How to Decorate with Art? Best Practices Unveiled

Want to transform your space from ordinary to extraordinary? Decorate with art!

The right artwork can elevate a room’s style, add personality, and even set the entire mood. But where do you start? How do you find pieces that truly speak to you and blend with your existing decor?

In this article, we dive into the world of decorating with art. Discover how to choose and display artwork that will brighten your home and reflect your unique style.

How important is art in a room?

Picture a room with functional furniture and plain walls. Yes, it's a room, but does it feel like yours?

Art is the transformative element that breathes life into a room. It’s more than just decoration – it reflects your personality, tastes, and the atmosphere you want to create.

Art has the power to evoke emotions. A piece depicting a serene landscape could bring you a sense of calm while a vibrant abstract might make you feel energized. The right artwork can turn a house into a home by infusing it with meaning and warmth.

Beyond the emotional impact, art adds visual interest. It breaks up the monotony of empty space and piques interest. You can use this visual interest it adds to define specific areas within a room, by making it act as a focal point or as a way to separate zones in an open-concept space.

The key takeaway: We decorate with art because art is the soul of a room. It adds depth, sparks conversations, stimulates the senses, and transforms a space into a haven uniquely yours.

How to choose art for your space?

We’ve established that art is the soul of a room, but with so many options, how do you find pieces that perfectly complement your space? The key is to consider the art itself and the space you want to decorate with art.

The world of art is vast and vibrant, offering a multitude of mediums to suit all tastes. Here are some of the most common types of art used for decoration and the spaces they are best suited for:

Abstract: Evokes emotion through color, shape, and texture. Perfect for contemporary spaces or adding a dynamic touch to any room.
Landscapes: These depict natural scenes, bringing a sense of tranquility or adventure. They are ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or offices.
Portraits: Capture the essence of a person or animal. Traditional portraits add a classic touch, while stylized portraits can be bold and modern.
Still life: This art features arrangements of objects, often focusing on beauty in the everyday. It is well-suited for dining rooms, kitchens, or creating a vignette on a side table.
Figurative: Focuses on the human form, it can be expressive and thought-provoking. Use it to create a focal point in a minimalist room or to complement bold furniture.
Pop art: Playful and vibrant, drawing inspiration from popular culture. Fun for kids' rooms and game rooms, or adding a cheeky vibe to any space.
Wabi-sabi: This art embraces the beauty of imperfection, natural materials, and the passage of time. It is often expressed through muted colors, organic forms, and a sense of quiet simplicity. It is suitable for spaces where tranquility is a priority, such as bedrooms, meditation rooms, modern work spaces, and minimalism-styled living rooms.

The type of art you choose should resonate with your personal style. But, more importantly, it should complement the space it will occupy. Here are key considerations to make when decorating with art:

Room functionality: Serene landscapes are calming, and, therefore, fit to decorate walls with art in your bedroom. A room that needs energy, like the living room, requires a bold abstract piece.
Color palette: The piece of art you choose should blend with your existing color scheme. The safer approach is to choose artwork that matches your color palette. But you can also choose colorful artwork to add a pop of color to your existing color scheme.
Mood and ambience: What feeling do you want the artwork to evoke? Tranquillity, excitement, or something in between? Decorate with art that evokes your desired mood.

Looking for some inspiration? Here are some examples of how to decorate with art:

Living room: A large-scale abstract painting can act as a focal point above the sofa, while a collection of smaller framed landscape prints could create a gallery wall.
Bedroom: Opt for calming and serene pieces like watercolor landscapes or soft abstract compositions.
Kitchen: Bright and colorful still-life paintings featuring food or vibrant pop art pieces can add a touch of personality to your culinary space.

Tips to decorate your room with art

Decorating with art is not about merely finding a beautiful piece of art. The right piece complements your existing color palette and decor, is proportional to the space you want to decorate with art, and enhances the overall mood you want in that space.

With a little thoughtful planning, art can transform your space from simply decorated to a truly curated reflection of your style and personality. Here are useful tips to help you decorate your room with art:

Determine the color palette of your space

Art and your space should be a beautiful symphony of colors. The safest approach is to select artwork that matches the colors in your room’s decor, thereby creating a sense of cohesion.

Alternatively, you can let the artwork be your muse. Use the colors in the artwork as a springboard to create a color scheme for the entire room. This is a great way to introduce a bold new color palette and create a unique atmosphere.

Choose artwork of appropriate scale

The size of your artwork should be proportionate to the space it occupies. A large imposing piece will be overwhelming in a small room. Similarly, a tiny piece of art might get lost on a vast expanse of a wall. For a main focal point artwork, aim for a width that’s about two-thirds to three-quarters the length of the furniture below it.

Complement your artwork with different mediums

Do not limit yourself to paintings and drawings. Explore mixed media and incorporate a variety of textural elements into your decor. Woven tapestries and hand-stitched embroideries add warmth and softness. Sculptures introduce a touch of three-dimensionality. Ceramic vases and glass work add pops of color and light. Decorate with metal wall art and furniture for an industrial touch or a rustic charm, depending on the style.

Create a focal point

One of the best strategies for decorating with art is to choose one statement piece that will serve as the focal point (the star of the show). Hang a piece of large-scale artwork above your sofa to draw the eye and create a bold centrepiece. For more impact, choose a vibrant abstract piece or a captivating bas-relief sculpture. Your focal point artwork should be the anchor of the room’s design and dramatic or captivating enough to be a conversation starter.

Think about the room feeling

What feeling do you want to evoke in the space you want to decorate with art? For calmness, grace the walls of your bedroom with a painting of a serene landscape. To add energy to your living room, hand a bold abstract piece.

Take into account the composition of the space

Consider the overall composition of your space. Where will the furniture be placed? Do you have architectural details like windows, fireplaces, or built-ins to work around? The placement of your artwork should respect and seamlessly interact with these existing features to create a visually appealing and functional space.

Display art creatively

How you display your art matters. Here are a few tips on how to showcase your art collection with a touch of flair:

Gallery magic: Create a captivating gallery wall by grouping smaller pieces of artwork together. A grid layout is fine, but you could get more creative and play with a more organic arrangement. To add visual interest, mix and match frames in various materials, colors, and sizes.
Vertical and horizontal harmony: The symmetrical placement of art is fine but monotonous. Hang a rectangular piece of art vertically to add height to a room. Similarly, use a horizontal piece to create a sense of balance above a long piece of furniture.
The art of mix and match: Do not shy away from mixing different artistic mediums and styles. For example, a classic landscape painting might hang harmoniously alongside a contemporary abstract piece, creating a dynamic and visually engaging display.
Lean on it: Casually leaning artwork against a wall can add a relaxed and intimate feel to a room. This works well for smaller pieces and in spaces where bohemian is the overall vibe.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to decorating with art. That said, by following these tips and unleashing your creativity, you can transform an ordinary space into an art-adorned space that is uniquely yours.

Where to buy high-quality art for decor on a budget?

Transforming your home with art doesn't have to break the bank. While galleries and antique shops can be treasure troves, they often come with hefty price tags. The good news is there are plenty of ways to discover high-quality, unique pieces that won't drain your wallet.

One fantastic source for stylish and affordable art is Vinchyart, especially for those looking to decorate with abstract art.

This online gallery specializes in artwork inspired by wabi-sabi aesthetics, focusing on the beauty of simplicity, natural materials, and the subtle marks of time. Each piece is crafted by skilled artists, ensuring a high-quality addition to your home, that transcends the feel of mass-produced, generic decor.

Vinchyart's collection is curated to offer a range of styles and sizes, making it easy to find pieces that complement your existing decor and fit perfectly within your space. Whether seeking serene landscapes, minimalist abstracts, or captivating figurative works, Vinchyart has got you. You will find appealing options that infuse your home with wabi-sabi tranquility – all without looking cheap or uninspired.

Some Of The Pieces You Can Find On Vinchyart

Minimalistic Balance Canvas Paintings Set of 2

This minimalist abstract diptych (a pair of artworks) embraces the beauty of simplicity. Clean lines, a monotone color palette, and organic forms subtly suggest balance and define its visual language. It’s an ideal choice for living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, and other spaces where you are seeking a sense of tranquility and focus.

Hang it above a sofa or bed as a focal point or integrate it into minimalist entryways to create a visually calming welcome.

This artwork conveys a meditative energy, evoking a sense of quiet order and serenity.

Minimalist Zen Canvas Painting

This artwork perfectly embodies the wabi-sabi philosophy, embracing the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. The brushstrokes against the textured background appear to depict the Enso circle, a Zen symbol of enlightenment.

It’s an excellent piece for meditation rooms, bedrooms, and minimalist living rooms where you crave a sense of inner peace and spiritual groundless.

Place it as a focal point in a quiet corner or incorporate it into a gallery wall for a touch of profound simplicity or meditative tranquility.

This piece evokes feelings of mindfulness and invites quiet reflection.

Minimalist Zen Canvas Painting #MZ034

This piece celebrates the understated beauty found in both natural and geometric forms. The soft organic forms, more well-defined geometric lines, and the earthy dark color palette create a sense of grounding tranquility.

Minimalist Zen Painting is an excellent choice for living rooms,

Bedrooms, Meditation rooms, and any space where you want to cultivate serenity and a subtle connection with the natural world.

Hang this piece as a focal point above a sofa or bed. You can also integrate it into a gallery wall for a touch of understated elegance.

The gentle forms and subtle textures evoke feelings of peace, contemplation, and harmony in the world around us.

Abstract Tranquility Wall Art #WS075

If you are looking to decorate with abstract art, this abstract expressionist artwork is a good choice. It embraces the wabi-sabi principle of the beauty of imperfection through weathered textures. The sandy beige and brown mingle with the organic shapes to create a sense of coastal tranquility.

It is ideal for modern work spaces, dining rooms, bedrooms, dining areas, and other spaces where the desired mood is calmness and introspection.

Hang it as a large-scale focal point in a large-to-mid-sized room or use a smaller version on a gallery wall for a touch of seaside serenity.

This abstract evokes feelings of quiet reflection and makes one feel connected to the natural world’s timeless beauty.

Where should art be placed in a house?

Decorating with art has the power to elevate any space, but where you place your pieces can make all the difference. Here's a comprehensive guide to choosing the perfect locations for your artwork, incorporating ideas from experts in interior design:

Above the Sofa: A large-scale painting or a curated gallery wall above the sofa creates a stunning focal point in your living room. For balance and visual impact, aim for artwork that's roughly two-thirds the length of the sofa itself.
Along the Staircase: Turn your staircase into an art gallery! Hang a collection of smaller pieces in a staggered arrangement, following the line of the stairs for a dynamic and eye-catching display.
In Unexpected Places: Don't limit yourself to traditional spots! Consider placing small artworks on bookshelves, above doorways, or even in the bathroom for a touch of personality and flair.
Make an Impact in the Entryway: A statement piece in your entryway creates a welcoming first impression for guests and sets the tone for the rest of your home.
Dining Room Delight: A beautiful still life, an abstract piece with vibrant colors, or a framed series of botanical prints can elevate your dining room decor.
Bedroom Sanctuary: To create a calming atmosphere in your bedroom, opt for serene landscapes, minimalist compositions, or soft abstract pieces.
Home Office Inspiration: Hang artwork that motivates and inspires you above your desk or create a gallery wall to fuel your creativity.

Consider the size of your artwork carefully—it should be in proportion to the surrounding wall and furniture. Too small, and your artwork might get lost, while a piece that's too large can overwhelm the space.

For a comfortable viewing experience, aim to hang artwork so the center is roughly 57 to 60 inches from the floor. Adjust this slightly if you have particularly high or low ceilings.

Additionally, don't limit yourself to traditional frames – consider using shelves, mantels, or even leaning large pieces directly on the floor for a casual and artistic touch.

Allow your imagination to run wild and discover how decorating with framed art can transform your home into a beautiful, inspiring space that reflects your unique style.

How to hang art?

Knowing how to hang art is another important aspect of the decorating with art process. Whether you're hanging a delicate abstract piece or a large framed landscape, the right approach will ensure your artwork is showcased beautifully and safely.

First, you need the right tools:

Pencil: For marking the wall
Level: To ensure your artwork is straight
Painter's tape: Helpful for pre-planning gallery wall arrangements
Hammer: For traditional nails
Picture-hanging hardware: Includes various hooks, wires, and D-rings designed for artwork
Anchors: Necessary for heavier pieces or drywall.

After gathering the essential tools, follow this simple step-by-step guide on how to hang art:

Find the Center: Measure your artwork and mark the center point on the back.
Decide on Placement: Using the 57-inch rule (center of the artwork at approximately 57 inches from the floor) as a starting point, hold the artwork against the wall and adjust until you're happy with the positioning. Lightly mark the top center point with a pencil.
Install the Hanging Hardware: Measure down from your marked point on the wall to where the top of the hanging wire or hook will sit. Install your chosen hardware (nails, hooks, etc.) securely.
Hang and Level: Carefully hang your artwork and use a level to ensure it's straight.

For heavier pieces or added stability, use two hanging points on the back of the article instead of one.

To prevent the artwork from scratching your walls, use adhesive pads on the bark corners of the artwork.

If you are creating a gallery wall, it helps to lay out your arrangement on the floor first, and then use painter’s tape to mark positions on the wall before hanging.

Conclusion

At this point, you understand art has the power to elevate any room from simply decorated to a truly curated reflection of your style. From choosing the perfect pieces to hanging them, you’re equipped to decorate with art.

The only thing standing between you and an art-adorned space that’s uniquely yours is finding the right artwork. Visit Vinchyart and discover a stunning collection of minimalist, abstract, and nature-inspired artwork. Whether you seek serene landscapes, calming abstracts, or captivating figurative works, Vinchyart has got you. You will find quality pieces from skilled artists to infuse your space with timeless beauty, all without breaking the bank.

FAQs

How much space should art take up on a wall?

For a balanced look, aim for your artwork to occupy about two-thirds to three-quarters of the space above the furniture it hangs over, such as a sofa or dresser. This prevents the art from feeling dwarfed or overwhelming.

However, don't be afraid to experiment! A large statement piece can create a striking focal point, while a collection of smaller pieces arranged in a gallery wall adds a unique and personalized touch.

If you're looking for a diverse selection of sizes to find the perfect fit, browse the collection at Vinchyart.

Should you have artwork on every wall?

Not necessarily! While art can elevate any room, leaving some walls bare allows for negative space, which is important for visual balance. Focus on key areas – above statement furniture, in entryways, or as designated focal points – for maximum impact. Too much artwork can make a space feel cluttered.

For a curated selection of artwork that makes choosing where to place it easier, explore the beautiful options at Vinchyart.

What is the best way to arrange art on a wall?

The beauty of art is that there's no single "best" way. The perfect arrangement depends on your pieces and your desired aesthetic. Here are some popular options:

Statement Piece: Hang a single, large artwork for a bold focal point.
Gallery Wall: Create a dynamic display by grouping smaller pieces in a grid or organic arrangement.
Vertical Flair: Use tall, vertical pieces to add height and visual interest to your space.

Don't be afraid to experiment. For inspiration and a wide selection of pieces to create stunning arrangements, visit Vinchyart.

How to decorate with different types of art?

Embracing different art types adds visual interest and depth to your space. Try mixing styles, like pairing a classic landscape with a modern abstract, or mixing mediums like paintings with textiles. While mixing art styles, look for a common thread, a shared color palette, similar themes, or a complementary sense of scale.

Vinchyart offers a range of artistic styles, making it easy to find pieces that harmonize beautifully while still providing a delightful dose of eclecticism.

What kind of art is good for the bedroom?

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary of relaxation, so choose art that evokes feelings of tranquility and peace. Pick serene landscapes, soft abstract compositions, or nature-inspired artwork in muted colors. Avoid overly bold or energetic pieces that might disrupt the restful atmosphere you want to create.

Vinchyart's collection of wabi-sabi-inspired artwork is an excellent place to find pieces that promote a sense of calm and well-being in your bedroom.

How do you make an elegant living room?

Artwork plays a crucial role in creating a sophisticated living space. Choose pieces that reflect your personal style and complement the overall aesthetic of your decor and furniture.

Large-scale artworks add a touch of grandeur, while carefully curated collections of smaller pieces evoke an airy feeling. For more depth, juxtapose different mediums, like paintings, textiles, and sculptures.

Vinchyart offers a range of elegant styles perfect for transforming your living room into a haven of sophistication.

How can I make my room look better without spending much?

You can decorate with art without putting a big dent in your wallet. A good place to start is local artists’ markets. The internet is also littered with downloadable art prints, and your choices are unlimited, from calming nature photographs to minimalist line drawings.

Another great option is re purposing old picture frames. Give them a fresh coat of paint and use them to frame vintage postcards or fabric scraps.

But perhaps the best option to decorate with art on a budget is online art stores. Vinchyart, for example, boasts a curated selection of minimalist and nature-inspired pieces at affordable prices.

How to Decorate with Art to Brighten Your Space?