How to Choose Wall Art for Your Home
Wall art can often be overlooked when designing interior spaces, yet it can serve as an essential decorative accent that gives any space a finished appearance and boosts mental wellbeing.
No matter your budget and style preferences, there is art for everyone’s living room – from low-price prints that you frame yourself to exclusive works by well-known artists. Here are a few tips to help you select suitable artwork.
Size
Size matters when selecting wall art for your space. Too small art could leave your room looking empty and uninspiring while too much art could feel overwhelming and create chaos in its wake.
Wall art should ideally cover two thirds to three quarters of the width of furniture that it’s hanging above, for an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Furthermore, its height has a significant impact on overall room decor.
Weight should also be an important consideration when purchasing wall art. Heavy pieces may require special hardware that can withstand their weight, such as sawtooth brackets or eye-hooks; for lighter pieces however, nails or adhesive strips typically suffice.
Style
Wall art comes in an assortment of styles. This can range from nature and floral prints, exotic bohemian-inspired designs, landscapes, abstract images and tapestries – the latter is ideal for homes featuring neutral and natural hues as their earth tones will blend perfectly into other decor pieces.
Metal art can add a modern or industrial aesthetic to your home depending on its style of use, while wall hangings of it can even be framed to give an elegant touch.
For a contemporary feel, minimalist line drawings can add the perfect modern touch. Ideal for any room in the house and designed to enhance existing decor without overshadowing it, you can find different sizes and shapes available that can complement your space; some feature an asymmetrical layout while others have more symmetrical arrangements.
Placement
Wall art can add interest and style to any room, but its placement should be carefully considered. You want your guests to be able to view it without straining their necks or bending down, with each piece situated directly under eye level.
Symmetrical looks are popular, but you could also try asymmetrical arrangements or staggered pieces if that best matches your decor. Whatever choice you make, always test out your arrangement first with pencil and paper before using a hammer.
Consider both the weight and type of surface your wall art will be mounted upon before hanging it. If hanging it on drywall, be sure to have all of the appropriate tools and nails at your disposal and test its thickness by knocking on it – if it sounds hollow or like wood when knocked upon, alternative methods of hanging must be employed for hanging your artwork.
Budget
Wall art can be an expensive addition to your home, particularly commissioned originals. But there are more cost-effective solutions available: shops like Society6 provide high-quality prints you can easily customize for your space while Zazzle offers affordable options as well.
Farkas suggests looking for art with finished edges that is stretched canvas over wood or metal, saving both money and effort when framing is involved.
Make any canvas into custom art-gallery style wall art with this fun DIY project: faux weaving! Simply using felt balls and yarn from your craft stash, this gorgeous piece can be created for under $50. For a more sophisticated look, color coordinate the wall art with your decor by matching colors from pillows, throws and rugs or creating an overall theme such as earthy green or blue hues.