Narrow Wall? Here’s How to Make It the Star of the Room
Intro (hook)
We all have those annoying little crevices in our homes that feel messy or unfinished - the slim wall beside a door, the gap between windows, the hallway nobody knows what to do with. Narrow walls aren’t a problem, they’re an opportunity for something bold and personal.
For years, we had an odd ‘wiggle’ in our home where the previous owner kept the phone table and we had the new electrics boxed in. It’s close to a beautiful archway feature but just looked neglected and unfinshed. I’ll be showing you how we turned that small space into a feature with practical storage as well as giving you practical tips, what to look for, and examples you can picture in your own home.
Why narrow walls are often overlooked
In narrow spaces, people default to small, safe pieces, or leave the space empty especially if it’s a darker corner. Narrow walls often sit in high-traffic areas (hallways, stairwells, entrances), so they’re seen daily but often a missed opportunity to bring some colour and joy.
1.Go vertical: tall portrait-format artwork
A tall, slim piece draws the eye upwards and makes ceilings feel higher. It works especially well for landscapes with depth: think forest paths, tall trees and big skies over a coastline. My landscapes are designed to draw you into a dreamy space - to transport you to a happy place full of colour, texture and nostalgia.
2.Create a gallery column
You don’t have to buy large pieces to fill a space with joy. Stacking two or three smaller pieces vertically creates your very own miniature gallery for a curated, collected feel.
Tips:
keep consistent spacing (around 5 to 8cm)
align to the centre line
tie pieces together with a shared colour or theme
This method is great for families who want to build a story over time, adding pieces that remind you of adventures and places that matter. You can even mix and match fine art with pieces that your children have lovingly created.
3.Let colour do the work
A narrow wall is a perfect spot for a vibrant statement. You could pick one colour from the room (e.g. from a cushion, rug or kitchen stool) and echo it in the artwork. Alternatively, you could aim for a contrast putting bright artworks on dark walls, colourful pieces on neutral walls or calm pieces in busy rooms.
I use vibrant colour to boost mood. I know it works because it happens while I’m creating and I see it in my collectors’ eyes when they step into the studio.
4.Think about scale and placement
When choosing the right sized piece for your wall, leave breathing space on each side; the art should feel intentional, not wedged in.
Hang it at eye level (centre roughly 145 to 150cm from the floor) so that you can view it with ease as you walk around your home. You will need to adjust this measurement for stairwells and consider whether children’s sticky hands can reach the artwork to leave their mark.
Don’t forget about lighting. A picture light or nearby window can transform a slim piece but direct light can cause damage if the artwork is not fade resistant (all of my pieces are)..
Keep frames simple. The image is the hero and slim frames or a deep float frame keep the focus on the artwork.
5.Where narrow walls hide in your home
Spot the potential in your home. There are usually narrow spaces waiting for art in the following places:
Beside a front door
Between two windows
Alongside a staircase
Next to a fireplace or chimney breast
Beside kitchen units or in a boot room
Landing and hallway recesses
Choosing art that tells a story
A lot of people new to buying original art worry unnecessarily because they overthink it. For most of us, we want art we can enjoy for years - it’s not an investment like shares or bonds but in the quality of our lives.
Original art beats mass-produced prints in a space you see every day because the textures of every brushstroke, carved cut and drawn line connects you to the story of its creation. This never translates as well in a reproduction. The other bonus of original art is that either nobody else will have it (with one offs) or you will be part of a limited group (think limited edition linocuts).
Connect the artwork to memories: a favourite walk, holiday, or place the family returns to.
Art can really help you to escape into a dreamworld.
'Where is that? I want to go there.'
This was what a client said at a recent preview. She'd spotted the prep sketch for 'Birch Trees in Bluebell Woods' and knew immediately that she had to have that piece for her home.
When I asked 'What was it about my art that drew you in?', she said: 'The colour, immediately. There's so much boldness to it without being overwhelming. The Birch Trees in Bluebell Woods stopped me in my tracks because it felt almost like a memory. And then the Hadrian's Wall piece, living in the North East, that's part of our landscape and our history, and I loved that it celebrated it in such a distinctive way. It didn't look like anything else in the room.'
Quick checklist
Measure the width and height of the wall
Mark out the artwork with paper or masking tape first
Choose vertical formats or a stacked group
Echo one colour from the room
Leave space around the piece
Choose something that makes you smile every time you walk past
There’s an artwork for every wall, however awkward.
If you’re struggling to figure out a solution for your space then send a photo and measurements to heather@heathermoorefineart.co.uk and I’ll put together 3 mock ups for you to consider.
A Scent on the Breeze
Imagine these hypnotic poppies guiding you to sleep like Dorothy and her friends on their way to the Emerald City (but without the wicked witch) and relaxing with the scent of the Buddleia nectar on the breeze and the gentle hum of butterflies and bees fluttering all around.
Both Buddleia and Poppies often grow in the harshest of environments. They’re survivors and share their beauty despite the challenge. In this piece, these flowers are thriving and helping the insects to do so too. Created in multiple layers of paint with details in gold leaf, pastel, oil pastel and pen on canvas, the textures really bring the delicacy of the poppies and the fulness of the Buddleia to the forefront against the ultimate blue sky.
This lively piece is perfect decor for a busy entertaining space.
ℹ️ Additional Information (EU GPSR 2025 Compliant):
One of a kind mixed media artwork
Packaged in plastic wrap to protect against moisture and includes a handwritten note from the artist
Shipped via Royal Mail
Created by Heather Moore
Media: acrylic, gold leaf, pastel, oil pastel, pen on canvas
Dimensions: 50 x 100cm
Ready to hang with D rings and framer’s cord
Find out more about commissioning bespoke pieces based on your own happy place here. If you have any questions then get in touch and join my Collector’s Club for weekly inspiration…
