5 Things That You Can Hang on a Wall (That Aren't Paintings)

Why it works: Most people look at their flat wall and think, "What flat—or flattish thing—can I put there?" But objects, especially those that you might display on a bookshelf, can be an ingenious solution—in this case, it's a 1950s Lowboy model truck that belongs to a private collector of Fruehauf memorabilia.

Other options: Whirligigs, mechanical banks, soft dolls or old brightly colored seltzer bottles

How to try it: EBay and flea markets are obvious places to start; National Geographic's online store has Chinese terra-cotta statues, as well as handicrafts from countries such as Guatemala and Zimbabwe.

One last thing: Check the width of the object and make sure it can sit on a shelf no wider than 4.5 inches (any more than that and it will look awkward). Heavier objects need to sit on a shelf anchored to a stud in the wall. You'll want to avoid placing objects in high-traffic hallways, above a child's bed or anywhere they could be knocked over.

Why it works: These original, printed, vinyl 1949 Detroit transit-bus scrolls can fill a two-story entryway. Pieces like these add a strong graphic impact to a large, open space; the owners especially like these scrolls because they reflect their Detroit roots.

Other options: Flags, kimonos

How to try it: One-of-a-kind items, like these scrolls, can often be found at salvage yards. But you can also find original street signs on eBay (maybe even from your hometown), or new versions of vintage New York subway signs at Restoration Hardware.

One last thing: We used brackets for the scrolls, but a wooden dowel would work just as well. Soft items can also be pressed between sheets of acrylic, and lightweight items can be secured with clear pushpins.

Why it works: Masks, either handed down or mementos from travel, can add unexpected color and texture to walls, especially when grouped together.

Other options: Venetian or theatrical masks, helmets and swords

How to try it: Novica.com (which has an association with National Geographic) sells masks from artisans around the world, including Peru, Ghana and Mali. Other ideas for three-dimensional pieces include vintage sports equipment, such as varnished wooden skis, painted wooden tennis rackets, wooden golf clubs or fishing rods and vintage creel fishing baskets. As mentioned, check eBay, Craigslist and garage sales for affordable options.

One last thing: A $2 wooden golf club from Goodwill with zero sentimental value can go anywhere, but more valuable items shouldn't be hung in a bathroom: Steam, along with the harsh cleaning products often used in that space, can damage pieces.

Why it works: Although this grouping includes casual and formal china in random sizes from different eras, the blue-and-white color scheme holds it all together. Plates handpainted with birds, fruits or flowers are also good choices, as are selections of Fiesta ware or majolica.

Other options: Vintage evening bags, old hand mirrors

How to try it: You probably have all that you need right in your cupboard. You'll also find one-off dishes to mix and match at flea markets and on eBay; also keep an eye out for designer collaborations with stores such as Target (John Derian, Liberty of London and Missoni have done plates for the company).

One last thing: We like adhesive Plate Hangers by J&Y Crossman, which are labeled for plates of different weights or sizes (available at Amazon.com or at local china shops). While you'll often see plates arranged in parallel rows, hanging them in a circular or diamond pattern, or in uneven rows can be a little more visually snappy. You want to leave no more than 1 1/2 to 2 inches between the plates, so lay them out on the floor first. Groupings of threes and fives work best.

Why it works: In lieu of traditional wallpaper, this printed mural (based on a 19th-century street map) wraps around an office waiting area. We chose a mural available at Great Wall in Ferndale, Michigan, but added street names in red for an unexpected pop of color.

Other option: Sailing charts

How to try it: This idea can easily be translated for a child's bedroom (with sports figures) or a family room (with iconic buildings from around the world). This is a good option for a specific or hard-to-fit space.

One last thing: Printed murals aren't inexpensive, but for a similar effect, you could layer sailing charts—which are more affordable and typically large enough to cover a lot of wall space.

Libby Follis and Drew Ebbing founded Gifted Interiors Ltd in 1988 in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.

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