Adding art to your home is an effective way to add personality, style, and color to your space. If done properly, it can tie a room together and add a layer of interest. However, choosing art can be daunting. The task of adding art throughout your home can be overwhelming. Plus, common questions like How do I choose art?, What size do I choose?, and How do I pair different pieces together? can keep you from even getting started.
If you feel stuck and don’t know where to start, or just need some pointers, these tips will help guide you toward creating a collection of wall art that fits your style and your space.
Think of your walls as a blank canvas. Most likely there are several spaces in your home that would benefit from adding art, and each space will likely have different size requirements. Consider each wall space and take size and proportion into consideration. Take measurements of each area so you can get the sizing just right.
With large, open wall spaces—such as over your sofa or bed—a single, large-scale piece of art can really make a statement. As a general guideline, the piece should be at least two-thirds the length of the bed or sofa to keep things in proportion.
Alternatively, if you want to bring several pieces of art into the space, you may choose to create a gallery wall. In this case, think of the overall display as one piece and try to follow the same proportion guidelines.
When choosing art for a smaller wall or a cozy nook, opt for a single smaller piece, or multiple smaller pieces to keep the proper proportions in the space.
Choosing art is an opportunity to showcase your personal style through color, content, and composition. The pieces with which you choose to decorate your walls should be unique to you. But what if you don’t know what to choose? Let your instincts be your guide. Art should speak to you in some way—it should inspire you, move you—make you feel something.
When decorating, many people either choose wall art first and use it as a jumping off point for a room’s design, or they choose wall art as an afterthought to fill in the blank spaces.
If you are looking for art to inspire the design of a space, here are some tips to consider:
Alternatively, if your space is mostly decorated and you are choosing to add in wall art, here are some tips to consider:
If you choose to create a gallery wall or hang multiple pieces of art in close proximity, I have a few suggestions on how to create an overall cohesive design.
First, the easiest way for everything to blend well is to choose pieces that are complementary styles and colors.
However, it has become common to create more “eclectic” gallery walls that feature different styles, colors, and genres. Achieving cohesiveness here can be trickier, but here are some recommendations:
Pairing art pieces can take a bit of trial and error to create a combination that speaks to you. When you learn to trust your instincts, be thoughtful about how you choose, and be willing to experiment, you will strengthen your skill to create a collection of art that feels cohesive.
When it comes down to it, there is no exact formula for choosing art because it is a highly personal choice. There is no “right art” for a home—it truly depends on your personal style and the pieces that you're naturally drawn to. If your wall art adds enjoyment and meaning to your home, that is all that matters.
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