A step-by-step rundown on embellishing your walls with artworks: an all-encompassing manual.
Spice Up Your Space: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Decorating with Art
Transform your living space into a fabulous reflection of your personality with the power of art! This comprehensive guide teaches you how to pick the perfect pieces that match your style and fit your room vibes.
Art Haven
Let your walls scream you with unique and eye-catching wall art! Sifting through the endless options of styles, colors, and sizes can be a challenge, but this guide is here to help you navigate the art realm.
Personal Connection
Remember your favorite pair of shoes that hugs your feet like a dream? Imagine getting that same feeling every time you walk past your chosen artwork – that's the magic of finding the right piece! Consider factors like your favorite colors, art styles you adore, and any emotional buzwords that inspire you.
- Favorite color palettes: Select art that complements your fave hues.
- Preferred art styles: Go for abstract, modern, or classic pieces that speak to your soul.
- Emotional connections: Opt for art that stirs your emotions or reminds you of fond memories.
Create a list of your top art styles. This helps narrow down the choices for a more personalized selection. Look for art that tells a story or mirrors your adventures.
Room Vibes
The aesthetic of a room plays a significant role in choosing your perfect art match. Understand the dominant colors, furniture, and space size in your room to ensure your art fits right in.
- Color scheme: Match, contrast, or complement your room colors for a harmonious look.
- Furniture styles: Choose artwork that aligns with your furniture style to create a seamless feel.
- Size of the room: Large artworks are great for spacious rooms, while smaller pieces work best in cozier spaces.
Visual balance is essential. Keep the 60-30-10 rule in mind – 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color, and 10% accent color[1]. This creates a pleasing aesthetic.
The Art of Choice
From classic paintings to contemporary prints, there's an endless variety of art styles to pick from. Understanding the different types helps you make informed decisions.
Paintings
Timeless, timeless, oh so classic! Painting is the perfect choice for expressing emotions and telling stories. Explore diverse styles to find your favorite.
- Choose colors that blend with your room's color scheme.
- Opt for a style that reflects your personality.
- Consider size to ensure a good fit for your wall space.
Creating a collection of diverse artforms enhances your creative vibe, adding depth and interest to your room. From impressionist to pop art styles, there's a painting out there that's a perfect fit for you.
Prints
Affordable, versatile, and straightforward – prints give you the freedom to express yourself without breaking the bank. The following types can add a pop of color and personality to your walls.
- Posters: Large formats can fill empty walls.
- Canvas prints: Add texture and depth to your space.
- Framed prints: Easily hangable options with a polished look.
Choosing the right print can involve sifting through various themes, colors, and styles. Ensure the print matches your room's aesthetic for a harmonious look. Four simple tips can help:
- Choose a theme that matches your space.
- Pay attention to the frame color and style.
- Mix different print sizes for a dynamic look.
- Change out prints seasonally for a fresh new vibe.
Color Combinations
The power of color is astounding. It can transform a space, evoke emotions, and create a certain atmosphere. Get a handle on two essential color strategies – complementary colors and contrasting hues – to elevate your art pride.
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are pairs that complement each other on the color wheel. They create a lively, harmonious look when combined. Going for a set of complementary colors can bring pops of energy to your room. Common complementary pairs include blue and orange, red and green, and yellow and purple[1].
Contrasting Hues
Contrasting hues are colors that stand out from each other, such as bright and dark shades. They emphasize specific areas and help guide the eye. To create contrast, you can pair bright artwork with a dark background, mix light and dark shades, or use neutral tones to balance things out.
Mixing contrasting hues can elevate a space. Keep the overall color scheme in mind to ensure a coherent look.
Sizing and Placement
Not every artwork is designed to be the center of attention. However, placing your chosen piece adequately is crucial to showcase its beauty. Follow these guidelines for optimal sizing and placement.
Scaling
Finding the right size for your artwork is essential to ensure a great fit. Remember to consider the space and furniture size.
- Measure your wall space.
- Choose the right size for a snug fit.
- Ensure your chosen size relates to furniture size.
Find a balance between large statement pieces and smaller sets. A mix of sizes creates visual interest and keeps things fresh.
Eye Level
Ensuring the artwork is easily seen and appreciated is vital. Follow these simple eye-level guidelines to create an accessible and engaging environment.
- Standard eye level: Hang the center of the artwork at 57-60 inches from the floor.
- Group art: Keep the center of the group at eye level.
- Consider furniture placement: Adjust artwork if it hangs above furniture.
Using oversized or awkwardly placed artwork can detract from its impact. Position your artwork correctly to maximize its beauty and draw attention seamlessly.
The Art of Arranging
A gallery wall can turn any plain space into a unique, eclectic art runway. Organize your chosen pieces with these layout and framing tips.
Layouts
Choosing the right layout is key to creating a stunning gallery wall. Six common layouts offer an array of creative options.
- Grid: Arrange frames in a clean, organized square or rectangle.
- Salon-style: Mix different sizes and shapes for an eye-catching collage.
- Linear: Line up frames in a straight line for a clean, modern look.
Framing Options
Frames elevate your artwork, increasing its visual appeal and longevity. Opt for high-quality materials like solid frames with fade-resistant inks for long-lasting brilliance.
- Classic wooden frames: Timelessly match any wall art.
- Modern metal frames: Contemporary pieces demand sleek touches.
- Floating frames: Add a whimsical touch to your art selection.
- Gallery frames: Matte and frame for a sophisticated, gallery-worthy ensemble.
Mixing frame styles can create visual interest, spicing up your gallery wall. Consider the colors and style of your artwork before choosing frames for a cohesive look.
Textures and Materials
Adding various textures to your artwork enhances its visual appeal and creates depth. Explore diverse materials like fabric, wood, and metal for a unique exhibited feel.
Fabric Art
Fabric art adds a soft, warm touch to your gallery wall, complementing canvas paintings.
- Contrast materials: Pair soft fabric pieces with crisp canvas art.
- Layering: Create a 3D effect by hanging a fabric piece over a canvas.
- Color coordination: Ensure your fave colors are featured in the art for a harmonious feel.
3D Elements
Sculptures, metal art, and wooden pieces add dimension and contrast to your gallery wall.
- Layering: Place 3D pieces in front of flat art for a dramatic effect.
- Mixed materials: Use a mix of wood, metal, and fabric for an exotic lounge vibe.
- Placement: Hang 3D art at eye level for optimal impact.
Enhance your gallery wall with different textures and materials for a unique, eclectic look. Finding the right balance is key to creating a cohesive yet striking space.
Conclusion
Artwork adds life to your living space, serving as another extension of yourself. Use this ultimate guide to choose the perfect artwork that offers a personal touch to your room.
Gallery Wall Inspiration: Tips and Ideas for Showcasing Your Art
Turn your walls into fabulous art galleries with these creative tips and ideas for showcasing your beloved artwork.
Layout Ideas
Choosing the right layout is key to creating a stunning gallery wall. Opt for a layout that best fits your space and personal style.
- Grid: Organizes artworks neatly for a clean, tidy look.
- Salon-style: Mixes various sizes and shapes for visual interest.
- Linear: Aligns artwork in a straight line for a streamlined look.
Find the layout that best fits the size of your wall and personal preferences.
Framing Options
Framing sets your artwork apart while adding a touch of elegance. Consider various frame styles and materials to create a unique gallery wall.
- Classic Wood: Timeless, versatile, and perfect for any artwork.
- Modern Metal: Streamlined, sleek, and perfect for contemporary pieces.
- Floating Frames: Adds a dreamy, whimsical touch to your art.
- Gallery Frames: Adds depth and sophistication to your art selection.
Experiment with different frame styles and materials for a unique gallery wall. Mixed frame styles can create visual interest and add depth to your art collection.
Final Thoughts
Artwork visually stimulates and adds life to any space. Take these creative tips and ideas to heart when crafting your very own gallery wall. Create a space where you can truly appreciate the art you've worked so hard to collect, while allowing it to reflect your personal style.
Sources:
[1] Color Matters. 2023. Color Philosophy. Available at https://www.colormatters.com/articles/color-philosophy
[2] Grandin, Temple. 2019. Decorating with Art: A Guide to Hanging Artworks in Your Home. Available at https://archive.org/details/decorating-with-art-a-guide-to-hanging-artworks-in-your-home
[3] The Spruce Crafts. 2023. How to Make a Gallery Wall. Available at https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/make-a-graduated-gallery-wall-4697117
- Expand your art collection to include pieces that echo the trends of fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, travel, and entertainment. These dynamic themes will breathe fresh energy into your gallery wall.
- Consider incorporating large posters or canvas prints of iconic travel destinations, vintage recipe books, or famous fashion designs to showcase your personal interests and passions.
- Diversify your gallery wall by adding a variety of art styles, such as pop art, impressionist paintings, or contemporary prints, to complement your existing collection and strike a balance between nostalgia and modernity.
