The best examples of nature-inspired wall hangings: 3 creative examples you can actually make

1. Driftwood & Fiber Hanging – A Coastal-Inspired Example of Nature on Your Wall

Let’s start with one of the easiest and most stylish examples of nature-inspired wall hangings: 3 creative examples wouldn’t feel complete without a driftwood piece. This style is everywhere in 2024 coastal and “organic modern” interiors—think airy, beachy, and relaxed, but not kitschy.

Instead of buying something mass-produced, you can build your own version that feels personal and grounded in the places you love.

Materials and design ideas

For this first example of a nature-inspired wall hanging, you’ll need:

• A piece of driftwood or a weathered branch (about 18–30 inches long)
• Cotton cord, jute twine, or yarn
• Optional: shells, wooden beads, small pieces of sea glass, or metal rings
• Scissors and a hook or nail for hanging

Keep the design simple: the driftwood acts as your “rod,” and cords or fibers hang down to create movement and texture.

Some real examples include:

• A neutral, minimalist hanging with only cream cotton cord and a few matte wooden beads
• A coastal version with shells knotted into the ends of the cords
• A colorful boho style using leftover yarn in sunset colors (rust, mustard, terracotta, blush)

Step-by-step: building the driftwood hanging

Start by cleaning your driftwood or branch. Brush off dirt and let it dry completely. If you found it outdoors, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth and let it air-dry in the sun.

Cut several lengths of cord—anywhere from 2 to 4 feet long, depending on how dramatic you want the hanging to be. Fold each cord in half and attach it to the driftwood using a lark’s head knot (loop the folded end over the wood, then pull the loose ends through the loop and tighten).

Once you have a row of cords attached, you can:

• Leave them hanging straight for a clean, modern look
• Trim them into a V-shape or diagonal angle at the bottom
• Add beads or shells by threading them onto the cord and tying knots to hold them in place
• Braid a few strands to create subtle pattern and texture

One of the best examples of this style I’ve seen recently used a pale, sun-bleached branch, cream cord, and just three small shells on the longest strands. It looked like something from a boutique, but it was made from beachcombing finds and a $5 ball of cotton cord.

2024 trend twist: organic modern neutrals

In 2024, interior design is leaning hard into what designers call “organic modern” and “quiet luxury”: fewer bright colors, more natural textures, and sculptural shapes. To give your driftwood hanging that updated feel:

• Stick to one or two colors of cord (cream, warm white, or soft gray)
• Keep embellishments minimal—maybe a single ring or a few beads
• Focus on clean lines and a simple silhouette

For inspiration on safe handling of found natural materials (especially if you have allergies or sensitive skin), you can check general home safety guidance from sources like CDC’s healthy home resources.

2. Pressed Flower & Leaf Frames – A Botanical Gallery Wall Example

If you love plants but can’t keep a fern alive to save your life, pressed flowers are your new best friend. This is one of the prettiest examples of nature-inspired wall hangings: 3 creative examples almost always includes a botanical piece like this because it works with so many decor styles: cottagecore, modern farmhouse, Scandinavian, even minimalist.

Collecting and pressing your botanicals

This project starts outside. Take a walk and gather:

• Flat leaves (ferns, maple, eucalyptus, or ivy)
• Small flowers with relatively flat faces (pansies, violets, daisies, clover)
• Grasses or seed heads for extra texture

Avoid anything that’s wet, moldy, or heavily sprayed with pesticides. If you’re unsure about plant safety—especially with kids or pets around—the National Park Service has helpful general tips on not touching unknown plants outdoors: nps.gov.

To press your finds, sandwich them between sheets of plain paper (no gloss), then place them inside a heavy book. Stack more books on top and leave them for 1–2 weeks. If you’re impatient, there are inexpensive flower presses online that speed this up.

Assembling the wall hanging

For this example of a nature-inspired wall hanging, think of each frame as a “specimen” in your own little home herbarium.

You’ll need:

• Glass-front frames (8×10 or smaller works well)
• Clear-drying craft glue or double-sided tape
• Your pressed flowers and leaves

Lay out your design before you glue anything. Some lovely real examples include:

• A single fern centered in a tall, thin frame
• Three tiny pressed flowers lined up in a row with lots of white space
• A “wildflower mix” frame with overlapping stems, like a tiny meadow

Once you’re happy with the layout, use the tiniest dab of glue on the back of each stem or petal and press it onto the backing paper. Let it dry completely before closing the frame.

Hang several frames together to create a botanical gallery wall. Mix sizes and shapes: a square frame with a round leaf, a rectangular frame with a tall grass stem, and a small frame for a single blossom.

Trend update: from cottagecore to “slow living”

Pressed flower art used to feel very cottagey, but in 2024 it’s showing up in sleek, modern spaces too. The trick is in the framing and layout:

• Use thin black or wood frames for a gallery look
• Leave plenty of white space around each plant
• Stick to a limited color palette—maybe just greens and whites, or all warm-toned flowers

This is one of the best examples of nature-inspired wall hangings for renters or people who like to change things up often. You can swap out the botanicals seasonally without repainting or drilling extra holes.

3. Sculptural Branch & Clay Hanging – A Modern Art Example of Nature-Inspired Decor

The third project is for anyone who loves the idea of bringing the forest indoors but wants it to feel modern and a bit artsy. This is a sculptural example of a nature-inspired wall hanging that combines a branch with hand-shaped clay pieces.

Think of it as a cross between a mobile and a wall sculpture.

What you’ll need

• A sturdy, interestingly shaped branch (about 2–3 feet long)
• Air-dry clay (white or terracotta)
• Twine, fishing line, or thin cord
• A skewer or toothpick to make holes in the clay
• Sandpaper (optional) to smooth edges once dry

Shaping the clay pieces

Roll out your clay to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut or shape pieces that feel organic and a little imperfect. Some real examples include:

• Leaf shapes with simple vein lines carved in
• Smooth, pebble-like ovals
• Crescent moon shapes
• Abstract blobs that look like river stones

Use a skewer or toothpick to poke a small hole near the top of each piece so you can hang it. Let the clay dry according to the package directions. Once dry, you can leave it raw, lightly sand the edges, or paint it with earthy colors.

Hanging and balancing the sculpture

Tie lengths of cord or fishing line to each clay piece, then tie the other end to your branch. Vary the lengths so the pieces hang at different heights. Step back often and check the balance. You want the branch to hang relatively straight, with the clay pieces spaced out enough to move a little without clacking into each other constantly.

This is one of the best examples of nature-inspired wall hangings for a living room or above a bed because it reads as art, not just “craft.” If you keep the color palette simple—white clay, natural wood, and maybe one accent color—it can look incredibly high-end.

2024 design angle: biophilic design at home

Designers are talking a lot about biophilic design—basically, bringing more natural elements into indoor spaces to support well-being. While much of the research focuses on plants, daylight, and views of nature, the broader idea is that natural materials and forms can make spaces feel calmer and more restorative. You can read more about biophilic principles from sources like the University of Washington’s College of the Environment: environment.uw.edu.

Your sculptural branch and clay hanging is a small, very doable example of this idea: natural wood, organic shapes, and soft movement that gently catches your eye.

More real-world examples of nature-inspired wall hangings

Beyond these examples of nature-inspired wall hangings: 3 creative examples, there are plenty of other directions you can take if you’re feeling inspired and want to experiment.

Some additional real examples include:

• Dried grass and pampas bundles tied to a wooden dowel for a soft, textural piece (very on-trend in 2024 boho and neutral interiors)
• Stone and twine grids, where smooth river stones are tied into a loose net pattern and hung from a branch
• Bark and moss panels, using foraged bark pieces and dried moss glued onto a wooden panel to create a woodland-inspired wall tile
• Seed pod and bead hangings, combining interesting pods (like eucalyptus or lotus) with wooden beads for a sculptural, earthy look
• Feather and leather hangings, where ethically sourced feathers are attached to thin leather strips and hung from a slim branch

Each of these is another example of how you can turn simple natural materials into wall art that feels intentional, not random.

If you have allergies or asthma, it’s worth thinking about how dried plant materials might affect your space. Organizations like the American Lung Association offer guidance on indoor air quality and potential irritants: lung.org.

Tips for collecting and caring for natural materials

To keep your nature-inspired wall hangings looking good (and safe to live with), a few simple habits go a long way:

• Clean gently. Wipe branches and driftwood with a dry or slightly damp cloth and let them dry fully before crafting.
• Avoid mold. If anything smells musty or looks fuzzy, skip it. Mold spores are not worth the project.
• Seal when needed. A light coat of clear, matte spray sealer can help preserve delicate items like bark or seed pods. Always use it in a well-ventilated area and follow safety guidance from the product label and general tips from sources like NIH’s household safety information.
• Dust regularly. A soft brush or microfiber cloth will keep fibers and botanicals from looking tired.

Choosing the right example of nature-inspired wall hanging for your space

When you’re deciding which project to try first, think about:

• Your style. Do you lean coastal, boho, minimalist, or rustic? The driftwood hanging leans coastal, the pressed flowers feel cottagecore-to-modern, and the branch-and-clay piece suits more modern or artsy spaces.
• Your wall size. A narrow wall might be better for a single pressed botanical frame, while a large blank wall could handle a long driftwood hanging or a cluster of frames.
• Your time and patience level. Pressed flowers take longer because of the drying time. Driftwood and fiber can be done in under an hour once you have materials. Clay needs drying time but not much active work.

The nice thing about these examples of nature-inspired wall hangings: 3 creative examples is that you can start small and build. Maybe you begin with one driftwood hanging, then add a pair of pressed flower frames nearby, and eventually a sculptural branch piece. Over time, your wall becomes a curated record of your walks, trips, and seasons.

FAQ: Nature-Inspired Wall Hangings

What are some easy examples of nature-inspired wall hangings for beginners?

Some of the easiest examples include a simple driftwood and cord hanging, a single pressed leaf in a small frame, or a bundle of dried grasses tied with twine and hung from a nail. All three require minimal tools and can be finished in an afternoon.

Can you give an example of a nature-inspired wall hanging that works in a modern apartment?

A great example of a nature-inspired wall hanging for a modern apartment is the sculptural branch and clay piece. If you keep the clay shapes simple and the colors neutral—white, beige, or terracotta—it reads as modern art with a subtle natural twist.

How do I keep bugs out of my nature-based wall art?

Let all found materials dry completely before using them. Avoid anything visibly damp or decaying. You can gently shake or brush off leaves, branches, and grasses outdoors. Some people lightly bake branches at low heat (around 200°F) for a short time to discourage insects, but always monitor closely and never leave them unattended in the oven.

Are there examples of nature-inspired wall hangings that don’t use plants at all?

Yes. Real examples include hangings made from smooth stones, shells, or clay shapes inspired by natural forms like pebbles and waves. The key is using natural materials or organic shapes, even if you skip dried flowers and leaves.

What’s the best way to arrange multiple nature-inspired wall hangings together?

Start by laying everything on the floor and arranging it like a puzzle. Mix sizes and shapes, and keep 2–4 inches between pieces. You can group similar colors together or create contrast—for example, a white clay-and-branch piece next to darker wood frames with pressed greenery. Step back often and adjust until it feels balanced.

The bottom line: these examples of nature-inspired wall hangings: 3 creative examples are meant to be a starting point, not a rulebook. Use them as loose templates, then let your own walks, travels, and favorite landscapes influence the materials and colors you choose. Your walls will thank you.