How to Choose the Best Wall Art for Your Space

It’s safe to say that art you place in any room can be transformative. The best wall art can tie a space together, create a powerful conversation piece, or change the entire look and feel of the décor.

Knowing this, of course, can be just as burdensome as it is inspiring. After all, how can you make sure you aren’t choosing a piece that doesn’t tie a room together? Or, worse, one you’ll later regret?

If you have a patch of empty wall space begging for a print, photo, or painting, we’ve got you covered! Take a look at the tips below to choose the right piece and breathe new life into your space.

Consider the Size and Scale

First things first: what size are you looking for in your new wall art? Starting with a size in mind can help you narrow down your choices as you shop around for the perfect piece.

On a practical level, you’ll need to consider the space available on your wall itself.

Are you looking for a small but vibrant painting to hang in a narrow space? Do you need a longer landscape to grab attention and complement the plants arranged on an entry table? Do you want to go big by adding some wallpaper of abstract faces to decorate an accent wall?

Whatever you decide, don’t hesitate to grab a tape measure to figure out the exact size—or at least a close estimate or range—that you’ll need to look for.

As you decide your preference, don’t forget to keep your room’s proportions in mind. Considering the relative heights and visual weights of the furniture and other artwork in the room can help you understand what size wall art your space is lacking.

Think About Your Existing Décor

Once you have a size in mind, it helps to start thinking about your overall décor. If your room already has an established style, consider finding pieces that match it. It’s easy to find everything from minimalist prints to abstract graphics to peaceful landscapes online.

If you’re ever in doubt, consider searching for home designs that have a similar style to yours for inspiration. Looking at a room with a similar modern style to yours, for example, might inspire you to try black and white photos or textured paintings you might not have considered!

Find the Right Mood

Depending on the room you’re decorating, mood can mean everything.

If you’re trying to create a relaxing spa environment in your bathroom, for example, look for tranquil pieces with softer lines and colors. If you want to bring some inspiration and energy into a creative space like your home office or craft room, consider looking for a bolder piece with interesting lines that draw the eye.

Whatever room you’re decorating, the goal is to personalize the space in a way that matches the mood you’re hoping to achieve in that room.

Hamptons style wall art captures the timeless colour palette – think many hues of blue and soft neutrals that are reminiscent of the landscape of the region – and combines these with nautical influences to create sophisticated and elegant wall art that can dramatically change the entire look.

Look for the Right Colors

Even if you aren’t sure about the style and décor of the wall art you’re looking for, there’s one easy trick any buyer can try: consider your color scheme. Here are a few simple tactics:

Use Complementary Colors

If you already have an existing color palette to work from within the room, think about finding a piece that mimics that color scheme or draws from a few of its colors. This can help create a more cohesive, sophisticated effect overall.

Try Contrasting Colors

On the other hand, it can be fun to play with contrasting colors as well. Homes with neutral palettes and lighter décor might benefit from more vivid or dark colors in wall art, creating a prominent conversation starter that plays well with your current aesthetic.

Keep Psychology in Mind

Last, but not least, consider the psychological effect of the colors you’re bringing into your home design. This is important not just for the color of your walls, but also for any major colors you’re including in your wall art.

Don’t Hesitate to Shop Around

It might be tempting to purchase wall art on a whim when it feels like “love at first sight,” but you may want to resist the urge.

Because there are countless wall art designs available, it’s always a good idea to shop around for a while until you have a few options in mind. Seeing a number of potential purchases can help you fully consider the look and feel of the space, allowing you to get a better sense of what you might like seeing for years to come.

Buy What You Love

At the end of the day, wall art should always help you express yourself. What’s more, because you’ll be looking at this artwork day in and day out, it’s crucial to find a piece that you love!

The goal of art is to evoke a reaction. If you’re happy with the reaction your chosen wall art produces, that’s the only thing that matters. If you’re not happy, it shouldn’t have a place on your wall.

Take Your Time to Find the Best Wall Art

Choosing the best wall art may not be something that happens in a single day. Instead, don’t hesitate to take some time to consider your desired décor, mood, and colors, and be ready to shop around! With a little time and effort, you can find a piece you’ll love looking at for years to come.

Want more guides like these to help you make the most of your home? Be sure to check out our other posts for more tips and tricks.