We’ve all been there – staring at a large, blank expanse of wall in our home, needing to fill the empty space but not knowing how. Gallery walls are always a good choice, when executed well, but they’re not your only choice! Here are just a few ideas to help you fill that empty wall, elevate your decor, and make your space feel complete.

Add a large gallery wall

This one is tried and true. There are many ways to do gallery walls, and you don’t have to use just photographs or pieces of artwork. When creating a gallery wall, try mixing various sizes and shapes of framed artwork and photographs, as well as incorporating different objects such as mirrors, sconces, ceramic wall art, or embroidery hoops to add a unique touch.

Add wainscoting

A great way to fill space on a wall is by adding wainscoting. Traditionally, wainscoting is used to protect walls from being scuffed or damaged by furniture, but wainscoting also has aesthetic benefits. Aesthetic wainscoting can be accented with artwork and wall sconces for an elegant solution to large blank walls.

Create framed wallpaper panels

If you don’t want to commit to wallpapering an entire wall but you’ve found a pattern you love, turn that wallpaper into custom art! Frame sections of wallpaper to resemble large art prints and use them to fill that empty space. Not only will they look beautiful, but they’ll be more cost-effective than purchasing large pieces of artwork.

Hang a large mirror

We often think of mirrors as just a functional piece, but they also have a lot of aesthetic value. An oversized mirror is a great way to fill a large expanse of empty wall space, with the added bonus of reflecting light and making your room look bigger. You can also use a large mirror as the focal point of a more extensive gallery wall.

Make a DIY letterboard

A DIY letterboard is just one example of a way to fill a large wall space that lets you flex your creative muscles. You can purchase kits to help you install these letterboards, or create your own with some creativity, time, and materials from the hardware store. Chalkboard walls, hand-painted murals, and other DIY projects can also be creative ways of filling the space.

No matter how you choose to style the large wall spaces in your home, the most important thing is to make them your own. With a bit of creativity and time, you can turn a large blank wall into a gorgeous focal point in your home.

If you’re hosting a meal for the holidays, don’t neglect your tablescape when planning your seasonal decor. The food will be the true star of the show, but an elegant table will elevate the atmosphere and add that extra touch of design and sophistication to any holiday gathering. But where should you start when you’re planning a holiday tablescape? Here are a few of the key components to keep in mind to help you build your tablescape step by step:

Rockin’ Around the Centerpiece

While your centerpiece is the literal center of your table, it’s also central to the design of your tablescape. Starting with your centerpiece and building your table around it is an excellent strategy for creating a cohesive look. Seasonal greenery, candles, and small decor pieces are popular for holiday centerpieces. Once your centerpiece is assembled, you can pull colors and textures from it to incorporate throughout your tablescape. For instance, if you have red berries in your centerpiece greenery, try coordinating with red napkins. Crystal votive candles might inspire crystal chargers, or organic textures might carry through to textured place mats.

Change It up With Chargers

If you don’t want to cover your table with a tablecloth, or if place mats just aren’t your style, chargers are an excellent choice for both practical and decorative purposes. Chargers can help protect your table from spills, heat, and condensation – and look good while doing it. If you keep your dishware simple, you can opt for a more decorative charger, or a simple charger can lend itself to more elaborate plates.

A Note on Napkins

Whether you’re using cloth napkins or disposable ones, there’s no need to settle for something plain. There are plenty of ways to embellish your napkins – without learning any complicated napkin folds. (Of course, if you love napkin folds, go for it!) Add a finishing touch to your napkins with a simple detail, like a napkin ring, a decorative pick, or a place card. Remember – it’s the little details that pull everything together.

Everyday essentials

Once your centerpiece and the decorative elements are in place, it’s time to address the basics. Silverware, glasses, plates – everything you need to actually enjoy a meal. It’s best to keep these pieces simple. The days of having special plates and utensils that only get used during the holidays are over. Invest in solid, high-quality dishes that will last you for years to come. Choosing neutral pieces will ensure your essentials will mix and match with every theme you choose, year after year. But neutral doesn’t have to mean boring! Look for plates with designs and patterns for visual interest, but choose neutral colors that can fit into any tablescape, like grays and off-whites.

A well-crafted tablescape is essential to any holiday meal. Not only will a beautiful table make your home-cooked meal look even more appetizing – it will make your guests feel welcome and set the tone for an elegant, enjoyable, and memorable evening.

What’s your number one holiday tablescape essential?

When it comes to interior design, there are certain things you should splurge on – and certain things that really shouldn’t break the bank. You only decorate for the holiday season once a year, and with decorating trends constantly changing, there’s no reason to drop all your cash when there are plenty of affordable – and gorgeous! – festive pieces available. If you’re looking to deck the halls on a dime, take a peek at some of our favorite holiday decor finds from Target this season.

Season’s Greetings

The first thing your guests will see when they arrive for a holiday get-together is your front door. We love elegant but festive greenery to make a great first impression. These picks from Target are a bit more understated than the chunkier wreaths of Christmas past.

• This asymmetrical wreath with gold and mixed greenery, from Threshold designed with Studio McGee
• This flocked gold wreath with LED lights from the Target Wondershop
• This simple but beautiful garland with pinecones from the Target Wondershop
• This more traditional artificial pine wreath, complete with a bow from the Target Wondershop

Deck the Halls (and Shelves and Tables)

A key component to any kind of decorating is paying attention to the details, and holiday decor is no different. Adding a few festive touches to your tables, bookshelves, countertops, or mantle is easy with these whimsical seasonal accessories from Target.

• This copper mailbox to store your letters to Santa from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
• This plush knitted tree from the Target Wondershop, perfect for sweater weather vibes
• This glittery winter scene in a glass cloche from the Target Wondershop
• This jute woven deer from Threshold, perfect for a touch of organic design

Some people love going all out for the holiday season and decking the halls from top to bottom. Others prefer a more minimal approach to seasonal decor, either for the aesthetic, or sometimes just to make the post-holiday teardown easier. If you want to keep your home a bit more understated this holiday season, try one (or more!) of these quick and simple decor changes for just the right amount of festive flair.

Inexpensive Objects

You might not have room for a large Christmas tree or an elaborate holiday display in your home, or maybe you just have a neglected corner that needs some extra festive flair. We love decorative objects to spruce up any small space. Best of all, you don’t need to break the bank. There are plenty of beautiful, inexpensive pieces available for the holidays. We love these minimal but festive deer from the Target Wondershop – just $10 each!