This remodel inspiration by room walkthrough stays in the order the work happens.
Looking for creative interior wall painting options? We’ve got over 100 painting options for walls, whether you’re looking for a direct wall painting option or a colorful painted wall mural option.
You’ll also want to look at our best painting tips and tricks, plus how to smooth walls and remove the texture.
100+ Creative Wall Painting options
So you want a new look for a room, but your modest-cost is limited to paint?
We’ve got oodles of creative painting options so you can get right to painting designs on your walls.
Some of these wall painting designs are a little on the wild and crazy colorful side — but so cool!
You’ll also like: 25 Handmade Wainscoting Styles for Every Room
These wall paint design options may not be right for every single room in your house (and in fact, I would use these options sparingly so you don’t get overloaded) but there are definitely some great options for using paint on your walls… so here you go!
The great thing about many of these interior painting options is, if you have a decent base color a lot of these options can be accomplished with just a pint or I daresay a sample sized paint purchase on top of that original paint color, so that is pretty modest-cost friendly.Some of these options might be wallpaper or some other type of surface, but I think the option could be done in paint which is why I shared those images. Enjoy!
pick the right color with our go-to wall paint colors here.WALL PAINTING options BY STYLE:
page 1: striped and wavy walls
page 2: ombre/colorwash/colorblock walls
page 3: stenciled walls and faux wallpaper
page 4: faux painted molding
page 5: murals and artsy walls
page 6: patterned and geometric walls
page 7: chalkboard and typography accent wall options
page 8: ceilings
direct Wall Painting options for Striped Walls
Grab your painter’s tape and get started! Stripes offer a classic look that adds interest instantly.
Go bold with high contrast colors or more subtle with variations on the same color with stripes in straight lines.
Stripes can be painted horizontal or vertical, in a chevron stripe pattern, or combine them all!
Add organic lines to make stripes into waves or hand-drawn strokes instead of straight stripes.
direct Striped Wall Paint Designs
Subtle stripes like this living room wall give visual interest without overwhelming the calm piano room.
The striped wall above is actually a 3D wall treatment, with the wall painted the light green color and the overlaid thin boards painted the same white as the baseboards — such a cool option!
Rainbow stripes are a fun addition for a dining room or breakfast nook — and a great sample paint project!
These thin rainbow stripes are technically washi tape, but could also be done with paint and painter’s tape.
These rainbow stripes were painted on tongue and groove boards before installing for a Handmade rainbow shiplap wall, but the same paint colors listed could be used for regular stripes or a rainbow accent wall.
A wide horizontal striped painted wall is a great option for a large or wide wall since it takes up visual space — so you don’t need as much wall decor.
Multi-color ombre stripes in red and orange is a great way to liven up a tall wall like this.
24 More options to Decorate Tall Walls
This dining room is stunningly striking! I love the ombre stripes, and calming wall colors (plus a fun pop or coral red)! Featured here on Bekob with a walkthrough by House for Five.
Love the vertical stripes in this teen boy bedroom!
This great striped nursery wall painting option would work from baby to teen!
Carrying the stripes to the ceiling is so pleasing to the eye and can make the room feel larger.
In another striped wall and ceiling example, this creative wall painting option unites the 2 beds in this shared kids bedroom.
These contrasting colors make the room lively and match the bedding.
Stripes don’t need to be parallel! This large criss-cross stripe mural in black and white is a bold wall statement in this breakfast nook dining area.
And speaking of bold stripes — if you love bold color, look at this bold green striped wall by Banyan Bridges, with vertical, horizontal, and diagonal stripes!
The direct horizontal stripe in these next few rooms can be done in different ways but looks great. And is clearly straightforward!
Just one direct stripe of an accent color!
Wavy Stripe Wall Paint Designs
What about these great wavy stripes as a fun way to decorate a stair wall!
These wavy stripes are more naturally shaped and in earthy colors, almost like a mountain topography map.
Try a freehand stripe for a direct wall painting option!
Chevron Stripe Wall Paint Designs
I love the tone on tone chevron stripe in this bedroom above that we saw at a local home show.
If you like chevron stripes, you must try this walkthrough featured at Bekob by A Commoner’s Castle
Then of course this colorful pink, yellow, and blue chevron wall is great for a nursery!
Combine a few types of stripes with this mega bold black and white and all the colors striped wall by Banyan Bridges.
See more colorful wall painting options on the next page –>
IN THIS POST:
page 1: striped and wavy walls
page 2: ombre/colorwash/colorblock walls
page 3: stenciled walls and faux wallpaper
page 4: faux painted molding
page 5: murals and artsy walls
page 6: patterned and geometric walls
page 7: chalkboard and typography accent wall options
page 8: ceilings
If you are the owner of any of these images, please contact us — we’d love to add your photo credit!
Ombre or Color Washed Wall Painting options
When you’re painting or re-painting, add color and personality with an ombre, color wash, or color block painting technique in a room or on one wall.
- OMBRE means “shade” so an ombre painted wall features stripes (like shown here) or a gradient of 1-2 colors in continuous shades.
- A COLOR WASH wall looks like watercolor and uses either a wall glaze or thinned out wall paint to show more color variations than a solid opaque paint. (See our walkthrough for colorwashing wood stain here.)
- COLOR BLOCK is a technique where one section of a wall is painted a different color to highlight and make a focal point. This can make ceilings feel taller or rooms seem wider, and can also help hide vents or other items you don’t want to draw attention.
All of these creative Handmade wall painting techniques are straightforward for a DIYer and so visually interesting!
ALSO IN THIS POST:
page 1: striped and wavy walls
page 2: ombre/colorwash/colorblock walls
page 3: stenciled walls and faux wallpaper
page 4: faux painted molding
page 5: murals and artsy walls
page 6: patterned and geometric walls
page 7: chalkboard and typography accent wall options
page 8: ceilings
Color Wash & Ombre Wall Painting options
Use an ombre painted wall to add color in a variety of colors, or all the different shades of just one color.
Swoon, these water color stripes are to die for!
This blue vertical ombre wall is the icing on the cake in this relaxing all-blue room.
Ombre looks just as nice in a vertical painted pattern, too!
For a little girls room or nursery, a scalloped ombre wall is a darling wall painting option!
I would paint the bottom layer first and work my way up instead of how they did this, to make it a LOT easier!
If you’re artistic and brave, try a color fade partially painted wall.
For the girl in your life who loves to sparkle — add a GLITTER layer of paint to the walls!
Choose a glitter paint additive for your wall paint, or try this iridescent glitter paint that can go over any color you choose.
direct Color Block Wall Painting Design options
Use a painted block of color on one wall or around the room to add interest and color to any room.
This pink color block wall gives the look of tall wainscoting — but you can paint over it again at any time!
Love this large scale vertical stripe color blocking. It adds color without being busy.
This half wall color block is so interesting! Love how they painted the door too!
Color blocking a lower wall can be a great faux wainscoting trick, giving a lot the same visual break as installing board and batten, but with just a coat of paint.
See more creative wainscoting wall options.
Lauren combined the two wall options, continuing the visual of board and batten by continuing the green paint around the walls for this modern woodland baby boy nursery.
And this shared kids room features just a black paint wainscot. The room is vivid but so direct.
This subtle color block section ties together the 2 beds and helps balance the asymmetry from only one window in the wall. And so cute to have the music to a go-to song on the wall!
The direct painted frames on the wall give this room a lot of interest and I love how they frame the bed!
This large stripe with alternating blocks of color is a fun option for a kids room!
On the next page: stenciled walls and faux wallpaper –>
IN THIS POST:
page 1: striped and wavy walls
page 2: ombre/colorwash/colorblock walls
page 3: stenciled walls and faux wallpaper
page 4: faux painted molding
page 5: murals and artsy walls
page 6: patterned and geometric walls
page 7: chalkboard and typography accent wall options
page 8: ceilings
If you are the owner of any of these images, please contact us — we’d love to add your photo credit!
Wall Painting options for Stencils and Faux Wallpaper
Want a one-of-a-kind look? Use a stencil for painting your walls.
There are so many patterns to choose from or you can make your own.
Shop popular wall stencils on EtsyYou can also break out the painters tape and try a faux wallpaper design.
Feeling extra adventurous? Freehand the faux wallpaper design for a “painterly” handpainted design or stamp a faux wallpaper design.
Want real wallpaper instead of faux painting your own? See our go-to modern wallpaper designs here.
The hand-painted faux wallpaper options below will wow you!
OTHER WALL PAINTING options IN THIS POST:
page 1: striped and wavy walls
page 2: ombre/colorwash/colorblock walls
page 3: stenciled walls and faux wallpaper
page 4: faux painted molding
page 5: murals and artsy walls
page 6: patterned and geometric walls
page 7: chalkboard and typography accent wall options
page 8: ceilings
Herringbone Wall Painting options
This ikat herringbone wall is one of my go-to stencil projects that I have ever seen!
An straightforward to make happen painted herringbone wall, just a little bit of tape. The varied stripe widths with random stripes of different colors makes it extra fun.
A painterly hand-painted herringbone is a fun way to dress up a wall.
See how we stamped a similar chevron herringbone pattern here – so direct and so fast!
See more ways to paint a herringbone pattern using painter’s tape here.
Hand-Painted or Stenciled Wall Paint Design options
If you love the painted arch rainbow look, it’s so straightforward to paint yourself! See how at Vintage Revivals.
Painterly wallpapers can be done by hand, keep in mind perfection is not necessary (not ideal even!)…
See those colorful birds on the back wall of this laundry room?
Well, they are actually wallpaper, but could be done free hand or with a stencil pretty easily like these ones below, only in different bright colors!!
Love how this looks like wallpaper (above) but is actually painted on!
This guest room needed just a little something to make it pop. Just a bit of silver paint only $2.50 and a handmade stencil created a fun feature! Featured on Bekob here by House by Numbers
A full wall stencil might be more impact than you want to make — but a single vertical line of the stencil design (or a hand painted design) can add a luxe look in an afternoon.
We can’t all afford a brand new back splash… or can we? The faux subway tile back splash would be cool in your kitchen, laundry room or bathroom! Featured on Bekob here. by Sweet Parrish Place
For a more subtle stencilied wall look, use a paint color that is one shade different than the wall in a high gloss.
This handmade stencil looks great in this entry! See how you can do it yourself!
Stamped Wallpaper Painting Design options
If you’re not feeling artistic to hand paint a design on your walls, stamping a wallpaper design is another great option.
We used a bowl (yes, from the kitchen!) to hand-stamp this overlapping circle pattern in my daughter’s bedroom.
A basic kitchen sponge is great for making a watercolor style stamp, too. See how Allison stamped this moon wallpaper for her nursery.
A basic round foam brush makes a great straightforward painted wall pattern.
(Pair it with a laser level to keep the line straight.)
Use a larger foam dot brush for a larger hand-painted polka dot wall, like this adorable pink polka dot wall in a girls’ bedroom nook.
Or, get the same look using a watercolor polka dot wall decal!
This make be tile, but I think you can take the dot option from above a little further, try it to create a larger pattern instead of lines.
These squares and rectangles would be pretty straightforward to lay out and the finished design is strong!
I love this direct modern stencil border. It would make a great back splash in a kitchen, and you won’t believe what she used to create it…hint we all have one of these for free! Featured on Bekob right here. by House Tweaking
Abstract Faux Wallpaper Painting options
If you want a more organic feel to your faux wallpaper painting, grab a thick brush and paint abstract shapes or brushstrokes.
This brushstroke accent wall can be painted with a stencil — but all you need is a paintbrush and some time and patience!
See how Thalita painted this nursery wall in about an hour.
I love this abstract painted wallpaper option too!
Painting abstract shapes and lines is straightforward to do to make any wall a statement wall!
Hand Drawn Wallpaper Painted Designs
If you’ve got a little time and creativity, you can grab a sharpie paint pen and get to work on your walls!
See 15 memorable Handmade Sharpie Wall Designs.
You can freehand a design with a marker, or use a projector like the hand-drawn floral wall above.
Another great hand drawn wallpaper option! See more direct hand painting wall options here.
When you find a wallpaper that you love that is out of your modest-cost (or out of stock!) — you can just pick up a paint brush like Kelly Elko did and paint it yourself by hand (or try this lookalike round medallion stencil).
Faux Bois is a classic pattern! I love this free hand, large scale versions for this girl’s nook! Featured on Bekob here by Primitive and Proper
Speaking of Faux Bois, what about an entire wall done to look like rustic wood… LOVE!
Or try it in a non traditional color like this striking blue wood grain pattern!
All you need is one of these faux bois wood pattern stamping tools and a little know how — read our tips for a faux wood stamped floor here.
Related Reading: How to Make a Sharpie Faux Bois Carved Tree Design
A full wall of painted trees makes a fun but neutral statement (and would look great in a nursery or play room with our woodland animal printables, hint hint).
If animal print is your style, don’t limit yourself to rugs…. paint a large scale animal print wall mural!
Next page: faux painted molding options –>
IN THIS POST:
page 1: striped and wavy walls
page 2: ombre/colorwash/colorblock walls
page 3: stenciled walls and faux wallpaper
page 4: faux painted molding
page 5: murals and artsy walls
page 6: patterned and geometric walls
page 7: chalkboard and typography accent wall options
page 8: ceilings
If you are the owner of any of these images, please contact us — we’d love to add your photo credit!
Creative Wall Painting options: Faux Molding
Adding trim and molding is a great beginning DIYer project to add value to your home (learn how to get started here).
You can add similar architectural interest with just paint, though! A little trompe l’oeil painted illusion!
Replicate the layered look and visual depth of molding with these direct but effective (and modest-cost-friendly!) faux molding paint options below.
ADDITIONAL WALL PAINTING options THIS POST:
page 1: striped and wavy walls
page 2: ombre/colorwash/colorblock walls
page 3: stenciled walls and faux wallpaper
page 4: faux painted molding
page 5: murals and artsy walls
page 6: patterned and geometric walls
page 7: chalkboard and typography accent wall options
page 8: ceilings
In my daughter’s room I created faux molding panels with a little bit of left over paint! straightforward and effective!
Picture frame molding is classic and this hand painted version is a fun take on the style.
A keystone corner like this faux paneled wall could be easily taped off using painter’s tape.
Make a gallery wall really stand out with a painted “frame” around it.
Read our tips for hanging a gallery wall FAST + our go-to gallery wall options.
Extend a doorway and give it new flair with just paint!
This faux doorway trim is peaked for a vivid style, but you could just extend the paint beyond the normal door trim, too, to make it seem wider.
You can also use a colorblock section to create your own faux accent wall — right over and around door frames if needed!
See more colorblock wall options here.
More wall murals and artsy painted walls on the next page –>
IN THIS POST:
page 1: striped and wavy walls
page 2: ombre/colorwash/colorblock walls
page 3: stenciled walls and faux wallpaper
page 4: faux painted molding
page 5: murals and artsy walls
page 6: patterned and geometric walls
page 7: chalkboard and typography accent wall options
page 8: ceilings
If you are the owner of any of these images, please contact us — we’d love to add your photo credit!
Creative Murals & Artsy Painting options for Walls
If you want something more diverse than stripes, more organic than a stencil — try these Handmade painted murals and other artsy wall painting options.
OTHER CREATIVE PAINTING options IN THIS POST:
page 1: striped and wavy walls
page 2: ombre/colorwash/colorblock walls
page 3: stenciled walls and faux wallpaper
page 4: faux painted molding
page 5: murals and artsy walls
page 6: patterned and geometric walls
page 7: chalkboard and typography accent wall options
page 8: ceilings
Artsy Creative Wall Painting options
This room definitely has some heart! A large painted heart with just one creatively placed frame makes the small picture frame the focus of the room.
A large painted pattern (damask, in this case) draws attention to the head of the bed and also solves the problem of “what to hang over the headboard”.
Combine a textured paneled wall with a colorful modern graphic mural, like these gradient ombre rainbow arches!
Mural Wall Painting options
Painting a wall murals can be tricky and require a good artist’s eye.
But thankfully for all of us non-artists, there are some straightforward options and also full peel & stick wallpaper murals now, no painting needed!
Shop peel & stick wall murals on EtsyWhen you’re ready to pick up the paintbrush, here are some great painted wall mural options, too.
Liven up a bathroom or powder room with a Handmade rainbow stripe mural like this.
Love this graffiti wall in this basement workout room, from the UV Parade of Homes.
Use a drybrush paint technique with very little paint on the brush to achieve a brushstroke style mural like this direct but high impact floral accent wall.
Use the leftover baseboard and trim paint for a well fitted color match (and free!)
For a more defined chalkboard style look, use a paint pen on a dark wall for a vivid floral mural like this!
This adorable Handmade city skyline wall mural is a great feature for any superhero lover! Featured at Bekob here by Sugar Tot Designs
And for the girls bedroom, this city skyline silhouette mural is adorable.
I would buy the dark color and, for the second color, add some left over white paint.
For extra visual power — wrap a direct mural around a corner, like this direct wall painting rainbow. So cute for a kids bedroom!
Another great project that takes just a tiny bit of paint!
I love this modern mural in this bathroom, especially how the mirror and light overlap! Featured at Bekob here. by Hey Now, Whoa Now!
This girls bedroom colorful wall mural combines the wavy stripe options like this with a modern botanical and floral design. Perfection!
Any girl in your house love ponies?
I LOVE this pony wall mural! Featured on Bekob here. By The Yellow Cape Cod
This outline world map on a wall looks so great! See it featured on Bekob here by Burlap and Denim
See more hand drawn wallpaper wall options.
Another artistic mural that could be done with vinyl decals, or could be stenciled or hand painted. I love how the snowboarding wall art fits right in with the mountain wall mural.
These flowers were inspired by the bedding on her little girls bed, a great place to start! Featured on Bekob here. by Racks and Mooby
This nursery feature wall was also inspired by the decorative sheets they found. Featured on Bekob here.
clearly creative and graphic, this large scale paint by number wall is memorable!
Love this tree Mural! You could do with a Sharpie!
More Handmade sharpie art wall options here.
For a sports fan, a painted team logo mural is a great wall painting option for a bedroom, office, TV room or den.
Painting the logo (or a farmhouse design like this sign or this laundry room sign) on a brick wall just takes it to another level!
Learn how to install a faux brick wall/backsplash.
This modern bathroom’s trees are actually vinyl but just a little bit of the leftover paint from below and you could easily paint them on yourself! Featured on Bekob here. By The Handmade Diaries
A modern colorful mural that is fun inside or out.
This reminds me of my go-to elementary school art project!
This option would be cool, just use a stencil and white paint marker (or a sharpie on a light colored wall).
This fabulous modern pointillism style dot mural would be so striking done free hand!
Next up: wall painting options using patterns and geometric shapes –>
IN THIS POST:
page 1: striped and wavy walls
page 2: ombre/colorwash/colorblock walls
page 3: stenciled walls and faux wallpaper
page 4: faux painted molding
page 5: murals and artsy walls
page 6: patterned and geometric walls
page 7: chalkboard and typography accent wall options
page 8: ceilings
If you are the owner of any of these images, please contact us — we’d love to add your photo credit!
Wall Painting options: Repeated Pattern and Geometric Shapes on Walls
Repeated patterns and geometric shapes are in style and straightforward to Handmade!
That makes these geometric patterns a great option for wall paintings that are modern, bold, and done in a weekend.
MORE WALL PAINTING DESIGNS IN THIS POST:
page 1: striped and wavy walls
page 2: ombre/colorwash/colorblock walls
page 3: stenciled walls and faux wallpaper
page 4: faux painted molding
page 5: murals and artsy walls
page 6: patterned and geometric walls
page 7: chalkboard and typography accent wall options
page 8: ceilings
direct Pattern Wall Painting options: Herringbone
Herringbone is a classic style, and the direct geometric patterns can be painted on your walls using just painter’s tape.
A herringbone pattern looks great in a solid color like this deep navy blue wall in a nursery.
See more stamped and hand-painted herringbone wall options here.
Or, use a variety of neutral shades for a bold herringbone wall like this laundry room accent wall. Featured on Bekob here by Design Build Love
For a smaller artistic herringbone pattern like this, you’ll probably want to use a large wall stencil or our direct wall paint stamping technique instead of just painter’s tape.
To keep the hand-drawn style when using a stencil for herringbone: rather than rolling the paint on the stencil, use a small paint brush to paint the lines with the stencil providing a basic pattern to trace.
direct Pattern Wall Painting options: Polka Dots
For a kids’ bedroom, playroom, or another room where you want a fun and relaxed vibe — paint polka dots!
This is the classiest polka dot wall I’ve ever seen!
Paint or stencil allover polka dots in a high-gloss paint in the same color (or one shade different) as the wall color.
These colorful bubble circles are so fun for a living room or sitting area — a great way to decorate above the couch!
I really love that the overlapping colors combine to make the new color. It’s the little details!
There are also soooo many renter-friendly polka dot decals available if you want a patterned wall without painting.
See polka dot wall decal options and get more polka dot wall options here.
This large scale polka dot painted wall would be straightforward to Handmade using a couple of paint sample cans, or you can get large circle vinyl decals here and skip painting.
More circles, but these are spaced in a grid and left open in the center, a little more modern design!
direct Pattern Wall Painting options: Triangles
Triangles are a fun shape to mix up the square and rectangle surfaces of your home.
These multicolor triangle arrows bring a lot of life and pattern to this girls bedroom!
This multicolor triangle wall features about 8 different colors of equilateral (all the same size) triangles to fill the whole wall with rows of shapes.
A stencil makes this repeating triangle wall painting design straightforward — and I love how they painted a few triangles different colors!
More triangles, different spacing! This is another look that is so straightforward to put up (and take down later) by using triangle wall decals.
This basic half square triangle painted wall reminds me of a quilt!
Love the quilt as wallpaper option? look at these patchwork wallpaper designs!
direct Pattern Wall Painting options: Squares & Diamonds
It doesn’t get much direct than painting a square… but these square design wall painting options make a BIG impact!
If you’re a fan of farmhouse, a gingham plaid accent wall (or buffalo check, if you prefer) will look great!
This little girls bedroom is so darling with the bunny ear headboard and the coordinating buffalo check wall painting above the (faux) wainscoting.
A small pattern with a big impact: allover painted squares in metallic silver paint! Gives this small powder room a very high-end feeling.
Use painter’s tape to create this diamond argyle plaid pattern in several colors — fun for a kids’ playroom or bedroom!
This diamond pattern wall is another example of what you can do with washi tape on your walls — but it would be really straightforward to paint as well for longer durability.
A subtle pattern like this is a great wall painting option for a living room, and it looks great behind the mirrors in this vivid bathroom below, too!
This white diamond tile with black grout looks so good, and could easily be duplicated with paint for a low-cost painted accent wall or bathroom backplash.
How about a square grid made up of smaller squares? This high impact wallpaper option could be painted, stenciled, or stamped.
A black wall will always be high impact — this white grid makes it extra great!
This could be stamped, stenciled, or drawn on using sharpie paint pens.
See the best black paint colors and how to use black in your home decor.
Grab a wide foam brush and start painting your own faux brick wall!
Okay, this is a real brick wall but I think this look could be duplicated in paint by combining the painted subway tile backsplash technique with this faux aged brick painting technique.
Try it and let me know, eh?
direct Wall Painting Design options: Shapes
You can paint stripes and paint squares (above) — these other shapes look great and are straightforward wall painting options, too!
Hexagons and octagons are great geometric shapes to use in your decor and wall treatments.
Learn how to measure and tape a full wall of hexagons following this walkthrough here.
Keep a geometric stencil interesting by only filling in part of the wall, like this hexagon accent wall.
Get a hexagon stencil like this here.
For a large modern graphic wall design, these interlocking octagon rings are so fun!
I’ve seen geometric tape art like this but I LOVE the option of doing a wall! Random geometric shapes in a couple of colors, using just painter’s tape.
The opposite of the above… dark lines where the paint had been!!
Recreate this geometric wall panel pattern using the same painter’s tape technique, but use thinner tape to minimize the lines between.
look at our go-to decorative wall panels here.
This very large scale stencil of pink stars makes a big statement in this cute baby girls’ nursery.
For a truly starry outlook on your painted walls… stencil stars AND and moon!
I am so in love with this whole painted wall option by Honey Built Home. The dark blue color blocking on the top of the wall stenciled with stars and that huge moon in the corner — aah, I love it.
Combine the stenciled stars with some thick black and white stripes for a large painted flag wall mural.
This modern 3d style wallpaper reminds me of tetris!
We found the wallpaper here and a similar style stencil here.
Next page: chalkboard and typography walls –>
WALL PAINTING options IN THIS POST:
page 1: striped and wavy walls
page 2: ombre/colorwash/colorblock walls
page 3: stenciled walls and faux wallpaper
page 4: faux painted molding
page 5: murals and artsy walls
page 6: patterned and geometric walls
page 7: chalkboard and typography accent wall options
page 8: ceilings
If you are the owner of any of these images, please contact us — we’d love to add your photo credit!
Creative Painting options for Chalkboard & Typography Walls
If you want a creative wall painting option that you can easily adjust and change up — a chalkboard wall or dry erase whiteboard wall could be a fit for you!
For a personalized wall featuring a monogram letter, name, address, or more text or handwriting like a recipe or a book, try a typographic word wall option below!
MORE WALL PAINTING options IN THIS POST:
page 1: striped and wavy walls
page 2: ombre/colorwash/colorblock walls
page 3: stenciled walls and faux wallpaper
page 4: faux painted molding
page 5: murals and artsy walls
page 6: patterned and geometric walls
page 7: chalkboard and typography accent wall options
page 8: ceilings
Chalkboard Interior Wall Painting options
Chalkboard walls have been done for years, but the great thing is that they can keep being reinvented.
For less chalk dust mess and a longer lasting design, I would do this with chalk pens/markers.
The chalkboard wall in this teenage girls room features a hand drawn headboard and wainscoting — and a lampshade, haha! and I just noticed it’s a chalkboard floor, too!
See more bedrooms with “no headboard” design options.
Classic chalkboard wall, and think how you could share different uplifting quotes!… so fun! From the UV Parade of Homes 2013.
Love the different color of this chalkboard wall! A nice classic vintage green blackboard like a schoolroom.
Painted Dry Erase Walls
This bright green wall is a dry erase wall!
I love that you could do any color you like, and your go-to artist can create some great art!
For a dry erase wall, there are a few paint options, using whiteboard paint or a clear dry erase paint over your existing wall color.
Once you’ve smoothed out the wall texture, apply primer and then a dry erase paint like these (following the manufacturer instuctions):
- Rustoleum Dry Erase Paint, Clear
- Rustoleum White Gloss Dry Erase Paint
- Benjamin Moore Notable 2-Part Dry Erase Paint Kit
- ReMARKable Whiteboard Wall Paint Kit
- ReMARKable Dry Erase Clear Paint Kit
Typography & Handwritten Wall Painting options
Spell a word, use a house number, or put your family monogram letter on the wall with these direct text wall painting options.
Don’t have cash for art? Paint some on your wall!
Just print out a word of your choice, in a font you love, trace it on to the wall and fill it in with some paint!
You’ll also like: 60 options for Large Handmade Wall Art & Decor
Easiest option ever! Large scale letter art, direct and striking for a nursery or modern living room painting option.
It works with numbers too! Love the modern feel of the large scale numbers on these stairs!
If walls could talk… this one says HELLO for an entry, a cheerful greeting.
Love a particular chapter of a book, paint it onto a wall…
Handwritten script looks great on a wall, too!
Psst: This is actually fabric hung on the wall! It’s a great wallpaper alternative — see how Sara wallpapered her laundry room with fabric here.
And don’t forget that ceiling! options on the next page –>
IN THIS POST:
page 1: striped and wavy walls
page 2: ombre/colorwash/colorblock walls
page 3: stenciled walls and faux wallpaper
page 4: faux painted molding
page 5: murals and artsy walls
page 6: patterned and geometric walls
page 7: chalkboard and typography accent wall options
page 8: ceilings
If you are the owner of any of these images, please contact us — we’d love to add your photo credit!
Creative Ceiling options to Paint or Handmade
The often forgotten 5th wall, a painted ceiling can style a room so dramatically!
This collection includes both painted ceiling options and other options for DIYing a creative ceiling — because not all of us want to paint like Michaelangelo
WALL PAINTING options IN THIS POST:
page 1: striped and wavy walls
page 2: ombre/colorwash/colorblock walls
page 3: stenciled walls and faux wallpaper
page 4: faux painted molding
page 5: murals and artsy walls
page 6: patterned and geometric walls
page 7: chalkboard and typography accent wall options
page 8: ceilings
direct Ceiling Painting options
A basic coat of paint in an accent color can make your room seem larger, brighter, and more vibrant.
Not sure how to pick your home color scheme and accent colors? Get our guide to picking a home color palette.
A bright, unexpected color on the wall or ceiling might be just what your room needs!
Sarah Langtry wanted to keep her son’s bedroom sleek, direct and neutral, so painting the ceiling bright red brought in bold color without overwhelming the space.
Bringing the ceiling pattern or color down the walls a foot or so makes the ceiling seem taller, believe it or not!
An entryway, living room, or bedroom is a great place to paint the ceiling.
Another straightforward polka dot feature — on the ceiling!
Totally paintable, but also straightforward with polka dot wall decals.
See more chalkboard wall options here.
More Handmade Ceiling options
If you want to keep the ceiling more neutral but still add a little excitement, install some ceiling texture with beadboard, wood planks, shiplap, pallet wood, and more!
When our basement ceiling needed a cover up, we installed whitewashed knotty pine ceiling planks (and our new go-to low-clearance LED lights).
An inset or tray ceiling is a great place to paint or add interesting textures! See how Kim added this herringbone wood ceiling for FREE using pallet wood scraps.
Beadboard is a great option to add to a ceiling or to use as a drop ceiling in a basement.
For a high impact ceiling sure to turn heads, install a stained wood Handmade coffered ceiling!
IN THIS POST:
page 1: striped and wavy walls
page 2: ombre/colorwash/colorblock walls
page 3: stenciled walls and faux wallpaper
page 4: faux painted molding
page 5: murals and artsy walls
page 6: patterned and geometric walls
page 7: chalkboard and typography accent wall options
page 8: ceilings
What great interior painting options do you have?! Share them with us! I would love to include them in another round up! If you got any great options from this post please consider sharing it with us or pinning it! THANKS!
All pictures in this post are sourced where possible or were taken by myself at the local Parade of Homes. If you are the owner of any of these unknown source images, please contact us — we’d love to add your photo credit!
First published 22 July 2013. Last updated 19 Apr 2022.
Some original source links have been removed due to the blog shutting down.
