How to Choose Wall Art for a Living Room
Hello, fellow home decor lover! Do you sit and stare at the living room walls, thinking probably something is missing? Not really, you are not the only one. Discovering that living room wall art is the perfect example of a mix of excitement with overwhelming emotion. No need to worry; I am here to take you through this creative journey, dispersing some friendly advice and personal insight. Let's dive in and give those plain walls a makeover to reflect your personality!
The Power of Wall Art in Your Living Room
Before getting into the nitty-gritty, let's first talk about why wall art for a living room area is such an important thing. Your living room is often the heart of your home – where one relaxes, entertains, and builds memories. The right art will help to pull your whole room together, express your personality, and even spark conversations with guests. It's like that cherry on top of that interior design sundae!
Getting Started: Know Your Space
First things first – take a good look at your living room. What color scheme is this? What kind of style does it reflect? Modern, traditional, eclectic? Getting an understanding of your space is very important in picking wall art. You want your art prints to complement your existing decor, not fight against it.
I recall one time when I had just moved into my apartment; in the urgency to decorate the place, I rushed out to buy this huge, colorful abstract painting. It looked great in the store, but it dominated my small, minimalist living room when I brought it home. Lesson learned: always consider scale and style!
Choosing Your Theme
There are so many themes of wall art pieces that can be placed in the living room, among them:
1. Nature scenes: Bring the outdoors in with landscapes, seascapes, or even botanical prints.
2. Abstract art: Perfect for adding a touch of modernity and a color pop.
3. Typography: Use inspirational quotes or wacky sayings that add a little personality.
4. Family photos: Design a gallery wall with your personal favorite memories.
5. Vintage posters: This category includes excellent means of adding a retro touch to your space.
Remember, the theme has to sound right with you. After all, you're the one who'll have to look at it every day!
Size Matters: Scaling Your Wall Art
A common mistake is choosing art that is too small for a space. A teeny picture floating on a large wall can seem hopeless and small. At the same time, very large art pieces can overwhelm a room. Here's a simple guide:
• Large walls: Go big! Consider oversized art prints or create a gallery wall.
• Medium walls: A medium-sized piece or a small collection works well.
• For small walls: One small to medium piece makes impact without cramping.
Tip: Apply the "two-thirds" rule. Your art should cover only about two-thirds of the wall space above your furniture for a balanced look.
Color Coordination: Making Your Art Pop
When choosing wall art for living room decor, color takes center stage. You have two primary options :
1. Complementary: Get art that uses colors already found in your room to achieve a harmonious effect.
2. Contrasting: Go for art with colors that are contrary to those of your existing decor to achieve a focus.
One time, I helped a friend pick out art for her living room. She had a really neutral color palette with beiges and whites everywhere, so we decided to go big with this really bright blue and orange abstract. It instantly became the star of the room and added just that pop of color needed.
Mixing and Matching: The Gallery Wall
Mix and match if you can't choose just one. Why not create a gallery wall? It is the best way to display more than one art print with so much visual interest added to your living room. Here are some tips for doing so:
1. Pick a theme: Black-and-white photos or colored abstract prints, a consistent theme will bind everything together.
2. Mix the sizes: Big pieces go well with smaller ones for a dynamic look.
3. Frame mixing and matching: All frames can be the same style for a uniform look, or different frames can be mixed and matched to create a more eclectic look.
4. Lay it out: Before hammering those nails into the wall, set the items that will be framed out on the floor in front of you to visualize your arrangement.
Remember that arranging a collection for a gallery wall is somewhat like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. There may be a little bit of trial and error involved, but the result will be well worth the effort.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Consider your lifestyle when you are selecting any wall art for the living room. With children or pets, the last thing you need to worry about is having some fragile or highly valuable piece of work. Instead, opt for sturdy canvas prints or framed art that can withstand a bit of chaos.
Also, consider the way you are using your living room. If it's mainly for relaxation, then serene landscapes or abstracts can be just what you need. If you like to entertain a lot, then conversation-starting art, like unique sculptures or even interactive art, could make for a great fit.
Don't Forget About Texture
Whereas most of us would turn to visual appeal, texture can add a new dimension to your wall art. Mixing different materials—canvas, metal, wood, even fabric art—will deepen and add interest to your walls, engaging both the eye and the touch.
I visited once a friend of mine whose living room had an interesting mixed media piece that combined painting with 3D elements. It was a work that was strikingly visual and very touchable – although, of course, I restrained my urge to feel it.
Lighting: Showcasing Your Art
Great wall art deserves great lighting. Consider installing picture lights or track lighting to really bring out the best in your art prints. While natural light is fabulous, be careful of direct sunlight since it's hard on the art over time. UV-protective glass will help if your art happens to be in a very sunny spot.
Trusting Your Gut
Bottom line: this is your wall art, and it should be something you love at the end of the day. The last thing you need to bother about with regards to wall art is really obeying rules or following trends. A piece that speaks to you and puts a smile on your face every time you look at it is perfect wall art for a living room.
FAQ:
Q1: How high must I hang my wall art?
A1: The general rule of thumb is to place it at eye level, which is usually about 57-60 inches from the floor to the middle of the piece. Again, this can vary as each person is different in their placement, depending on furniture and ceiling height.
Q2: Can I mix different styles of wall art?
A2: Absolutely! Mixing styles can create an eclectic, very personal look. What is important here is searching for one common element, be it in color or a theme that pulls everything together.
Q3: How Do I Choose Art for a Small Living Room?
A3: In small spaces, make sure you have one large statement piece or a series of small pieces to move the eye around the room, creating the perception of more space.
Q4: Can posters be used as wall art?
A4: Of course! Posters can be a wonderful, fairly inexpensive choice for wall art. Just remember to frame them for a finished, polished look.
Q5: How often should I change my wall art?
A5: There is no rule. Some enjoy changing the art with the seasons, and some have the same art remain up for years. It's a personal preference or intuitive feel that you will have with you and your space.
Conclusion:
The choice of wall art is a personal one for the living room. It's all about finding pieces that speak to you, complement your space, and make a house feel like a home. At the end, it is not really the wrong choices, but more of how a living room should mirror your peculiar style and personality.
Take your time, and don't be afraid to experiment with all of the options available. From bold statement art pieces to serene landscapes or offbeat gallery walls, there's some perfect art out there for you. Happy decorating!
