Choosing the Right Art for Your Space: A Guide to Enhancing Your Home's Aesthetic

Art is a powerful tool, capable of transforming a space, adding personality, and creating an emotional connection. However, choosing the right art for your space can be challenging.

Here’s some tips to help you choose the right art for your space.

Understand Your Style

Before you start selecting art, it’s important to understand your personal style and the overall theme of your home. Are you drawn to modern, minimalist designs, or do you prefer a more traditional, eclectic look?

Knowing your style will help narrow down your options and ensure that your art choices are cohesive with your existing decor.

Create a mood board with images of art and decor that you love.
Identify common themes, colors, and styles in your favorite pieces.
Consider how your chosen style aligns with the existing elements in your home.

Consider the Space

The size and function of the space where you’ll be placing the art are crucial factors to consider. The right art can enhance the room's atmosphere, making it feel more cohesive and inviting.

Living Room:

Large, statement pieces can serve as focal points above sofas or fireplaces.
Create a gallery wall with a mix of smaller pieces for a dynamic look.

Bedroom:

Choose calming, serene artwork for a restful atmosphere.
Hang art above the bed or on adjacent walls to add interest without overwhelming the space.

Kitchen:

Small, vibrant pieces can add a pop of color and personality.
Consider placing art on open shelves or leaning it against the backsplash for a casual look.

Bathroom:

Opt for moisture-resistant art or framed prints to avoid damage.
Use smaller pieces to add subtle touches of style.

Think About Color

Color plays a significant role in how art affects a space. The right colors can tie a room together, complementing the existing palette and adding depth and interest.

Choose art that includes colors already present in your decor for a harmonious look.
Use contrasting colors to make a bold statement and draw attention to specific areas.
Consider the mood you want to create; cool colors can be calming, while warm colors can energize a space.

Size and Scale

The size of the art you choose should be proportional to the size of the wall and the furniture around it. Art that is too small can get lost, while pieces that are too large can overwhelm the space.

For a cohesive look, art should take up about two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the furniture it hangs above.
Use a mix of sizes in a gallery wall to create balance and interest.
Don’t be afraid to go big with a statement piece in larger rooms.

Framing and Presentation

The way art is framed and presented can significantly impact its overall effect. Frames should complement both the artwork and the decor of the room.

Choose frames that match the style of the art and the room. Sleek, black frames work well with modern art, while ornate, gold frames suit traditional pieces.
Consider frameless options like canvas prints for a contemporary look.
Use mats to create a sense of depth and highlight the artwork.

Personal Connection

Art should resonate with you personally. Choose pieces that evoke emotions, memories, or thoughts that you find meaningful.

Select art that tells a story or has personal significance.
Incorporate pieces from local artists or places you’ve traveled.
Mix in family photos or heirloom pieces for a personalized touch.

Experiment with Placement

The placement of art can change the dynamics of a room. Experiment with different arrangements to find what works best for your space.

Use painter’s tape to outline potential placements before making holes in the wall.
Try leaning art on shelves, mantels, or against walls for a casual, layered look.
Group art pieces together for a cohesive, gallery-style display.

Lighting

Proper lighting is essential to showcase your art. It can enhance the colors, textures, and overall impact of the pieces.

Use track lighting or picture lights to highlight specific pieces.
Consider the natural light in the room and how it changes throughout the day.
Avoid direct sunlight on delicate pieces to prevent fading.

Choosing the right art for your space is a personal and rewarding process. By understanding your style, considering the space, and paying attention to color, size, framing, and lighting, you can select pieces that enhance your home’s aesthetic and create a visually appealing and emotionally resonant environment.

Remember, the best art is not only beautiful but also meaningful, reflecting your personality and tastes. Enjoy the journey of curating a collection that transforms your house into a home filled with inspiration and beauty.

At The Porch in Wildwood, adding wall art is one of our favorite ways to decorate any room. We have pieces to choose from in-store or stop by and custom order to fit your space!