Stop staring at a blank wall and start daydreaming about the endless art possibilities to fill it with! From vibrant landscapes to minimalistic sketches, your home’s wall art decor speaks volumes about our style, personality, and what makes our hearts sing. But, with so many types of wall art out there, how do you choose art for your home? Learn how in this guide – we’re diving deep into the art of choosing the perfect wall art!
1. Decide on a Mood
When choosing wall art, consider the activities that take place in the room it will be displayed in. For example, you might want to choose calming artwork for a bedroom or energizing artwork for a home office.
Then consider the overall mood you want to create in the room. Do you want a space that feels cozy and inviting, or bright and airy? Choose artwork that complements the desired mood.
Also think of the architectural features of the room. For instance, a large piece of artwork can balance out a high ceiling, while a series of smaller pieces can add interest to a long, blank wall.
2. Stick to Your Style
Take a quick scan and identify the existing furniture and decor in the room. What style are they? Are they modern, traditional, eclectic, or something else? You can choose artwork that complements the existing style of the room, or artwork that will complement the changes you intend to make to it.
Of course, you should also consider your own personal style. What kind of art do you love? What makes you feel happy and inspired? Choose artwork that reflects your own unique style.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles. For example, a modern painting might look great in your existing space, while a vintage piece might add a touch of your personality to it, so why not have both?
3. Play with the Color Palette
Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel and can create a vibrant and eye-catching look. Analogous colors, on the other hand, are next to each other on the color wheel and can create a harmonious and visually appealing style. For example, a green painting would look great on a blue wall. Then, there are monochromatic colors that are all shades of the same color. This can create a sleek and sophisticated look. For example, a black-and-white painting would look great on a gray wall.
Unexpected color combinations can also create a bold and statement-making look.
4. Consider Size & Scale
A large piece of artwork can make a bold statement and anchor a room. It’s a great choice for a focal point wall. However, a series of smaller pieces can also be combined into a gallery wall and add interest to a large wall. It’s a great way to showcase your favorite artwork or tell a story.
When choosing wall art sizes, consider the distance from which it will be viewed. For example, if the artwork will be viewed from a distance, you’ll want to choose a larger piece.
You can also use painter’s tape to mark out the size of the artwork on the wall before you buy it. This will help you visualize how it will look in the space.
5. To Frame or Not to Frame
Framing can enhance the artwork and protect it from damage. It can also tie the artwork into the overall decor of the room.
The type of frame you choose can also make a big difference. A modern frame might look great with a contemporary painting, while a vintage frame might complement a traditional piece. There are instances, however, where no frame may be the best option. This can be especially effective for abstract or minimalist artwork.
6. Gallery Wall vs. Standalone Star
A gallery wall is a great way to showcase a collection of artwork. It can also be a good way to fill a large blank wall. When creating a gallery wall, it’s important to choose pieces that have a common theme or color scheme. This will help to create a cohesive look.
You can also vary the sizes and shapes of the artwork to create a more dynamic and visually interesting gallery wall layout. If you have a single piece of artwork that you love, you can let it stand alone as a focal point in the room.
7. Consider Texture and Medium
Different mediums can create different textures and effects. An oil painting, for instance, has a smooth, glossy finish, and when paired with a watercolor painting, its soft, matte finish, gives quite the contrast.
Consider the overall texture of the room when choosing artwork. For example, if the room has a lot of hard surfaces, you might want to choose artwork with a softer texture to add visual interest.
8. Reflect Personal Tastes
Choose artwork that reflects your personal style and interests. This will make your home feel more like a reflection of you. Pay attention to what pieces catch your eye and make you feel good. Don’t be afraid to choose artwork that is unique or unconventional. The art you choose should be something that you love, and that makes you happy.
9. Switch & Swap With Seasons
Don’t be afraid to switch out your artwork seasonally. This is a great way to keep your decor fresh and to reflect the changing seasons. For example, you might hang a winter landscape in the winter and a beach scene in the summer.
You can also use seasonal accents to update your artwork. For example, you might add a wreath to a painting in the winter or a bouquet of flowers in the spring.
10. When in Doubt, Take It for a Test Run
If you’re torn between two pieces of artwork, take them both home and hang them up. Live with the pieces for a few days to see which you prefer. If you’re unsure, ask a friend or family member for their opinion.
You may even like mixing and matching wall art, and decide to keep both!
Find Your Perfect Piece at Society6
Choosing art for your home is a fun and rewarding journey. It involves understanding your style, considering size and color coordination, budgeting wisely, and mastering the art of placement and arrangement with some trial and error. As you go along, you’ll see your living spaces continue to evolve as vibrant expressions of your personality and style.
As you start your collection, you can check out Society6’s wide selection of wall art decor. Discover unique designs created by our thriving community of independent artists worldwide. Whether it’s minimalist wall art or bold designs, we’ve got you covered.
With a smidge of planning and a dollop of intuition, choosing wall art for your home becomes a delightful journey rather than a daunting task. Your walls are blank canvases awaiting tales of travel, memories, dreams, and more. So, embark on this artistic adventure, and remember, it’s all about what makes you feel at home.
Sources:
- “Understanding the Analogous Color Scheme.” Elle Decor, June 10, 2019, https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/color/a27793858/analogous-color-scheme/. Accessed October 8, 2023.