I wanted to fill a blank wall in my home with something a little different than a framed print, so I designed a simple DIY wood wall hanging. It’s quick to make, requires minimal measuring and tools, costs under $20, and best of all—it’s reversible.
This tutorial shows how to build a geometric wood wall hanging made from two main pieces of wood and a few simple supplies. One side can be left in natural wood, while the other can be painted for a completely different look.
The finished shape reminds me of a jellyfish or wind chime, but the inspiration actually came from a pair of earrings. The silhouette feels light and sculptural, and the three hanging “legs” add motion and visual interest.
Materials for Wooden Wall Hanging
- 12-inch wood round (available at most home centers)
- 12-inch wood square of the same thickness as the round
- Level or straightedge for guiding cuts
- Chalk or pencil for marking
- Sandpaper
- Bendable copper wire
- Wire cutters or sturdy scissors
- Two table clamps
- Hand saw or circular saw
- Drill and a small drill bit
- Sawtooth picture hanger or an eye hook if you plan to make it reversible
If you want the reversible option, add acrylic paints, brushes, and a cup of water to your supply list.
How to Make a Wooden Wall Hanging
1. Gather materials and mark your cuts.
For the semi-circle, mark the midpoint of the circular piece. The base should be 12 inches wide and the radius from base to top should measure 6 inches. On the square piece, mark four 3-inch sections. Three of those become the hanging “legs.” The fourth piece will be the horizontal crossbar and should be trimmed down by about 1.5–2 inches so it’s proportionate.
2. Cut the pieces along your lines.
Clamp the wood securely to a work surface. Use a level or straightedge as a guide for a clean, straight cut. Position the straightedge so the saw has room to pass without shifting the guide. After cutting, sand all edges and surfaces to remove splinters and smooth any rough spots.
3. Drill small holes for the connecting wire.
Drill one hole centered at the top of each of the three legs. On the horizontal cross piece, drill five holes: three across the bottom for attaching the legs and two at the top for connecting to the semi-circle. The holes at the top of the crossbar should align with two holes drilled near the lower left and right edges of the semi-circle. Make sure the bottom holes on the crossbar line up with the holes on the legs so everything hangs evenly.
4. Use copper wire to attach the pieces together.
Cut 4–6 inch lengths of copper wire. Thread a piece through each hole and twist the ends tightly on the back side to secure. Attach the three legs to the bottom holes of the crossbar, and use two additional wires to join the crossbar to the semi-circle at the top. Twisting the wire neatly will keep the connections secure and unobtrusive from the front.
5. Prepare for hanging — raw or reversible.
If you prefer the natural-wood look, install a sawtooth picture hanger on the back of the semi-circle and hang the piece from a single nail. If you want a reversible piece, paint one side with acrylics, let it dry completely, and then install an eye hook at the top center. The eye hook lets you flip the hanging so either side faces forward, giving you two distinct looks in one piece.
More DIY Art Ideas
- Try simple DIY wall art projects that are budget-friendly and impactful.
- Create a minimal eucalyptus wall hanging for a soft, organic accent.
- Make mixed-media pieces using recycled materials like cereal boxes for texture and color.
- Explore quick art hacks that take only a few minutes but yield great results.
Photography by Amelia Lawrence
Styling by Brittni Mehlhoff
Which do you prefer: the raw wood hanging or the earthy rainbow version? Personally I lean toward the raw side, but having a reversible piece means you can switch looks depending on your mood.