Turn Any Image Into a Custom 3D Wall Decoration (Beginner-Friendly)
by merlin-rce in Living > Decorating
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Turn Any Image Into a Custom 3D Wall Decoration (Beginner-Friendly)
Turn Any Image Into a Custom 3D Wall Decoration (Beginner-Friendly)
Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Beginner)
Build Time: ⏱️ ~1–3 hours (excluding print time)
Estimated Cost: 💰 ~5–10 €
Main Tools: 🖨️ 3D printer, computer
Main Use: 🏠 Wall decoration
Decorating a space feels more special when it’s personal ✨
Instead of buying generic wall art, this project shows how to turn any image into a custom 3D wall decoration that fits your style and your space.
This Instructable is made for complete beginners 👌
No prior experience with 3D printing or design software is required. From preparing the image to installing the decoration on the wall, every step is explained clearly and simply.
You can use a personal image, an AI-generated image, or a picture found online (while respecting copyright and licenses).
The decoration is 3D printed and mounted using adhesive strips or a nail, with no finishing required 🧱🖼️
By the end, you’ll have a unique wall decoration — and the basics to create many more.
Supplies
- PLA filament (any color, affordable and easy to find online)
- Double-sided tape or small nails (for wall mounting)
- Access to a 3D printer (you don’t need to own one)
- Computer with internet access
That’s all you need to make your own custom wall decoration. ️✨
🖼️ Choosing the Right Image
Before printing anything, everything starts with the image.
This project is very flexible — your decoration can come from almost anywhere.
You just need one image you like.
You can start from:
- an AI-generated image
- a personal drawing
- an existing image or logo
- an SVG file
You can also take inspiration from my dog 🐶
It’s a good example of a simple, clean shape that works perfectly as wall decor.
🔄 Converting the Image to SVG
Before creating the 3D design, your image needs to be in the right format.
For this project, the file must be an SVG, not a PNG or JPG.
Convert your image
If your image is already an SVG, you can skip this step.
If not, a quick and easy solution is Vert.sh:
- Upload your PNG or JPG
- Convert it to SVG
- Download the result
This only takes a few seconds.
🧩 Turning the SVG Into a 3D Object (Tinkercad)
Now that your file is an SVG, we can turn it into a real 3D object.
For this step, we’ll use Tinkercad it’s free and the best ;) online, and perfect for beginners.
Import the SVG
- Open Tinkercad and create a new design
- Click Import
- Upload your SVG file
Once imported, you can adjust the size.
I usually scale the design to around 50%, but this really depends on your image and where you want to place it.
Give it thickness
After resizing, extrude the shape to make it solid.
I recommend:
- 3 to 5 mm thickness for wall decorations
- Thick enough to feel solid
- Thin enough to stay clean and elegant
Keep the back flat this will make wall mounting much easier.
Export the file
When everything looks right:
- Export the design as an STL file
- Just like shown in the video
That’s it your file is now ready for 3D printing.
🖨️ 3D Printing the Decoration
Now it’s time to turn your file into a real object.
Prepare the print
- Open your STL file in your slicer
- Place it flat on the build plate (back side down)
- Choose a simple material like PLA
Recommended settings:
- Layer height: 0.2 mm
- Infill: 10–15%
- Supports: not needed
Print it
Start the print and let the machine do the work.
This is a simple print, perfect for beginners.
Once finished, let it cool down and remove it carefully from the plate.
When your decoration is printed cleanly, you’re ready for the final step.
🧱 Mounting the Decoration on the Wall
Your decoration is printed !!! congrats now it’s time to display it.
Choose how to mount it
There are two simple options, depending on your wall:
- Double-sided tape
- Fast, clean, no holes.
- Perfect for light decorations.
- Nails or small screws
- More solid and permanent.
- Better for heavier prints.
Install it
- Make sure the back of the print is clean and flat
- Align it on the wall
- Fix it using your chosen method
Take a step back and adjust if needed.
🎉 the Decoration Comes to Life!
And that’s it — your custom wall decoration is finally complete! ✨🖼️
Your image has now become a real 3D object, printed, mounted, and ready to add personality to your space.
Take a step back, look at it on the wall, and enjoy the result — simple, clean, and uniquely yours.
This project was designed to be easy, fun, and accessible, even if it’s your first time working with 3D printing or digital design.
💬 Your feedback really matters, so feel free to share your thoughts or ideas for improvement!
If you enjoyed this project, you can:
- 💬 Leave a comment and show your version
- ❤️ Like and share it with friends
- 🎨 Try another image and make a new decoration
Thanks for building along and have fun decorating! 👌✨