Decorating Your Walls: Alternatives to Plain ‘Ol Paint

Grass cloth is a type of wall covering that uses various types of grasses that are woven together and applied to the wall, typically using glue. Grasses commonly used for this purpose include sea grass, bamboo and jute.

This is a great option because it adds a great deal of texture to a room. Grass cloths tend to be neutral, so they can really help other items in the room make a splash. This is especially true when hanging wall art or a large oval mirror. These items will easily stand out against the grass cloth.

Today's wallpaper is not like your grandma's wallpaper. There are many companies offering vibrant, modern patterns and prints that are not only chic and sophisticated, but easy to apply and much easier than painting or stenciling. Just be sure that your wall is clean and smooth before applying any wallpaper.

If you decide on a bold pattern or print for your wallpaper, don't be afraid to continue pairing that choice with other items in your home. For example, if you use a brightly patterned wallpaper in your dining room, then pull the look together with a large charger plate in the same color or other table decor in the same color. Be confident in your choices and it will shine through in your home decor.

A newer trend, wall decals can do wonders for tired walls. Plus, you can use them to create unique looks that you may not have though of previously. For example, don't have or want a headboard, but still want something to create a focal point? Consider using a large wall decal of a tree behind the bed. This gives the illusion of a headboard without the hassle and can be easily changed out if desired.

Perhaps you're in a situation, such as a rental, where wallpaper and new paint simply aren't options. One of the easiest ways to decorate your walls is to start infusing a lot of wall art into the mix. Removable adhesive strips that don't damage the walls allow you to hang whatever you'd like without putting any holes into the walls. Plus, you can hang giant collages of pictures, posters and paintings to create a unique look.

Be creative with your wall art, too. You can hang items like an oval mirror, wall clocks, framed vintage movie posters, black and white photographs and so forth to create an eclectic look that will never be replicated in any magazine.

Whatever you decide on, just remember that your walls don't have to be plain or boring!