Decorating your walls with art and accents expresses your style and brings visual interest to your home. Follow these tips to pick wall décor that reflects your personality and complements your interior design.
Top Relevant Collections
| Collection | Description |
|---|---|
| Personalized metal signs | Custom metal signs for every room like kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room, office, bar and game room, etc. for a personal touch. |
| Personalized wood signs | Similar to Personalized metal signs but made from wood! Fully customizable as well. |
| Personalized canvas | Gallery wrapped canvas prints of beautiful paintings and artwork that make stunning decor. |
1. Carefully Evaluate Your Space For Your Wall Art
The first step is deciding on the overall layout for your wall art and decor. Here are some tips for planning:
- Sketch ideas on graph paper: Draw your wall to scale and experiment with different arrangements by repositioning cutouts of your artwork. This allows you to visualize how pieces will look together.
- Use design software: Programs like Adobe Illustrator let you digitally lay out artwork templates to scale. This makes it easy to rearrange pieces and print templates.
- Cut paper templates: Cut out paper or cardboard templates the size of your art and tape them on the wall. Move them around until you’re happy with the arrangement.
- Prioritize focal points: Decide which pieces you want to stand out and use those to establish your focal points.
- Consider spacing: Allow enough space between pieces so the display doesn’t feel crowded. A good rule of thumb is at least 4 inches between frame edges.
- Think about symmetry: Symmetrical, asymmetrical, and grid layouts create different visual effects. Decide what look you’re going for.
Take your time experimenting with layouts before hanging any artwork. Planning ahead helps create a cohesive display.
2. Select Artwork that Fits Your Style
When designing your wall decor arrangement, variety adds visual interest. Here are suggestions for combining different types of art:
- Mix media: Incorporate paintings, photos, prints, mirrors, wall sculptures, tapestries, signs and more.
- Vary orientations: Hang some pieces vertically and others horizontally. Angled or asymmetrical works too.
- Include different frame styles: Combine ornate gold frames with simple black ones, distressed wood frames, etc.
- Mix frame sizes: Smaller pieces around a large central focal point piece provides scale.
- Play with shape: Square and rectangular pieces contrast nicely with round or oval ones.
- Feature different subject matter: Abstracts, landscapes, portraits, still life—mixing genres creates depth.
- Incorporate text: Letter boards, motivational quotes, song lyrics, and family names personalize the space.
- Showcase memorabilia: Diplomas, vintage signs, pressed flowers in frames, etc. add personal history.
A wall with visual variety holds the eye’s interest and showcases your personal style. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!
Art Styles to Consider
| Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Abstract | Interpretive shapes, colors and forms |
| Nature | Landscapes, flowers, animals |
| Black and White Photography | High contrast monochromatic photos |
| Pop Art | Bold, graphic paintings and prints |
| Impressionism | Soft focus scenes using visible brush strokes |
| Minimalism | Clean lines, solid colors and negative space |
| Typography | Stylized text prints and signs |
| Vintage | Repurposed antiques, botanical prints, etc |
Choose art styles that excite you and capture your personality. Don’t worry about what’s trendy—just pick pieces you connect with.
3. Select a Color Palette
Coordinate your wall art colors with your existing décor using some of these techniques:
- Match colors already found in your home’s furnishings and fabrics
- Choose hues adjacent on the color wheel for a harmonious analogic palette
- Use opposite colors on the wheel for lively contrast
- Limit your palette to just 2-3 core colors for a focused look
- Incorporate metallics and neutrals to add polish
Color Palette Ideas
| Palette | Description |
|---|---|
| Earth tones | Rich neutrals like cream, tan, brown |
| Cool tones | Blues, greens, grays and silvers |
| Warm tones | Reds, oranges, yellows, golds |
| Monochrome | Shades of one color from light to dark |
| Complementary | Opposite colors like blue and orange |
| Bold primaries | Vibrant red, blue, yellow |
Carefully choosing a color scheme creates cohesion in your wall décor.
4. Mix Up Shapes and Sizes
For visual interest, incorporate wall art in a variety of shapes and proportions.
- Square and rectangular pieces
- Horizontal, vertical, and panoramic orientations
- Circles, ovals, diamonds, and abstract shapes
- Oversized statement pieces
- Smaller accent items
- 3D art like wall sculptures
Varying the scale and form of your wall hangings adds dynamism.
5. Leave Breathing Room Between Frames
Proper spacing prevents a cluttered look and lets each piece stand out. Follow these tips for art placement:
- Minimum 4 inches between edges: Allow breathing room between frame edges.
- Use floor templates: Lay out templates on the floor with proper spacing before hanging.
- Align evenly: Line up frame edges for a clean look.
- Vary heights: Hang pieces at different heights for interest, but keep edges aligned.
- Overlap slightly: With same size pieces, overlap edges subtly to vary spacing.
- Cluster in groups: Leave more space between each small cluster.
- Keep flat surfaces clear: Don’t place decor on top of hangings.
- Consider ceiling height: More space above artwork prevents a crowded feel.
- Watch the edges: Leave 3-4 inches between art and wall edges.
Getting the spacing right creates harmony and balance. Stepping back periodically lets you check that pieces aren’t crowded.
6. Establish A Strong Focal Points
Every wall arrangement needs a focal point—the part that grabs your attention first. Here are tips for creating an impactful focal area:
- Use the largest piece: Make your biggest or boldest art the focal point to anchor the arrangement.
- Hang near eye level: Place focal art at average eye height (57-60 inches) for optimal viewing.
- Feature vibrant colors: Make the focal piece pop with contrasting or saturated hues.
- Pick an unusual shape: A round, oval, or asymmetrical focal point adds distinct interest.
- Showcase multimedia: 3D art, shadowboxes, and layered collages attract attention.
- Backlight: Illuminate focal pieces with LED strips or picture lights.
- Frame prominently: An ornate or gilded frame draws the eye.
- Place off-center: Hanging the focal point slightly off-center feels dynamic.
- Try the Rule of Thirds: Position focal art off the centerline near top or bottom third of wall.
Let your best artwork shine by making it the star of your arrangement. The focal point creates a strong foundation to build your wall decor around.
7. Add Personal Touches to Wall Art
Personalized décor makes your space feel warm, welcoming and uniquely you. Here are some ideas:
- Custom signs with names and dates
- Photo gallery of loved ones
- Vintage sign with family name
- Custom maps with special places marked
- Canvas print of child’s drawing
- Wall decal with inspirational quote
Personal touches add heart and meaning to your home.
8. Carefully Curate Your Arrangement
Take time planning your arrangement and decorating in phases.
- Start with large statement pieces first
- Fill in with smaller items slowly
- Step back periodically to evaluate composition
- Be willing to rearrange pieces
- Add coordinating accessories like vases, sculptures, greenery
- Make minor adjustments over time
Great gallery walls have an artfully curated look. Don’t rush the process.
9. Use Lighting to Make Artwork Pop
Properly illuminating your wall art and decor accentuates details and colors. Consider lighting options like:
- Adjust existing lighting: Redirect ceiling lights, lamps, and sconces to highlight artwork.
- Picture lights: Hardwired or battery picture lights focus light right on a piece.
- Track lighting: Flexible track heads can spotlight pieces.
- Wall sconces: Stylish sconces flanking art provide focused light.
- LED strip lights: Affordable LED strips can be placed behind or above art.
- Natural light: Position art near windows where sunlight hits.
- Dimmers: Install dimmers to lower light on art and prevent glare.
- Limit direct light: Avoid beaming lights directly at the center of artwork to prevent damage.
Lighting lets you control how and where light falls on your wall decor. Experiment with placement and brightness to make your art shine.
10. Try Different Arrangement Styles
The arrangement style you choose impacts the overall look and feel of your wall decor. Consider these popular options:
Symmetrical Gallery Walls
- Balanced layout: Frames are evenly spaced and aligned on both sides of a central focal point.
- Formal look: Symmetry creates a polished, elegant effect.
- Planned precision: Measurements must be exact to achieve balance.
- Works with any frame size: Small to large pieces can be incorporated.
Asymmetrical Gallery Walls
- Intentionally uneven: Pieces are placed in an attractively irregular layout.
- Casual vibe: The relaxed composition feels laidback.
- Allows more freedom: No need for precise measurements.
- Overlapping encouraged: Images can overlap for depth.
- Focal point still key: Build asymmetrical layout around a central focal piece.
Salon Style Gallery Walls
- Cover the wall: Salon style aims to fill the entire wall space, frame edge to edge.
- Dense arrangement: More, smaller pieces are tightly grouped.
- Overlapping frames: Images heavily overlap for a collage effect.
- Vintage vibe: Black and white prints and antique frames suit this style.
- Unified color story: Stick to just 1-2 colors for cohesion.
The options are endless for arranging your wall art and decor. Decide whether you prefer precise, playful, or opulent styling.
11. Wall Decor Ideas by Room
Wall art needs vary by room based on size, purpose, and existing decor. Tailor your wall art to your specific space:
Living Room Wall Decor
- Hang above couch: Art over the sofa draws the eye and anchors the seating area.
- Add big impact pieces: The living room has room for large statement art.
- Include family photos: Personal pictures make a living room feel warm and welcoming.
- Accent with mirrors: Mirrored art adds depth and reflects light.
- Feature nature themes: Landscape imagery promotes peaceful relaxation.
Kitchen Wall Decor
- Use food-inspired art: Vintage fruit crate labels, restaurant menus, and wine prints give a culinary vibe.
- Incorporate funny food quotes: Punny food-related phrases and sayings add personality.
- Display cookbooks: Mount open cookbooks or just the covers in creative arrangements.
- Add a chalkboard: Use for grocery lists, menus, or inspirational quotes.
- Include reminder signs: Uplifting phrases like “Live, Laugh, Love” or “Gather Here” tie in the purpose of the space.
Bedroom Wall Decor
- Help set the mood: Choose art that evokes feelings of relaxation, romance or inspiration.
- Add personal touches: Family photos, travel mementos, wedding photos bring personality.
- Keep it simple: Avoid clutter that overstimulates; focus on a few restful pieces.
- Use neutral backgrounds: Off-whites, beiges, and grays promote tranquility.
- Limit text: Words can feel too stimulating; opt for image-focused art.
Home Office Wall Decor
- Display favorite quotes: Motivational quotes inspire productivity.
- Showcase diplomas/certificates: Credentials add professionalism.
- Use organizational signs: “To Do”, “Calendar”, “Notes” keep you on track.
- Add a bulletin board: Post reminders, photos, mementos and office supplies.
- Feature art related to your work: Teachers can display apples, accountants calculators, etc.
Review and Make Final Adjustments
After completely decorating your wall, make minor tweaks to perfect the look.
- Step back and evaluate from afar
- Look at different times of day
- Check sightlines from seating areas
- Adjust balance and visual flow
- Add coordinating accessories
- Be willing to rearrange pieces
Meticulous final adjustments take your wall from great to gallery-worthy!
Decorating your walls with meaningful, well-curated art displays your personality and transforms your house into a home. Follow your intuition to create spaces that inspire you.
Reference links:
https://www.thespruce.com/artwork-dos-and-donts-1976011
https://canvas.saatchiart.com/lifestyle/how-to-choose-the-perfect-wall-color-to-complement-your-art
https://www.1stdibs.com/blogs/the-study/how-to-arrange-wall-art/
