A room isn’t finished until the art is on the walls. Art adds color, personality, and pizzazz. It’s what makes a room feel finished.
Unfortunately, the sight of bare walls can drive us to purchase the first thing we see. And probably regret it.
Before you make an impulsive purchase, take a look at our tips for choosing perfect wall art for every room of your home.
What’s the room’s personality?
Is the space high-energy with lots of activity, such as a family room or playroom?
Consider colorful prints or wall art with lively colors and abstract patterns.
Bedrooms and bathrooms are rooms that evoke a sense of peace and calm.
In these spaces, dreamy, soothing watercolors, or simple monochromatic photographs can enhance relaxation.
Offices and kitchens are great places for colorful conversation pieces such as posters and graphic prints.
And formal living rooms and dining rooms are perfect places for stately oil paintings.
Take inventory
You may have a painting, print, or photograph that you love. If so, use it as the foundation, then add new art and decor to complement your existing artwork.
Don’t forget to take into consideration other forms of wall art, too, such as sculpture, plates, textiles, baskets, mirrors, and framed collections.
You may be surprised by what you have!
Determine the focal point
Do you want the wall art to be the focal point of the room? Or do you want it to be subtle and understated and complement your furnishings?
If you want all eyes on your art, use a neutral color scheme throughout the room.
Another trick is to arrange the room’s furnishings so that it leads the eye through the room. If the bed is the first thing you see in the bedroom, hang wall art above it.
Another way to make artwork the focal point of the room is to choose a unique, one-of-a-kind piece.
Use eye-level placement
As a general rule, display wall art so that the center of the piece or collection hangs at eye level. Here’s a guide that art galleries around the world use: Display the artwork’s center 57 inches from the floor.
But there are exceptions to every rule. In dining rooms or home offices, consider hanging wall art a little lower since you will be sitting down.
For clusters of smaller works, such as a collection of watercolors or framed photographs, keep spacing to less than six inches between each piece.
Feel free to experiment
Unsure of how your wall art grouping will look? Lay it on the floor and arrange and rearrange until you’re satisfied.
Another trick is to use paper templates and painter’s tape to experiment with different placement and spacing.
Above all else, go with your intuition
When it comes to artwork, purchase pieces that you love, that you want to see every day, and that reflect your style.
After all, it’s your room and your art!
