smaller art.
Some specific ideas would be to display an oversized abstract painting in bold colors like red, orange and purple.
The vibrant hues and dynamic brushwork will enliven the tall wall.
You could also do a grid of massive black and white photographs showcasing close-ups of natural textures like tree bark, feathers or sea shells.
The collection will feel cohesive yet each photo will draw you in from across the room.
Another option is a dramatic vertical panel print of a striking landscape like a mountain range or ocean vista.
The sweeping scale will be well-suited to the wall’s height.
Just be sure to pick artwork that feels proportional to the wall and makes a statement.
Add Architectural Interest
You can also introduce unique architectural elements on a tall wall to add visual intrigue.
Niches, arches, beams, molding or other built-ins will give the wall shape and depth.
Recessing part of the wall, adding shelves or constructing an arched niche provides architectural detail, breaking up the flat expanse.
You can also install heavy crown molding, ceiling beams or a chair rail to make the wall feel more customized.
For example, if you add a bank of recessed shelves on the tall wall, you can use them to display collections in an interesting way.
Stagger art and accessories up and down the shelves for lots of visual interest.
Or install two floor-to-ceiling columns on either side of the wall and then paint them a bold color like navy to accentuate their height.
You can even get creative with the wall shape itself—how about adding a rounded or octagonal recess behind the sofa?
The possibilities are endless for creating one-of-a-kind architecture.
Hang Floor-to-Ceiling Draperies
One of the easiest ways to decorate a very tall wall is by hanging floor-to-ceiling draperies.
The lush folds of luxurious fabric will soften the wall and immediately make the space feel warmer and more intimate.
Choose drapes made of a material with beautiful draping qualities like velvet, silk or brocade.
Go for substantial drapes lined in blackout lining so no light comes through.
Determine the perfect placement and width to maximize their scale.
You want the drapes to puddle elegantly on the floor and fully cover the wall.
Pick drapes in a dark, saturated hue like emerald or sapphire to contrast beautifully with the tall wall.
You can even embellish them by adding decorative trim or textural pleats.
Don’t skimp on quality curtain rods either.
Opt for wrought iron or brass rods with decorative finials to make a statement.
The draperies will frame the wall in sumptuous elegance and provide beautiful contrast.
At night, make sure to use dimmable wall sconces to illuminate the lush folds.
It will be gorgeous!
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Add Wallpaper or Trim “Insets”
For a more budget-friendly way to decorate a tall wall, try using wallpaper or trim to create “insets” on the wall.
This allows you to add interest through shape and texture without having to wallpaper the entire giant surface.
Simply measure out squares, rectangles or medallions on the wall and cover those portions with a striking wallpaper.
The insets will be eye-catching and give the wall some depth without requiring as much paper.
You can also frame out creative sections of the wall using architectural trim work.
Construct recessed niches, boxes or medallions using picture frame or crown molding.
Then paint or wallpaper those sections in a bold color so they recede or pop from the wall.
The contrast between the trim and the colorful insets will be dynamic.
For example, you could do a silver grasscloth wallpaper on the entire wall as a neutral background.
Then frame out two 8 foot tall by 4 foot wide rectangles evenly spaced on the wall using thick black trim.
Cover the inside of the rectangles in a vibrant blue and white trellis print.
The textures and colors will play beautifully against each other.
Get creative sketching the shapes and sizes of your “inset” feature areas.
Add Contrast with Color Blocking
Color blocking is another excellent trick for making a tall wall more interesting.
Simply painting the upper and lower halves of the wall in contrasting colors will give it natural visual divisions.
You can also paint the wall in wide horizontal stripes, essentially “banding” the wall with color.
Pick bold, contrasting shades that complement each other like navy and white, emerald and black or yellow and gray.
Keep the lines thick and clean instead of skinny stripes.
The color blocking effect will be subtle yet eye-catching.
It essentially cuts the tall wall into more manageable sections for the eye to take in.
Try doing the bottom half of the wall in a rich navy blue and the top half in crisp white.
You could also stripe the wall with glossy black and bold yellow.
The contrast will be striking but minimal enough for the room.
Just avoid pairing colors that are too similar in saturation—you want there to be enough contrast so the color blocking reads clearly.
Install Removable Wallpaper Panels
Here’s a clever idea for tall walls: use removable wallpaper panels to create a customizable feature wall.
These days you can find amazing removable wallpapers designed specifically for renters who can’t permanently decorate.
Use them to cover strategic sections of your tall wall with vibrant patterns, temporary color or trendy prints.
For example, cover the wall behind your credenza in a geometric or abstract print.
Or create a bold focal point behind the bed using a tropical print with palms and parrots.
You can switch up the papers whenever the mood strikes since they easily peel off.
Mix and match colors, patterns and themes.
Cover the bottom, top or middle third of the wall for a bold stripe effect.
Or make an oversized statement with a lemon print, floral vine print or abstract splatter design.
The possibilities are endless!
Display Collections in Grid Format
Turn your tall wall into a functional art display by arranging collections in a grid format.
Gather items like:
– Framed photos
– Framed artwork and prints
– Tapestries, quilts or textiles
– Mirrors
– Architectural or decorative corbels
– Wall shelves holding accessories
– Floating LED candles
Then, following your wall’s proportions, arrange these elements in a clean grid with even spacing.
You can do anywhere from 16 to 36 items total depending on the wall size.
Mix and match the shapes, colors and objects for lots of visual interest.
Keep a consistent 2-4 inch spacing between each item.
The final effect will be a salon-style display with great movement and dimensionality.
It allows you to beautifully highlight beloved items while decorating the wall.
Make sure to use display items with bright colors and striking shapes so they pop against the tall backdrop.
The orderly grid will keep it looking polished versus cluttered.
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Add Windows, Faux Windows or “Picture” Windows
Introducing windows or the illusion of windows is another great way to decorate an excessively tall, empty wall.
If possible, actually adding real windows along the upper portion of the wall helps let in natural light and makes the room feel more open and airy.
Skylights also help brighten a space and make the ceiling feel higher.
If you can’t add real windows or skylights, there are faux options too.
You can mount false window frames on the wall with transparent plexiglass in the center to mimic real windows.
Or, stretch semi-sheer fabric across a large picture frame to create a “scrim” effect.
LED rope lights around the edges will make it glow beautifully.
Another option is framing out picture box windows and filling them with wallpaper or acrylic panes.
The faux windows will add architectural detail and make the wall more interesting.
You can also frame large pieces of window-like imagery to suspend on the wall.
For example, frame ocean vistas, forest scenes or cityscapes in ornate, picture frame-like borders.
Cluster a few together in a stacked or staggered formation.
They’ll each act like a “window” onto that scene.
Try framing photos of openings like doorways, archways and tunnels too for a similar effect.
The trompe l’oeil windows or scenes will give the eye places to focusing on.
Install Wall Sconces Up and Down
Draw attention upward with the strategic placement of wall sconces.
Install matching sconces vertically up and down the tall wall every 6-8 feet.
Position them at average eye level in the lower half of the room.
Then place another matching set way up near the ceiling.
When lit, the sconces will help lead the eye up and emphasize the wall’s impressive height.
Choose narrow, elegant sconces in a coordinating finish like antiqued brass, polished nickel or oil rubbed bronze.
Opt for dimmable, adjustable sconces so you can control the ambiance.
Add crystal details to the sconces to make them sparkle and catch the light.
Place the lower sconces beside furnishings like flanking the sofa or bed.
Spotlight art or architectural details with the upper ones.
The result will be gorgeous pools of light scaling the tall wall from top to bottom.
Add Mirrors or Reflective Surfaces
Mirrors and other reflective surfaces are the perfect way to decorate tall walls because they visually double the space.
Place floor mirrors along the bottom portion or hang an oversized statement mirror in the center.
The reflection will make the room feel even larger.
You can also add mirrored wall panels, mirrored tile around a fireplace or mirrored cabinetry.
For example, if you hang a 6 foot x 4 foot rectangle mirror smack in the center of a 15 foot wall, it will beautifully reflect the rest of the space and furnishings.
The simple addition of mirrored furniture like a credenza or dresser also adds light and dimension.
Or tile the wall around the fireplace in mirrored tiles or metallic finishes.
Just be sure to decorate the surrounding areas since the reflective surfaces will amplify whatever is around them.
The mirror effects will make the tall wall and ceiling appear taller—it’s almost like magic!
Layer Lighting Sources
Layering multiple lighting sources is key to making a high ceiling room feel warm and inviting.
Relying solely on an overhead fixture can make the tall ceiling feel cold and tomb-like.
Instead, install recessed can lights, wall sconces, accent lighting and table and floor lamps.
Lighting the space from multiple angles casts a soft glow and draws the eye around the room.
Place recessed lights around the perimeter of the room and accent lights directed towards artwork or architectural details.
Use floor and table lamps beside furnishings like sofas, chairs and beds.
Try sculptural branched lamps for drama.
Make sure to include dimmers so you can control the ambiance from bright and energetic to cozy and relaxed.
The varied light sources will make the room feel inhabited and welcoming versus cavernous.
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Incorporate Hanging Decor
Hanging decor is a great way to decorate the vertical space of tall walls.
Suspended elements add height and make the room more dynamic.
Try hanging:
– Macrame wall hangings
– Paper lanterns or pendant lights
– Canopy curtains above the bed
– Floating shelves
– Suspended greenery like tillandsia
– Mobiles or kinetic sculptures
– Vertical fabric art panels
– Chains of beads, pom poms or tassels
Layer on three to five hanging elements of varying shapes, heights and textures for lots of visual interest.
Position them at different levels—some inches below the ceiling and others halfway down the wall.
You want to draw the eye up but not completely neglect the lower portion.
Choose lightweight materials like rattan, fabrics, paper and wire to keep the look airy.
The hanging decor will help fill the vertical space without cluttering up the room.
Decorating tall walls in high ceiling rooms presents some unique challenges.
But with smart decor choices and strategic arrangement, you can create a space that feels impressive rather than imposing.
By drawing the eye upward with eye-catching details, adding furnishings with height and layering in plenty of lighting, you can make a soaring room feel warm and inviting.
Use vivid colors, substantial materials and oversized artwork so visual elements pop instead of getting dwarfed.
The right touches turn cavernous into charming.
