Do your garage walls look boring? Or are you looking for various ways to transform your garage into a living or working space? Either way, the cheap garage wall ideas discussed below will be worth every effort.
Improving the garage not only makes the place appealing to the eye but also raises the value of the property. It can be as simple as improving the ceiling as discussed in the previous post or working on the walls using the ideas discussed in the current post.
Related: 20 Game-changing Garage Ceiling Ideas to Try
Cheap Garage Wall Ideas
Here are the 19 cheap garage wall ideas to transform your boring garage into an elegant room.
1. Pegboard
First up, if you use your garage as a DIY workshop or as a storage of some tools, a pegboard wall is such a great idea. A pegboard consists of a perforated board with evenly spaced holes that can be attached to the wall.
The main benefit of pegboard is its ability to provide customizable storage. You can easily hang hooks, shelves, and brackets on the board to organize tools, equipment, and accessories.
However, pegboard does have a few downsides. It may not support heavy or bulky items, and over time, the holes may become enlarged or worn.
2. Install Some Shelves on the Garage Walls
Installing shelves on your garage walls is another fascinating way to make them functional. By utilizing vertical space, shelves help maximize storage capacity and keep the garage organized.
With shelves installed vertically, you will have a well-organized garage which will ensure easy access to tools and implements. Besides, shelves can be customized to fit your specific needs and can be constructed from inexpensive materials like plywood or particle board.
You can install some DIY shelves or you can get some premade shelves on Amazon. Either way, just ensure proper installation and weight distribution to prevent sagging or damage.
3. Pallet walls
The next cheap garage wall idea is installing pallet walls. FYI: a pallet wall is a wall made from repurposed or refurbished wood.
You can disassemble an old structure like an old wooden fence, or old wooden outdoor structure and reuse them into wood paneling for your garage walls.
Pallet walls have gained popularity as a DIY design trend due to their affordability, sustainability, and unique visual appeal. They provide a budget-friendly way to add character and warmth to a space, such as a garage, by incorporating recycled materials.
4. Wire grid panels for garage walls
On the list of the most affordable options for garage walls, wire grid panels can’t be excluded. These panels are constructed with a grid pattern of thin metal wires usually in a square or rectangular shape.
They are easy to install by attaching them to the wall using screws or hooks. Wire grid panels offer versatile storage options as they can be combined with various accessories such as hooks, baskets, and shelves.
5. Magnetic strips
Magnetic strips are a practical and space-saving solution for organizing and storing metal tools and small metal items, especially in the garage.
The main benefit of magnetic strips is their ability to securely hold metal items in place keeping them easily accessible and visible.
You can use these strips to conveniently hang tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and other metallic objects which in return save space and reduce clutter in the garage.
6. Slatwall panels
The slatwall panels are one of the cheap garage wall ideas that will transform your garage from a room populated by cockroaches into an elegant storage room or workshop. These panels are made of durable materials such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
The key benefit of slatwall panels is their ability to transform a wall into a flexible storage and organization system. The slats accommodate a range of accessories like hooks, brackets, baskets, and shelves.
7. PVC panels
As stated in the previous post, PVC panels are affordable and perfect materials for covering boring walls or ceilings. These panels are not heavy and last a long time.
PVC panels are easy to install, often using an interlocking or tongue-and-groove system. This means that you can install them as a simple DIY project.
And once installed, PVC panels offer a smooth and uniform appearance that covers up any imperfections on the walls. Besides, they’re also so easy to clean and maintain.
8. Chalkboard paint
Just like a garage ceiling, if you want to hide the boring walls of your garage, you’ll need to paint them with chalkboard paint.
Chalkboard paint is a type of paint that creates a surface resembling a chalkboard. It allows you to transform any smooth and clean wall or surface into a functional and creative space for writing or drawing with chalk.
In the garage, chalkboard paint provides a space to write notes, reminders, or to-do lists. You can also use it for labeling storage areas or keeping track of projects or measurements.
9. Cinder blocks
The other great option for garage walls is the cinder blocks. These are large, rectangular concrete blocks made from a mixture of cement, aggregate, and ash.
They’re similar to concrete blocks except the concrete blocks are much heavier. The cinder blocks are much lighter making them perfect for creating garage walls. You can also use these blocks to create demarcation in the garage.
10. Old tires
Do you have some old tires laying around? You can use those tires to create stunning garage walls.
There are tons of DIY projects that you can embark on with some old tires. To use old tires for garage walls, you can cut the tires in half and attach them directly to the wall surface. The textured rubber surface of the tires can create an interesting and rugged aesthetic.
You can also use the full tires and place them creatively on the garage walls. If the black color of the tires is not ideal, you’ll need to paint it in the color of your preference.
11. Hanging baskets
Hanging baskets are such amazing décor items that you can use to turn the boring walls of your garage into elegant walls. These baskets are typically made of wire or sturdy plastic and are designed to be suspended from hooks or brackets attached to the wall.
You can use them to store various items such as gardening tools, spray bottles, cleaning supplies, sports equipment, or other small items that need to be kept organized and within reach.
At the same time, you can use them as plant hangers especially if what you want to be using the garage for will allow hanging some greenery. If you use your garage as a living space, home office, or YouTube studio, feel free to put some indoor plants in the hanging basket.
12. Vinyl wall decals
Vinyl wall decals are a creative and customizable option for adding decorative elements to garage walls. These decals are made from a thin, adhesive-backed vinyl material that can be easily applied to smooth surfaces, including painted walls.
They come in a wide range of designs, patterns, and sizes giving you the option to choose decals that match your style or reflect a particular theme. Vinyl decals can feature graphics, quotes, or illustrations, adding visual interest and personality to the garage
13. Fabric panels
If you’re looking for wall paneling solutions that will make your garage look stunning and reduce the noise at the same time, Fabric panels are a great choice.
These panels consist of fabric stretched over a frame or attached directly to the wall surface.
Again, fabric panels also offer some acoustic properties, helping to absorb sound and reduce noise in the garage. This can be particularly useful if the garage is used as a workshop or hobby area where noise reduction is desired.
14. Garage wall paint
As mentioned above, painting is one of the cheap garage wall ideas. If you’ve got a garage with unpleasant walls, you can just spend some time painting the walls.
And the best part is that you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to painting. You can choose the paint of your liking, the color of your choice, and the painting pattern of your preference.
The best colors and patterns for painting garage walls depend on personal preference and the desired atmosphere. However, some popular choices include neutral tones like gray, beige, or white, which create a clean and modern look.
15. Try Rope wall
Why don’t you try rope walls if you want unique and attractive walls? A rope wall is a unique and creative decor option that involves the use of ropes to create an interesting textured surface on the wall.
The ropes can be obtained from hardware stores or specialty rope suppliers. Installation involves securing the ropes to the wall using appropriate hardware or adhesive so that they are taut and securely fixed for a visually appealing rope wall.
16. Shoe organizers
Installing shoe organizers is an amazing way of organizing the garage space and decluttering it. Shoe organizers designed for walls come in various styles and materials, including hanging shoe bags, shoe racks, or wall-mounted shoe shelves.
The benefits of using shoe organizers in the garage include maximizing space utilization, decluttering the floor, and protecting your shoes from dust and damage. By mounting shoe organizers on the wall, you can free up valuable floor space for other garage activities or storage.
Shoe organizers can accommodate different types of footwear, including shoes, boots, or sandals. They come with compartments or shelves that allow you to store and display your shoes in an organized manner.
17. DIY wall art
The other inexpensive way to get rid of boring garage walls is to use DIY wall art. This is ideal if you’re into painting. You can just paint an abstract art and hang it in the garage.
Feel free to explore other alternatives if you can paint. You can experiment with various DIY wall art ideas like murals, macramé, inspirational quotes or sayings, or green DIY wall art.
If you use or want to be using the garage as a living area or home office, you can also try to hang some family photos on the walls.
18. Hang a large clock or decorative wall clock
Another creative and affordable way of making a statement on the garage wall is to hang a large clock or decorative wall clock. Hanging an unnumbered or decorative wall clock in the garage adds a stylish and functional element to the space.
These clocks typically feature unique designs or patterns which makes them a striking focal point. Without numerals, they offer a more abstract or artistic representation of time. The absence of numbers can create a modern, minimalist look or add a touch of intrigue to the overall decor.
When hung in a prominent location, an unnumbered clock becomes a statement piece, enhancing the garage’s aesthetic appeal. It can serve as a conversation starter while still providing the practical function of telling time.
19. Add a large mirror
Adding a large mirror to the garage wall can serve multiple purposes and bring several benefits. First and foremost, a mirror can enhance the functionality of the garage by providing better visibility, especially in areas with limited natural light.
If your garage is a small room, a large mirror will help in creating the illusion that the room is spacious.
Overall, a large mirror in the garage optimizes functionality, enhances safety, and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space. To install it, one can use mirror adhesive or brackets specifically designed for wall-mounted mirrors.
FAQs about Cheap Garage Wall Ideas
Here are some of the commonly asked questions regarding garage wall ideas.
What is the Best Material for Garage Walls?
If you’re looking for the best material for garage walls, there is no one definitive choice for it depends on factors such as budget, desired durability, and aesthetic preferences. Common options include drywall, plywood, and metal panels.
However, if you’re going for cheap options, both drywall and plywood are cost-effective choices that can provide lasting results for garage walls.
How Can Garage Wall Look Nicer?
There are tons of ways to make your garage walls look so pleasing to the eye. You can paint the walls, use tiles, fabric, or DIY walls, or hang wall art, family photos, or murals.
What is the Cheapest Thing to Use for Garage Walls?
The cheapest option for garage walls is typically unfinished bare studs or exposed concrete blocks. This involves leaving the structural elements of the garage, such as wooden studs or concrete blocks, exposed without any additional finishing materials.
Before you start installing the bare studs or exposed concrete or cinder blocks, you need to understand that you’ll be compromising on the look. This is because the studs or exposed walls are not visually appealing.
What Can I Put on Garage Walls Other Than Drywall?
Depending on your budget, there are several alternatives to drywall for garage walls. Some options include plywood, metal panels, fiberglass-reinforced panels (FRP), cement board, or even wall paneling.
These materials offer different advantages such as increased durability, moisture resistance, ease of installation, or unique aesthetics
Final Words on Cheap Garage Wall Ideas
Whether you want to completely transform your garage into a workshop or living space, or you just want to add a fresh look to the walls of your garage, these cheap garage wall ideas discussed in this post will give the most epic home improvement you’ve ever done.
Here are some of the posts you may find useful:
17 Inexpensive Porch Ceiling Ideas for an Adorable Porch Experience
20 Game-changing Garage Ceiling Ideas to Try
Otherwise, I wish you the best of luck!
Xoxo!
