The living room is the most important room in the house. It’s where we hang out with family and friends, relax after a long day, and make memories that will last a lifetime. It’s a place where we go to relax and get ideas, and the way we decorate it has a big effect on the atmosphere and mood. Wall art is an important part of living room decor because it can change how the room looks and feels.
With so many styles, shapes, colours, and themes to choose from, finding the right piece of wall art can be both hard and fun. Understanding how wall art can improve the look of your living room and show off your personal style is key to making a place that feels like it belongs to you. Your budget may be a restriction and so, getting the right things can also be a task at hand, but not if you have read our guide on affordable living room wall decor ideas!
In this detailed guide, we’ll look at a number of tips and factors that can help you choose the best wall art for your sitting room. We’ll talk about knowing your room, figuring out your style, choosing the right size and scale, and learning about different kinds of art. You’ll find a lot of ideas and inspiration to help you make good choices, like how to make a beautiful gallery wall that tells your story and how to place and light art. We’ll also talk about how art makes you feel, why it’s important to buy pieces you really love, and how to balance your chosen wall art with other pieces of decor.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to turning your living room walls into a stunning visual feast that is both useful and beautiful, as well as both personal and appealing to everyone.
1. Understanding Your Space
Before you can choose wall art, you need to know how much space you have. Think about the size of the wall you want to paint, the colour of the walls, and the style of the furniture and other decorations you already have. If you have a big wall, you might want to hang one large piece or a group of smaller pieces in a gallery style. If you have a small wall, you might only need one well-placed piece.
2. Identifying Your Style
Identifying your personal style is a significant step in choosing wall art for your living room. Are you drawn to modern minimalism, rustic charm, vibrant bohemian patterns, or classic elegance? Perhaps you’re attracted to the bold colors of pop art or the soothing tones of impressionist landscapes. Your chosen wall art should align with your personal style, creating a harmonious blend with the other elements in your living room.
3. Choosing the Right Size and Scale
Size and scale are important things to think about when choosing wall art. If a piece is too big, it can take over the room, and if it’s too small, it can get lost. As a general rule, art should take up about two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall space it is on. Also, think about how big the art is compared to the furniture below it. For example, a piece of art that hangs above a sofa shouldn’t be wider than the couch.
4. Considering the Color Palette
The color palette of your wall art can significantly influence the mood of your living room. You might choose colors that complement your existing decor, or you could use the artwork to introduce new colors into the room. If you prefer a harmonious look, stick with a similar color palette. However, if you’re after a more dramatic effect, consider choosing artwork with contrasting colors.
5. Exploring Different Types of Wall Art
There are many different kinds of wall art to choose from. Some of these are paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, tapestries, and drawings. Each type offers a different visual impact and can contribute uniquely to your living room’s aesthetic. Paintings can add a touch of classic elegance, while photographs can bring a personal touch. Sculptures and murals, on the other hand, can add depth and dimension.
6. Creating a Gallery Wall
If you can’t choose just one piece of art, why not go for a gallery wall? A gallery wall allows you to showcase multiple pieces that express your personal taste. It can include a mix of everything – from prints and paintings to photographs and collectibles. The key to a successful gallery wall is balance. While the pieces don’t have to match exactly, they should have some common elements like color, theme, or frame style.
7. Art Placement
Placement of art is another important thing to think about. As a general rule, your art should be hung at eye level. This could be different based on how the room is set up and whether you plan to stand or sit most of the time. Leave about 6 to 8 inches between a piece of art and a piece of furniture when you hang it.
8. Consider the Lighting
The lighting in your living room can greatly impact how your wall art looks. Natural light can make colors pop and give a life-like quality to your art. However, not all rooms have ample natural light. In such cases, consider adding picture lights or spotlights that can highlight your art. Adjustable lighting can also help you control how different elements of your art are emphasized at different times of the day.
9. Rotating Art
Don’t think that you have to keep making the same kind of art. One idea is to have different pieces that you can switch out depending on the time of year, your mood, or even the event. This keeps the room looking new and lets you see more of your art.
10. Incorporating 3D Art
When we think of wall art, we often think of paintings or photographs. However, 3D art like sculptures or wall hangings can add depth and interest to your living room. They can be particularly effective in larger rooms or rooms with high ceilings where more substantial or protruding art pieces can fill the space well.
11. Investing in What You Love
Last but not least, invest in work that you like. Trends come and go, but if you buy something you really love, you’ll enjoy it for years to come. Art is a great way to show who you are and make your living room feel like it belongs to you.
12. Balancing Art with Other Decor
While art can be a focal point, it’s also important to consider how it interacts with the rest of your decor. It should complement—not compete with—other elements in your living room. Balance is key. If your art is bold and colorful, consider more neutral furniture. If you have a statement furniture piece, more subtle wall art might be a good choice.
13. Understanding Art’s Emotional Impact
Art is not just about how it looks; it’s also about how it makes you feel. Think about how you want your living room to make you feel. Still and quiet? Inspired and full of energy? Pick art that helps you feel these things.
A Simple Wall Art All the Way!
As you look for the perfect wall art, keep in mind that the key to success is to stay true to your own style and taste while also thinking about how it will work in your living area. Whether you like modern simplicity, rustic charm, or bright bohemian patterns, this guide promises to give you the knowledge and confidence to choose wall art that not only improves your living room decor but also makes your living space a sanctuary where you can truly feel at home.
A simple piece of art and a little change to your living room walls can have an impact more than you think. So, do try to make your living room walls lively with these tips!