How To Choose Wall Art For Living Room: Your Complete Guide

What is the best way to choose wall art for a living room? The best way is to consider your personal style, the room’s existing decor, the scale of the artwork, and your budget. This guide will walk you through every step.

Your living room is more than just a place to sit; it’s the heart of your home, a space for relaxation, entertaining, and expressing your personality. The right wall art can transform a plain room into a captivating sanctuary. But with so many options, how do you pick pieces that truly speak to you and enhance your living space? This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of living room art ideas, making the process enjoyable and effective. We’ll cover everything from deciphering your personal style to the practicalities of selecting wall decor for living room and the final touches of hanging art living room.

How To Choose Wall Art For Living Room
Image Source: www.thespruce.com

Finding Your Personal Style

Before you even start browsing, take a moment to reflect on your personal style. What colors do you gravitate towards? What themes or subjects inspire you? Your living room art should be a reflection of you.

Identifying Your Aesthetic

Minimalist: Clean lines, simple forms, and a focus on negative space. Think abstract art with a limited color palette or single-line drawings.
Bohemian (Boho): Eclectic, free-spirited, and often incorporates natural elements. Look for tapestries, macrame, botanical prints, and pieces with vibrant, earthy tones.
Modern: Sleek, geometric, and often features bold colors or black and white. Abstract pieces, metal sculptures, or graphic prints fit well here.
Traditional: Classic, elegant, and often features historical or recognizable subjects. Portraits, landscapes, or still-life paintings are good choices.
Rustic: Warm, natural, and inviting, often using wood or distressed finishes. Consider landscape photography, vintage signs, or pieces with natural textures.
Eclectic: A mix of different styles, eras, and mediums. This style is all about personality and can combine vintage finds with contemporary pieces.

Consider the existing furniture and decor in your living room. Is it modern and sleek, or cozy and traditional? Your wall art should complement, not clash with, your current design.

Decoding Your Living Room’s Vibe

What is the overall feeling you want your living room to convey? Do you want it to feel calm and serene, energetic and vibrant, or sophisticated and elegant? The art you choose will significantly influence this.

For a calming atmosphere: Opt for soft colors, nature-inspired scenes, or abstract pieces with gentle movement. Think blues, greens, and earthy tones.
For an energetic feel: Consider bold colors, dynamic compositions, or abstract art with strong lines and contrasts. Reds, oranges, and yellows can add vibrancy.
For sophistication: Look for classic styles, monochrome pieces, or art with subtle textures and refined subject matter.

Exploring Living Room Artwork Inspiration

Where can you find inspiration for your living room art? The possibilities are endless!

Online Galleries and Marketplaces: Websites like Etsy, Saatchi Art, and Artfinder offer a vast array of styles and price points.
Museum Websites: Many museums have online collections where you can view and even purchase prints of famous artworks.
Interior Design Blogs and Magazines: These are goldmines for current trends and ideas.
Pinterest and Instagram: Visual platforms are perfect for discovering living room artwork inspiration. Create boards to save pieces you love.
Local Art Fairs and Galleries: Supporting local artists can bring unique and meaningful pieces into your home.

Choosing Artwork Size for Your Living Room

The size of your artwork is crucial for achieving balance and impact. Too small, and it can look lost; too large, and it can overwhelm the space.

Scale and Proportion

For large, empty walls: Consider a large statement piece, a gallery wall, or a diptych/triptych (two or three panels).
Above a sofa or fireplace: The artwork should generally be about two-thirds the width of the furniture it’s above. There should be a comfortable amount of wall space visible on either side.
For smaller spaces: A single medium-sized piece or a carefully curated collection of smaller pieces can work well.

The 50/70 Rule (A General Guideline)

A common recommendation is to hang artwork so that its center is at eye level, typically around 57 to 60 inches from the floor. When hanging above furniture, leave about 6 to 10 inches of space between the bottom of the artwork and the top of the furniture.

The Color Palette of Wall Art for Living Room

Color is one of the most powerful elements in interior design, and your wall art is your chance to make a statement.

Coordinating with Your Existing Colors

Tie into existing colors: Look for artwork that incorporates colors already present in your furniture, rugs, or accent pieces. This creates a cohesive look.
Introduce accent colors: Art is a fantastic way to inject a pop of color into a neutral room. Choose a piece with a vibrant hue that complements your existing palette.
Monochromatic schemes: If your room is very neutral, a piece with varying shades of the same color can add depth and interest.
Complementary colors: Using colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel (like blue and orange, or red and green) can create a dynamic and energetic feel.
Analogous colors: Using colors that are next to each other on the color wheel (like blue, green, and teal) can create a harmonious and calming effect.

How to Choose Colors for Wall Art

Identify Your Room’s Dominant Colors: What colors appear most in your furniture, curtains, and rugs?
Select Art that Echoes These Colors: Find pieces that feature these shades, perhaps in a different intensity or tone.
Consider Accent Colors: Do you want to add a pop of contrast? Pick art with a color that complements your existing palette.
Think About the Mood: Bright colors generally create a lively mood, while muted tones foster a sense of calm.

Types of Wall Art to Consider

The world of wall art is vast and varied. Here are some popular options for selecting wall decor for living room:

Popular Mediums and Styles

Paintings: From oil and acrylic to watercolor, paintings offer a rich texture and unique artistry.
Prints: Reproductions of paintings, illustrations, or photographs. These are often more affordable and come in various forms like canvas prints, giclée prints, and posters.
Photography: Black and white, color landscapes, portraits, or abstract photography can all make a statement.
Textiles: Tapestries, macrame wall hangings, and embroidered pieces add texture and warmth.
Mixed Media: Art that combines different materials and techniques, offering a unique and often tactile experience.
Sculptures and 3D Art: Wall-mounted sculptures, metal art, or even decorative mirrors can add dimension.
Gallery Walls: A collection of multiple pieces of art hung together. This allows for a mix of sizes, styles, and frames, creating a personal and dynamic display.

Modern Living Room Art Specifics

If your living room boasts a modern aesthetic, you’ll want art that aligns with its clean lines and contemporary feel.

Characteristics of Modern Art for Living Rooms

Abstract Art: Geometric shapes, bold brushstrokes, or minimalist compositions.
Geometric Patterns: Clean lines and repeating shapes.
Monochrome or Limited Color Palettes: Black, white, grey, or a single accent color.
Large-Scale Pieces: A single, impactful piece can dominate a modern space.
Metal or Acrylic Art: Materials that feel sleek and contemporary.
Photography with a Strong Composition: Architectural shots, urban landscapes, or minimalist portraits.

Coordinating Wall Art Living Room Strategies

Achieving a harmonious look is key. Here’s how to ensure your chosen pieces work together.

Creating a Cohesive Display

Thematic Consistency: If you choose a theme (e.g., nature, cityscapes), try to keep it consistent across multiple pieces.
Color Harmony: As discussed, ensuring the colors in your artwork relate to each other and the room is vital.
Style Blending (Carefully): If you’re mixing styles, ensure there’s a common thread, like a similar color palette or a shared subject matter, to tie them together.
Framing: Consistent framing can unify a collection of diverse artworks. For a gallery wall, consider using the same frame style for all pieces, or a few complementary styles.
Spacing: When creating a gallery wall, consistent spacing between frames is essential for a polished look. Aim for 2-4 inches.

Affordable Living Room Wall Art Options

Decorating your living room doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many ways to find beautiful and budget-friendly art.

Budget-Friendly Decorating Tips

Prints and Posters: High-quality prints of famous or contemporary art are much more affordable than originals.
DIY Art: Create your own abstract paintings, watercolors, or even framed pressed flowers.
Vintage Finds: Explore antique shops or flea markets for unique, affordable pieces.
Online Marketplaces (Budget Sections): Many sites have filters for price, allowing you to find affordable living room wall art.
Printable Art: Purchase digital files online and print them yourself at a local print shop or online service. You can then frame them affordably.
Thrift Stores: You might find hidden gems with unique frames or interesting artwork that can be repurposed.
Canvas Prints from Online Retailers: Many companies offer affordable canvas prints, often with sales and discounts.

Wall Art Placement Living Room Essentials

Once you’ve chosen your art, where you place it makes all the difference.

Strategic Placement for Impact

Eye Level: The general rule is to hang art so its center is at eye level (around 57-60 inches from the floor).
Above Furniture: Leave 6-10 inches of space between the bottom of the artwork and the top of the furniture.
Living Room Focal Points: Consider placing art above the fireplace, a sofa, a console table, or a bookshelf to draw attention.
Balancing the Room: Distribute artwork to create visual balance. If one wall is very busy, consider a more minimalist approach on another.
Grouping Smaller Pieces: If you have several smaller pieces, consider grouping them together to create a more significant impact, like a mini gallery wall.
Corner Placement: Don’t forget about corners! A well-placed piece can brighten up an overlooked area.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Floor: Sometimes, leaning a large piece of art against a wall can create a casual, stylish look, especially with oversized pieces.

The Process of Hanging Art Living Room

The actual act of hanging your art requires some planning to ensure it’s secure and looks its best.

Step-by-Step Hanging Guide

Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a hammer, nails or screws, a level, a measuring tape, a pencil, and possibly wall anchors for heavier items.
Determine the Placement: Use your measuring tape and pencil to mark where the top of the frame will go, based on the eye-level rule or furniture placement.
Measure for Hanging Hardware: Measure the distance from the top of the frame to the hanging wire or hook.
Mark the Wall: Transfer that measurement from your initial mark on the wall, subtracting the space you want between the top of the frame and your mark.
Install the Nail or Screw: Hammer a nail in at an angle or screw in a hook at your marked spot. For heavier items, use a wall anchor for secure mounting.
Hang Your Art: Carefully place your artwork on the nail or hook.
Level It: Use a level to ensure your artwork is straight. Adjust as needed.
Step Back and Admire: View your work from a distance to check the overall look and make any final adjustments.

Special Considerations for Gallery Walls

Layout Planning: Before hammering any nails, lay out your arrangement on the floor or trace the frames onto craft paper and tape them to the wall.
Symmetry vs. Asymmetry: Decide if you want a perfectly symmetrical arrangement or a more eclectic, asymmetrical one.
Varying Sizes and Orientations: Mix horizontal and vertical pieces for visual interest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best type of art for a living room?
A: The best type of art is subjective and depends on your personal style and the room’s decor. However, popular choices include landscape paintings, abstract art, photography, and gallery walls.

Q: Can I mix different styles of art in my living room?
A: Yes, you can absolutely mix different styles of art. The key is to create a cohesive look through color, theme, or framing.

Q: How much space should I leave between wall art and furniture?
A: Generally, leave 6 to 10 inches of space between the bottom of the artwork and the top of the furniture it’s placed above.

Q: What if I have a very small living room?
A: In a small living room, a single statement piece can be very effective. Alternatively, a curated collection of smaller pieces grouped together can add personality without overwhelming the space.

Q: How do I choose art for a rental property?
A: For rentals, consider non-damaging hanging methods like Command strips. Printable art or affordable framed prints are great options that can be easily replaced or taken with you when you move.

Choosing wall art for your living room is a rewarding journey of self-expression. By following these guidelines, considering your personal style, the room’s existing elements, and practical placement strategies, you can curate a collection that brings beauty, personality, and life to your most cherished space. Happy decorating!