Most walls start off empty and sad. Sure, you can put vibrant colors or wallpapers over it, but the intentional feel you get with the right art pieces is unmatched.
Whether you’re designing a cozy living room, a startup office that feels homey, or a fancy hotel lobby that looks fresh, well-placed art can change everything.
Here’s your guide to choosing, placing, and installing art to make your room go from boring to “Wow, I want to live here forever.”
Think About the Mood
This is where most people mess up. They jump straight into buying pieces without figuring out what story they want the space to tell.
Start by considering:
- The kind of atmosphere or vibe you want the room to give off. Do you want it to feel calming and relaxing, or bold and energetic?
- The presence of the art piece. Do you want people to notice it or just feel its presence?
- The kind of people who will be visiting your space
Knowing what you want the artwork to convey can help a lot in choosing the right one.
Match the Art to the Environment
You might love street art or abstract pieces, but pause and think about it first. Does your favorite art piece make sense in your law firm’s waiting room?
Similarly, a grayscale sketch of a single tree might not work in your maximalist kitchen covered in colorful and vibrant wallpaper.
Try to match the mood of the art to the mood of your space. If it’s a residential place, you can go personal; but for commercial spaces, think about your brand first.
Consider the Size and Placement
How big or small your art piece is, and whether you’ve hung it too high or too low, also matters. It can make the overall look seem a bit flawed or out of place.
To make sure the art piece looks good:
- Hang it at eye level.
- Make sure it’s similar in size to the piece of furniture you’re hanging it over.
- Opt for one large statement piece instead of multiple tiny ones.
- Mock it out before starting to decorate straight on the wall.
This is where getting the help of professional art installation services can help. They know everything from where to hang to how to hang art pieces for a proper, polished, and neat look.
Don’t Forget Framing
Framing is also part of the art. The wrong frame can make a beautiful piece feel cheap, while the right one can add depth, contrast, and subtle luxury.
You can use:
- Gold or wood frames for classic oil paintings and portraits.
- Minimalist frames for modern art or photography.
- Float mounts for anything on textured paper or canvas.
Don’t be afraid to mix it up. Not every piece needs to match.
Try Lighting
For an extra effect and to build ambiance, you can use spotlights or track lighting to make certain pieces stand out.
Avoid placing art in direct sunlight, as it can cause the colors to fade. LED lights work best and are energy-efficient as well.