Wall arts are the real game changers when it comes to decorating your living room. It can define the mood of your space, reflect your personality, and even act as conversation starters. But with endless options out there, finding the perfect piece can be quite overwhelming. Don't worry; we will guide you through the whole world of wall art to deck up your living room in style.
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Why Wall Art Matters in Home Décor
First things first, let's talk about why wall art matters. Picture a nicely furnished room, but the walls bear no art. Something feels incomplete, right? That's because wall art brings balance, texture, and harmony to space. It is not just about the aesthetic point of view, but it's also about the atmosphere that makes you and your guests feel at home.
How to Pick the Perfect Wall Art: Tips
1. Understand the Size and Scale
Size matters when it comes to wall art. A tiny picture on a massive wall looks lost, while an oversized piece in a small room can feel overwhelming. Here's how to get it right:
Large Pieces: Ideal for making a statement. Anchor the space with a large canvas or framed print above the sofa or fireplace.
Gallery walls are excellent and make a big, cool, curated statement. By all means, mix frames and art styles, but to create harmony, try sticking to a theme or at least one common color palette.
Vertical Art: If you have really high ceilings, a tall skinny piece can add height to your room and some elegance.
Example: As designer Emily Henderson said, the perfect size of a piece of art over a sofa is two-thirds the width of the sofa.
2. Select Art Reflecting Your Style and Personality
Your home should tell a story of you. Wall art is an excellent method of reflecting your passions, hobbies, or travels. Here are some popular art styles:
Abstract Art: Great for modern or minimalist spaces, abstract pieces add pops of color and visual interest without being too "on-the-nose.".
Photography: Black and white photography gives a timeless, sophisticated feel, while colorful landscape photos might bring emotion and memory.
Cultural or Ethnic Art: Hang art that speaks to your heritage or other places you have seen. It is unique and personal to you.
Pro Tip: If you're not sure about your style, visit local art fairs or browse online galleries for inspiration. You'll start to see patterns in what draws your attention.
3. Play with Colors and Textures
Your wall art color must complement the already decided on color scheme, but of course, get a little bold. Art is an excellent way to work in accent colors or brighter hues into a neutrally colored room.
Match Color: Match pieces of art with the colors of your furniture, rugs, or throw pillows for a cohesive look.
Jarring Colors: Want to make a statement? Choose the art that contrasts with your walls to create a focal point in an instant.
Textural Art: Consider 3D wall sculptures, weavings, or mixed media art. These add depth and tactile interest to your room.
Example: Use metallic wall art in rooms with natural materials for an eye-catching contrast, says interior designer Nate Berkus.
4. Consider Placement and Arrangement
Where and how you hang your art can make all the difference. Here are some guidelines to follow for optimal placement:
Eye-Level Rule: Generally, art should be hung so that the center of the piece is at eye level, which is around 57 to 60 inches from the floor.
Above Furniture: Artwork over a sofa or console table should be hung 6 to 12 inches from the bottom of the frame to the top of the furniture.
Symmetry vs. Asymmetry: Symmetrical displays should work well in more traditional space, while asymmetrical layouts feel more relaxed and modern.
5. Framing and Presentation
Framing can elevate a piece of art, giving it a polished and sophisticated look. Choose frames that complement your décor style:
Classic Wood Frames: Perfect for traditional or rustic interiors.
Sleek Metal Frames: Ideal for contemporary or industrial designs.
No Frame? No Problem: Canvas prints or tapestries look great without frames for a more casual vibe.
Pro Tip: Combine frame finishes for an eclectic style, but carry a theme or color palette throughout to avoid a jumbled mess on a gallery wall.
Wall Art Ideas for Different Living Room Styles
1. Modern Minimalist
Less is more in a minimalist room. Suspend one or two large abstract pieces in neutrals or a collection of black and white photos. Opt for simple, sleek frames.
2. Bohemian Chic
Mix artistic styles: Think macramé wall hangings to bold geometric prints. Add in texture by layering in woven baskets or tapestry. The look should be casual, as if collected over time.
3. Classic Elegance
One can go in for oil paintings, traditional landscapes, or botanical prints that are framed in ornate gold or dark wood. One can also complement them with decorated sconces or mirrors to give it an air of sophistication.
4. Industrial Loft
Channel a warehouse vibe with metallic wall sculptures, cityscape photography, or oversized typographic prints. Exposed brick or concrete walls provide the best backdrop for bold graphic art.
Budget-Friendly Wall Art Options
You don't need to break the bank to make your living room look great. Here are a few inexpensive ideas:
DIY Art: Create your abstract painting or photograph your favorite places and get them framed.
Printable Art: Get artwork from Etsy and other places to print out and frame yourself.
Thrift Store Finds: Sometimes, you find the hidden treasure at thrift stores. Any print will do in a vintage frame.
Illustration: Blogger Joanna Gaines often shares how she uses thrifted finds to add character and charm into her home.
Measuring Impact: How Do You Know If You Got It Right
So, how do you know when your wall art is working for and not against your space? Here are a few key indicators:
Visual Harmony: The art feels like an organic extension of your living room's overarching design.
Mood Enhancement: Your living room feels even more inviting, cozy, or energized, depending on what kind of vibe you were going for.
Guest Reactions: When your friends and family begin making comments about your art pieces, you've nailed it.
Conclusion
Picking the right wall art for your living room doesn't necessarily have to be intimidating. Scale, reflection of style, and color and texture experimentation-some things to think about as you magically turn your space into a visual marvel. Your living room reflects you-keep it joyful and home-like.
Ready to transform your environment?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I determine the right size for the wall art in my living room?
A: Consider how big your wall is and also the size of your furniture. For big walls, one huge statement piece or a gallery wall is the way to go; for the smaller spaces, proportionate pieces that don't overwhelm the room will do the job.
Q: Can I mix different styles of art in one room?
A: Absolutely! Mixing styles can make for an eclectic yet vibrant look, but just make sure there's a cohesive theme or color palette so your wall doesn't become visually cluttered.
Q: Where do I find wall art?
A: Check out local art fairs, online websites like Society6, and even thrift stores to find some pretty unique pieces.
Q: How can I hang a gallery wall?
A: Lay out your art on the floor first to find the perfect arrangement. Use painter’s tape to mark where each piece will go before hanging them on the wall.
Q: What’s the best way to frame art?
A: Choose frames that complement the art and your décor. For a contemporary look, go for simple frames. For a more traditional feel, opt for ornate frames.
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