Conquer That Blank Wall With a Versatile Picture Ledge

Picture ledges are one of the simplest ways to add a personal touch to your home's decor — and with maximum effect. That's because despite their name, they can also be used as small shelves to hold decorative objects, art, books or even a collection of plates. And the best part: A picture ledge allows you to swap out photographs and decor on a whim, or with the seasons. Goodbye, blank walls; hello, curated art collection.

A narrow hallway is the perfect spot for a stunning collection of black and white photography and other art. The vintage portrait here ties in with the midcentury modern cabinetry, the yellow door and the George Nelson pendant light.

Tip: To give two shelves the feeling of one unit, mount them 12 to 14 inches apart. Place larger pieces on the top shelf.


These deep, custom-built picture ledges made from MDF can also double as bookshelves.

Tip: Paint the wall and shelves a single color to make the artwork pop.


Here's a no-fail picture ledge look: Combine a series of framed black and white photos in a collage format. Add a few tiny objects to the mix, and you're done.

Tip: Include a few extra-small frames in the foreground for depth.


Nordic style loves black and white, and often includes creative vignettes of posters and photography. Picture ledges are the perfect starting point for a gallery-style wall.

Tip: Install your picture ledges to one side of a wall when you'd like to visually divide the space.


A picture ledge in blonde wood that matches a nearby table creates a warm, friendly feeling in a kid-friendly café.

Tip: You can use picture ledges to help redirect attention in a room. In this case the furniture is the decor, and the tables are the emphasis. The picture rail with small works of art draws the eye down to focus on what's important.


A picture ledge mounted relatively low can ground a space and help tie together simple furnishings.


Corner picture ledges accentuate a room's proportions while using the wall in a creative way.

Tip: The picture rail's color makes a big difference. In this room rich wood is the right choice, because it balances the leather chair's color as well as the other dark elements in the room.


Use a wall of picture ledges to display books and art for a fascinating and vibrant collage.

Ledges: West Elm


A delicate picture rail brings a dramatic hallway with larger-than-life architecture down to a personal level.

Tip: Sometimes placing a few small objects on your picture ledge can produce big results.


Picture ledges don't have to be sleek and modern. In a traditional room you can certainly use a ledge that is more like crown molding — an elegant look for supporting a fine piece of art.


Deep Picture Ledge - $35.00 » An all-wood picture ledge will hold up over time and is the material of choice on a textured wall.


Metal Picture Ledge - $34.00 » A metal picture ledge is sleek and modern, and could easily be painted a bright color.

Your turn: Please share your personal picture rail gallery in the Comments!

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