That narrow wall, the empty corner, the space above a door… every home has them. This designer’s guide reveals how to turn those awkward space solutions into beautiful art moments. Professional interior design isn’t just about the big, easy walls. It’s about seeing the potential in every nook and cranny. Those tricky spots you’re not sure what to do with are actually your best opportunities to add a touch of personality and creative flair.
The Tall, Narrow Wall: The Power of Vertical Art
How to decorate a narrow wall? This is one of the most common design dilemmas. The answer is to embrace the shape of the space, not fight it.
Drawing the Eye Upward to Create an Illusion of Height
A piece of narrow vertical art is the perfect solution. Its tall, slim format naturally draws the eye upward, creating a wonderful illusion of height. This simple trick can make a cramped or narrow space feel significantly taller and more elegant.
The Perfect Spot: Between Windows or at the End of a Hall
That awkward strip of wall between two windows or at the dead end of a hallway is the ideal home for a vertical painting. It turns a “leftover” space into an intentional, stylish feature.
Our Curated Picks for Slim and Striking Vertical Art
We offer a collection of beautiful slim vertical art pieces designed specifically for these kinds of spaces. They pack a powerful design punch in a small footprint. Turn your narrow wall into a feature. Explore our Vertical Art collection.
The Stairwell Wall: Creating a Dynamic Ascent
The large, diagonal wall of a stairwell is often the most neglected canvas in a home. Let’s change that with some stunning stairwell art.
The Ascending Gallery Wall: A Story Unfolds as You Climb
Create a dynamic ascent by hanging a series of artworks that follow the angle of the stairs. This creates a beautiful visual journey as you move between floors. The key is to keep the spacing consistent for a polished look.
The Single, Oversized Statement Piece for a Landing
A stair landing is the perfect place for a single, oversized anchor piece. It creates a dramatic pause and a beautiful focal point between levels. This is a high-impact strategy for decorating a stairwell wall.
Pro Tip: Use the Diagonal Line of the Stairs as Your Guide
When creating an ascending gallery, imagine a diagonal line running parallel to your stairs. The center of each of your artworks should align along this imaginary line to create a cohesive and professional-looking installation.
The Small, Empty Corner: Introducing Small Wall Art
What to put in a small empty corner? Don’t just fill it with another plant. Turn it into a tiny, delightful art moment with small wall art.
Creating a “Moment”: A Small Painting on a Small Easel
For an unexpected, chic touch, place a small painting on a miniature tabletop easel on a low stool or side table in the corner. This creates a charming, gallery-like “moment” that feels curated and special.
A Tiny Gallery: Grouping Several Miniature Artworks
Another great approach is to create a tiny gallery. Group three or four very small artworks together in a tight grid or an organic cluster. This gives a collection of small pieces the visual weight and impact of a single larger one.
Our Curated Picks for Small but Mighty Art Pieces
Our collection includes a variety of small wall art pieces that are bursting with color and texture. They prove that an artwork doesn’t need to be large to have a huge personality.
The “Over-the-Top” Spaces: Above Doorways and Bookshelves
These are the spaces we look past every day, but they hold immense decorative potential.
The Unexpected Pop of Art: Drawing the Eye to the Ceiling
Hanging a piece of art for above a doorway is a truly unexpected and sophisticated designer move. It draws the eye upward, adding interest to the upper portion of the room and making the ceiling feel higher.
Choosing a Horizontal, Panoramic Piece to Fit the Space
The long, horizontal space above a doorway or a wide bookshelf is the perfect home for a panoramic artwork. Look for a piece with a wide, landscape-style orientation that fits the unique dimensions of the space.
No Space is Too Awkward for Art
With a little creativity, there is no such thing as an “awkward” space. Every wall, every corner, and every passage is an opportunity to add beauty and personality to your home. The key to successful awkward space solutions is to choose art that respects the unique dimensions of the space, turning a challenge into a stunning design feature.
See every wall as a canvas. Discover the perfectly sized and shaped artwork for every corner of your home at Oilarthub.
Your Awkward Space Art Questions Answered
Should I use a big piece of art in a small space? It’s a common misconception that small spaces require small art. Sometimes, a single, medium-to-large piece of art can actually make a small space feel bigger and more intentional than a collection of tiny, cluttered items.
What’s the best way to light art in a stairwell? Adjustable track lighting installed on the ceiling is the best solution for stairwell art. It allows you to aim a dedicated light at each piece in your ascending gallery, ensuring they are all beautifully illuminated.
How do I make a collection of small art look cohesive, not cluttered? There are two main tricks for creating a cohesive look. First, use the same style of frame for all the pieces. Second, keep the spacing between the frames tight and consistent. This makes the collection read as a single, unified piece.
Is it okay to hang art in an “unimportant” space like a hallway? Absolutely! Professional designers know that paying attention to these “unimportant” spaces is what elevates a home’s design from good to great. It shows a level of thought and care that makes a home feel truly finished. You can find beautiful options for every space at Oilarthub.