How to Create an Eclectic Wall Collage That Tells Your Story

For years, I neglected our bedroom. I focused on areas of the house that guests would see, such as the living room and dining room. I even decorated the girls’ bedrooms before paying attention to mine.

However, after finding and refurbishing an antique bed, I knew that I had to get some decor to go with it.

Just like I can’t stick to a single niche here on the blog, I also can’t stick to a single design style. So, I present to you a very eclectic wall collage.

Here’s how we put it together:

Decide the Size & Shape

The first step to putting together a wall collage is to decide where to place it and how big you want it to be.

I knew I wanted my collage to have a rectangular shape and fit in between the lamps on either side of our bed. The height of the collage was dictated by the height of the headboard and the ceiling.

Southwestern Desert Wall Art – 11×14 Pastel Pink and Teal Poster Picture Prints – Modern Boho Mountain Wall Decor – Green Cactus Room Decor – Texutred Nature Art – Abstract Western Artwork for BedroomBestGiftEver Wall Sculpture of Black Beaded Bull Steer Head Skull – Gothic Western Eclectic Rustic Décor

 

Curate Your Collection

Then comes the fun part…finding stuff to put in your collage!

Our eclectic wall collage is a collection of things that we made, had lying around the house, and found at various flea markets and thrift stores. It takes time to find the perfect pieces, but don’t rush it.

I could have gone to Target and Hobby Lobby to find a bunch of stuff to put on the wall, but then it wouldn’t be very eclectic.

We had so much fun looking for things to add to the collage, especially at flea markets and thrift stores. In fact, I’m still looking for small items to fill in some of the gaps. I would love to find some Hawaiian souvenirs to fit in there and make it even more eclectic.

HONYADE Howdy Western Throw Pillows Covers Sun Retro Halloween Skeleton Pillows Cowboy Pillows Funny Preppy Pillows Cases Room Wall Collage art Home Classroom Decor Birthday Party Decorations(18SAFAVIEH Monaco Collection Area Rug – 5’1

 

Do a Bunch of Mini Projects

Since the majority of the items in our wall collage were second-hand, they needed a little work. Which meant that I had a lot of mini-projects to do.

I spray-painted the frames and took the big oval one to be professionally matted. (If you’re a military spouse, I highly recommend using the Arts & Crafts Center on post for matting and framing.) I also did an embroidery project for one of the small frames.

Then, of course, you have to print pictures or find artwork for the frames.

The mini-projects weren’t especially difficult, but they all involved multiple tasks that took time and effort.

(Oval frames are typically hard to find, but I found 3 in Warrenton during the Round Top Antique Show!)

(This embroidery project of our sweet dog, Marv, who passed away is one of my favorite things in the collage.)

(The collage needed some texture, so I added plants in a dough bowl that we cut in half and rigged to hang on the wall.)

Lay It Out

Before you try to hang the collage on the wall, measure out the length and width of the collage on the ground and lay everything out.

Place your biggest pieces first and then fill in with the smaller ones. Not only does it help you figure out the placement of everything, but it also helps determine the spacing between each item.

EXCOOL CLUB Desert Wall Art – 12×16 Sun Moon Desert Landscape Prints, Southwest Boho Cactus Wall Decor, Day Night Western Pictures, Mid Century Modern Southwestern Decor for Home Bedroom (UNFRAMED)Insire Western Art Wall Decor – Southwest Wall Art, Western Wall Decor, Western Art, Western Wall Art, Desert Decor, Boho Western Wall Decor, Cowboy Wall Art, Western Boho Decor – Unframed Set

 

Hang It Up

If I had hung this eclectic wall collage up by myself, I would have used the paper trick. However, my husband is a perfectionist and wouldn’t let me get near the wall with a hammer!

He busted out his measuring tape and level to hang everything up right on the first try. (I have a bad habit of putting wayyy too many holes in the wall after repeatedly hanging things crooked.)

And enjoy!

I love the way this eclectic wall collage brings our room together. Not only does it help tie in the colors and different styles, but it also displays some of our favorite memories.

It’s going to be hanging in our house for years to come!