Has your blank wall been giving you the silent treatment? Maybe it’s time to jazz it up with some wall art decor, specifically an array of eye-catching artworks! But here’s the tricky bit: how do you make one piece of art sit pretty next to another without causing a visual ruckus?
We’re about to venture into the whimsical world of wall art style and coordination. Whether you’re a seasoned art collector, a working interior designer, or a newbie trying to figure out how to mix and match wall art and create true visual interest, this guide has got your back. Learn how to coordinate wall art tastefully.
1. Play with Proportions
The journey of arranging wall art often starts with a puzzle of proportions. Consider this: a massive art piece can dominate a space, making everything else feel like they have less visual weight. The solution? Balance! Begin with your most substantial artwork as your anchor. Then, swirl smaller pieces around it. It’s a bit like arranging a bouquet – you’ve got your centerpiece flower, and the smaller blooms and foliage play supporting roles.
2. Ride the Color Wave
If you’ve been scratching your head, pondering how to coordinate wall art, take a deep breath and think of the colors. Establishing a color palette is like setting the mood. You can keep it harmonious with analogous colors or shake things up with contrasting tones. No matter the route, ensure a thread of similarity—a recurring color, perhaps—to tie the pieces together.
3. Mix it Up With Textures & Mediums
Why limit yourself to canvas when there are so many types of wall art out there? Dive into the diverse world of art mediums. Pair a serene watercolor landscape with a bold abstract acrylic print. Complement a shiny metal sculpture with the earthiness of a wood carving. The contrasting textures will make your art ensemble pop.
4. Tell a Tale With a Theme
Every artwork tells a story, and when you’re gathering a mix, why not weave a narrative? It could be the romance of cities with bustling boulevards, iconic landmarks, and rainy alleyways. Or it’s the serene whisper of nature, with mountains, meadows, and murmuring streams. By choosing a subtle theme, you not only make a cohesive art statement but also embark on a visual storytelling journey.
5. Bind it Together With Frames
While your hanging artwork might be as diverse as a pot of mixed berries, matching frames can be the magic potion that binds them. Whether you opt for ornate gold frames, rustic wooden ones, or sleek modern varieties, ensuring some uniformity in framing can be your secret weapon in art coordination.
6. Allow for Spacing
An essential tip on how to mix and match wall art is respecting the space between artworks. Clustering them too close can feel claustrophobic, while scattering them too far apart might seem disjointed. Find that Goldilocks zone of being just right. Let each piece breathe while still feeling part of a collective.
7. Level Up (or Down)
Consider playing with the vertical placement of your art. While keeping everything at eye level offers uniformity, staggering art at different heights can create dynamism and interest. It’s a bit like the ebb and flow of a symphony, with high notes and low notes (or, in this case, different frames) harmoniously playing together.
8. Incorporate Light
Never underestimate the power of lighting when showcasing art. Use picture lamps, track lights, or even fairy lights to enhance and elevate your art pieces. A well-lit artwork can transform from beautiful to breathtaking! Be sure to have your lighting faced directly at the center of the piece to highlight your artwork.
9. Rotate and Revolve
One of the joys of understanding how to pick art for your home is the freedom to keep things fresh. Rotate your artwork occasionally. Swap placements, change to different frame styles, or introduce new pieces. It keeps the visual narrative engaging and evolving.
10. Trust Your Gut
While guidelines and tips are great, the best compass is your intuition. If something feels right, it probably is. Your space should resonate with your vibe and vision. Choosing art for your home should be less of a task and more of an exciting decorating process. It’s an expression of your personality, a reflection of your tastes, and a testament to your storytelling prowess.
Curate the Perfect Collection at Society6
Mixing and matching wall art is an art form that allows you to curate a space that reflects your personality and style. Remember, there are no rigid rules for finding the perfect mix—creativity reigns supreme.
For all your wall art needs, check out Society6 and our wide array of curated pieces created by our community of independent artists worldwide. With so many styles to choose from, Society6 makes it easy to match your exact taste. Whether you’re in the market for multiple pieces of wall decor or an art print or two, we’ve truly got something for everyone.
With these tips in your arsenal, you’re all set to curate a beautiful gallery wall layout that not only draws eyes but also starts conversations. So, roll up those creative sleeves and let your wall decor ideas take flight.
Sources:
- How to Light Your Art Like a Professional.” artnet News, April 28, 2017. https://news.artnet.com/art-world/how-to-light-your-art-like-a-professional-935306. Accessed October 8, 2023.