1. Choose by size
Generally speaking, wall art comes in four different sizes:
Mini
This encompasses frames that range in size from 9 to 17 inches. Imagine a sheet of printer paper…or something smaller. This type of wall art is often sold as part of a collection; from three to four pieces.
Small
This size encompasses pictures ranging from 17 to 23 inches. Hang in collections of groups of three to six pieces and place above shelves, furniture, or short walls.
Medium
A common size, this category of wall art ranges from 23 to 27 inches in length.
Large
Large wall art ranges from 31 to 39 inches in length. Large pieces can function as a centerpiece on a wall. They can also be counter-balanced on a larger wall with mini or small pieces in one or more groupings.
Oversized
Wall art is deemed oversized when it’s 39 inches in length or greater.
As you can imagine, it’s important to know whether or not your home can accommodate such a large piece before buying it.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a wall that would fit an oversized piece of wall art, it will act as a focal point of the room. All of your other decor choices can then spring off of this one piece.
Tips:
- ⬥ Make your choice of wall art easier by going at it with a size in mind. This will help you narrow down your choices faster.
- ⬥ Some people find it’s easier to begin with larger pieces then work their way down. This is smart because larger pieces will take up more wall space, leading to a lower budget overall.
- ⬥ Like mini and small-sized wall art, medium pieces can also work well grouped together. For best results, keep the space around the artwork symmetrical.
2. Choose by color
The design world sees room color palettes differently than the color palettes of artwork.
Why?
Because the use of bold color is more accepted in art pieces, whereas bright colors are only recommended for accent or feature walls.
To use color when picking wall art from your home you have a choice:
Choose art that incorporates the colors that are already part of the room or select art that adds bolder shades to your existing color scheme.
In other words, the color of your walls is a baseline against which the artwork you choose is displayed.
For example, neutral backgrounds as a backdrop to wall art made with bright or neon colors.
Tips:
Consider the undertones of the wall art you’re considering. For example, light brown walls would pair well with artwork that has dark brown undertones (even if it has no light brown within it).
Use distinctive photo frames to highlight the pieces you really want to be noticed. You don’t have to stick with the standard color choices like black, gold, white or silver…get creative.
When adding a new color to your existing scheme add it in two places at least to show that it was an intentional addition. This also serves to increase the impact it has on the room.
The most important piece of art within a room should include a background that’s mirrored in the color of the wall it’s hanging on.
When using complementary shades, reference a color wheel to ensure that your new piece will work.
If you prefer, use multiple shades of the same color for a beautiful, elegant result.
For best results, keep your color choices to a maximum of four.
If you’re in doubt, go with black and white; it matches everything!
Use mirrors to reflect your favorite artwork. It has the added benefit of making the room look larger and duplicating your wall art.
3. Choose by theme
If your home decor follows a certain idea or theme, you’re in luck; this is one of the easiest ways to help you choose wall art that will pull everything together.
For example, people who love the beach will often create the feel in their own home. They’ll paint their walls a light color and add pieces of driftwood, shells, etc. to complete the look.
When looking for new artwork, if they see something that fits their theme, it’s a simple choice; it fits my theme, but do I have room for it?
This idea makes shopping for your own art pieces easier and gives friends and family a starting point for gift giving ideas.
Finally, remember that when you’re looking at a piece of wall art if it doesn’t make you smile when you see it, leave it at the store. This is your home…don’t spend your hard-earned money on something that you don’t love.
