Decorating your living room with art is one of the most rewarding ways to infuse your personality into your home. Art can elevate the overall design, create a focal point, and evoke emotions, making your space truly unique. However, selecting the perfect art for your living room can feel daunting. This guide will walk you through the process, offering detailed examples and actionable tips.
1. Understand Your Space
Before selecting art, consider the dimensions, layout, and existing design elements of your living room:
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Wall Size: Large walls can accommodate oversized art pieces or gallery arrangements, while smaller walls are better suited for single, medium-sized artworks.
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Furniture Placement: Ensure that the art complements the arrangement of your furniture. For instance, art above a sofa should typically be two-thirds the width of the sofa.
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Lighting: Take note of natural and artificial light. Highlight your art with picture lights or spotlights to enhance its visibility. Checkout some of lights we love from Pooky.
Example: In a living room with high ceilings and an expansive blank wall, a large abstract painting in neutral tones can create a dramatic impact while maintaining a modern aesthetic.
2. Define Your Style and Theme
Your art should align with the overall style and mood of your living room:
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Modern: Minimalist art, black-and-white photography, or geometric patterns.
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Traditional: Classic oil paintings, landscapes, or still life.
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Eclectic: Mix-and-match styles like vintage posters, quirky illustrations, and bold contemporary pieces.
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Bohemian: Tapestries, woven wall hangings, or vibrant, textured art.
Example: For a mid-century modern living room with sleek furniture, opt for abstract prints with bold colors or a framed retro graphic design.
3. Choose the Right Colour Palette
Art can either harmonise with or contrast your room’s colour scheme:
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Harmonising Colours: Choose art with colours that echo the shades in your furniture, rugs, or curtains for a cohesive look.
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Contrasting Colorus: Select art with complementary or contrasting colours to create visual interest and make the piece stand out.
Example: In a living room with navy-blue walls, an oak-framed piece featuring warm tones of orange and red can provide a striking contrast.
4. Decide on the Type of Art
Consider the medium and format of the art that best suits your living room:
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Paintings: Acrylic, oil, or watercolor works can add depth and texture.
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Prints and Posters: Affordable and versatile, perfect for creating gallery walls.
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Photography: Black-and-white or vibrant images can add a contemporary touch.
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3D Art: Sculptural wall pieces or shadow boxes for a unique, tactile element.
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Mixed Media: Pieces combining paint, fabric, or other materials add interest.
5. Create a Focal Point
Art can serve as the centerpiece of your living room, drawing attention and anchoring the design:
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Position a single large piece above the sofa or fireplace.
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Curate a gallery wall with smaller, themed pieces arranged in a balanced layout.
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Use a diptych or triptych (two or three-panel art) for a dramatic statement.
Example: A vibrant abstract painting placed above a neutral-coloured sofa can immediately capture attention and set the tone for the room.
6. Experiment with Scale and Placement
Play with proportions to create visual harmony:
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Large-scale art works well in expansive spaces, while smaller art is better for intimate corners.
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When hanging art, the centre should be approximately 57-60 inches from the floor for optimal viewing, which is around eye level.
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Layer smaller pieces on shelves or mantels for a casual, dynamic look.
Example: Arrange three medium-sized framed prints in a horizontal row above a console table to create symmetry.
7. Incorporate Personal Touches
Art is an expression of individuality. Choose pieces that resonate with you:
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Display family photographs or custom portraits.
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Incorporate local or cultural art that reflects your heritage.
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Feature art created by your children.
Example: A framed, hand-drawn map of your hometown can add sentimental value and spark conversations.
8. Frame and Display Thoughtfully
The right frame and display method can enhance your art:
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Frames: Choose frames that suit the style of the art and your room’s decor. Thin black frames are modern, while ornate gold frames are traditional.
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Matting: Add a mat to create depth and highlight smaller works.
Example: A floating frame around a canvas painting gives it a polished, gallery-like appearance.
9. Rotate and Refresh
Art doesn’t have to be permanent. Rotating your pieces can keep your living room feeling fresh:
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Swap seasonal art or change pieces to reflect new interests.
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Rearrange gallery walls periodically for a new perspective.
Example: Replace summer-themed prints with winter landscapes as the seasons change.
