Turn an Architectural Item Into Art

Add a one-of-a-kind decoration to your bedroom: Hang an interesting, salvaged object on the wall as art in just a few simple steps.

By Brian Patrick Flynn, Decor Demon
Filed under: Art, How To, Bedrooms

Materials Needed:

item you wish to display
flat 1x3 MDF trim
nail gun and nails
drill
screws
level
tape measure
note pad and pencil
painters' tape
wallpaper paste
wallpaper or fabric

caulk gun
paintable caulk
spackle and putty knife
medium-grit sanding block
paintbrush
semi-gloss paint
chop saw
damp cloth
smoothing tool
utility knife or scissors
hanging hardware (screw eyes, wall anchors, picture wire, D-rings, etc.)

Select Hangable Object

Search architectural salvage, flea markets and thrift stores for an interesting item, keeping in mind that lighter-weight choices with flat backs will be the easiest ones to hang. We chose to hang a rustic, planked door.

Measure and Mark Display Area

Using tape measure, measure object and add three to five inches on all sides. Transfer these dimensions to wall with pencil. Further define area by applying painters' tape to wall just outside pencil marks.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-

Add Wallpaper or Fabric

Cut fabric or wallpaper two inches larger than measurements. Create a backdrop for object by adding wallpaper paste to wall inside taped-off area, pressing precut wallpaper or fabric in place, smoothing with smoothing tool, then cutting away excess with scissors or utility knife.