13 everyday things that look amazing as artwork

Adorn your bare walls with affordable, DIY-able everyday items that look chic and unique. Your space will ooze charm and character, and you’ll save money to boot!

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13 everyday things that look amazing as artwork

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  Plate wall

  An assortment of pretty plates looks lovely clustered on a wall. Choose monochrome plates in different shapes and sizes for a more uniform look or mix it up with different patterns for a more eclectic feel.Liz Marie Blog

• Painted paddles

  Outdoorsy? Take two (or more) old paddles, add some decorative paint and hang them on your living room wall. Or pick a pair of these up from Norquay. Artisan painted canoe paddles, from $275 ea. at NorquayNorquay

• Ceiling medallions

  Affordable ceiling medallions from the hardware store can be mounted to walls to make any space more interesting. Consider painting the medallions for more contrast.Nuestra Vida Dulce

• A flag

  Show off your patriotism with a framed flag. Shadow box frames, which are deeper to allow room for objects, make just about anything look good. Buy one at Michaels and make your own or pick up this Canadian treasure at Restoration Hardware. Framed Flag of Canada, from $105 at Restoration Hardware.Restoration Hardware

• Window frame

  Upcycle an old window into an intriguing photo display with nothing more than a bit of twine.Cindy Albright via Flickr

• Pressed flowers

  Pressed flowers don't have to look quaint and old-fashioned. Press some blooms from your garden between wax paper inside the pages of your heaviest book, then arrange them in a surprising way. We love this Day of the Dead-inspired arrangement. Pressed-flower skull print, $16.75 at Etsy.Etsy

• Vintage-game art

  Hang a vintage game board on the wall for a whimsical look or combine pieces in a frame like this cute collage of Charlie Harper flashcards.Pure and Noble

• Post cards

  Collect vintage post cards or just frame some of the favourites you've received over the years. Hang them in clusters and turn what might have been too small to feature on its own into an art piece with more impact.Pure and Noble

• Keys

  We've said it before and we'll say it again: Shadow boxes can make almost anything look gorgeous. This store-bought collection of antique keys looks museum-worthy, but you can easily put together a collection on the cheap from your favourite thrift store. Key shadow box collection, $79 at Restoration HardwareRestoration Hardware

• Tiles

  Tiling a floor or even a backsplash with decorative ceramic tiles can be pricey, but if you love the look, give those tiles the attention they deserve by hanging a grouping on the wall instead. It’s so much more affordable and a great way to fill your wall.Thinkstock

• Album artwork

  Turn your favourite vinyl into wall art by placing your favourite album covers into square frames. $19 ea. at Urban OutfittersUrban Outfitters

• Shutter board

  Shutters look surprising but fun on walls and they're also a great way to display photos. Just stick your favourite pics between the slats for a prettier version of a corkboard.Eleanor Boynton via Vintage Indie

• Tea towel prints

  Some dish towels are too pretty to dry your hands on; frame and hang them in your kitchen (or elsewhere) instead! You can find cute vintage towels online or at second-hand stores, but new ones work just as well, too. Susan Fitzgerald via (a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spin_spin/5053236708/" target="_blank">Flickr