5 Easy Maximalist Wall Art DIYs 2026

The Return of “MORE is MORE”

For years, we have lived with beige walls and tiny minimalist frames. In 2026, the pendulum swings back. Maximalism is the big trend: bold colors, rich textures, and large-scale art.

The problem? Huge art pieces cost hundreds of dollars. The solution? Make your own. You don’t need to be Picasso to create a statement piece. Maximalist wall art DIY projects rely on texture and scale rather than painting skills. Here are 5 ways to fill your walls with personality.

1. The “Spackle” Texture Canvas

The viral TikTok trend that looks high-end.

This creates a 3D relief sculpture effect.

• The Base: Buy a large Stretched Canvas. The bigger, the better.
• The Medium: You don’t need expensive art paste. Use a tub of standard wall spackle or joint compound.
• The Tool: Use a notch trowel (for tiling) to scrape geometric arches or lines into the wet paste.
• Finish: Once dry, paint it a bold monochrome color (like Electric Blue or Terracotta).

2. The Upcycled “Thrift Store” Graffiti

Best for: Eclectic decor.

Find a boring vintage landscape painting at a thrift store.

• The Twist: Paint over part of it. Add a neon geometric shape, paint bold flowers over the sky, or add gold leaf accents.
• The Vibe: It blends the old world with modern chaos, a core pillar of maximalist wall art DIY.

3. The Fabric & Frame Hack

No painting required.

Do you love a designer pattern but can’t afford the wallpaper?

• The Materials: Buy 1 yard of bold, patterned fabric (or a vintage silk scarf).
• The Build: Stretch the fabric tightly over a wooden frame or staple it to the back of a large thrifted picture frame.
• Impact: It adds softness and pattern to a room instantly.

4. The “Gold Leaf” Abstract

Luxurious and shiny.

Maximalism loves metallic accents.

• The Process: Paint a canvas black or dark navy.
• The Bling: Apply adhesive sizing in random, organic shapes. Press Gold Leaf Sheets onto the sticky areas.
• Result: A moody, shimmering piece that catches the light beautifully.

5. The Gallery Wall “Clutter”

Strength in numbers.

Instead of one big piece, cover the entire wall floor-to-ceiling.

• The Mix: Combine mirrors, empty ornate frames, small prints, and even 3D objects (like decorative plates or masks).
• The Rule: Keep the spacing tight (2 inches apart). In maximalist wall art DIY, density creates the “wow” factor.

PRO TIP: Hanging Heavy Art

Maximalist art (especially with plaster texture) gets heavy.
Don’t trust a single nail.

• The Tool: Use Heavy Duty Picture Hangers or a French Cleat system for large canvases.
• Leveling: Use a small bubble level to ensure your gallery wall doesn’t look messy.

FAQ: Maximalist Decor