How to Select the Ideal Wall Art for Your Space

Decorative elements like wall hangings, art, and photographs serve as the finishing touches that enhance the ambiance of your living space. They capture attention, unify your environment, and create a more inviting atmosphere.

While the process may seem daunting, investing time in sourcing, purchasing, and installing art pieces that resonate with you is truly rewarding. Wall art not only injects character into your space but also instantly elevates any room and brings everything together harmoniously.

Though there are no strict guidelines for decorating a home, adhering to these fundamental principles will aid you in choosing the perfect wall art pieces for your unique space. Consider factors such as size, style, color, theme, inspiration, or layout – the possibilities are endless.

THE #1 RECOMMENDATION FOR CHOOSING THE PERFECT WALL ART

Before delving into specifics, here's a crucial piece of advice to guide your search – prioritize selecting something that speaks to you. It's as simple as that! Art should evoke emotions (preferably positive ones!), so ensure that whatever you choose evokes feelings of happiness, excitement, calmness, or joy. If it fails to do so, it's best not to display it on your walls.

While compromising on art selection is common – perhaps due to difficulty in finding the perfect piece or opting for the first painting that matches the room's color scheme – settling should not be necessary. Treat your walls as an extension of your taste, and approach the selection process with the same care you would when choosing furniture. Wall art has the transformative power to redefine a space, so seek out pieces that achieve just that in your home.

SELECTING WALL ART BASED ON SIZE

Now, onto practical considerations. When choosing wall art, it's essential to consider both the size of the piece and the available wall or space it will occupy. The art should complement, not overwhelm, the room's balance.

Approach your search with a specific size in mind to streamline your options. Additionally, contemplate the placement before making a purchase, as it will influence the size you require. Will the piece be mounted directly on the wall, or do you envision it resting atop a surface like a console or desk?

If you aim to adorn an entire room with multiple art pieces, size remains a crucial factor. Begin with larger pieces and gradually incorporate smaller ones, filling any visual gaps as the room takes shape. For example, if you desire a prominent artwork above your sofa, prioritize selecting it first as it will serve as the focal point. As you curate your space, the smaller complementary pieces you add will contribute to a cohesive decor scheme, resulting in a home adorned with pieces you cherish.

To provide clarity on scale, consider the following common artwork sizes:

Generous: Measuring one meter or larger in length, oversized art pieces command attention as the centerpiece of a room. They pair beautifully with equally substantial furniture pieces such as sofas, beds, or dining tables.
Substantial: Ranging between 80 and 100 centimeters in length, large wall art pieces make striking focal points when placed on surfaces or as key elements in gallery walls.
Moderate: Medium-sized wall art, spanning approximately 60 to 80 centimeters in length, offers versatility. Incorporate multiple pieces into a gallery wall or let a single artwork stand alone as a statement piece in a minimalist setting.
Compact: Small frames typically measure between 45 and 60 centimeters in length and are perfect for grouping together, creating dynamic gallery wall arrangements.
Petite: Lastly, mini frames, ranging from 25 to 45 centimeters in length, are best suited for clustering.

Finally, for those prioritizing size in their search, here are some essential pointers to keep in mind:

Maintain proportion – artworks should not exceed two-thirds of the length of your sofa.
Consider height – position wall art at least 15 centimeters above furniture edges and take into account ceiling height and room proportions when arranging.
Embrace grouping – rather than attempting to fill a large space with a single small print, cluster small art pieces together. Pieces by the same artist or featuring similar color schemes complement each other effectively.
When in doubt, opt for triptychs or wall art sets – these curated collections are designed to maximize space utilization while creating visually appealing displays.

SELECTING WALL ART BASED ON STYLE

If size isn't your primary concern, consider focusing on style, the cornerstone of most interior design decisions. Your home likely reflects a distinct style and aesthetic, so when selecting wall art, it's essential to align with these preferences.

Whether your home exudes modern elegance, timeless tradition, coastal charm, or minimalist Scandinavian design, your choice of wall art can underscore and refine your home's style. From abstract prints to serene nature photography or minimalist, neutral paintings, there's a plethora of options available if you know where to look and how to integrate them seamlessly into your décor.

Here are some top tips for harmonizing your style with your wall art selections:

Reflect the ambiance of your home – choose art that complements the desired atmosphere, whether it's serene, vibrant, or cozy. Your design choices should foster a sense of harmony within your space.
Let style inform your art selection – opt for black and white photography for modern interiors or textured paintings in coastal hues for a beach-inspired home.
Leverage framing to enhance cohesion – if a chosen piece feels slightly off, consider reframing it to better align with your décor. Select frames that complement your home's aesthetic, whether it's sleek and contemporary or warm and rustic.
Don't overlook size – ensure that the scale of your chosen artwork complements its style to maintain visual balance within the space.

SELECTING WALL ART BASED ON COLOR

Another popular approach to selecting wall art involves coordinating pieces with your home's existing color palette. While this doesn't necessarily mean replicating minimalist, neutral tones throughout, it serves as a useful starting point for finding art that harmonizes effortlessly with your space.

There are two primary methods for selecting wall art based on color:

Accent hues – identify one or two colors already present in the room and use them as a guide for selecting art. This creates consistency and fosters a cohesive, sophisticated ambiance. Experiment with shades and tones to add depth while remaining faithful to your existing color scheme.
Bold statements – embrace the most prominent color in the room and incorporate it into your wall art using varying shades or complementary colors. Wall art offers an opportunity to introduce bold, vibrant hues that enliven your space while maintaining aesthetic cohesion. Remember to consider undertones for a harmonious result.
Additionally, introducing a new color into the room through multiple decor elements can create a cohesive visual narrative. By repeating colors across different items, you reinforce the overall theme and make a compelling design statement.

SELECTING WALL ART BASED ON THEME

Your home's theme plays a pivotal role in every interior decision, including the selection of wall art. By sourcing and selecting art pieces that align with your home's theme, you can create a cohesive and visually engaging environment.

Here's how to match your wall art choices with your home's theme:

Stay true to the theme – select art pieces that complement the established look and feel of your home. Whether it's coastal, mid-century modern, industrial, or rustic, your wall art should resonate with the overarching theme.
Consider contextual elements – factor in the influences and characteristics of your chosen style when selecting art. For example, a coastal home might feature beach-inspired photography and whitewashed frames, while a mid-century modern space may showcase vintage posters and bold geometric patterns

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Maintain consistency – ensure that your wall art enhances, rather than detracts from, the cohesive theme of your home. Avoid selecting pieces that clash with the established aesthetic, as this can disrupt the overall visual harmony.

SELECTING WALL ART FOR AN OPEN FLOOR PLAN

With the rising popularity of open floor plans, selecting wall art presents unique challenges. The key principle for homeowners navigating open layouts is to define space clearly through intentional art placement.

Consider the following guidelines when selecting wall art for an open floor plan:

Prioritize cohesion – maintain visual consistency throughout the space by selecting art pieces that complement each other stylistically and thematically. Avoid introducing elements that disrupt the flow or create visual clutter.
Embrace gallery walls – utilize gallery walls to concentrate art in specific areas without overwhelming the space. Gallery walls offer a versatile solution for displaying multiple pieces while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.
Make use of space – leverage the openness of the floor plan to create impactful art installations that draw the eye and define different zones within the space.

WALL ART DEFINES YOUR HOME

In conclusion, the right wall art can significantly enhance your living environment, setting the tone for your space and reflecting your unique style. It adds depth, dimension, and personality to a room, allowing you to experiment with color, texture, and visual elements.

Selecting wall art doesn't have to be daunting – prioritize pieces that resonate with you and contribute to the overall ambiance of your home. Whether you opt for standalone pieces or curated collections, let your personality shine through your art choices. After all, your home is a reflection of your tastes and preferences.

Artman.net offers a diverse selection of wall art, including individual pieces and curated sets in various sizes and styles. Elevate your home with these exquisite additions and enjoy Australia-wide shipping. Unsure about a particular piece? Take advantage of Artman.net virtual styling services to ensure a perfect fit before making your purchase.