This Easy $30 DIY Is the Prettiest Solution for Blank Walls (It Has Major Coastal Vibes!)

Yanel Siqueiros
Yanel Siqueiros
Yanel Siqueiros is a 19-year-old student journalist at New York University, where she writes and reports on the culture of a bustling city right in the heart of Manhattan. When she’s not studying English literature or broadcast journalism in NYC, she can be spotted at a sunny…read more
published Sep 22, 2025
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Cozy bedroom with a bed covered in yellow and green bedding, a desk with a chair, and shelves displaying decor items.
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University Bedroom

When you’re decorating a room, there comes a time when you have to decide what to do with that big, blank wall. Sure, you can go for a classic gallery wall, or even paint a pattern (if you’re up to the task). But one of the easiest ways to fill up that space is to display a large piece of wall art, which can really make an impact in your room. The problem with that, however, is that pieces like these can be really expensive. Luckily, the TikTok DIY-ers have offered us a solution: to give your room a coastal, glam charm without spending hundreds of dollars.

In a new TikTok video, user Zoe (@zoe.christiann) shows off a gorgeous hanging shell wall art that she’s created. The best part? She makes it using only a handful of tools and materials that are easily accessible on a budget. The whole thing only costs about $30.

How to Make Your Own Hanging Shell Wall Art

To replicate this DIY, all you’ll need is:

Supplies:

The first thing Zoe does is lay out her wood alongside a long strip of measuring tape. Then she uses a pencil to etch out where her string will go, making sure each marking is evenly spaced across the board. She doesn’t show the process of cutting the string, but it looks like she cut varying lengths and alternated longer and shorter pieces. Afterwards, Zoe loops her string around the board on each marked point, knotting the string so that it holds its place. Once it’s secured, she pulls her shells into the string to create long, dangly rows of capiz shells. 

For a personalized touch, you can buy multiple packs of different colored capiz shells, and add them using alternating patterns. When you’re finished stringing in your shells, tie a final knot at the end of your cord, and then your new, beach-y piece is ready for display!

Commenters suggest hanging this item up with curtain rod brackets, but if you’re trying to keep this renter/dorm-friendly, then a sturdy set of Curtain Rod Command Hooks is sure to do the job.

Find Premade Hanging Shell Wall Art

If you’re not a super crafty person but love this DIY, there’s no need to worry. World Market offers a very similar piece that might be a bit of a splurge but is sure to stand out in any room.

If you’re looking for a more subtle wall item, this Etsy piece offers you a similar vibe for a smaller size.

This post was collaboration between Dorm Therapy and Apartment Therapy and originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: This $30 DIY Decor Is the Prettiest Solution for Boring Walls (It’s Easy, Too!)

Yanel Siqueiros

Contributor

Yanel Siqueiros is a 19-year-old student journalist at New York University, where she writes and reports on the culture of a bustling city right in the heart of Manhattan. When she’s not studying English literature or broadcast journalism in NYC, she can be spotted at a sunny beach in her home in San Diego, California. Yanel’s bicoastal perspective on life gives her a grasp on all of the trendy subjects going around the different sides of the U.S. She loves keeping up with pop culture and fashion, and using her skills as a writer to inform others about what is relevant in the zeitgeist.

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SchoolNew York University '27
MajorJournalism and English
FavesThrifting, oat milk matcha lattes, Jellycats, and Charli xcx
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