Decorating with wall art is not just pretty wallpaper—wall art is a key factor in designing an overall cohesive, customized home. Maybe you want to set a certain mood, save some blank space, or project your very own identity – no matter your reason for wanting to spruce up your walls with some wall art – it truly can transform any space. The options are many, the styles, sizes and materials from which to select are endless; hence making the perfect fit of each and every piece for each room of the home can be a daunting task. Below is your ultimate guide to picking wall art for every room of your home to help guide you when making the best choices.
- Living Room: Focus on Creating a Statement
Since your living room is the central hub of your home, and where we know friends and family gather to relax and catch up with one another. Because of this, your wall art in this space should emanate who you are as a person, guiding the tone of the entire space. If you like bold and modern pieces or want to go for subtle and minimalist art, just be sure your art makes a statement that fits the look of your living room.
What to Consider:
Scale and Proportion: In bigger living rooms, you might want to go with a large centralized artwork or, rather, a gallery wall. If you don’t have a large room to spare, choose one big piece of medium sized art or keep a group of several smaller pieces together.
Theme and Mood: Art should provide your living room with a cozy and intimate feeling; if that’s what you try to achieve, walls with warm tones can be really good, like all prints inspired by nature, abstract things or even vintage photos. For that modern, airy feel, pick art with clean lines with hues of blue or gray, or white.
Color Palette: Choose art that matches the colors of the room. So either ways here you can choose a hue that matches with the Art and create a samesame feeling.. or you can add a contrast by applying bold colors which becomes a focal point.
Tip: It’s a popular choice to have a large eye catching piece of art above your sofa, but keep in mind that art doesn’t always need to live directly above furniture, or from wall to wall. For an even more relaxed and decidedly eclectic look, try leaning framed pieces on a console or mantel.
- Bedroom: Build a Relaxing and Personal Space
Your bedroom is your sanctuary where you close out your world and clear your mind. That is why the art of choice should be relaxing and speak to your personal style. The best way to make a restful environment is soft, serene colors and soothing imagery.
What to Consider:
Scale: In the bedroom, choose art that matches the size of your bed. Installing a large (over the headboard) creates an eye pop, while smaller pieces in a cluster on the walls introduce variety without going over the top.
Color Scheme: Bedrooms seem to take lighter tones and pastels more easily, which tend to help relax us. With that being said, if your bedroom color scheme is very bold, don’t be afraid to choose art that contrasts it, just as long as it doesn’t throw the room into complete chaos.
Tip: Since this is essentially a second living room in your house, you might want to think about adding some personal artwork in there, whether that’s family photos, custom prints, or inspirational quotes, and that will create a more intimate and more reflective vibe of who you are.
- Kitchen: Add Fun and Functional Art
The kitchen is a functional space for the most part but it can still be livened up with the right type of decorative elements to help add personality. Playful or thematic kitchen art is a common theme that matches the decor of the room.
What to Consider:
Themes and Fun Elements: Think of food themed artwork, old advertising, or graphic prints of herbs and spices. They can give your kitchen character and match your cooking space.
Size and Placement: If they are smaller spaces, like most of our kitchens are, usually avoid going too big. Instead, choose prints or framed typography that are smaller and can be hung on or along walls, shelves or even over countertops.
Durability: Especially kitchen spaces can get pretty steamy and messy, so have your wall art framed in friendly cleaning materials and will not soak up moisture.
Tip: In kitchens, chalkboards or chalk art are terrific. Space enough to write in fun quotes or planned menus or grocery lists, and they’re easy to update, as your schedule dictates.
- Dining Room: Set the Tone for Mealtime
Any wall art you choose in the dining room should contribute to encourage togetherness and elegance in this room. Artwork often goes into dining rooms, depending on the level of formality or informality in the dining area.
What to Consider:
Scale and Centering: Over the dining table, a big block of fine art could function as a space anchor or as a focal point in the room. For smaller dining rooms consider a collection of smaller pieces that flow together.
Theme and Vibe: In a more formal dining room go with classic art; an elegant still life, landscape or abstract piece of art that would really tell elegance. Quirky prints or whimsical art will make for casual dining area but your playful side must be reflected.
Framing and Finishes: Pick frames and finishes that match the furniture in the room, or the color scheme. Metal frames have a very sleek and modern look, while wood enframes can give a warm feel to slightly more traditional room arrangements.
Tip: Over the dining table, you want a statement piece – a big abstract painting, or a framed mirror that will serve as the focal point of the rest of the room.
Conclusion
Finding the right canvas art is a thrilling, personal exercise that turns any room into a beautiful, curated, welcoming space. When it comes to choosing the right art for your home, there are other things besides taste to consider, such as scale, color palette, mood, and function room. Wall art adds life to your walls, and whether that’s in the form of a statement piece in the living room or playful prints in the kitchen, it rounds out a home with a similar vibe and aesthetic. So go ahead, let your walls tell a story, and the story you tell with your home, the beauty you chose.
