How to Choose the Perfect Artwork for Your Living Room?
An artwork can change the feel of a room. That adds color and emotion and meaning. When done well, living room wall art can provide a completely cozy setting. But it’s not always easy to pick the perfect one. There are various designs, sizes and colors available. So, how does one know how to choose?
In this guide, we’ll show you which artwork selection tips work. You will discover how to complement art and walls and colors and furniture to taste. Whether you have a thing for bold prints, for muted hues, you’ll find suggestions here that suit. You’ll also receive easy to follow and use home art decor tips. Let's get started.
1. Start With Your Space
Before you shop for art, take a look around the living room. How big is the wall? Is the space broad, high, or narrow? Does it get natural light? Are there shelves or windows that would interfere with the wall?
Knowing your area helps you select the correct art sizes for living room walls. A tiny piece on a vast wall will appear forlorn. A giant canvas on a small wall may feel too much.
Here’s a basic rule:
- Big walls need big art.
- Small walls look good with small or medium art.
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Long walls can hold two or more pieces in a row.
Measure your wall. Give the art some breathing room. You don’t want to crowd it with furniture or lamps. The art should be easy to see and enjoy.
2. Match Art to Your Room’s Mood
What does your living room feel like? Is it bright and fun? Calm and cozy? Clean and simple?
Use art to complement or enhance that feeling. For example:
- A soft color painting adds peace to a calm room.
- A bold graphic print gives life to a plain space.
- A black-and-white photo adds a touch of class to a modern setup.
Consider what you want the room to convey. Your living room wall decor should speak that message without words.
3. Choose Colors That Fit
Color matters. The wrong shade can clash. The right one can tie everything together. Therefore, choosing wall art colors requires careful consideration.
Here are three ways to do it:
Option 1: Match the room colors.
Select art that features the same dominant colors as your walls, rug, or sofa. It gives the space that clean, put-together feeling.
Option 2: Use one color from your room.
Pick one intense color from your space and find art that highlights it. This adds balance.
Option 3: Go bold with contrast.
If your room is full of neutrals, a big burst of color will clamor for attention. Just don't overdo it.
Be careful not to jumble too many shades. You don’t actually need more than two or three basic colors. Keep things simple.
4. Pick the Right Size
Size is key. Too small, and the art looks lost. Too big, and it overpowers the room.
Here's how to choose the best art sizes for living room walls:
- Over a sofa: The art should be 2/3 to 3/4 the width of the couch.
- Above a console or fireplace: It should be smaller than the furniture below.
- Standalone wall: Go big. One large piece works well.
You can also hang more than one. Try two or three medium pieces side by side. Keep the space between them even.
5. Pick a Style That Feels Right
Your art should reflect your taste. What do you like? Real scenes, abstract shapes, quotes, nature, or cityscapes?
Look at these modern wall art ideas:
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Abstract pieces for a trendy vibe
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Watercolor landscapes for calm spaces
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Minimal line drawings for a clean look
- Graphic prints for fun or pop themes
- Quotes or words for a personal touch
Avoid copying trends if they don’t speak to you. Go with what feels right. That’s how your space feels like home.
6. Canvas or Framed? Choose What Works
Here comes a common question: canvas vs framed art – which is better?
Each has its charm. Let’s break it down:
Canvas Art:
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No glass
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Soft texture
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Works well with modern or casual styles
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Often cheaper and lighter
Framed Art:
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Has a clean border
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Looks more formal or classic
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Can be protected with glass
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Good for prints and photos
Still can’t decide? Try mixing both. A large canvas hangs above the sofa. A framed print on a side wall. Mix and match for depth.
7. Hang It Right
Even great art can feel out of place if it's hung poorly. Follow these tips:
- Hang at eye level. It means the center of the art is about 57 inches from the floor.
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Don’t hang it too high.
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Keep equal spacing between pieces.
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Use strong hooks or wall mounts.
Try laying the art on the floor first. Move it around and see what layout looks best. Then mark the wall before hanging.
8. Tell a Story With a Gallery Wall
One large piece isn’t your only choice. A gallery wall lets you group smaller works together.
Gallery walls are great home art decor tips. They show your style and tell a story.
Check out how to do it:
- Select a theme (black and white photos, family pictures, calm nature).
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Use matching frames or mix styles.
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Plan the layout on the floor first.
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Keep spacing even (2–3 inches apart).
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Start with the center piece and build around it.
This way, your living room wall decor becomes more than art, it becomes a story.
9. Use Art to Highlight Features
Art isn't just for empty walls. It can also guide the eye.
Place a piece above your fireplace to make it stand out. Put a vertical piece between two windows. Use horizontal art to stretch a small wall.
You can also lean a piece on a shelf or sideboard. It gives a relaxed feel. No nails needed.
Consider art as an integral part of the room's design. Not just something you hang after the rest is done.
10. Mix Old and New
New art feels fresh. But don’t ignore old favorites. A mix of both gives your space depth.Try this:
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A modern print next to a vintage poster
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A new canvas near a family photo
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A simple sketch above a bold wall color
This mix keeps things real. Your home should show your life, not just trends.
11. Trust Your Gut
All the tips in the world can't beat your taste. If it makes you smile, it should be in your home.
There are people who, upon seeing a painting, fall instantly in love with it. Others need time. Let your feelings lead you. That's the best artwork selection tip of all.
12. Update Over Time
You don’t need to get all your art at once. Build your collection over time. Start with one or two pieces. Add more as your space grows.
Switch art with the seasons. Try bright pieces in summer and warm tones in winter. This keeps your space fresh.
And if you change your style? Change your art. Your walls should grow with you.
13. Think About the Frame Color
If you go with framed art, don't forget the frame itself. The wrong frame can ruin a great piece of art.
Follow this rule:
- Match the frame to other finishes in your room (wood, metal, black).
- Use simple frames for bold art.
- Use bold frames for simple prints.
Frame color is also a consideration when selecting wall art colors. It should blend in or stand out for the right reasons.
14. Don’t Forget Lighting
Art needs light. A dark corner hides even the best piece.
Light up your art with ceiling lights, floor lights and spotlights. Natural light is fine, but don’t allow glare or direct sunlight to hit any framed prints.
Good Lighting brings out color and detail. It also adds warmth to your living room wall art.
15. Where to Find Art
You don’t have to buy from a gallery. Try these places:
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Local markets or fairs
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Online art shops
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Photography websites
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Art from your kids!
Art doesn’t have to be expensive. Even a $20 print can shine if you hang it right. Look for pieces that fit your style, wall, and mood. That’s what matters most.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect one is more than just the space available. It's also about making your space feel homely. Focus on color, size, style, and emotion to help make a decision. Keep these artwork selection tips in mind:
- Match the size to the wall
- living room wall art
- Choose fitting colors
- Use art to show your style.
- Mix canvas and framed art.
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Let the space grow with time.
Remember the most important of all home art decor tips: love what you pick.
Your art should evoke a strong emotional response every time you walk in. Now go ahead. Make those walls yours.