A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Wall Art for Your Home

February 24, 2024

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” - Pablo Picasso

If you’ve read our previous guide on wall art selection, brace yourself for a more detailed and insightful journey through the colourful and riveting narratives of art.

Art is something that means different things to different people, but its objective depiction of the nitty-gritty details of real life and raw emotions is unexplainably alluring to us all. Be it the harrowing aura of The Scream that reaches into the depths of our soul or the divine femininity of Girl with a Pearl Earring, it is fascinating how much beauty can be poured into a still medium.         

Metal Wall Decor

Whether you are a seasoned art connoisseur with an extravagant art gallery teeming with awe-inspiring pieces or are just stepping into the world of vibrant hues and fine strokes, join us as we delve into important considerations to bring out the subtle nuances of eye-catching art pieces. From assessing your personal and decor style to factoring in proportions for a clutter-free look, we’ve covered it all. So, without further ado, check out our top 7 tips for choosing the perfect wall art to adorn your home.

7 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wall Art for Your Home

1. Space & Style

Space: Before exploring wall art options for your home, it is important to take a quick scan to assess the space at hand. No matter how much space you have available, a good rule of thumb is to cover only 60-75% of wall space. For larger walls, such as those in spacious living areas, you can go for statement art pieces that command attention. Harness the power of three-dimensional pieces that transcend the boundaries of conventional flat pieces, shoot for glimmering accents, and go bold with large-scale installations. However, it is important to not overdo it. Statement art murals, sculptural wall art, and textured mixed-media pieces are perfect for roomy walls.

If you are working with limited space, such as a spare wall in the foyer, cosy reading nooks, or hallways, consider retro framed prints, pop culture quotes, or cute polaroids on a clothesline to paint a visual narrative and add a personal touch.

Style Assessment: 

  • Minimalist Scandinavian - Abiding by the principle of “less is more,” if you lean towards a minimalistic Scandinavian decor style, infuse artistic abstraction characterised by clean lines, simple geometric shapes, and subdued colour schemes.                   

  • Abstract Minimalist Wall Art for Home

  • Traditional - For classic settings that are fettered by the confines of time, consider oil paintings or still-life compositions gracefully encased within vintage Baroque-style gilded frames.                                           

  • Traditional Wall Art

  • Pall Mall - John Atkinson Grimshaw
  • Eclectic - When it comes to eclectic or maximalist theme wall art settings, perhaps you can bend the rules a bit and set up a floor-to-ceiling art gallery with a mix of colourful collages, vibrant textile art, tapestry wall hangings, and all things that tickle your fancy.                                         

  • Animal Inspired Wall Art

  • Industrial - If you wish to capture a gritty urban aesthetic in your home, embrace the beauty of speckled imperfections and raw, unfinished materials. Go for metallic accents, reclaimed wood installations, and urban photography to bring a dystopian avant-garde feel to your walls.           

  • Lunar Cycle Metal Wall Art

  • Rustic - For those who gravitate towards a naturalistic ambience, recreate the warmth of the French countryside by incorporating wooden panels with flecks of white, soft hues such as tan or beige, and botanical prints.            

  • 3D Raffia Rustic Wall Art

2. Set the Mood

We are no strangers to the fact that art has the power to evoke emotions and set the tone and ambience of any room, which is why it is important to consider the atmosphere you want to cultivate. For instance, the washed effect of serene watercoloured landscapes instills a sense of tranquillity, whereas the bold colours of pop art that seem to jump out at you reinforce energy and vitality.              

Wabi Sabi Metal Artwork

3. Medium Mix-Up

Tie it all together by investing in mixed-media pieces to add a touch of whimsy to your walls. But before we tread on this territory, let us start by addressing what mixed media is. Mixed media is a type of artwork that blends different materials or media into one piece. Be it a three-dimensional assemblage with components jutting out or wet and dry pieces, the dynamism hidden behind mixed media pieces is nothing short of evocative.                                     

Modern Line Art With Metal Detail

4. Add Personal Touches

Whether it is a delightful compilation of fun photographs tucked safely inside photo frames or tidbits from your travels, adding a personal touch can go a long way in terms of adorning your walls and uplifting the aesthetics of your interiors. You can also incorporate paintings by your loved ones, family heirlooms, and sentimental items into the mix of things that “feel you.”                       

Round Metal Wall Mirror

Visit: https://nestasia.in/collections/wall-decor

5. Level Up Your Frame Game

The primary focus of a frame is to focus all the attention on the artwork without stealing too much of the spotlight. Keeping this in mind, there are a few factors that need to be considered. Here are some things you need to look out for:

Faces Line Art Wall Decor

  • Style: It is important to leverage the style of wall art before considering frames. Classical subjects go well with gold-leafed frames or maple wood frames, whereas simple, thin-bordered frames are perfect for abstract and washed-out paintings. As for paintings in a lovely bucolic setting, go for rustic picture frames with natural wood grains, knots, burls, and ridges. Shadow box frames are great for three-dimensional marvels and thin frames with a solid beige or taupe wash work well for modern art pieces. As for encasing seascapes, a tinted metal frame (warm pink or cool silver) will help counteract the blues.

  • Size: To ensure the desired effect of your wall art pieces, make sure you pay heed to the space of your wall, and gauge the size of the frame accordingly. A large frame can overwhelm a small space such as your entryway or a cosy reading nook, whereas a small frame can feel lost on a large wall in the living room.

  • Viewing Distance: Choosing the right frame also depends on the distance from where the artwork is mostly to be viewed. Bigger frames are better for displays right above your bedpost or sofa, whereas close-up viewing warrants smaller frames.

6. Get Your Lighting Right

Next, let’s bring out the depth of emotions and jaw-dropping details of your art pieces by channeling the effects of proper lighting on colour rendering, visibility, and focus. Installing adjustable lighting fixtures will give you control over the glare, angle, and direction and highlight specific details to emphasize the subtle nuances of your art pieces. Warm colour temperatures of 2700 K or higher are perfect for elevating the classical subjects of traditional art pieces. Cooler temperatures (4000 K) are better suited for modern pieces. Finally, by striking the right balance between artificial and natural light, you can keep your treasured artworks illuminated even when cloudy hours shroud them.                   

Light Requirement for Wall Art Display

Lights with lower CRI can make subjects appear faded and muddy

7. Trust Your Instincts and Have Fun

Last but not least, it is quite important to make art your own and express yourself through its guise. Play around with different styles and textures, and incorporate whimsical decor accents. While setting up an extravagant art gallery or adorning a small nook, it is essential to go with your preferences and experiment with different choices.

Conclusion

In our exploration of the perfect wall art for your home, we've uncovered the transformative power of artistic expression. From assessing personal style to considering the mood you wish to evoke, each step has been a journey toward creating spaces that resonate with beauty and meaning. Go ahead and express yourself to the fullest through the nuances of art. We hope you come up with something splendid! 

FAQS

How do I choose the right size wall art for my wall?

Consider how much space you have at hand. If you’re adorning a large wall in your living room, go for larger classical pieces or murals. For limited spaces, go for small pieces such as retro posters or travel maps. Whatever the space of your walls, make sure you cover only 60-75% of the space.

What types of wall art are best for small rooms?

For small rooms, you can go for small-scale artworks, botanical prints, and wall decals. You can also create visual interest by investing in mirrors. They reflect light and provide the illusion of more space.

What are some creative ways to display wall art beyond traditional framing?

When it comes to displaying wall art beyond the confines of traditional framing, the creative possibilities are endless. Three-dimensional shadow boxes can add a lot of depth to modern art pieces. You can also suspend your pieces from hanging rails or dowels to create a fresh and innovative look. Hanging planters with trailing plants beside your art pieces is yet another way to spruce up your space.

Also Visit: decor objects, soft furnishings, vases

share with: