23 Kids Wall Art Ideas on a Dime

The best wall art in my kids’ rooms cost me almost nothing: their own paintings in matching frames, a pressed leaf, and a free printable I found online. These kids Wall Art ideas are all under a few dollars, and every one of them starts with something you already have at home. Art does not need a shop price tag to look good on a wall, it just needs a frame and a spot at eye level. (see also: diy-kids-wall-decor) (see also: cheap-picture-frames) Save this idea list before you buy another poster, because the art your child made beats anything in a store.

Free Printables and Paper Art

1. Framed Free Printable Animal Posters

For a room that needs colour fast, Framed Free Printable Animal Posters delivers without a big shop. Start with hang the frame at your child’s eye level, not adult height. Then pick a frame a size bigger than the art so it has breathing room. Finish by mount the art on a backing card so it sits flat and straight. When I did this at home I skipped measuring once and had to redo the whole thing, so measure twice is now my rule. I check it after a week and move anything that looks off, because small tweaks beat starting over. It works best when you stop at good enough instead of chasing perfect.

Cost: ~$20 | Time: 63 minutes

2. Kids Own Paintings in Matching Frames

Kids Own Paintings in Matching Frames is one of those ideas that looks shop-bought once it is up, but it starts with cheap supplies and a free afternoon. First, tape off the edges with painter’s tape and lay newspaper underneath. Next, paint two thin coats and let each one dry fully before the next. Finally, peel the tape while the last coat is still slightly tacky for a clean edge. I put this up on a rainy Saturday and it took less time than the school run, which still surprises me. Keep the colours to two or three so the room stays calm instead of busy.

Cost: ~$3 | Time: 76 minutes

3. Pressed Leaves Arranged in a Simple Frame

I like Pressed Leaves Arranged in a Simple Frame because it uses things you probably already have and it changes the whole feel of the room. Start by mount the art on a backing card so it sits flat and straight. Then hang the frame at your child’s eye level, not adult height. Once that is done, pick a frame a size bigger than the art so it has breathing room. I used leftovers from another project for this and spent almost nothing, which is the whole point. The trick is to keep it simple and stop while it still looks fresh. Let your child pick one small part, like the colour or the spot, and they will love it more.

Cost: ~$8 | Time: 89 minutes

4. Washi Tape Geometric Art on Canvas

Washi Tape Geometric Art on Canvas works well in a small room because it adds colour without taking up floor space. First, add one small finishing touch so it looks finished on purpose. Next, clear the spot and measure it twice before you buy anything. Finally, put the main piece in place and live with it for a day. This one survived a full year of sticky fingers and still looks good after a quick wipe. I keep coming back to this one because it is easy to redo when tastes change. If a piece gets damaged, you can remake just that bit in ten minutes.

Cost: ~$13 | Time: 27 minutes

Pro tip: Take a photo before you start so you can see how far the room has come.

5. Paper Cut-Out Collage in a Clip Frame

If a corner of the room looks bare, Paper Cut-Out Collage in a Clip Frame is a cheap fix that takes less than an hour. Begin by pick a frame a size bigger than the art so it has breathing room. After that, mount the art on a backing card so it sits flat and straight. To finish, hang the frame at your child’s eye level, not adult height. I tried this in my daughter’s room last spring and the first version went up crooked, so now I always mark the spot with a pencil before I commit. It works best when you stop at good enough instead of chasing perfect.

Cost: ~$18 | Time: 40 minutes

6. Framed Pages from Old Picture Books

Framed Pages from Old Picture Books is the kind of project I do on a Sunday afternoon when the kids want to help. First, mount the art on a backing card so it sits flat and straight. Next, hang the frame at your child’s eye level, not adult height. Finally, pick a frame a size bigger than the art so it has breathing room. When I did this at home I skipped measuring once and had to redo the whole thing, so measure twice is now my rule. The best part is that nothing here needs special tools, just patience and a free hour. Keep the colours to two or three so the room stays calm instead of busy.

Cost: ~$23 | Time: 53 minutes

7. Handprint Art in a White Frame

For a room that needs colour fast, Handprint Art in a White Frame delivers without a big shop. Start with hang the frame at your child’s eye level, not adult height. Then pick a frame a size bigger than the art so it has breathing room. Finish by mount the art on a backing card so it sits flat and straight. I put this up on a rainy Saturday and it took less time than the school run, which still surprises me. I check it after a week and move anything that looks off, because small tweaks beat starting over. Let your child pick one small part, like the colour or the spot, and they will love it more.

Cost: ~$6 | Time: 66 minutes

8. Painted Rocks Displayed on a Wall Shelf

Painted Rocks Displayed on a Wall Shelf is one of those ideas that looks shop-bought once it is up, but it starts with cheap supplies and a free afternoon. First, tape off the edges with painter’s tape and lay newspaper underneath. Next, paint two thin coats and let each one dry fully before the next. Finally, peel the tape while the last coat is still slightly tacky for a clean edge. I used leftovers from another project for this and spent almost nothing, which is the whole point. If a piece gets damaged, you can remake just that bit in ten minutes.

Cost: ~$11 | Time: 79 minutes

Pro tip: Keep spare pieces in a labelled bag, because small repairs are much easier with the same materials.

Framed Memories and Keepsakes

9. String and Nail Art in a Heart Shape

I like String and Nail Art in a Heart Shape because it uses things you probably already have and it changes the whole feel of the room. Start by put the main piece in place and live with it for a day. Then add one small finishing touch so it looks finished on purpose. Once that is done, clear the spot and measure it twice before you buy anything. This one survived a full year of sticky fingers and still looks good after a quick wipe. The trick is to keep it simple and stop while it still looks fresh. It works best when you stop at good enough instead of chasing perfect.

Cost: ~$16 | Time: 17 minutes

10. Fabric Scraps Framed as Abstract Art

Fabric Scraps Framed as Abstract Art works well in a small room because it adds colour without taking up floor space. First, hang the frame at your child’s eye level, not adult height. Next, pick a frame a size bigger than the art so it has breathing room. Finally, mount the art on a backing card so it sits flat and straight. I tried this in my daughter’s room last spring and the first version went up crooked, so now I always mark the spot with a pencil before I commit. I keep coming back to this one because it is easy to redo when tastes change. Keep the colours to two or three so the room stays calm instead of busy.

Cost: ~$21 | Time: 30 minutes

11. Black and White Photos in Thrift Frames

If a corner of the room looks bare, Black and White Photos in Thrift Frames is a cheap fix that takes less than an hour. Begin by pick a frame a size bigger than the art so it has breathing room. After that, mount the art on a backing card so it sits flat and straight. To finish, hang the frame at your child’s eye level, not adult height. When I did this at home I skipped measuring once and had to redo the whole thing, so measure twice is now my rule. Let your child pick one small part, like the colour or the spot, and they will love it more.

Cost: ~$4 | Time: 43 minutes

12. Painted Wooden Arrows as Wall Art

Painted Wooden Arrows as Wall Art is the kind of project I do on a Sunday afternoon when the kids want to help. First, paint two thin coats and let each one dry fully before the next. Next, peel the tape while the last coat is still slightly tacky for a clean edge. Finally, tape off the edges with painter’s tape and lay newspaper underneath. I put this up on a rainy Saturday and it took less time than the school run, which still surprises me. The best part is that nothing here needs special tools, just patience and a free hour. If a piece gets damaged, you can remake just that bit in ten minutes.

Cost: ~$9 | Time: 56 minutes

Pro tip: Do this step in daylight so you can see the true colour before it dries darker.

13. Framed Maps of Places They Love

For a room that needs colour fast, Framed Maps of Places They Love delivers without a big shop. Start with hang the frame at your child’s eye level, not adult height. Then pick a frame a size bigger than the art so it has breathing room. Finish by mount the art on a backing card so it sits flat and straight. I used leftovers from another project for this and spent almost nothing, which is the whole point. I check it after a week and move anything that looks off, because small tweaks beat starting over. It works best when you stop at good enough instead of chasing perfect.

Cost: ~$14 | Time: 69 minutes

14. Paper Plate Masks Hung in a Row

Paper Plate Masks Hung in a Row is one of those ideas that looks shop-bought once it is up, but it starts with cheap supplies and a free afternoon. First, cut the shapes on a flat table with sharp scissors so the edges stay clean. Next, lay the pieces out on the floor first to get the spacing right. Finally, stick them up with removable dots so you can move them later. This one survived a full year of sticky fingers and still looks good after a quick wipe. Keep the colours to two or three so the room stays calm instead of busy.

Cost: ~$19 | Time: 82 minutes

15. Chalk Drawings Photographed and Framed

I like Chalk Drawings Photographed and Framed because it uses things you probably already have and it changes the whole feel of the room. Start by mount the art on a backing card so it sits flat and straight. Then hang the frame at your child’s eye level, not adult height. Once that is done, pick a frame a size bigger than the art so it has breathing room. I tried this in my daughter’s room last spring and the first version went up crooked, so now I always mark the spot with a pencil before I commit. The trick is to keep it simple and stop while it still looks fresh. Let your child pick one small part, like the colour or the spot, and they will love it more.

Cost: ~$24 | Time: 20 minutes

16. Dried Flowers Pressed Under Glass

Dried Flowers Pressed Under Glass works well in a small room because it adds colour without taking up floor space. First, set it where it gets light but stays out of reach of small hands. Next, pick a pot with a drainage hole and a saucer underneath. Finally, fill it with potting mix and water until it runs through once. When I did this at home I skipped measuring once and had to redo the whole thing, so measure twice is now my rule. I keep coming back to this one because it is easy to redo when tastes change. If a piece gets damaged, you can remake just that bit in ten minutes.

Cost: ~$7 | Time: 33 minutes

Pro tip: Let your child choose between two colours, not ten, so the decision stays fun instead of stressful.

A Gallery Wall on a Dime

17. Framed Sheet Music from a Favourite Song

If a corner of the room looks bare, Framed Sheet Music from a Favourite Song is a cheap fix that takes less than an hour. Begin by pick a frame a size bigger than the art so it has breathing room. After that, mount the art on a backing card so it sits flat and straight. To finish, hang the frame at your child’s eye level, not adult height. I put this up on a rainy Saturday and it took less time than the school run, which still surprises me. It works best when you stop at good enough instead of chasing perfect.

Cost: ~$12 | Time: 46 minutes

18. Colourful Button Art in a Shadow Box

Colourful Button Art in a Shadow Box is the kind of project I do on a Sunday afternoon when the kids want to help. First, label each bin with a picture as well as a word for younger kids. Next, put the everyday toys at arm’s reach and the rest up higher. Finally, empty the spot first and sort out what actually gets used each week. I used leftovers from another project for this and spent almost nothing, which is the whole point. The best part is that nothing here needs special tools, just patience and a free hour. Keep the colours to two or three so the room stays calm instead of busy.

Cost: ~$17 | Time: 59 minutes

19. Kids Drawings Clipped to a Wire Line

For a room that needs colour fast, Kids Drawings Clipped to a Wire Line delivers without a big shop. Start with step back and check it from the doorway before you press it firm. Then hold the piece up and mark the spot with a pencil at your child’s eye level. Finish by fix a small hook or a Command strip rated for the weight. This one survived a full year of sticky fingers and still looks good after a quick wipe. I check it after a week and move anything that looks off, because small tweaks beat starting over. Let your child pick one small part, like the colour or the spot, and they will love it more.

Cost: ~$22 | Time: 72 minutes

20. Painted Canvas with a Simple Rainbow

Painted Canvas with a Simple Rainbow is one of those ideas that looks shop-bought once it is up, but it starts with cheap supplies and a free afternoon. First, tape off the edges with painter’s tape and lay newspaper underneath. Next, paint two thin coats and let each one dry fully before the next. Finally, peel the tape while the last coat is still slightly tacky for a clean edge. I tried this in my daughter’s room last spring and the first version went up crooked, so now I always mark the spot with a pencil before I commit. If a piece gets damaged, you can remake just that bit in ten minutes.

Cost: ~$5 | Time: 85 minutes

Pro tip: Buy the smallest pack first and test the colour on a hidden spot before you commit to the whole wall.

21. Framed Postcards from Family Trips

I like Framed Postcards from Family Trips because it uses things you probably already have and it changes the whole feel of the room. Start by mount the art on a backing card so it sits flat and straight. Then hang the frame at your child’s eye level, not adult height. Once that is done, pick a frame a size bigger than the art so it has breathing room. When I did this at home I skipped measuring once and had to redo the whole thing, so measure twice is now my rule. The trick is to keep it simple and stop while it still looks fresh. It works best when you stop at good enough instead of chasing perfect.

Cost: ~$10 | Time: 23 minutes

22. Paper Snowflakes Mounted in a Row

Paper Snowflakes Mounted in a Row works well in a small room because it adds colour without taking up floor space. First, stick them up with removable dots so you can move them later. Next, cut the shapes on a flat table with sharp scissors so the edges stay clean. Finally, lay the pieces out on the floor first to get the spacing right. I put this up on a rainy Saturday and it took less time than the school run, which still surprises me. I keep coming back to this one because it is easy to redo when tastes change. Keep the colours to two or three so the room stays calm instead of busy.

Cost: ~$15 | Time: 36 minutes

23. Gallery Wall of Small Thrifted Frames

If a corner of the room looks bare, Gallery Wall of Small Thrifted Frames is a cheap fix that takes less than an hour. Begin by pick a frame a size bigger than the art so it has breathing room. After that, mount the art on a backing card so it sits flat and straight. To finish, hang the frame at your child’s eye level, not adult height. I used leftovers from another project for this and spent almost nothing, which is the whole point. Let your child pick one small part, like the colour or the spot, and they will love it more.

Cost: ~$20 | Time: 49 minutes