Patio Screens: The Simple Fix for Privacy, Wind, and Sun Problems

An exposed patio is hard to enjoy. Neighbours can see straight in, the harsh sun drives everyone indoors by midday, and a stiff wind turns a lovely afternoon outside into a battle with flying napkins and upturning umbrellas.

Latticed Wood Screen

Patio screens solve all three problems at once, and they can also mark out a garden, play area, or dining space, without needing to lay a single brick. The main challenge is not whether to add a screen (or not), but which material actually fits your patio and your budget, because the wrong choice not only wastes money but may never even work out quite as expected.

Matching the Material to the Problem

Patio screens fall into a few categories. And each one solves a slightly different problem from the other.

Bamboo

Bamboo is the natural choice for keeping away heat and wind. It cools the space, brings a relaxed, tropical feel, and holds up very well outdoors. 

Canvas

Treated canvas works best where colour and flexibility matter. Roll it down when you need shade, and roll it up when you don't. Canvas comes in many colours, more than you'll find in rigid screens. 

Transparent Screens

Transparent panels suit anyone who wants to block wind without blocking the view, since they cut down gusts of wind while keeping the garden or landscape fully visible.

Aluminium 

Aluminium shutter screens are the sturdiest option. They slide or fold away for an open patio, tilt for light and airflow, and lock securely against intruders, insects, and wind-blown debris. 

Latticed Screens

Lattice and louvre slats work well with patios that need stylish definition, rather than full privacy. Wood or wrought-iron slats, that are arranged in classic or modern patterns, will filter light without making the patio feel enclosed.

Retractable Panels

Retractable screens are the most adaptable, and an all-seasons choice for patios. Motorised versions can be extended for shade, ventilation, and insect protection, then retract at the touch of a button when the weather turns mild. 

Foliage as Patio Screens

Foliage, trained on wireframes or grown as vines, gives a soft, natural screen and often avoids the permit restrictions that taller built screens run into. 

Reed

Reed screens bring a similar warmth through hand-woven, weatherproof panels. They must be treated, to avoid dampness, mildew, and termites. Despite their light look, the material holds up well against sun, rain, and snow, for years.

How to Feel Confident About Your Choice 

The right screen depends on what your patio needs most. Is it privacy, wind protection, shade, or simply a defined, styled edge to the space?

Match your priority to the material and check that it suits your climate and environs. Being clear about the real reason will ensure that your choice will earn its keep for years, rather than sitting as an afterthought.

So, are you ready to plan your patio, garden, and landscape properly, and not just piece by piece? 

Yes? Then this structured outdoor project sketch and workbook will keep every design concept, material decision, budget line, and measurement in one tidy place, so nothing gets lost between inspiration and installation. Use it to turn your outdoor space plans into a place you will really enjoy.

Related Articles 

Ponds, Pools, and Fountains: Upgrade Your Garden or Patio with Beautiful Water Features
Your Complete Guide to Beautiful, Functional Living Spaces

Fixtures or Fittings: What's the Real Difference in Interior Design?

Most homeowners use the words fixtures and fittings interchangeably. They are not the same thing. Knowing the difference matters, especially when buying, selling, renovating, or working with a designer or contractor, since the terms often decide what stays in a property and what the owner can take with them when they move to a new place.

The Difference

A fixture is permanently attached to the structure of a building: fixed to a wall, floor, or ceiling by screws, nails, cement, or glue, and is not meant to be removed.

A fitting is free-standing, hung, or screwed on for convenience, and can be taken down or moved without damaging the structure.

The deciding factor is the method of attachment, not the price or size of the item. For example, a built-in wardrobe is a fixture while a lightweight floor lamp is a fitting.

Examples of Interior Fixtures

Lighting fixtures: ceiling-mounted lights, wall sconces, recessed and cove lighting.

Switches: dimmer, timer, and touch wall switches.

Heat radiators, ceiling fans, fireplaces and surrounds.

Built-in storage systems: wardrobes, cupboards, cabinetry, and shelves.

Staircase railings and balustrades.

Floating wood floors.

Bathtubs, vanity units, water closets, shower enclosures, and Jacuzzis.

Doors: entrance and interior doors.

Curtain rods, rails, blinds, and shades.

Kitchen: built-in cabinets, including island units and breakfast counters.

Examples of Interior Fittings

Paintings, wall art, and mirrors that are hung or screwed on the walls.

Carpets, curtains, and draperies.

Wall-mounted home and office entertainment systems, televisions, and audio-visual equipment.

Free-standing appliances: ovens, refrigerators, washers, and dryers.

Movable furniture: beds, sofas, tables, and consoles.

Portable lighting: table, desk, and floor lamps.

Why Knowing the Difference Matters

A floating laminate floor is a good test case. It is held together only by a simple tongue-and-groove installation method, without glue or nails, yet it still counts as a fixture because it is a permanent part of the home once installed.

The same logic applies to a built-in bookcase versus a free-standing one. The built-in version is a fixture, while the free-standing version is a fitting, even though both of them serve the same purpose.

Here is a simple way to check. Could the item be removed without tools and without leaving a mark on the wall, floor, or ceiling? If yes, it is a fitting. However, if removing it means unscrewing, drilling, or breaking a seal, it is a fixture.

This distinction between the two often arises in home sales, rental agreements, and insurance claims: fixtures are usually included in the sale of a property, whereas fittings are not unless stated otherwise in the contract.

Keep Building Your Home Décor Knowledge

Once you know your fixtures from your fittings, the next step is putting that knowledge to work in your own space. Our guide to interior basics walks through the foundational terms every homeowner should know before starting a project, and if you are planning a renovation, budgeting for home renovations breaks down where fixtures typically eat into a budget versus where fittings offer more flexibility to save.

Article of Interest

Interior Design FAQ: Real Answers to the Questions Homeowners Usually Ask

How Big Should Your Wall Art Be? A Room-by-Room Sizing Guide

How to Choose the Right Size Wall Art for Any Wall in Your Home

Undersized wall art is one of the quickest ways to make an otherwise well-designed room look incomplete. A small print floating above a large sofa, or a tiny, framed artwork lost above a queen-size bed, is a sizing problem. But this is one of the easiest things to fix, once you know the rules.

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase them, at no extra cost to you.)

Why Size Matters More Than Style

Homeowners tend to shop for wall art the wrong way. They go by what they like first, before thinking about where it will go. But professional designers and decorators do the opposite. They first measure a wall before choosing art that fits it. Why? Because the right size makes almost any art piece look beautiful and intentional. The wrong size will make even a beautiful piece of framed art look like an afterthought.

The Simple Rule: Two-Thirds to Three-Quarters

For art hung above a piece of furniture, like a sofa, console, bed, or sideboard, choose an artwork or a grouped arrangement that spans roughly 60–75% of the furniture's width. If you go much narrower than that, the piece will look stranded, and if wider, it will overwhelm the furniture beneath it.

Quick Reference Chart

Room-by-Room Sizing Guide

Above the Sofa

This is where most homeowners get it wrong. They choose one print that's too small.

To avoid this, a single large piece or a gallery grouping that forms a single visual shape works well. Leave 15-20 cm (6 - 8 inches) between the top of the sofa and the bottom of the frame.

Above the Bed

Centre the art on the headboard, and not the wall. Many make the mistake of centring the piece on the full wall width. This will throw the whole arrangement off if the bed isn't perfectly centred in the room. Leave roughly 8 - 10 inches (20-25 cm) of space between the headboard and the bottom of the frame.

Entryways and Hallways

Narrower spaces require a different approach. A single vertical piece, or a tight, evenly spaced row of two or three smaller frames, is good for a hallway; better than one wide horizontal piece. Use your eye level as a guide here; hang the piece so that its centre sits roughly 57 - 60 inches (145-150 cm) from the floor.

Dining Rooms

Art above a sideboard or buffet follows the same 60-75% rule as the sofa wall. Above the dining table itself, keep art at least 6 inches (15cm) clear of any hanging light fixture, and choose something with enough visual weight to hold its own against the table below.

 

Framing Choices That Affect Perceived Size

The frame itself changes how large or small a piece feels on the wall. A slim, minimal frame lets the artwork read at its true size, while a wider or more ornate frame adds visual weight and can make a modestly sized print feel more substantial. This is a useful trick if you're working with a smaller piece on a larger wall.

I've been sourcing my posters, framed art, and canvas prints from Poster Master for exactly this reason. Picture frames and matboards are sold separately from the print, so you can size and style each piece properly for its wall, rather than settling for a fixed bundle. It's a small detail that makes a real difference once the piece is hanging.

 

Gallery Walls: A Different Set of Rules

Grouped arrangements follow the same overall footprint rule (60–75% of the furniture or wall segment below), but within the grouping, consistent spacing matters more than matching frame styles. Keep 2–3 inches between each piece and use painter's tape to map the layout on the wall before drilling a single hole.

 

The Quick Test

Before hanging anything, cut a piece of kraft paper or newspaper to the exact size of the artwork and tape it to the wall. Stand back, live with it for a day if you can, and see whether it reads as intentional or apologetic.

This single step catches almost every sizing mistake before it becomes a hole in the wall that needs patching.

 

Getting the size right is the difference between a wall that looks styled and a wall that looks like something got hung there, just because the space felt empty. Measure first, choose second, and the art will do the rest of the work for you; styling your space.

Related Articles

Wall Hanging Ideas for Framed Pictures, Artwork, and Paintings
Why Moody Wall Art Makes a Home Feel Layered, Beautiful, and Timeless

Why Moody Wall Art Makes a Home Feel Layered, Beautiful, and Timeless

Moody illustration art is artwork with a darker, emotional, and atmospheric feel. Instead of bright colours and playful designs, this style focuses on depth, shadow, texture, and quiet drama. It is the kind of art that instantly makes a room feel more sophisticated and collected with time.

Rather than screaming for attention, moody wall art creates a calm and quietly powerful presence.

Misty mountains and stormy waters (AI-generated image).

What Makes Art Feel “Moody”?

Moody illustrations usually include:

1. Deep or muted colours.
2. Soft shadows and dim lighting.
3. Vintage-inspired details.
4. Textured, painterly effects.
5. Mysterious or romantic themes.

The overall aesthetic is often emotional, nostalgic, dramatic, or slightly gothic, like:

• Candlelight instead of sunshine.
• Stormy skies instead of tropical beaches.
• Old libraries, antique frames, and faded oil paintings.

Common Types of Moody Illustration Art

There are many styles of moody artwork, but some of the more popular examples are:

Dark Florals

Rich roses, wilted flowers, or dramatic botanical prints with deep reds, blacks, and earthy greens.

Stormy Landscapes

Rainy forests, foggy mountains, cloudy coastlines, or dark countryside scenes.

Antique Botanical Sketches

Vintage plant drawings, with faded paper textures and old-world charm.

Ravens and Crows

Bird illustrations are common in moody art because they add mystery and a gothic feel.

Faded Portraits

Vintage-style portraits with soft shadows and muted tones create a timeless feeling.

Candlelit Scenes

Warm, glowing flame-lights set against dark backgrounds that instantly add atmosphere.

Why Moody Art Works So Well in Interior Design

Moody illustration art does more than decorate a wall; it instantly changes the feeling of a room. This style of art helps interiors feel:

Warm

Cozy

Layered

Sophisticated

Dramatic

Personal

Collected over time

Even a modern room can feel warmer and more interesting with darker, moody artwork, and that's why they work beautifully in:

• Bedrooms
• Libraries
• Home offices
• Dining rooms
• Reading corners
• Vintage-inspired interiors

The Secret Behind Moody Interiors

The best moody interiors are not loud or overwhelming. Rather, they feel noiseless and dramatic. Instead of using bright colours everywhere, these interior spaces rely more on texture, shadow, depth, and contrast to create beauty. 

Moody illustration art plays a huge role in that atmosphere. For instance, a single dark floral print or stormy landscape can completely change the theme and personality of a room.

How to Style Moody Illustration Art

If you want to try this, look in your own home, start small. You can do that by:

• Adding one large dark art print above a sofa or bed.
• Mixing vintage frames with modern furniture.
• Layering darker artwork with warm lighting.
• Combining moody prints with candles, books, and textured fabrics.

The goal is not to make a room gloomy but to create warmth, depth, and character.

Moody illustration art proves that darker artwork can still feel beautiful, elegant, and inviting because it brings emotion, atmosphere, and timeless charm into a space in a way that bright, playful art often cannot.

If you love interiors that feel cosy, dramatic, artistic, and layered, moody illustration art may be exactly the style your walls have been missing.

For a beautiful curated collection of moody art paintings and illustrations, visit my listing: Dark Landscape Art with Old-World Charm

Other Articles of interest 

How Big Should Your Wall Art Be? A Room-by-Room Sizing Guide

5 Home Decor Pieces That Look Designer But Cost Almost Nothing

Peel and Stick Wall Decals That Look Like Expensive Wallpaper

Peel and Stick Wall Decals That Look Like Expensive Wallpaper

Most people think transforming a wall means painting, papering, stuccoing, or spending lots of money on a decorator. It doesn’t. 

Peel-and-stick wall decals have come a long way, and the best ones genuinely look like something a professional picked out and installed. They go up in minutes, come off without damaging your walls, and cost a fraction of what real wallpaper would. Here are five picks that prove it.

Cherry Blossom Branch Decals

This is the one that stops people in their tracks. A large-scale nature scene with delicate cherry blossom branches, colourful birds, and hanging birdcages applied directly to your wall looks like a hand-painted mural. The kind you’d see in a boutique hotel lobby, or a carefully styled sitting room. It is self-adhesive, easy to reposition, and costs nowhere near what a mural artist would charge.

Boho Gold Leaf Decals

Rich dark tones with gold botanical detailing. When these are applied to a feature wall, most people assume it’s expensive wallpaper. The gold leaf styling gives it that luxurious, high-end feel that works especially well in a bedroom or dining area. If you want one decal that makes the biggest visual impact, this is the one.

Large Winter Tree Decals

These dramatic bare-branch tree decals create an incredible atmosphere, especially styled alongside a fireplace or a reading corner. The large scale is what makes them work. Small decals add a touch; large ones transform the entire mood of a room. This set does exactly that, and can be up in minutes.

Terracotta Double Arch Decals

Arched shapes are one of the biggest trends in interior design right now, and this set brings that look to any plain wall, without any builder's work. The warm terracotta tones work beautifully behind a desk, a bed, or a sofa. It gives the impression of an architectural detail, the kind that looks like it was always part of the room.

Wildflower Botanical Stickers

These neutral, meadow-inspired wildflower decals look like hand-painted wallpaper. The soft, organic shapes and muted tones make them incredibly versatile. They work in bathrooms, bedrooms, hallways, and nurseries. Up close, they look artisan, and from across the room, they look like wallpaper that costs a lot of money.

The Rule That Makes Them Work

The difference between a decal that looks cheap and one that looks expensive usually boils down to placement and scale. Choose a single focal wall rather than covering the four walls of the room. Pick a style or theme that matches your room’s existing colours and mood. Do those three things and almost any quality decal will look intentional and considered.

See All the Picks

I’ve curated the full collection, including every decal mentioned here plus framed printable art options, in one easy browsing list.

Browse the full Wall Art & Decals list on Benable

5 Home Decor Pieces That Look Designer But Cost Almost Nothing

You’ve walked into someone’s home and thought, “How does it look so put-together?” Chances are, it wasn’t money. It was placing the right pieces in the right places, and the good news is you can do the same thing, get the same effect, and spend very little doing it.

 

Here are 5 home decor pieces that look far more expensive than they are.

 

1. A Sculptural Table Lamp

Lighting is the fastest way to make a room feel designed. A lamp with an interesting shape (think hand-painted glass, terrazzo, or a carved base) adds warmth and a creative touch that feels intentional. It is the kind of piece that makes guests ask, “Where did you get that?” You can find stunning options on Wayfair for under $60. One standout pick is on my Benable list: a hand-painted aqua & cream teardrop lamp with a gold base that looks like it belongs in a boutique hotel.

 

2. A Statement Decorative Mirror

A good mirror does three things at the same time. It adds light, makes a room feel bigger, and acts as wall art. An organically shaped mirror in mango wood, or a round mirror with a scalloped walnut frame, gives you that designer-curated look for a fraction of what you’d pay in a home store. Hang it above a console, a dresser, or a sofa, and watch the whole room shift in aesthetics.

 

3. A Decorative Cushion Cover in Velvet or Embroidery

This is the easiest swap you can make. Pull off your plain cushion covers and replace them with velvet, embroidered, or printed ones. Your sofa will instantly look completely different.

• Rich jewel tones
• Forest green
• Burgundy
• Teal

These are colours that instantly add depth. An embroidered floral design on natural cotton looks artisan and considered. You’re spending a few pounds on a cover, but the result looks like you spent a lot more.

 

4. A Vintage-Style Decorative Mirror

Yes, mirrors get two spots on this list because they are that good. A small oval antique gold mirror, handcrafted using a traditional sand-casting method, looks like a genuine flea-market find. It brings character, texture, and old-world charm to a gallery wall or over a small entryway shelf. Pieces like this are what make a home feel curated rather than just furnished.

 

5. A Bold Printed Cushion Cover

A maximalist cushion, like a peacock print on velvet with fringe trim, or a painterly horse design in cobalt blue, works as a statement piece all on its own. You don’t need to redecorate. You only need one cushion that draws the eye and changes the energy of the room. That’s what designers do. They pick one bold thing and let everything else stay calm around it.

 

Where to Find All Five

I’ve pulled together my favorite picks for each of these in one place. You can browse the full list, including specific product links, right here: Home Decor Items That Look Expensive But Aren’t (one of my Benable lists). Every piece was chosen because it genuinely looks more expensive than it is.

 

Articles of interest:

Building Your First Home? Plan Ahead with This Free Simple Budget Planner Tool

7 Ways to Change Your Living Room from Drab to Uplifting

How Decorative Accents Transform Rooms, Without Changing Furniture

Wall Hanging Ideas for Framed Pictures, Artwork, and Paintings

Wall hangings look delightful in all interior spaces, 

especially when arranged asymmetrically.

Are your indoor walls devoid of wall hangings or other wall decor that can complement your interiors? Are you planning to add style to your walls using framed art, but don’t know how to, or where to start? If your answer is yes and yes, this article is for you. 

We all have artworks, pictures, illustrations, photographs, hand drawings and doodle art stored somewhere within our homes. But many of us don’t realise we can turn these stashed-away possessions into interior décor elements that will stylishly uplift our interior spaces.

There is so much you can do with these hidden treasures. You can frame and hang them in many beautiful ways, and there are many hanging methods to achieve this. The good thing is that there are no hard and fast rules about how you wish to arrange them on your interior walls.

7 Tips for Hanging Wall Art

There are many creative ways of hanging artwork and framed pictures on your interior walls. While wall art must look organised whichever way they are arranged on a wall, there is no hard and fast rule as to how it should be laid out.

Interior designers and home decorators can usually tell the types of artwork that go well with the themes of their interior projects and are quite adept at arranging art in aesthetically pleasing and effective manners.

But you can, too, because there are no rules cast in stone on how to hang art. There are a few basic principles that represent what is desirable to different people, however.

So, what are the best or most creative ways to hang art or framed pictures? The answer is that it depends on:

1. Size of the wall.
2. Shape of the wall.
3. Wall height.
4. The wall position.
5. Available wall space.
6. A backdrop or a feature wall.
7. Colours/style/size of picture frames

Size of the wall:

Your wall size will determine how you hang wall art. If you have a narrow wall with a low ceiling, for instance, you don’t want to hang an overtly large painting that swallows up the wall.

Shape of the wall:

If you have a triangular wall (typical wall shape found in A-frame homes) or a square wall, you will hang artwork differently on the two walls.

Wall height:

For interiors with high ceilings, for instance, you want to hang paintings that are proportionally balanced with the wall’s character. You don’t want to install a couple of small framed artworks that will visually disappear on high walls, nor do you want to hang oversized wall art on low walls.

Wall position:

Awkwardly positioned walls can be a bit tricky. The best way to decorate such walls, for instance, the walls of a niche, is to go the gallery arrangement way. You can extend the gallery of small framed pictures into the corners to help the stark lines of the niche appear to disappear.

Available wall space:

How much wall space is available for hanging your artwork? If, for instance, you live in a tiny apartment and can’t seem to find space for your art, hang your art as a column of art that spans from below eye level to above eye level, about 2ft away from the ceiling. Ensure they are the same small-sized framed works.

Backdrop or a feature wall:

If you don’t have a feature wall, you can create one with wall art. Depending on the size of the wall, you can go for a one-piece framed art, a standalone tapestry, or a series of artworks like a collage of art or a collection of framed black and white or sepia photographs.

Colours/style/size of picture frames:

Picture frames come in all conceivable colours, different styles and sizes. Depending on the design theme and the interior colour scheme, you can base your choice of frame style on anything that ranges from vintage-inspired to modern picture frames constructed from man-made materials.

Dramatic display of large-sized framed wall art with tribal illustration.

(Images used under license from 123rf.com)

Picture Hanging Ideas

Symmetrical vs. Asymmetrical Arrangement

Many homeowners feel much more comfortable using a symmetrical picture hanging arrangement. They think it is safer to keep within the conventional ways of hanging artwork, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

But you can also go for an asymmetrical arrangement if you want something unique and different from the norm. An asymmetrical arrangement includes using different sizes, styles, and colours of picture frames, all arranged haphazardly on a wall.

For wall art to stand out conspicuously within the room's decor, it's best to have plain, neutral wall colours. If you must have striking, vibrant colours, let them be a part of the artwork.

It is best to relate the subject matter of the artwork to the character and theme of the room.

Create colour accents on one wall with framed paintings or photographs. Use different colour frames for each picture. This can be a feature wall that is set in harmony with the general interior design. 

For a modern cluster arrangement, artwork must not be arranged indiscriminately, but rather, in the form of simple geometric patterns:

• Triangle
• Square
• Line
• Rectangle
• Diamond

TRIANGLE

SQUARE

LINE

RECTANGULAR

DIAMOND

Other Artwork-Hanging Considerations

For different themes, shapes and sizes of art hung on one wall (posters, pictures, photographs, wall art), set them close in a mass arrangement. This makes the entire wall look like a beautiful scenic view.

Hang one large painting on the most significant wall in a room. At times, interior walls with too many wall hangings can be stressful and heavy on the eyes, especially if they have ornate frames.

If you have rooms with heavily decorated walls like scenic images, patterned wallpaper, special paint effects, murals, etc., do not hang framed art in them, because the paintings will end up being lost in the busy background.

Tip:

• Pictures and framed artworks can be hung on wall surfaces using hooks, nails or screws driven well into the wall. They must be fixed near the top of the picture frame. This ensures that the picture is hung as flat as possible against the wall surface.

This picture hanging idea has a symmetrical arrangement. 

It works as the sofa's backdrop. A simple, eye-catching arrangement

A creative way to hang a standalone tapestry art.

It serves as a piece of decoration, a one-piece wall art.

Do's and Don'ts of Artwork and Picture Hanging

Do's

• Groups of three pictures could either be hung with the largest in the centre or two of the same size on both sides of the third. It is good if the three artworks are related in character and colour scheme.
• Small pictures look better when hung at eye level.
• Larger paintings that will be viewed from a distance are best hung at a higher level.
• A group of artworks arranged asymmetrically can be placed on wall surfaces that are not the central point of the room.
• Make sure that hanging artwork ropes or wires do not show when paintings are hung on the walls. It looks so tacky when hanging elements become obvious.

Don'ts

• Do not hang oil paintings and watercolour paintings near each other. It will become unharmonious unless they are similar in colour tones.
• Hanging artwork with vibrant colours next to black-and-white sketches is inappropriate. They must not be placed close together on the same wall to avoid a situation that's odd and inconsistent with picture-hanging styles.

A simple picture hanging idea using three framed pictures/paintings, 

all set out in a straight line.

Browse more posts in Interior Accents for more decorating ideas.

Related article

How Big Should Your Wall Art Be? A Room-by-Room Sizing Guide

Decorative Metal Art in Interior Design: Interior Décor Uses of Timeless Metals

Decorative metal artworks are functional and ornamental pieces made from metals and shaped by casting, hammering, stamping, or forging.

In interior spaces, these beautiful metal works can be used as visual contrasts, working well in modern, industrial, classic, and eclectic interior designs.

Types of Metals Used in Decorative Art

1. Iron

Iron is valued for its strength, structure, and sculptural presence. Unlike steel and stainless steel, its malleability makes it a preferred choice for interior construction and décor pieces. Decorative features made from iron include:

• Wrought iron wall grilles.
• Staircase balustrades and railings.
• Iron-framed mirrors.
• Decorative fireplace screens.
• Sculptural accents.

2. Tin

Lightweight and easy to shape, tin has long been used for stamped and painted decorative metal art, especially wall art pieces. Decorative pieces made from tin include:

• Wall plaques and decorative signs.
• Decorative ceiling tiles.
• Embossed tin mirrors.
• Hanging tin ornaments.
• Wall sculptures made with recycled tin.

3. Copper

Copper’s warm tone and workability make it one of the most versatile metals used in decorative art. It can be hammered, cast, or left to develop a natural patina. Interior décor items made with copper include:

• Polished copper wall panels and art tiles.
• Sculptural lighting fixtures.
• Decorative vases and urns.
• Copper screens and room dividers.
• Statement coffee table (and other surfaces) centrepieces.

4. Bronze

Bronze is the most widely used metal for cast decorative metal art. It is durable and easily etched with fine detail. It is a great addition to both classical and modern interiors. Some interior décor items made with bronze are:

• Sculptured figurines.
• Busts and abstract statues.
• Decorative bowls and plates.
• Accent hardware, like knobs and handles.
• Console or pedestal display sculptures.

5. Brass

Soft, malleable, and highly decorative, brass features bring warmth and reflective elegance to interior design. Although brass requires occasional maintenance, its reward for visual richness is unsurpassed. Decorative items made from brass include:

• Wall art panels.
• Decorative door knockers and handles.
• Furniture accents and trims.
• Candleholders and sconces.
• Statement mirrors with brass frames.

6. Lead

Although lead is no longer widely used, it still appears in traditional and antique decorative metal art. It is valued more for form than for durability. Interior décor items made from lead include:

• Stained glass lead cames (narrow strips of lead used to join pieces of glass in stained glass work).
• Decorative lead planters.
• Antique lead figurines.
• Architectural detailing inserts.
• Historic wall relief accents.

Metals: Bringing Visual Aesthetics to Interior Design and Decoration

Decorative metal art remains an essential element in interior design because it combines permanence with artistry. Whether iron for structure, copper for warmth, or bronze for sculptural impact, each metal adds a distinct visual language to interior spaces when used thoughtfully and intentionally.

Browse more posts in Interior Accents for more decorating ideas.

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Soothing Interior Spaces: How Indoor Water Features Enhance Wellness and Decor

Indoor water features serve more than aesthetic purposes. They are calming, soothing, and therapeutic elements within the home, with beneficial effects on emotions and well-being, radiating serene energy to the home occupants.

They come in various forms and sizes and are made from different materials like terracotta, bamboo, metal, glass, ceramic, stone, and acrylic.

Therapeutic Qualities of Flowing Water

Water represents prosperity, and its gentle sounds serve as energy boosters. It gently filters out disturbing noises and eliminates energy-sapping background sounds that disturb peace and concentration. With it gently moving and cascading, it has an amazing effect on our well-being.

Indoor Waterfalls as Flowing Art

Indoor water features possess a decorative and dramatic effect, and if carefully selected and positioned correctly, fit in perfectly with both contemporary and traditional settings. They are an eye-catching addition to any interior space, but there are no hard and fast rules on where to position them. How and where you place them depends on your taste and creativity.

Types of Fountains You Can Use Indoors

For the classic traditional look:

• Rustic traditional fountains made from natural materials like fired clay, bamboo stems, copper, steel, slate, and granite are popular choices.

For a modern, contemporary feel: 

• Features made from man-made materials like PVC, glass, fibreglass, and simulated components, including new-age materials.

The three main types of indoor water fountains are:

1. Standalone (free-standing).
2. Wall-mounted.
3. Tabletop (counter/surface placement).

Free-Standing

Great if you have ample floor space. Free-standing floor fountains are spectacular to look at. They are usually larger and heavier than wall-mounted indoor fountains and come with sturdy bases that encase their water reservoirs. They are produced from various materials, both natural and man-made and can include extras like underwater lighting.

Wall-Mounted

Wall-mounted fountains come in various designs and forms. They have high visibility and take up zero floor space. Wall-mounted water features project no more than 3 inches from a wall. A great idea if you lack ample floor space.

Tabletop

Tabletop types are the smallest and lightest and, just as their name suggests, they can be placed on a table, desk, counter, floating shelf, ledge, or display stand. There is a great assortment of designs, forms, sizes, and materials for these interior water features, much more than is available for the wall-mounted and free-standing ones.

Where to Place These Decorative Features

Indoor water features can be used in both residential and commercial interiors. They can be a part of the interior design process of homes, offices, clinics, spas, hotels, recreational clubs, restaurants, and other similar establishments. You can use them in:

• Entrance hallways
• Foyers
• Reception areas
• Offices
• Enclosed patios
• Waiting rooms
• Living rooms
• Bedrooms
• Study
• Niches and alcoves

Because of its natural elements, they represent living art pieces that stylishly accentuate interiors.

5 Examples of How to Use Water as an Element of Décor

Room divider.

An open space can be partitioned into zones with standalone floor features. For instance, to divide an open living/dining area space into two distinct spaces, use a tall fountain (up to 3’6” or 1.06m).

Focal point.

Install a wall unit in a strategic position to serve as a focal point.

Dramatic centrepiece.

A tabletop centrepiece with a sturdy base, cascading water, and small scented candle lights placed in its pool will make a great centrepiece.

Sleeping aid.

The quietly flowing sounds and ripples are relaxing and tension-relieving and will lull you to sleep, especially for individuals who find it hard to fall asleep at night.

Humidifier.

As water moistens the atmosphere, so do indoor water features humidify interior spaces, helping to increase the elasticity of the respiratory walls and keep the skin moisturised and supple.

Where Design Meets Tranquillity

Flowing water is therapeutic, so having water fountains (or waterfalls) gives you as much satisfaction in its beauty and complementing nature as it does health-wise. They not only serve as decorative features but also help relax, soothe, and calm you.

Browse more posts in Interior Accents for more decorating ideas.

(Article first published by the author on HubPages: 6/21/2010)

Articles of interest:

How to Develop an Interior Design Concept – 5 Basic Principles to Follow

Moss Walls: Nature-Inspired Design for Modern Interior Spaces
Bed Headboards Made from Tapestry, Large Paintings, and Carpets
Pets Furniture Ideas for People with Stylish Interiors

Moss Walls: The Interior Design Trend of Bringing Nature Indoors

Moss wall installations are a 21st-century design concept that adds textured greenery to vertical structures of building interiors and exteriors.

Available as real or faux moss, it is a creative feature that adds a biophilic touch to interiors and architectural designs. (Biophilic design integrates natural elements into built environments.)

1. As a living wall art feature, its textured natural accent brings the outdoors indoors through a creative connection to nature.

2. As a sound barrier: Moss walls absorb sound waves and reduce noise levels. Think home recording studios.

3. As a natural element integrated into built environments, it adds a biophilic touch that creates environments that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Real moss walls are low-maintenance. They are cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to potted plants, and depending on the strain used, they have a long lifespan (between 3 and 10 years). Its longevity depends on:

• Type of moss.
• Preservation method.
• Moisture (misting).
• Maintenance practice.
• Good ventilation.

7 Examples of Where to Use Moss Wall Installations

1. Add a framed moss art piece as a headboard alternative.

2. A focal point in the entrance hallway.

3. Behind a floating staircase for a natural accent.

4. As sound insulation for a home theatre.

5. Incorporate moss tiles into a kitchen or bathroom backsplash.

6. A central wall in an office reception or spa lobby.

7. Behind the main counters of restaurants and cocktail bars.

Moss Wall Installations for Healthier Interiors

With their calming and ambient aesthetics, improved air quality, and eco-friendliness, moss walls promote great health and well-being to building occupants. They also enhance cognitive functions and elevate sinking and dreary moods. And in the workplace, biophilic design has been shown to increase productivity, creativity, and overall satisfaction. This makes the concept a popular choice for residential and commercial projects.

All these are achieved while adding a uniquely different touch of nature to their living and working spaces.

Looking for a Creative Headboard Idea? Use a Statement Piece as Your Bedhead.

Using decorative metal (or wood) art is another creative headboard idea. 

(Image created by viryabo@polyvore)

Would you like to own an impressive headboard without breaking the bank? A statement piece that ups your bedroom aesthetics and creates a focal point for the room?

Today, the average cost of a not-so-great headboard can run into hundreds of dollars. Nothing eye-catching or unique either. Just some plain old wood (or upholstered) bedhead style.

Now, let's talk modern, abstract, and creative, something artsy and conversational - metal art headboard.

This may be more expensive than using drapes, decals, or upholstered panels, but it'll give you a fantastic, dramatic look.

Metal art ideas range from simple wirework and rod configurations to intricately sculpted sheet-metal artworks. It can be installed on the wall above the bedhead position at least 18 inches above the mattress.

If you have an eye and feel for design, browse online shops (eBay, Amazon), garage sales, or local (flea) markets. You'll be pleasantly surprised to find cheap/affordable pieces you can improvise into headboard features.

   *Browse more posts in: Interior Accents for more decorating ideas.

Tips

• Allow the artwork to span the bedhead and bedside cabinet positions.
• Use abstract or free-form designs to create art forms.
• For a distinctive look, use a metal framework with shatterproof mirror insets.

Articles of interest

• How to Develop an Interior Design Concept – 5 Basic Principles to Follow
• Bed Headboards Made from Tapestry, Large Paintings, and Carpets
• How to Make Area Rugs from Old Clothes

Looking for Cheap Headboard Ideas? Try Wall Decals, Drapes, and Wallpaper

A creative faux headboard idea using wall decals. You can create any theme to make the wall above your bed look stylish and impressive.

So, how do you come up with impressive headboard ideas?

What can you use?

Is it an easy instal-it-yourself decor feature?

For a few dollars and a couple of hours of work over the weekend, you can style your bed and dress it up with a creative headboard feature that can become a focal point in your bedroom. For this affordable feature, use wall decals. Apply them on the wall above the bed where the headboard position is to create an elaborate (or simple) headboard effect.

1. Wall Decal Headboards

Wall decals (stickers) come in various styles, shapes, colours, and patterns. They can be anything from simple and whimsical quotes to very graphic designs with striking visual appeal: funny, inspirational, mood-enhancing, scenic, or dramatic. You can use any theme or create something unique that reflects your style.

Wall-applied stickers work well for almost any type of bedroom; adults, teens, or young children. While you can apply adult themes, mature quotes, or illusionary effects for adults, you can create faux headboards with pretty and colourful picturesque scenes, quaint patterns, or numerical and alphabetical arrangements for nurseries and young children. For teens and tweens, themes with their favorite rock stars, glow-in-the-dark, and vivid and cute patterns like butterflies, hearts, and rainbows. 

You can also create and design your own pattern by combining various decal themes.

How to Apply Wall Stickers

1. Applying stickers directly onto the wall is simple and fast, but it is best to use removable stickers. This will allow you to change the look of your decal headboard as often as you wish.
2. Cut out the shape and size of your preferred headboard from an inexpensive board like plywood or chipboard. Before you install it on the wall, apply the decals or stickers. It is easier to apply decal stickers when the board is flat on the floor.
3. If you wish to apply them directly on a half, or three-quarter-inch board (before installing on walls), coat the board with a block of bright or muted paint. Ensure that its edges are lipped before painting. 
4. Fix the finished product onto the wall with hidden screws.

2. Drapery-Style Headboards

Curtain ‘headboards’ are one of the cheapest and easiest to make. It is a task that will take you no longer than thirty minutes. You can use inexpensive fabrics or textile cut-offs for this headboard effect and hang them simply, just as you will drapes and curtains. 

Simple to sew and install window-type treatments can also serve as faux headboards.

For an aesthetically pleasing overall look, choose a material with bold patterns. Depending on the effect you wish to create, it should complement the bedroom’s colour scheme. You can hang them from the ceiling for a dramatic look. This works well for wide beds.  Styles to go for include Roman blinds, swags, pinch-pleats or swag and tails. 

How to Hang Your Drapery-Effect Headboard

To hang your finished product, attach a decorative curtain rod to any height (of choice) above the bed’s head, and simply hang your curtain; swags, blinds, pleated, ruffled or plain gathered drapes.

 

3. Wallpapered Headboards

If you seek a low-budget but stylish headboard look, applying wallpaper on the wall above the bed is worth considering. With thousands of patterns to choose from, wallpapered headboards bring so much personality into a room, and will enhance the bed in no small way.

Choose a wallpaper pattern that works well with the room’s colour scheme. If you plan to do a bedroom upgrade, you can start off by selecting a covering that has your favourite colour. You can pick out something quirky and colourful or a wallpaper design that is rich and regal. You can then pick out a colour from the wallpaper’s pattern and paint it on the remaining bedroom walls.

Wallpaper Headboards - Tips

• Create a dramatic look with a floor-to-ceiling wallpaper headboard that spans the width of the bed.
• Install textured fabric covering like velvet, damask, or animal print in place of wallpaper. This creative headboard idea will give your bed the illusion of grandeur.
• Wallpaper can be applied directly on the wall. However, if you plan to use fabric, first apply the fabric to a ¾” board. Wrap the fabric around the edge and tack it in place at the back.
• Before applying the wallpaper, make sure your bed is positioned in a place you're happy with because moving this headboard around once it’s installed can be a little tricky.

Articles of interest

Bed Headboards Made from Tapestry, Large Paintings, and Carpets

How to Make Area Rugs from Old Clothes

7 Ways to Change Your Living Room from Drab to Uplifting

(This blog post is culled from an originally published article by the author on Discover.HubPages in 2013) *If you like this post, and find it beneficial or interesting, kindly share it on social media. It will be greatly appreciated :)