The Growing Trend That Turns Awkward Wall Gaps Into Style Statements

There's negative space and then there's too much negative space. While the former adds dimension and visual interest to your home, the latter is usually because of awkward nooks or crannies that are tough to fill and therefore simply stay empty. If you've given up trying to find a way to fill those small corners or narrow gaps in your home, this decorating trend may be the answer you've been looking for. Tiny prints, paintings, and even decorative tiles are a great option for adding style to a small space. These smaller items are the ideal solution to filling awkward areas where larger pieces of decor won't fit. The great thing about this trend is that you can choose any small piece of art you want or even DIY your own. 

While small pieces of art are not anything new in the decor and design world, they are often overlooked in favor of larger pieces. When shopping or searching online for items like paintings or prints for your home, you're usually looking to fill a larger portion of a wall or surface. It may even be the case that you don't notice small or narrow empty gaps until after you've finished decorating a room. Some homes are prone to these unusual or awkward nooks and crannies, making it even trickier to find ways to decorate them. If you've noticed areas like this, seeking out smaller artwork is definitely a great solution.

The artwork can be in the form of small prints or canvases, which you can usually find at farmers markets, online, or even secondhand and thrift stores. Some big box stores may sell them depending on the size you need, although you may have better luck searching outside of mass produced options. These don't necessarily have to be paintings either — you could also display family photos or any media you want printed in a small frame or on a canvas. Whether you're using this as a savvy way to bring art into a small bathroom or to fill an awkward corner in your entryway, get creative with your options.

This is where the DIY factor comes in. Painting your own mini piece, having a family night where everyone designs their own, or even placing a Ziploc bag covered in peanut butter over a few splotches of paint and letting your pet lick it will turn the simplest small canvases into unique customized art. If you prefer something a little bit more elevated, consider using tiles to fill these spaces. These could be decorative tiles sold in stores or even leftover pieces from a project in your home. Layer these with a small plants, trinkets, or even a candle to create a more stylized set up, propping the tile against a wall on a floating shelf or furniture piece's surface rather than hanging it.

Another pro of adding small artwork and decorative pieces is that it creates levels which builds dimension in a room. Designers encourage people to combine big and small elements to create more visual interest in a space. If everything is one size or oversized, it can make a room fall flat, whereas various prints or canvases of different sizes can bring more drama into your home. This trick is also great for smaller rooms like powder rooms and laundry nooks and even to use within your bookshelves.

Don't think that this trend is only relegated to smaller areas that need filling. Some designers recommend adding a small or undersized print to a larger area for a stylish juxtaposition. Try hanging small artwork on an empty wall or above a bed. This could be a great way to display postcards or even matchstick packets you've framed as mini art. You could also display small pieces by artists, many of whom are shrinking their works to suit this trend. Including small artwork is one of the trendiest wall art ideas for every room in your home, so keep this trick in mind when decorating.