DecorateTutorialsWall Art. April 23rd, 2025

DIY Wall Art for Living Room: Abstract Thread Painting

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If you’re looking to elevate your living room wall decor without breaking the bank, this DIY abstract art project is the perfect solution. Combining texture, color, and creativity, this unique wall art for living room uses simple materials—thread, glue, canvas, and acrylic paints—to create a high-end modern piece that looks store-bought.

Whether your living space is modern, boho, or minimalist, this DIY thread and acrylic wall art blends beautifully into any interior style while letting your personality shine through.

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DIY Wall Art for Living Room

Why DIY Abstract Wall Art for the Living Room?

Abstract art is timeless.

  • Adds depth and character to blank walls
  • Complements modern, contemporary, and eclectic interiors
  • Allows full creative freedom with colors, shapes, and texture
  • Costs a fraction of store-bought artwork

By using thread glued to canvas as a base, you add eye-catching texture that takes your living room wall art to the next level.

I got the inspired by this wall art.

bed-bath-and-beyond-artwork

Abstract Art Inspiration

Materials:

The following supplies are needed to make wall art for living room:

  • 1 large blank canvas (24×36” or larger for statement impact) or set of picture frames (8×10″)
  • Embroidery thread or yarn (neutral or metallic colors work great)
  • Glue stick or tacky craft glue
  • Acrylic paints (in a palette that matches your living room decor)
  • Paintbrushes (flat and fine)
  • Palette knife or old credit card (optional for texture)
  • Pencil (for sketching design)

 

DIY Thread and Acrylic Abstract Canvas Art Instructions

The following step-by-step instructions will give you the best results:

1. Plan Your Abstract Design

No need to be an art pro! Abstract art is all about emotion and flow. You can:

  • Go geometric with straight lines and curves
  • Create organic waves or minimalist forms
  • Sketch shapes lightly with a pencil or freestyle as you go

Pro Tip: Stick to 2–4 core colors that match your living room palette (e.g., beige, gold, terracotta, and navy).

The design I created for my project contains the following three elements of art:

  • Abstract pattern
  • Square shape
  • Motivational words

2. Draw or Trace the Pattern

  • Cut poster paper according to your frame size or use a canvas.
  • Draw or trace your design on it using a tracing paper.

3. Apply Glue and Thread

  • Trace your abstract shapes or lines with glue
  • Press thread gently into the glue to outline or accent key parts of your design
  • Cut and glue the thread for best results at various instances
  • Let dry completely (30–60 minutes)

The thread becomes a raised texture layer, making your canvas look dynamic and professional.

4. Paint Over the Canvas

  • Use acrylic paints to fill in the spaces around and over the thread
  • Use brushes for smooth transitions and a palette knife for texture
  • Let some thread peek through or paint directly over it for a layered look

Don’t aim for perfection—abstract art is about movement, color, and feeling.

5. Layer, Blend, and Finish

  • Let the first layer dry and add more depth by layering new shapes or brush strokes
  • Try dry-brushing or splatter effects for an edgy finish
  • Once satisfied, let it dry completely (overnight is best)

Optional: Seal with a matte or gloss acrylic spray for added protection.

Here’s a close-up of the colorful and vibrant wall art thread painting.

wall-art-tutorial-for-living-room

Thread Art

wall-art-thread-sculpture-artwork

Textured Art using thread and acrylics

A Kids room wall art made with classic Disney characters using thread art has all the details.

disney-artwork-tutorial

DIY Kids Room Wall Art

Here’s a look at each frame individually.

DIY-thread-painting-wall-art-tutorial

Beautiful Living Room Wall Decor

Related: 70 Crafty Living Room Wall Decor Ideas

Live, Love, Laugh

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Modern Abstract Wall Art

 

FAQs

Where to hang wall art on wall space?

I made these painting as wall art for living room, however, the idea can easily be used to make wall art for any space. Some of the wall corners include:

  • Accent wall in dining room
  • Statement wall in living room
  • Large piece of wall art on feature wall
  • Statement piece of artwork in guest bedroom
  • Large walls art pieces to create a gallery
  • Creating room feel on narrow wall with symmetry
  • Use bright colors to decorate entry way with visual interest
  • Wall decor with neutral and modern color palette and shades
  • Display as large wall art on fireplace mantel with sculptures
  • Use in contrast to wallpaper in small space and bathroom
  • Bring pop of color in hallway
  • Arrange on floating shelves
  • Place on a side table by the sofa or fireplace
  • Design a collage with portrait and artwork

 

What medium can I use to create wall art for living room?

This wall art can be created on any medium on which acrylic paints can be used. Since, thread can easily be glued on to various surfaces the options may include:

  • sketch paper
  • cardstock
  • canvas
  • chart paper
  • large-scale art paper
  • wall art print paper

 

Hanging Tips for Living Room Wall Art

  • Hang the canvas above the couch, fireplace, or console table
  • Create a gallery wall by pairing it with smaller abstract or black-and-white prints
  • Use wall-safe adhesive hooks or traditional wall mounts

 

Styling Ideas for Every Space

Minimalist Living Rooms: Stick to neutral tones like ivory, sand, and gray with black thread lines

Boho-Chic Homes: Use warm earthy hues like rust, ochre, and olive with natural twine

Modern Interiors: Try monochrome with gold or silver metallic thread accents

 

Benefits of DIY Wall Art for Living Room

  • Save money while creating art tailored to your space
  • Reflect your taste and personal touch through color and shape
  • Therapeutic and a fun creative outlet with no art skills required!

 

DIY-wall-art

DIY Abstract Wall Art

Enjoy making your own version of DIY wall art with acrylic paints and thread. Don’t forget to share with me.

thread-painting-wall-artwork

Acrylic thread art canvas

This DIY wall art for living room brings texture, color, and contemporary elegance to your space—all from just canvas, thread, glue, and paint. Whether you’re refreshing a dull corner or crafting a focal point above the sofa, this project transforms your walls while unleashing your inner artist.

Don’t just decorate – create.

You will also like:

Family room gallery wall

Magnetic photo board

Acrylic paint tips

Welcome to craftionary

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Hi, I’m Hani

I’m so glad you're here. I'm a mom of 2 with a passion for DIY and crafting. I love to share ideas for turning simple materials into beautiful home and garden decor that brings warmth and personality to any space.

Whether you're looking for inspiration or easy tutorials, you're in the right place! Stay a while, explore, and don't forget to follow along for new ideas. Let's create something beautiful together!

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  1. Steph says:

    That looks so colorful! Great job. That will liven up your living room for sure! Thanks for sharing your creative work. 🙂

  2. ~LKB says:

    Very neat idea! Such cheerful looking art work – would brighten any room!

  3. gmac says:

    Some lovely work and very bright colours I love them. I work for a plastering company in Birmingham and although most of our work is in the commercial sector we also do some domestic work. At the moment we are working on a friends house and they have just had a new kid. Your site has helped me come up with a few ideas to help decorate the kids rooms, so THANKS

  4. Janelle says:

    This is so pretty and I like how you were inspired by the Bed, Bath, & Beyond picture.

  5. Polo Shirt says:

    Great idea! Keep up the great work on your blog. Also, just wanted to say your site looks great also.

  6. the purple muse says:

    That is a fab idea! Thanks for sharing.-Tammy

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  8. Alison Shuman says:

    Almost anything looks good in sets and in nice frames! Love how you took your own art pieces and turned them into a collection to put on your walls – truly original and inspirational.

  9. Leanne says:

    Those are gorgeous! I love all the bright, happy colors. THanks for linking to the Home Decor and Organizing Link Party.

  10. Michelle says:

    At first, I thought it was ripped paper. Really neat that it is string and paint! Thanks for linking up with DIY under $5!

  11. La-Dee-da crafter says:

    This is awesome. Looks so good on your wall and very impressive art skills. 🙂
    Following you now.
    ladeedacreations.com

  12. Emreen says:

    So.. beautiful..!!

  13. Maggie says:

    oh my this is amazing, i luv your interpretation much better…

  14. Mary-Sweetwater Style says:

    This is really lovely! I am a teacher and am thinking that with some adaptations, this would be an amazing student art project! I bet a lot of moms would hang it on their walls. Great job!

  15. Connie says:

    These are really cool, thanks for sharing them.

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