How to Select Wall Art and Décor for Your Home

Size

Selecting the right size artwork for your walls is important. If it’s too big, it’ll overwhelm your space. If it’s too small, it’ll look insignificant. In order to get the proportions right, here are a few general rules.

• Mini pieces of artwork less than 10 inches tall are typically better for table tops.
• Small pieces of art less than 24 inches tall are ideal for smaller walls in corners, foyers, bathrooms or hallways.
• Large pieces of artwork exceeding 32 inches tall look great on a dining room wall or over a bed or couch.
• Oversized pieces of artwork are larger than 40 inches high. Use them to make a statement on big open walls.

Orientation

There are several different ways to display your art.

Gallery Walls
Combine several pieces of art on one wall. They can be different sizes, but generally the largest piece is in the middle and is surrounded by smaller pieces. To learn how to create a gallery wall, read Hanging Picture Frames or Gallery Wall Frames.

Shelfies
A shelfie is an open shelf where art, plants and your favorite knickknacks can be displayed. A smaller piece of art works great on a shelfie. We have resources to help you learn how to build picture-frame shelves or hang a floating shelf.

Large Prints
If you have an extra-large wall in a dining room, bedroom or living space, consider one oversized print. There are also extra-large pieces of art that come in multiple panels that you can hang close together.

Materials
Wall art comes in a variety of materials. Most wall art is painted or printed on canvas. Canvas prints can be framed or stretched over a wooden frame and stapled in the back. Wood is another popular material. Prints are mounted on wood or durable medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and finished on the sides with a layer of foil. Other materials include paper, plastic, glass, fabric, ceramic and plaster.

Framing
There are several different framing options for your wall art. If you want a sharp, finished look, then try framed prints. They come in an endless variety of colors and finishes, including chrome, copper, bronze, gold and clear acrylic. To make your art really stand out, black frames with white matting look great for photography. Another option is frameless wall art. These are typically printed canvas pieces that are pulled over stretcher bars.

Whether your home is modern or traditional, rustic or midcentury, there’s wall art for every style and budget. As you select the perfect piece of artwork for your space, keep color and theme in mind. If there’s a color that you love, carry that through your art and accessories — blankets, throw pillows, knickknacks, lighting, etc. It’ll give the room a cohesive look.

Purchasing art is largely based on personal preference, but here are the most popular themes and colors for each room to help you get started.

Living Room
Themes: photography, landscape, portrait, abstract, travel, cityscapes

Colors: Black and white, neutral or bold colors work well. Tie the colors from the art into home décor accessories.

Kitchen
Themes: florals, food, inspirational quotes

Colors: Primary or secondary colors like red, orange, yellow and green are energizing and whimsical.

Dining Room
Themes: landscape, florals

Colors: Take risks with bold, beautiful colors. 

Bathroom and Powder Room
Theme: floral, nature, botanicals, coastal, photography

Colors: Light, natural colors with blues, grays, greige and light or sage green are nice for bathrooms. Powder rooms are a small space where you can make a big impact and have a little fun. Bright colorful prints will bring unexpected cheer, while framed black-and-white drawings can bring an air of sophistication.

Bedroom
Theme: photography, abstract, figurative

Colors: Calming colors like blues and greens are good for bedrooms. Avoid oranges and reds that are energizing.

Nursery and Kids Room
Theme: animals, sports, inspirational quotes, whimsical

Colors: Soft pastels or bold primary colors are often included.

Read more about how color affects moods and emotions.

Hanging paintings and artwork isn’t the only way to decorate your walls. Wall accents, tapestries and decals can also liven up your home.

Wall Accents
Materials: wood, metal, resin, glass, wicker

Some examples of wall accents include baskets, window wall art, decorative metal plates, wire sculptures, wall signs for kitchens and laundry rooms, hanging tin pots for small succulents or plants, and more.

Wall Tapestries
Materials: cotton, wood, wool and grass

The vivid colors and geometric patterns in cotton tapestries will add bohemian flair to your space. Woven wall art constructed with cotton, wood and wool would look great in a bedroom or living room.

Wall Decals 
Materials: self-adhesive decals

Homeowners or renters will love these peel-and-stick, easy-to-remove decals. Popular themes include animals and inspirational sayings, so they’d be ideal for nurseries or kids rooms.