Butterfly wall decor works in so many spaces. It fits naturally in a child’s bedroom, but it also looks right at home in a living room, hallway, or even a bathroom. Whether you want something you can buy and hang right away or something you can make yourself, there are good options at every price point.
This post covers where to shop for butterfly wall decor, the main types available, and a few DIY ideas worth trying. For more decorating inspiration, check out the home decor ideas section of the blog.
Where to buy butterfly wall decor
You can find butterfly wall decor at most home goods stores and craft shops. But if you prefer to shop from home, a few online sources are worth knowing about.
Amazon carries a wide range of butterfly wall decals. You can find sets of over 100 individual butterflies for around $14, which makes it easy to fill a wall without spending much. Shipping is fast, and the variety is hard to beat.
Etsy is a good source if you want something more unique or handmade. Many sellers offer original designs, and you can often request custom colors or sizes. It takes a bit more browsing, but the quality tends to be higher than mass-produced options.
Michaels has butterfly wall prints and a multi-dimensional butterfly craft project on their website. The craft version requires a Cricut machine, but they also carry individual supplies if you want to create your own version by hand.
Pottery Barn Kids carries butterfly wall decor with more detailed finishes, including options with feather-style wings. They ship internationally, though it is worth checking the shipping cost before ordering.
Types of butterfly wall decor
The material you choose will affect both the look and the longevity of your decor. Here is a breakdown of the most common options.
Metal butterflies
Metal butterfly wall art suits a more modern or minimal space. It is commonly made from iron, brass, or aluminum, and comes in a range of finishes from matte black to antique gold. Metal holds up well over time and does not fade the way paper or fabric might.
Wooden butterflies
Wooden butterflies work well in rustic or nature-inspired rooms. You can find them in natural finishes, whitewashed styles, or painted versions. Wood also takes paint well, so plain wooden butterflies are a solid base for a DIY project.
Paper butterflies
Paper is one of the most flexible and affordable options. You can cut butterflies from patterned scrapbook paper, plain cardstock, or even old book pages. Arrange them in a loose cluster on the wall, or frame a few together for a more finished look. For extra dimension, cut a second butterfly in a contrasting color and layer it on top of the first.
There are plenty of simple paper butterfly tutorials on YouTube if you want a guided approach. Most take only a few minutes and require nothing more than paper and scissors.
Stained glass butterflies
Stained glass butterfly decor is best placed near a window where light can pass through it. The colors shift throughout the day as the light changes, which makes it a living piece of decor in a way that other materials are not. It works well in a reading nook or a spot that gets good morning light.
Vinyl wall decals
Vinyl decals are easy to apply and easy to remove, which makes them a practical choice for renters or anyone who likes to refresh their space regularly. They come in many colors and sizes, and most go up in minutes without any tools. They peel off cleanly without damaging paint, as long as you follow the removal instructions.
DIY butterfly decor ideas
Making your own butterfly wall decor costs less than buying it, and it gives you full control over the colors and scale. It is also a good activity to do with kids on a weekend afternoon. If you are looking for more kids activities to try at home, there are plenty of ideas on the blog.
Paper butterflies
Cut butterfly shapes from colored or patterned paper. You can use a printed template or cut them freehand. A light coat of glitter or a few brushstrokes of acrylic paint adds some texture. Use double-sided tape or small adhesive dots to attach them to the wall. Black paper butterflies arranged as silhouettes look especially striking against a white or light-colored wall.
Painted wooden butterflies
Buy plain wooden butterfly shapes from a craft store, then paint them with acrylic paint. You can keep the palette simple with two or three coordinating colors, or paint each one differently for a more eclectic look. Once dry, hang them with small nails or 3M adhesive strips.
Butterfly mobile
A butterfly mobile works well in a nursery or above a reading corner. Cut butterfly shapes from paper, lightweight fabric, or felt. Attach them with thread to a length of wire or a small dowel rod, then hang the whole thing from the ceiling. You can adjust the lengths of the threads to create movement at different heights.
Butterfly string art
String art takes a bit more time but produces a striking result. Draw or trace a butterfly outline onto a piece of wood or a stretched canvas. Hammer small nails along the outline, then wrap colored embroidery thread around the nails to fill in the shape. The finished piece has a lot of visual texture and looks good in a frame or hung directly on the wall.
How to attach butterfly decor to a wall
The right attachment method depends on how heavy the piece is. For lightweight paper or fabric butterflies, sticky tack or small adhesive strips work well and will not leave marks on the wall. For heavier pieces like metal or stained glass, use nails or wall anchors to make sure they stay secure. Always check the weight limit on adhesive strips before using them, since overloading them is a common reason they fail.
If you are decorating a rented space, adhesive strips and vinyl decals are your safest options. Both remove cleanly from most painted surfaces when handled carefully.
Putting it all together
Butterfly wall decor is one of those ideas that works across a wide range of styles and budgets. A $14 set of vinyl decals can look just as intentional as a set of handcrafted metal pieces, as long as you arrange them thoughtfully. Clusters tend to look better than evenly spaced rows, and mixing sizes adds depth.
If you are decorating a child’s room, involving them in the placement is a good way to make the space feel like theirs. For a more grown-up space, a single large metal butterfly or a framed arrangement of paper butterflies keeps things simple without looking like a craft project.
For more ideas on how to pull a room together, browse the home decor section of the blog. And if you are working on organizing the space at the same time, the household organization posts are worth a look too.
