What Art Should I Hang in My Living Room? A Comprehensive Guide to Elevating Your Space
Your living room is way more than just a place to relax; it's the heart of your home, where family and friends gather with you to create lasting memories. One of the best ways to transform this space is through wall art.
The right choice of art will do a number of things for your space, including complement your decor, set the tone, evoke emotions and express your unique style and personality.
In this guide, we will dive into the world of home decor and explore the power of art, while gaining valuable insights into how to select, place and maintain your artwork.
Whether you consider yourself an art aficionado or just a beginner, by the end of this blog you will be well equipped to make informed decisions about the art that you dress your walls with.
The Power of Art in Home Decor
Wall art has an incredible ability to transform any living space. We've seen countless home and office spaces upgraded and it really is the art selection that makes the biggest difference.
The colours, hues and tones that run through the pieces you choose, along with the texture, style and frame type, all play a major role in the overall feel of your room.
Here are a few key reasons why incorporating art into your living room decor is a game-changer.
Emotional Impact: Art has the power to stir emotions, which is an often overlooked aspect of choosing artwork. You need to ask yourself how do I want this space to feel?
Whether it's through calming landscapes, vivid photography or bold abstracts, your chosen artwork should convey the mood you want for your space.
Colour also plays a major role in the emotions behind the art pieces you choose. With lighter tones giving spaces a softer more dreamy feel, while darker tones give off more mystery
Personal Expression: Your choice of art can convey your interests, values, and experiences, serving as a form of self-expression. Your choice of wall art can communicate your identity and really solidify your choice of style.
Focal Point: A well-placed piece of art can become the focal point of your living room, bringing the entire space together. This will add definition to your space.
Conversation Starter: Art serves as an excellent conversation starter when you have family and friends over. The quality elements of your artwork will spark discussion, as artwork never goes unnoticed.
Now that we have an understanding of the significance of art in home decor, let's move on to the process of selecting the perfect art style.
Choosing the Perfect Art Style
Selecting the right art style for your living room is crucial. The style should align with your personal taste and complement your existing decor. Here are some popular art styles to consider:
Abstract Art: Abstract art is characterized by obscure forms and shapes, which leaves room for interpretation. This in turn adds a touch of mystery to your space. Abstract art is known for giving spaces a modern touch.Floral: Floral prints capture the essence of nature in either vivid photography or hand-crafted drawings. With the beautiful tones of flowers and plants. Ideal for adding warmth to your space and enhance a soft aesthetic. They will also bring life to your space.
Minimalism: Minimalist art is marked by simplicity, clean lines, and a sense of tranquility. It's perfect for creating a clutter-free, serene living space. These pieces show that less is more and work well, in monochrome, modern and abstract styled rooms.
Luxury Art: Luxury art is defined by opulence and grandeur. Usually encompassing gold paint strokes and stunning textures, luxury art encompasses many styles but is presented in a rich fashion style. Ideal for modern spaces, they will add luxuriousness and be the focal point of any room.
| Large wall art called Modernist in the home of @homewithpom
Wall Print Sizing and Placement Matters
The size and placement of your artwork can greatly impact how it interacts with the space and the overall aesthetic of your living room. Here are some considerations:
Wall Space: Measure your available wall space before selecting art. Consider whether you want a single large piece as a focal point or a gallery wall with multiple smaller artworks.
Eye Level: Art should be hung at eye level, roughly 144 cm or 57 inches from the floor to the centre of the artwork. This ensures that it's easily visible and creates a harmonious look.
Balance: Achieve balance in your room by choosing artwork that complements the size and shape of your furniture. For instance, a large sofa would be well suited to a substantial piece of art, while smaller seating areas may benefit from smaller artworks.
Grouping: Consider grouping multiple artworks together to create a gallery wall. Mixing different sizes and styles will create a dynamic and visually appealing arrangement.
Scale: Think about the scale of the art in relation to the room's size. A tiny piece of art in a large, open living room may get lost, while an oversized piece in a small space can overwhelm.
Symmetry vs. Asymmetry: Decide whether you want a symmetrical arrangement with identical pieces on each side of a focal point or an asymmetrical layout for a more eclectic look. The scale of your room and decor either side of your wall's centre-point will help you decide.
When it comes to placement, don't be afraid to experiment. You can always use removable hooks or adhesive strips to adjust the positioning until you find the perfect arrangement.
| Minima minimalist print featuring in the home of @1930sarang
Framing: The Art of Presentation
The way you frame your artwork can significantly enhance their aesthetic. They play a pivotal role in the final presentation of your prints, so it's worthwhile to consider the following.
Here are some important framing tips to consider:
Frame Colour: Choose a frame that complements both the artwork and your room's style. The colour of your frame can play a major role in how your art is perceived. Brown wooden frames give off a rustic feel ideal for more traditional settings, such as rooms that have more wooden furniture. Black frames on the other hand harmonize well in contemporary settings, as they give off a sleek modern feel. White frames blend well with white walls, especially when the prints feature white borders, creating an almost seamless integration with the wall, which allows the print colour to pop more. Gold frames emanate more of a luxury feel and complement rooms with gold as an accent colour.
Frame Size: Ensure the frame size is proportional to the artwork you choose is also important. The frame should neither overpower nor understate the art. Whether choosing matching print size sets or gallery sets that come with a variation of sizes, it is vital to consider size options. Opting for a collection of petite prints might result in your artwork being overshadowed by the vastness of your wall.
Consistency: If you're framing multiple pieces, aim for a consistent look to maintain cohesion in your living room decor. Alternatively, if you re going for a more eclectic look and would prefer your wall to consist of a plethora of styles and colours, then varied frame choices would work better.
By taking the time pay attention to your framing choices, you can transform a simple piece of art into a stunning focal point that elevates your living room's aesthetics.
| Every little moment canvas poster from our wall art quote collection
How to Choose the Perfect Wall Art for your Space
After years of helping customers choose the best wall art for their space, here is our step by step method to for you to compile a top recommendation list that you can then choose from. By the time you have whittled it own to 3-5 options, it will be clear which art pieces will work best in your space.
Considering the information we have covered follow the steps below to find the perfect wall art for your space:
When choosing your wall art, first begin by identifying the wall you want to dress.
Take note of your wall's colour and the surrounding decor colours. Factor in all the colours present in the room, including lampshades, coffee table and legs, curtain rails/curtain, carpet, sofa, cushions, TV, shelves, etc.
Consider all the textures used in the room, from furniture to wallpaper and flooring.
Consider the current feel of your space. What style would you consider your space to be currently? Or if you are still decorating, what style are you going for?
Examine the dimensions of the wall and the room. Is the wall symmetrical in both height and width, featuring an identical or similar decor arrangement on either side of its vertical center line?
Now with all this either noted or in mind, navigate to our gallery wall collection.
Choose 5-10 gallery sets that fit the criteria created from the above guidelines. Just scroll through all the galleries and choose ones that could work. Don't put too much thought into it, just go with your gut with your criteria in mind. On desktop, you can open them in new tabs. Alternatively, you can write the list of gallery names down on a paper.
Now you have a list of possible galleries that could work in your space, review this list and filter out some options that are not suited, until you have 3-5 gallery options.
Now you have compiled a genuine list of gallery sets, it's time to narrow your focus. Begin by critiquing these sets using your criteria. A helpful practice is to hold up the gallery set photos against the backdrop of your chosen wall. This exercise will help you eliminate options that may not align with your space for various reasons. Some sets may possess the right colours, but may be a shade that doesn't quite harmonize, while others might boast a style that doesn't complement your space's ambience. Alternatively, the wall's shape and the room's layout may not be the ideal canvas for a three-piece set, and a gallery featuring varying print sizes might be a more suitable choice. These considerations play a pivotal role as you make your decision. Following this process will really make things clear, and it will be obvious by the end which prints are best suited to your chosen space.
This is a tried and tested process to help you choose the best gallery prints for your space. The same process can work if you are just going for one print.
| Foglia prints in stunning home office from @renovating_with_emma
Maintaining Your Art Collection
Once you've selected and hung your art, it's essential to take proper care of your collection to preserve its beauty and value. The great thing about our collection is that we only use premium cotton canvas material for printing, renowned for its exceptional durability compared to traditional paper prints.
However to further preserve your artwork, here are some maintenance tips:
Dusting: Regularly dust your artwork with a soft, lint-free cloth or a soft-bristle brush to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime. In general, your frames will protect and maintain the quality of your prints. Nevertheless, if you choose a hanging frame that leaves your print exposed, it's important to regularly dust it.
Sunlight: Avoid exposing your artwork to extended periods of direct sunlight, as it can cause fading and damage over time.
Humidity Control: Although our prints are highly durable, bear in mind we provide artwork to a global audience with differing climates. Generally, we suggest you control the humidity within your space, as extended exposure to moist air can cause imperfections.
Cleaning: If your artwork becomes dirty, use a damp cloth to clean, using a circular motion to remove any stains. Make sure the cloth is not too wet and that you do not wipe the canvas vigorously, as this could seep into the colour of the print and fade the design.
By caring for your art collection, you'll ensure its longevity and maintain its quality.
| Stunning 3 piece canvas gallery set in abstract style
Final Thoughts on Creating Your Perfect Living Room
In your quest to find the perfect art for your living room, remember that there are no hard and fast rules. The most important factor is that the art resonates with you, is an example of your taste, and enhances your living space.
Take your time exploring different art styles, sizing, and placement options. Don't be afraid to experiment, mix and match, and make your living room a true reflection of your personality and style.
Art has the power to complete your living room decor while adding creativity, inspiration, and comfort. So, embrace the journey from choosing your prints, to styling and maintaining your art collection.
Make transforming your living room space fun, with art that beautifully narrates your unique story.
