Decorating your home with art can be a fun and rewarding way to express your personality and interests. As a homeowner, the art you choose for your walls makes a statement about who you are. When selected thoughtfully, art has the power to transform the look and feel of any room. Follow these seven tips to help you find pieces that complement your home’s existing style.
1. Consider the Room and Overall Style
Before choosing any art, take a comprehensive look at the room you want to hang it in. Note the wall colours, furniture styles, and decor accents. What is the general decor style – modern, traditional, coastal? Make sure to think about how the art will fit into the overall aesthetic. The art you select should make sense with the rest of the design scheme. If your home leans towards traditional, vintage landscape paintings in classic frames may suit better than modern abstract art pieces. Ensure the art aligns with the room’s purpose and mood as well, e.g., bright, energetic colours for a dining room, and soothing nature scenes for a bedroom.
2. Measure the Wall Space
Take exact measurements of the wall or space you want to fill with art. Use a tape measure to note the width and height. This will help determine what size and orientation pieces will fit. Large statement art tends to suit big empty walls and focal points, while smaller fillers are great for awkward spots and above furniture. Measure both width and height to find the appropriate proportions for the area.
3. Establish a Realistic Budget
Artwork can range dramatically in price from £20 to over £2000. Setting a realistic budget prevents you from falling in love with pieces outside your price range. More affordable options include prints, posters, and photography. For investment pieces from recognised artists, expect to pay more. Also factor in framing and mounting costs for an all-in budget number. Evaluate your finances and set a maximum budget before you start looking.
4. Look Locally for New and Vintage Finds
Before looking online, thoroughly check out the art scene in your area. Local artists often show work at coffee shops, festivals, open studio events, and galleries. Talk to the artists to get a feel for their creative style and prices. These venues provide a nice way to view and purchase original art directly from the creators. Vintage and antique stores may also have uncovered treasures at reasonable prices – be sure to browse them for hidden gems.
5. Find Pieces that Speak to You
Never choose art simply because it matches your decor. You’ll likely be living with it daily for years, so find work that makes you feel something – joy, calm, wonder. Maybe it evokes a favourite travel memory or depicts a beloved activity. The subject matter and colours should resonate with your personal tastes. Don’t worry about what is trendy or expected – choose based on what makes your heart sing.
6. Mix Photography and Paintings
An eclectic gallery wall with mixed media creates dynamic visual interest. Include vintage family snapshots, nature photography, architectural prints, abstract paintings and more. Varying sizes, frames, subjects, colours, and materials prevent the arrangement from looking too contrived. For lots of pieces, stick to a colour theme as a unifying factor. Try black and white schemes or complementary colours.
7. Consider Acrylics and Prints for Vibrant Colour
While original paintings are great, the bolder pigments of acrylics and high-quality prints often provide more affordable pops of vibrant colour. Rich hues like emerald, crimson and sapphire make a bold statement. For something more subtle, select soft pastel tones. Black and white photography also works well for a classic look. If your room needs a colour boost, infuse it with vivid art. The right piece can enliven a space.
8. Take Your Time and Collect Over Years
Curating your home art collection doesn’t need to happen all at once. Take your time to discover pieces that really speak to you. Keep an eye out for new artists and galleries. Attend art fairs and shows. Slowly build your collection with meaning over years and allow it to evolve as your tastes change. A thoughtfully curated gallery that developed organically will feel cohesive.
Choosing art for your home may take time and thought, but the final result will personalise your space for years to come. Trust your instincts and select pieces that bring you happiness rather than worrying about what’s on trend. The right art has the power to make your house feel like home. Whether your style is modern abstract or art nouveau, use these tips to curate a collection as unique as you are.