Layered Geometric Wall Art

My desk area felt plain and uninspiring, so I wanted to add something that would make the space more visually interesting without overwhelming it. I created this layered geometric wall art using simple materials to add depth and shadow to the wall above my desk. By repeating and offsetting basic shapes, the piece changes depending on the lighting and viewing angle, turning an otherwise boring space into a more engaging and modern workspace.

1. Foam boards (not too thick)
2. Ruler
3. Pencil (I used a mechanical pencil but any pencil would work just fine)
4. Double sided tape
5. Box cutters

I started by drawing the outline for the first layer of the wall art. This layer acts as the foundation for the entire design, so keeping the shape simple and clean was important. I used a ruler and pencil to create straight, consistent lines that could be easily repeated in later layers.

The goal at this stage wasn’t to make something complicated, but to choose a shape that would look more complex once it was layered and offset. By starting with a clean, geometric outline, every additional layer builds depth without changing the original form.

Once the outline was drawn, I carefully cut out the first layer using a box knife. I followed the lines slowly to keep the edges clean and consistent, since this layer sets the standard for all the layers that follow.

At this stage, accuracy mattered more than speed. Clean, straight cuts help the repeated shapes line up later and make the finished piece feel intentional rather than rough. Any small imperfections here would become more noticeable once the layers were stacked, so I took my time with each cut.

Once the first layer was cut, I carefully positioned it onto the main foam board and secured it with double-sided tape. I took my time aligning it so the edges were straight and the layer sat perfectly flat. Precision here was key, because a well-placed first layer creates a solid foundation, helping all the layers stacked on top line up neatly and making the finished piece feel intentional and polished.

The next layers were created by repeating the drawing, cutting, and attaching process, gradually building up the multi-layered piece. Once the main shapes were in place, I turned my attention to the leftover scraps from the earlier cuts. I carefully shaped these pieces into small squares and rectangles, then added them strategically onto the wall art. These additional elements filled in empty spaces, added depth, and created more visual interest, making the composition feel complete and intentional.

The small squares and rectangles were arranged in positions that would cast the most interesting shadows, enhancing the depth and texture of the piece. Once satisfied with the layout, the entire wall art was carefully mounted onto the wall, completing the multi-layered geometric composition and bringing the design to life. I also added props such as a computer, books and a desk lamp to recreate a realistic desk area.