How to Decorate 10-Foot Walls

How to decorate 10-foot walls with bold art, dramatic lighting, shelves, and greenery to create a stylish space that’s anything but boring!

You’ve got 10-foot walls, huh? Fancy. I bet you probably feeling a little smug about all that vertical real estate… Until, of course, you realize those giant blank spaces are basically laughing at you.

I mean, what do you even do with all that height? Paint it all one color and hope for the best? Slap a random poster up there and call it art? Nah. That’s not you.

You want a space that looks like it belongs in a magazine (but not one of those minimalist ones that make you wonder if anyone actually lives there). You want cozy, stylish, and maybe even a little show-off-y, but in a “look what I casually threw together” kinda way.

I got you. Decorating tall walls doesn’t have to feel like scaling Mount Everest. With the right mix of tricks, you’ll turn that blank slate into something that makes people gasp (the good kind, not the “what is that?” kind). Let’s break it down.

Hang Art Like You Mean It

Okay, first things first: skip the tiny art piece hanging awkwardly in the middle of the wall like it got lost. Big walls need big energy kind of art. Think oversized canvases, massive framed prints, or even a gallery wall that goes all the way up.

And hey, if you’re not into traditional art, don’t panic. Go for something unexpected—like a vintage rug hung as a tapestry or a bold, funky mirror. Just keep the scale in mind. If you’re hanging multiple pieces, don’t space them out like they’re social distancing. Cluster them together and let them make a statement.

Real talk: I once hung a tiny picture on a big wall because it was “all I had,” and it looked so sad, like it was begging for company. Don’t be me.

Shelves, Shelves, and More Shelves

Tall walls are screaming for shelves. No, not those dinky little floating ones that can barely hold a candle. I’m talking dramatic, floor-to-ceiling shelving that says, “I read books sometimes, and also, check out my plants.”

You can go the built-in route if you’re feeling fancy, but even a well-styled ladder shelf or two can do the trick. The key? Mix it up. Books, baskets, plants, art objects… you want your shelves to feel collected, not like you raided the clearance section at a home goods store.

And don’t fill every shelf to the brim. Leave some breathing room. Negative space is your friend.

Add Drama with Paint or Wallpaper

Let’s get bold, shall we? Nothing transforms a big, blank wall faster than a killer paint job or wallpaper that slaps.

A deep, moody color (navy, emerald, charcoal) can make a tall wall feel grounded and less intimidating. Or go wild! Try patterned wallpaper like florals, geometrics, stripes, or whatever gets your heart racing.

Not ready to commit? Try something like peel-and-stick option. Best part? If you hate it, no biggie. Peel it off and pretend it never happened.

Here’s the thing, though: don’t just paint the bottom half of the wall. I’ve seen people do this, and it’s like they gave up halfway through. Go all the way up, or don’t bother at all.

Light It Up

Lighting on tall walls? Absolutely! Those 10 feet of vertical space are begging for something dramatic. Think oversized sconces, a killer floor lamp, or even a chandelier if you’re feeling extra.

Ah, and here’s a thought… wall-mounted sconces can double as art. Look for ones with cool shapes or materials like brass, matte black, or something with a pop of color.

And don’t forget string lights. Yes, they’re a little basic, but who cares? They’re fun, they’re cozy, and they look amazing draped casually along a tall wall.

Think Vertical Greenery

Plants, y’all. Tall walls are the perfect excuse to bring in some leafy friends. A vertical garden or hanging planter situation instantly adds life (literally) and makes your space feel lush and fancy.

No green thumb? No problem. There are so many great faux options these days that even your judgy plant-loving friend won’t know the difference. Just make sure they look semi-real. Plastic-y fake plants are a no-go unless you’re going for “waiting room chic.”

How to Decorate 10-Foot Walls

So, there you have it: a few practical ideas on how to decorate 10-foot walls and turn them into something you actually want to look at. The key is balance. Don’t overdo it, but don’t underdo it either (is underdo a word? It is now).

Fill the space with intention, mix up textures and scales, and have some fun with it.

And remember, your home is your space. If you wanna hang a giant photo of your cat or make an entire wall out of wine corks, you do you. The secret to great design? Confidence. Or at least fake it ‘til you make it.

Now, go decorate those walls. Or, you know, procrastinate a little longer and scroll Pinterest for “inspiration”. And whatever you decide, Just own it!