Selecting art for your home is more than just filling empty wall space—it’s an opportunity to express your personal style and enhance your living environment.
Whether you’re a seasoned art collector or a first-time buyer, understanding how to pick art that complements your home’s aesthetic and resonates with your emotions can make all the difference.
Here are some practical tips for choosing art that elevates your space and reflects your taste.
1. Reflect Your Personal Style
The art you choose should be a reflection of your personal style and integrate seamlessly with the rest of your home’s decor.
- Match Your Aesthetic: If your home is modern and minimalist, look for pieces with bold lines or abstract forms. For a more traditional space, consider classic landscapes or portraits.
- Personal Connection: Select artwork that you feel a personal connection to, whether it’s because of the subject matter, the colors, or the emotions it evokes.
2. Consider the Scale and Placement
The size and placement of artwork can dramatically affect both the piece and the room’s overall appearance.
- Scale Appropriately: A small piece on a large wall can look lost, while an oversized painting in a small room can feel overwhelming. Measure your space and consider scale to ensure the artwork fits well.
- Eye Level Works Best: Hang artwork at eye level to enhance viewing pleasure. In rooms where people usually sit, like dining rooms or living rooms, consider hanging art lower to keep it at eye level when seated.
3. Play with Themes and Colors
Art can be a great way to introduce or tie together color themes in a room.
- Color Coordination: Choose artwork that reflects some of the existing colors in your room to create a cohesive look. Alternatively, select art that adds a bold color contrast for a more dramatic effect.
- Thematic Links: For a harmonious look, select art that complements the theme of your space, whether it’s coastal, bohemian, industrial, or something else entirely.
4. Mix and Match Different Mediums
Don’t be afraid to mix different types of art. Combining various mediums can add depth and interest to your space.
- Variety of Mediums: Include a mix of paintings, prints, sculptures, and textiles. This variety can enhance the texture and appeal of your living space.
- Gallery Wall: Create a gallery wall combining different sizes and styles of art. This can be an excellent way to display smaller pieces and collectibles alongside larger artworks.
5. Test Before You Invest
Before making a significant investment in art, see if you can view the artwork in your space.
Some galleries and online platforms allow you to preview how the piece will look in your room.
- Use Apps: Use augmented reality (AR) apps to visualize how the artwork will look on your walls before making a purchase.
- Home Trials: Some galleries offer home trials where you can display the artwork in your home for a short period to see if it fits your space and style.
6. Incorporate Lighting
Proper lighting can transform how an art piece looks and feels in your space.
- Accent Lighting: Use directed lighting to highlight your artwork and make it a focal point.
- Natural Light: Be mindful of exposure to sunlight, which can damage some art. UV protective glass and frames can help protect your pieces from fading.
Choosing art for your home is a deeply personal decision that should be approached with both your heart and your mind.
By considering these tips—focusing on personal style, scale, color themes, and proper lighting—you can create an art-filled home that feels both curated and uniquely yours.
