Art holds the power to transform any living space, defining it with character and style. One of the essential aspects of creating a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment is choosing the right wall art for the living room. The ideal pieces not only showcase personal taste and preferences but also complements the overall design scheme.
Selecting the perfect wall art for a living room may seem overwhelming, given the plethora of available options. However, by focusing on the desired mood and ambience, homeowners can begin to narrow down their choices. It is crucial to consider factors such as size, colour palette, and overall theme to ensure the chosen artwork seamlessly blends into the room's existing decor.
Moreover, incorporating a creative mix of visual elements, textures, and even unconventional art pieces can add a more dynamic and visually engaging touch. By selecting artwork thoughtfully and with purpose, homeowners can create a lasting impression on visitors and breathe new life into their living spaces.
Wall Art Styles
When it comes to decorating the living room walls, selecting the right art style is crucial in setting the tone and mood. This article discusses various wall art styles like Abstract, Nature, Geometric, and Typography/Graphic Art.
Abstract
Abstract art is a versatile option for living rooms as it allows for personal interpretation and can evoke a range of emotions. The use of colours, shapes, and textures in this style can create dramatic focal points in a room with minimal furnishings. Additionally, abstract art can be incorporated in small or large-scale pieces, making it a suitable choice for a variety of living room sizes.
Nature
Nature-inspired wall art brings the outdoors in and adds a calming, serene touch to a living room. Examples of nature-themed art include photographs of landscapes, botanical paintings, and animal illustrations. These works can be presented as single statement pieces or as gallery walls with multiple images and frames. To complement the art, use natural materials and earthy shades for other decor items and furnishings in the room.
Geometric
Geometric wall art appeals to those who appreciate clean lines, organised patterns, and symmetry. Ideal for modern or minimalist living spaces, geometric art pieces can range from bold and colourful to more subdued monochromatic styles. When using geometric art, consider the dimensions of the room and the arrangement of furniture to ensure the art complements and balances the space.
Typography/Graphic Art
Typography and graphic art styles merge visual design with text or phrases to create engaging and thought-provoking living room decorations. These types of art can showcase personal interests, favourite quotes, or family values. Commonly found in contemporary or industrial-style living rooms, typography and graphic wall art should be selected with caution as overly bold statements can overtake the room's atmosphere.
By choosing the right wall art style for your living room, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing space that reflects your personality and complements the existing decor.
Sizes and Placement
Large Statement Pieces
When decorating a living room, large statement pieces can create a strong visual impact and serve as a focal point. These artworks typically measure over 36 inches in both height and width. When selecting a large statement piece, choose something that complements the colour scheme, style, and theme of the room. Ensure you leave adequate space around the artwork, so it does not appear cramped or crowded. Hang the piece at eye level, which is usually around 60 inches from the floor, to maximise its impact and allow for comfortable viewing.
Art Groupings
Create a cohesive and stylish look by arranging multiple smaller pieces into art groupings. A popular approach is to combine pieces with similar subjects, colours, or styles. When selecting pieces for a grouping, keep the overall size of the space in mind to ensure that the display does not look cluttered or unbalanced. One way to achieve balance is to choose a central piece to anchor the grouping and place other pieces symmetrically around it. Aim to maintain consistent spacing between the artworks for a harmonious appearance. Some homeowners prefer more eclectic displays with mixed subjects and styles. Balance is still crucial in this approach, but asymmetry can also create visual interest.
Vertical and Horizontal
Consider the orientation of wall art when deciding on placement. For instance, tall and narrow pieces, often referred to as vertical art, work best in small or narrow spaces such as the area between two doorways or beside a tall piece of furniture. Vertical art should be hung relatively high on the wall, so it directs the viewer's eye upwards, creating the illusion of height within the room.
On the other hand, wide and short artworks, known as horizontal art, work best when placed above a sofa or a long piece of furniture. Hang them lower on the wall, generally no more than 8 inches above the sofa or furniture, to ensure the artwork is connected to the surrounding items. Horizontal art helps to create a sense of width and spaciousness, making the room appear larger and more balanced.
Selecting the most suitable sizes and orientation for wall art in the living room is crucial to achieving a stylish and harmonious result. Whether opting for large statement pieces, art groupings, or carefully considering vertical and horizontal orientations, always ensure the artwork complements the room's aesthetics and enhances the décor.
Choosing Colours
When selecting the best wall art for your living room, one of the most important aspects to consider is the colour scheme. The colours you choose will significantly impact the overall atmosphere and visual flow of your space. This section will cover some essential colour choices and provide guidance on how to incorporate them into your living room decor effectively.
Complementary Colours
Complementary colours are those that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel. When used together, they create a visually harmonious and appealing effect. For example, blue and orange, or red and green pairings, can be used in wall art to create a stimulating and balanced aesthetic. Always consider the existing colours in your living room, such as furniture and textiles, and choose wall art that complements these hues.
Monochrome
A monochrome colour scheme utilises different shades and tones of a single colour. This approach can create an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere in your living room. For instance, using varying shades of grey or blue in your wall art can produce a cohesive and calming effect. Monochromatic wall art allows for the effective use of patterns and textures without overwhelming the space, as the limited colour palette keeps the overall look cohesive.
Bold and Vibrant
If your goal is to make a statement in your living room, opting for bold and vibrant colours in your wall art is an excellent way to achieve this. Rich jewel tones, such as emerald green or deep sapphire blue, can create a dramatic and captivating visual impact. Bold colours can effectively energise and uplift a room, capturing the attention of visitors and drawing focus to the wall art as a central feature in the space.
When incorporating bold and vibrant colours, it is essential to balance these striking elements with more neutral tones in the surrounding decor to ensure the final result is not overwhelming or cluttered. Regardless of the colour scheme you choose, always ensure your wall art selection integrates seamlessly with your living room's overall style and complements the existing design elements.
Conclusion
Incorporating wall art into your living room can significantly enhance the aesthetics and atmosphere of the space. When selecting the perfect wall art, consider your personal style, the size of the room, and the existing colour scheme to create a harmonious and visually appealing ensemble.
One option for wall art in the living room is to opt for monotone prints. Black and white images work well in creating a timeless and elegant look. Alternatively, you may choose bold and colourful pieces to inject life and energy into the space. If you prefer a more modern and minimalist approach, geometric patterns, abstract designs, or minimalist artwork can work wonders in transforming your living room.
When arranging wall art in your living room, consider creating a gallery wall to showcase a collection of smaller pieces. This can be an excellent way to tell a visual story or display your evolving style. On the other hand, if you have a larger wall space, consider investing in a statement piece that will act as a focal point and conversation starter.
Remember to take measurements and plan the layout of your wall art carefully before installation. This will ensure a cohesive and well-balanced final result. Additionally, choosing the right frames and materials can elevate the overall look and impact of the artwork.
In summary, thoughtfully chosen wall art can greatly enrich your living room, reflecting your unique taste and personality while also complementing the existing design elements in the space. When selecting artwork, consider size, style, and arrangement to create a stunning and harmonious living room sanctuary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique ideas for living room wall art?
There are countless ways to add a personal touch to your living room walls. Some unique ideas include creating a gallery wall with a mix of art, photos, and decorative pieces, using removable wallpaper or wall decals for a temporary yet impactful design, and showcasing 3D wall sculptures for added depth. Additionally, using mirrors or metal artwork can add light and texture to your space, while incorporating DIY or reclaimed items can bring a personal touch to your living room.
How can I choose the right size of wall art for my living room?
Selecting the right size of wall art for your living room depends on factors such as wall size, existing furniture, and overall room proportions. As a rule of thumb, your wall art should cover at least two-thirds to three-quarters of the available wall space. If your living room has a large, empty wall, consider using oversized artwork or multiple smaller pieces in a grid or gallery layout. For smaller walls, opt for complementary pieces that don't overpower the space. Remember to use templates or painter's tape to test out different sizes and arrangements before committing to a final look.
What types of art are suitable for a living room?
Various forms of art can be displayed in a living room, ranging from traditional paintings and prints to modern mixed media and digital pieces. Abstract art, landscapes, and portraits are popular choices, while photography, textile art, and wall sculptures can also make a statement. It's essential to select artwork that reflects your personal taste and complements the overall décor, colour scheme, and mood of your living room.
How do I select the perfect colour scheme for wall art in my living room?
Choose a colour scheme for your wall art by considering the existing hues of your living room furniture, fixtures, and accessories. You can opt for a harmonious approach by selecting artwork that shares the same or complimentary colours as your current décor. Alternatively, you can create a noticeable contrast by choosing pieces that introduce a bold, new shade. Remember to keep the balance between your wall art and other décor elements to ensure a cohesive look.
What are some creative ways to fill an empty living room wall?
If you're seeking creative ways to fill an empty wall in your living room, consider using a mix of different media and materials, such as paintings alongside sculptures, textile art, or even wall planters. Creating a gallery wall with a collection of framed pieces that vary in size, style, and subject matter is another engaging approach. To add dimension and storage space, consider incorporating wall shelves or floating ledges to display decorative items, books, or small artworks. Remember to experiment with arrangements and layouts until you find the perfect solution for your living room.