Finding the perfect print, canvas or poster for your living room can be tricky. Picture this: you’ve spent the last however long curating your space - from picking your perfect sofa to laying out a new statement rug. Once all the big pieces are in, it’s time to focus on the finishing touches, which is one of the most fun parts of decorating a living room.
Decor’s all about the details, and what you choose to put on your walls is no exception. Choosing wall art is all about knowing your space and your style really well. Having a clear vision will help you hone in on the right artwork for your living room, and there are a number of ways to land yourself a perfect piece. Here’s how to get started.
Whether you’re drawn to large paintings, modern canvas prints, or a mix of different styles, the right artwork can make all the difference. But with so many options out there, how do you find the perfect piece? Here are 8 tips to help you select the best wall art for your living room.
1.Know your space
Before you start shopping for wall art, it's important to have a clear understanding of your living room’s space. Consider the size of your walls, the layout of your furniture, and the overall flow of the room. Large artwork can make a dramatic impact, but it needs to be balanced with the rest of your decor. If your living room is small, a single large painting might overwhelm the space, while a series of smaller pieces could create a more balanced and engaging look.
Take measurements of your wall space and visualize where you want the artwork to go. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure that you choose a piece that fits perfectly.
2. Define your personal style
Unlike other home decor how to style your living room artwork is one of those things that’s really personal. There are no hard and fast rules a what styles work and don’t, and that’s part of the fun when choosing wall art for your living room. If you do have a defining interior style, you can use this to steer your decor in the right direction.
If you choose to make wall art the focal point, go bold with large paintings or striking canvas prints. This piece should set the tone for the rest of the room, so don’t be afraid to choose something that makes a statement. On the other hand, if your furniture or architectural features already serve as focal points, opt for artwork that complements rather than competes with these elements.
3. Choose your style
The style of your living room should guide your choice of wall art. Whether your space is modern, traditional, eclectic, or minimalist, the artwork you choose should enhance and reflect the overall aesthetic.
- Modern Living Rooms: For a modern living room, consider abstract wall art, geometric patterns, or black and white photography. Canvas prints online offer a wide range of modern designs that can add a contemporary flair to your space.
- Traditional Living Rooms: If your living room has a more traditional feel, classic landscapes, portraits, or still life paintings might be the perfect fit. Large paintings in ornate frames can add a touch of elegance and timelessness to the room.
- Eclectic Living Rooms: For those who love an eclectic mix of styles, don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of artwork. A gallery wall featuring a combination of paintings, prints, and photographs can create a unique and personalized look.
- Minimalist Living Rooms: In a minimalist space, less is more. Opt for simple, understated pieces that don’t overwhelm the room. Large artwork with clean lines and neutral colors can add interest without disrupting the minimalist aesthetic.
4. Consider your colors
There’s a lot to consider when decorating your living room, including what color your artwork will be. To avoid clashing, take a look at your current or desired color palette before diving into making a decision. If your place is already full of warm tones like red, orange and yellow, continue the theme with different tones.
Alternatively, contrasting artwork will create more of a s statement, which usually works best with large pieces. Avoid trying to ‘match’ your artwork to your room and instead, focus on colors that complement the rest of your decor. Nod to furniture with similar tones, or use subtle hints of color in your living room artwork to add interest.
5. Choose a medium
If you’re choosing wall art for your living room, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with different mediums. For the non-creatives out there, this essentially means what the art is made out of. Is it an original painting or illustration? Is it mixed-media with fabrics and other materials? Or is it a print (a copy of the original artwork)? All of these options have varying price points, so you should consider this when budgeting for living room wall art.
Originals are usually the most costly way to buy art, but with things like large paintings, you’ll get all of the texture and finer detail. If this isn’t within your budget, prints can be a great way of getting the wall art you love without breaking the bank. In every case, art is always an investment piece, so you should aim for the top of your budget to get the best quality - especially with large paintings or large artwork.
6. Consider Customization
One of the best ways to ensure your wall art is perfect for your living room is to customize it. Many online retailers offer customizable canvas prints, allowing you to choose the size, color, and even the image itself. This is a great option if you have a specific vision in mind or if you want to create something truly unique.
Customization also allows you to match the artwork perfectly with your living room’s color scheme and style. Whether you want to showcase a personal photograph, a specific color palette, or a custom design, the possibilities are endless.
7. Get your lighting right
Getting good quality artwork for your living room is always an investment, so it’s important to make sure you get your lighting right. Lighting has the power to make or break your art display. Make the colors, details and textures of your artwork stand out by creating the right lighting. Use picture rails with spotlights above, or place your artwork in places where the ceiling light will reach it.
Consider where the light is within your living room from both windows and artificial light, and work around this when choosing where and what to hang. Good lighting in your living room matters for loads of reasons, and artwork is one of them.
8. Trust your instincts
Wall art is subjective, and it’s key to keep in mind that what you like might not be what someone else likes. There really are no set rules for choosing wall art for living room, and sometimes it is matter of experimentation. Move pieces in and out of your room, swap them a from other rooms and shop around until you find something you love.
Finding the perfect wall art for your living room doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding your space, choosing the right style, and considering factors like color, size, and placement, you can select artwork that enhances your living room and reflects your personal style. Whether you opt for large paintings, modern canvas prints online, or a mix of different pieces, the right wall art can transform your living room into a space you love.
