Repurposing Canvas Art: A Fresh Idea for Tired Walls

Repurposing canvas art is the perfect way to reinvent pieces you already own. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to turn something dated into a stunning new focal point.

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Do you have canvas wall art that is dated, old, or damaged?

I had a canvas that was all three!

This extra-large canvas hung in our kitchen during my dark and bold period. It looked fabulous against dark green walls in 2005!

It also lived propped above our fireplace mantel for a while until…

One day, it plummeted forward, landed on the coffee table, and suffered a big gash right through the center of the canvas.

The wall art was ruined, but I’m not one to throw away a perfectly good canvas frame.

I patched it up as best I could with some carpet tape on the back of the canvas to prevent further ripping.

And it stayed in our basement that way for about 15 years!

A Fresh Start for an Old Canvas Painting

Fast-forward to today.

 I was in the middle of planning a living room refresh for Christmas…a cozy, moody Ralph Lauren-inspired space filled with layered textures, deep colors, and glowing light.

 And suddenly, I remembered that big, sad, forgotten canvas in the basement.

The frame was still solid, and even though the old painting had seen better days, the canvas itself was perfect for a makeover. So I decided to use what I already had.

To start, I created a clean slate by painting over the entire piece with a paint-and-primer combo. (You can use acrylic paint for this—it covers beautifully and dries quickly.)

 Once it was dry, the canvas felt brand new again!

Originally, I thought about finding a large poster or even testing out some easy drawing ideas to create a new painting.

But then, as I sat in our bedroom, I glanced at the wall mural behind our bed…the one from Wallism, a wallpaper company that resizes images to fit your exact space.

That’s when the lightbulb went off! If it can work for a wall, why can’t it work for a canvas?

If you would like to see the full bedroom wall mural installation with how-to tips, click HERE.

Turning an Old Canvas into New Art

I wanted something dark and floral…something that felt classic and slightly dramatic to go with my Christmas décor. A wallpaper mural seemed perfect.

Once the canvas was primed, I followed the same steps you’d use to apply a wallpaper mural. Because of the large size, my mural came in four strips. 

With this type of wall mural, I applied a thin layer of wallpaper paste directly on the canvas.

There was texture on the old canvas, but I figured it would translate to texture for the new art.

I carefully lined up the strips and then smoothed out the paper with my fingers and a large dry sponge.

Just like that, my old oil painting was reborn as stunning new canvas art.

It literally took me 20 minutes to wallpaper!

Now, this once-forgotten piece looks amazing above our fireplace!

It brings that “collected over time” feel that I love and blends perfectly with the deep colors in our home’s new Ralph Lauren Christmas mood.

Tips for Repurposing Old Canvases

If you’re inspired to try this yourself, here are a few tips to make the process smooth:

• Think Seasonally – Style it one way for the holidays, then easily switch it up for a year-round look.
• Check the Frame First – Make sure your frame is sturdy and not warped. A good frame is the foundation of your new painting.
• Use the Right Kind of Paint – Acrylic paint or paint-and-primer is perfect for covering an old canvas painting and creating a fresh base.
• Patch Tears Before Painting – Small rips can be secured from the back with fabric tape or canvas patches.
• Choose a Design You Love – Whether it’s a mural, wrapping paper, or even fabric, pick something that truly inspires you.

A New Life for Old Art

I absolutely love how this repurposed piece turned out. It’s now a focal point in our living room…proof that even an old, damaged painting can become something beautiful again.

Once Christmas is over, I’ll show you how I restyle the same piece in another space. Wherever it sits, it will love its new home.

Repurposing canvas art isn’t just practical. It’s creative, satisfying, and the perfect way to bring personality into your home.

So before you toss those old canvases, take another look. There might be a hidden masterpiece waiting to happen!

Cheers!

A Little About Me

Hi! I’m missy. So happy to meet you!

“Decorate with Joy! Live with Happiness”

I truly believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, a space where you feel free to express yourself and create a sanctuary that feels uniquely yours.

I love creating mood boards, hunting down unique home décor treasures, tackling easy DIY projects, and gathering with family and friends. Homes are meant to be enjoyed, filled with laughter, and shared with the people you love!

– cheers –

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