Choosing the right artwork for your home can be an exciting but sometimes challenging process. Art has the ability to transform a room, adding personality, color, and character that turns an ordinary space into something extraordinary. Whether you want to make a bold statement or simply add a touch of warmth and elegance, selecting the right pieces requires careful consideration. From considering scale and color to selecting a style that speaks to you, here are some practical tips to help you choose the perfect artwork for your space.
1. Understand Your Style
Before you begin shopping for artwork, it’s important to have a good understanding of your personal style. Artwork is a reflection of your tastes, so think about what kind of pieces resonate with you. Do you lean toward abstract art, or are you drawn to landscapes and natural scenes? Are you interested in modern and bold colors, or do you prefer traditional oil paintings with classic themes?
Take a moment to look at your current decor and consider how art can enhance or complement it. Whether your style is minimalist, eclectic, vintage, or bohemian, there is artwork out there that can bring your vision to life. Defining your personal aesthetic will help you narrow down your choices and select pieces that feel authentic and cohesive within your space.
2. Choose the Right Scale
Scale is a crucial aspect of selecting artwork. The size of the piece you choose should be in proportion to the wall space and the surrounding furniture. A small piece on a large, empty wall can feel lost and out of place, while an oversized artwork in a small room can overwhelm the space.
When choosing artwork for above a piece of furniture, such as a sofa or a bed, the general rule is that the artwork should be about two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the furniture below it. This ensures that the piece looks balanced without overpowering or underwhelming the area. For gallery walls, mix different sizes to create a balanced and cohesive look, ensuring that no single piece dominates the composition unless intentionally done so.
3. Match Color Palette and Mood
The colors in your artwork should complement the color palette of your room. Look at the colors of your walls, furniture, and textiles, and choose artwork that either picks up on those colors or provides an interesting contrast. You don’t need to match the colors exactly, but the hues should complement each other to create a cohesive look.
For example, if your room is decorated in cool tones, like blues and grays, consider artwork with similar cool hues to maintain a calming and serene atmosphere. Alternatively, you could use warm-toned artwork—reds, yellows, or oranges—to create a striking contrast that adds energy to the space. Remember, the right color can significantly enhance the mood of the room, whether it’s tranquil, vibrant, or dramatic.
4. Consider the Room’s Function
The type of artwork you choose can vary depending on the room it’s intended for. Different spaces have different purposes, and your artwork should reflect that. In a living room, you might want a bold statement piece that becomes a focal point and sparks conversation. In a bedroom, opt for more soothing and relaxing pieces that help create a calming retreat.
In the dining room, consider using artwork that complements the experience of sharing a meal, such as food-themed prints or abstract pieces that add energy without overwhelming the space. For an office or workspace, choose inspiring or motivational pieces that help keep you focused and energized. Tailoring your artwork to the function of each room will ensure that it enhances the experience of being in that space.
5. Mix and Match Styles
Don’t be afraid to mix different styles of artwork to create a more dynamic and visually interesting space. Combining various forms, such as abstract paintings, photography, drawings, or even sculptures, can create an eclectic and personalized look that feels layered and rich.
The key to mixing styles effectively is to find a common thread that ties everything together. This could be a shared color scheme, similar frame styles, or a consistent theme that runs throughout the pieces. When done right, mixing styles adds depth and creates a gallery-like atmosphere that feels curated and thoughtfully put together.
6. Create a Focal Point
Artwork can be used to create a focal point in any room. Whether it’s a large canvas above the mantel or a vibrant print in the entryway, the right piece of art can draw the eye and establish a clear visual hierarchy in your space. Use a large, eye-catching piece to anchor the room and provide a point of interest.
If you have a specific feature that you want to emphasize, such as a fireplace or a stunning piece of furniture, choose artwork that complements and enhances that feature. The focal artwork should be positioned at eye level—about 57 to 60 inches from the floor to the center of the piece—to make sure it feels naturally connected to the rest of the room.
7. Consider Framing
The frame you choose for your artwork can have a significant impact on its presentation. Frames should enhance the piece, not distract from it. Consider the material, color, and style of the frame and how it will look within your space. Classic black or white frames work well for a modern look, while natural wood frames are perfect for adding warmth and an organic feel.
For an eclectic or gallery-style wall, you can mix different frame styles for added visual interest. The frames can range from vintage gold to simple metal, but they should still complement one another and the overall aesthetic of the room. If your artwork is bold and colorful, a simple frame can keep the focus on the piece itself.
8. Experiment with Gallery Walls
A gallery wall is a creative way to display multiple pieces of artwork in a single area, adding visual impact without relying on a single large piece. Gallery walls can be composed of photographs, prints, paintings, or a mix of different types of art. To create a cohesive look, plan the layout beforehand by arranging the pieces on the floor and experimenting with different combinations.
For a more structured appearance, use frames of the same size and color, arranging them in a grid pattern. For a more relaxed and eclectic feel, mix various frame sizes and styles, and arrange them in an organic, freeform manner. Gallery walls are a fantastic way to showcase your personality and tell a story through the collection of art that speaks to you.
9. Think About Texture and Depth
Art doesn’t have to be confined to flat prints or canvases—consider incorporating artwork with texture and depth to add a tactile element to your decor. Sculptures, mixed-media pieces, and textile art, such as woven wall hangings or macramé, can add an extra dimension to your space.
Textured artwork works well as an accent in areas that need a bit more visual weight or interest. A large, woven wall hanging above a bed, for instance, can add warmth and softness to the room, while a metal sculpture in an entryway can serve as a stunning focal point. Mixing in these different textures can make your decor feel more balanced and multidimensional.
10. Use Lighting to Enhance the Artwork
The right lighting can make a big difference in how your artwork is perceived. Proper lighting helps bring out the colors, details, and textures of a piece, allowing it to shine. Picture lights, track lighting, or wall-mounted sconces are all excellent options for illuminating artwork and highlighting its best features.
If possible, position your artwork so that it receives ample natural light, but be mindful of direct sunlight, which can cause fading over time. For artwork that’s displayed in darker areas, adjustable spotlights or LED track lighting can create an intimate gallery-like atmosphere that draws attention to the pieces. Well-lit artwork adds drama and elevates the overall ambiance of your room.
11. Take Your Time
Choosing the right artwork for your home is a process that takes time. Don’t rush into buying pieces just to fill an empty wall—it’s important to select artwork that resonates with you and feels right for your space. Start by collecting pieces that speak to you, and take your time to curate a collection that is meaningful and cohesive.
Art is an investment, both financially and emotionally, so make sure the pieces you choose reflect your personal tastes and complement your home. Whether you’re buying original pieces from an artist or browsing prints online, enjoy the journey of finding artwork that makes your home feel complete.
12. Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, art is deeply personal, and there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing the right pieces for your home. Trust your instincts and select artwork that speaks to you and makes you feel happy when you look at it. Whether it’s a striking abstract painting, a serene landscape, or a quirky print that makes you smile, the artwork you choose should make your home feel like an extension of yourself.
Decorating with art is about creating an environment that brings joy and inspiration to your daily life. Take your time, have fun, and allow your instincts to guide you as you curate a collection that makes your home feel uniquely yours. The perfect piece is out there, and when you find it, it will transform your space into something truly special.
