Take it from a gal who just moved into her first apartment — decorating is not cheap. After dropping major bills on furniture and housewares, it’s hard to justify spending that extra buck on wall art, you know? But those white walls need a little love too, and adding art you love is the best way to make a space feel like your own. To prove you can do it without breaking the bank, we’ve rounded up 50 wall art buys and DIYs, all under $50. So scroll on and get decorating, peeps!
1. YES (You Complete the Picture) ($24): We’ll kick it off with a super biased pick: This Trey Speegle print has been my desktop wallpaper for YEARS. You wouldn’t believe my excitement when I finally found the print for sale on 20×200. Thanks, Internet! (via 20×200)
2. Retro Diamond Focal Wall: This simple mural really adds a punch to the space. And all you need is some paint, tape and a bit of patience. (via Vintage Revivals)
3. Tissue Paper Wall Art: Want a super easy and cheap way to make wall art? Tear tissue paper, glue it onto a canvas and repeat. How’s that for bang for your buck? (via Brit + C0)
4. The Animal Print Shop ($25 and up): Sharon Montrose brings animals into a studio and photographs them. It’s kind of the most adorable photo series ever. Pick up a print of this baby cow and his farm animal friends ASAP. (via 20×200)
5. Rope Wall Art: Inspired by Alicia Scardetta’s impressive rope wall hangings, this rope art piece will give an unexpected punch to whatever space you add it to. (via Brit + Co)
6. Breezy Rider Print ($45): Man, Francesca Greggs of Lemonwood Imprints has a real knack for making simple shapes sing. (via Brit + Co Shop)
7. Yarn Banner: This yarn installation is sure to provide the wow moment you’re looking for. (via Creative Bug)
8. The Mutato Project ($28): Uli Westphal’s print series celebrates deformed vegetables, and we like it. (via A Cup of Jo)
9. DIY Abstract Art: Looking for a beginner’s tutorial on painting abstract art? Jacquelyn Clark of Style Me Pretty Living is your gal for the job. (via Style Me Pretty Living)
10. Waikiki #5 Art Print ($34): If you needed another excuse to buy one of Max Wanger’s breathtaking prints, he’s now selling them at an affordable price point at Urban Outfitters. Yay! (via Urban Outfitters)
11. Dip Dyed Wall Hanging ($24): We’re breaking the rules — this one is a buy *and* a DIY. Our genius kit designer has yet again made a swoonworthy, easy and affordable kit, AKA your next weekend project :) (via Brit + Co Shop)
12. You and Me and the Cat Print ($26): All we need, baby. (via Urban Outfitters)
13. 3D Paper Art: This clever art project has got us saying, “Why didn’t we think of that?” (via Ohoh Blog)
14. T-Shirt Tassel Wall Hanging: You know those ratty old t-shirts you can’t seem to throw out? Time to make them into a wall hanging! (via Brit + Co)
15. DIY Embroidered Photo Art: Confession: We *love* this hack and are itching to do it ourselves. It’s such a clever way to revamp a photograph. (via A Beautiful Mess)
16. Pineapple Print ($22): Because you *know* you need more pineapples in your life. We’ve seen a boatload of pineapple prints out there, and this one may take the cake. (via Society6)
17. Count to Ten Print ($30): How cute would this Honey & Bloom print be in a nursery? (via Brit + Co Shop)
18. Woven Wool Wall Art: Ready to tackle that weaving project you’ve been telling yourself you’ll do for ages? Look no further than our tutorial! (via Brit + Co)
19. Instagram Projects: Check out Liz Stanley’s post for tons of ways to use your Instagrams IRL. (via Say Yes)
20. Zest Print ($20): How rad is this little print? The orange version is pretty sweet, too. (via Society6)
21. Floating Vase: Alright, here comes that biased opinion again — yours truly made a version of these as one of my very first DIY projects many years ago. And I’ve gotta say, they’ve given my living room and impressive facelift. Plus they’re an excuse to constantly buy fresh flowers :) (via Cupcakes & Cashmere)
22. Photojojo Engineer Prints ($25): Gigantic art *really* doesn’t get any more affordable than this. Photojojo will help you supersize your very own prints into a statement wall for a killer price. (via Brit + Co)
23. Dear Wine, You Complete Me Print ($45): ‘Nuff said. (via Brit + Co Shop)
24. The Answer Is Always Tacos Pennant ($25): If you ask us, every room needs a cheeky pennant. (via Brit + Co Shop)
25. Temporary Wallpaper With Washi Tape: Say hello to the best custom temporary wallpaper EVER. Yet again, washi tape FTW! (via Brit + Co)
26. ’80s/’90s Era Jon Snow: It’s safe to say we’re obsessed with Mike Wrobel’s work — especially his prints of Game of Thrones characters as ’80s and ’90s kids. (via Society6)
27. Metagramme: This app merges up to 64 Instagram snaps into one beautiful image. Simply input a specific hashtag or username, then download the image. How neat is that? (via Say Yes)
28. Macrame Wall Hanging: This DIY combines two of our favorite things to make: macrame and wall hangings. Out of jersey, no less! (via Brit + Co)
29. Fabric Canvas Art: How about covering canvases with your favorite fabrics? (Pssst — this is also a great use for all those fabric scraps!) (via Brit + Co)
30. DIY Tape Picture Frames: Calling all renters! This frame hack is an especially good solution if you want to avoid holes in your walls. (via Design*Sponge)
31. Be Brave Pennant: This sweet pennant doubles as a sweet daily reminder. Thanks, NousDecor! (via Brit + Co)
32. Dip Dyed Thrift Art: There’s no tutorial for this one (which kinda makes us want to write our own ASAP), but it’s worth the mention. Time to hit the thrift store! (via Inside Closet)
33. Pom Pom Art: Dang, pom pom art doesn’t get much prettier than this. We’re in love. (via Sugar and Cloth)
34. DIY Word Wall: Why not make an ode to, well, making? Check out the original DIY in our Brit + Co Shop in SF ;) (via Brit + C0)
35. Never Stop Exploring Print ($20): Because we all need a little reminder to go outside. (via Society6)
36. DIY Fruit Painting: Learn how to paint fruit like a pro with this simple tutorial. (via Little Green Notebook)
37. Circular Wall Hanging: Looking for a fresh take on a woven wall hanging? This hoop hack is your answer. (via Brit + Co)
38. Wilderness Flowers ($34): You know we’ve been on a floral kick lately, so it should be no surprise that we’re obsessed with this print. (via Society6)
39. Poster Wall Hanging: This DIY takes Photojojo’s engineer print a step further. Joni of Lay Baby Lay stapled her print to a wood beam, then added rope to hang it. We’re definitely inspired. (via Lay Baby Lay)
40. Wooden Wall Art: For all you minimalists out there — this DIY is calling your name. (via Brit + Co)
41. Ideal Bookshelf 506: Cooking ($24): Feeling bookish? Check out Jane Mount’s Ideal Bookshelf series. Each print showcases a different bookshelf. (We’re *all* about this James Franco gem, too!) (via 20×200)
42. Batik Constellation Print DIY: Want to pick up a new hobby as you decorate? Learn how to batik with wax and fabric — the results are awesome. (via Brit + Co)
43. Washi Wall Calendar: Kill two birds with one stone and beautify your office space with this darling wash tape wall calendar. (via Ohhh Mhhh)
44. Chinatown ($24): We’re thrilled that Victoria Smith (AKA SFGirlByBay) is finally selling her prints! Scoop ’em up before they sell out, yo. (via 20×200)
45. Be You Marble Art Print ($39): Everyone else is taken :) (via Urban Outfitters)
46. Marbled Wall Hanging Speaking of marbling, try it yourself with a giant canvas and Martha’s tutorial. (via Martha Stewart)
47. Geometric Party Garlands: Make every day feel like a party with these festive paper garlands. (via designlovefest)
48. Where We’ve Been: World Map ($45): Three cheers for interactive art! Every time you hit up a new destination, color in the country on the map. Fun, right? (via Brit + Co Shop)
49. Gold Moon Wall: This wall art is out of this world on so many levels. Laura of A Beautiful Mess used a projector to trace her design on the wall, then went over her tracing in gold paint. We’re impressed! (via A Beautiful Mess)
50. Pizza + Pasta Art Prints ($44): All we can say is… duh. (via Brit + Co Shop)
What’s your favorite wall art buy or DIY? Share with us in the comments below!