If you're looking to give your living room, dining room, or general home decor a fresh new look to completely transform it, a wall art makeover may be just what you need.
When it comes to choosing art, there are no hard and fast rules. You can hang whatever you like on your walls, as long as you’re happy with the final results. However, if you’re looking for some tips on how to choose the perfect wall art for your home, read on.
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1. Consider the Size of the Wall Art
The first thing to consider is the size of the artwork. It should be proportionate to the size of the wall and the other objects in the room. If you have a lot of small decor in the room, you may want to go for a large wall art piece that serves as more of a focal point. Alternatively, if you have a large wall to fill, you could go for several small wall art pieces to create a gallery wall across the space.
Also, don’t forget that you can always get creative with the way you hang your artwork. If you have a large piece, you could consider hanging it horizontally instead of vertically. This can be a great way to make a statement.
When it comes to hanging small paintings, to create a gallery wall, for instance, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you want to make sure that the paintings are hung at the same height and that the spacing between them is even. You can use a ruler or a spirit level to help you with this.
Another thing to consider when you choose art is the type of frames you use to complement it. If you have thin frames, you may want to attach some wire or cord to the back so that you can hang them using picture hooks. This will give you more flexibility when it comes to placement.
2. Think About Artwork Style
Image credit: printandproper.co.uk
The next thing to think about is the style and colour palette of the artwork. This is entirely up to you and should reflect your taste. If you’re not sure what style you like, take a look around your home. Do you tend to gravitate towards traditional or contemporary pieces? Do you prefer abstract or figurative art?
Once you’ve decided on the style of artwork you like, it’s time to start shopping. There are a few different places you can look. Firstly, check out your local art galleries. They will usually have a range of styles on display and you may be able to find something that catches your eye. Looking at the David Hart Paintings, for example, you can see that style doesn't have to be strict or conform to one category. It can be ever-changing and versatile.
If you’re not sure where to start, take a look online. Several websites sell artwork, so you should be able to find something that suits your taste and budget. Just make sure you read the descriptions carefully so that you know what you’re buying.
3. Set a Realistic Budget in Advance
Another important consideration is your budget. A piece of art can range in price from a few pounds to tens of thousands, so it’s important to set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Once you know how much you’re willing to spend, you can narrow down your search and focus on pieces that are within your price range.
Although art can be expensive, this doesn’t mean that all artwork is expensive. There are many great pieces out there that are affordable for anyone. If you’re on a budget, don’t let that stop you from buying art. There are plenty of great options out there that won’t break the bank.
Additionally, don’t forget that you can always look for sales or discounts. Many galleries and websites offer sales of new artwork from time to time, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for these. You may be able to find artwork at a fraction of the price.
4. Decide on the Wall Art Location
Another important factor to consider when you hang art is the location that you choose. Is there a specific spot that you have in mind?
One thing to consider when choosing a location is the lighting, and how it interacts with the wall art. Ideally, you want to choose a spot that gets plenty of natural light. This will help to bring out the colours and details in the artwork.
If you’re hanging a landscape painting, for example, you don’t want to put it in an area where it will be in direct sunlight as this can fade the colours over time.
You also need to think about the size of the artwork. Make sure that you have enough space to accommodate the piece, as it should fit comfortably in the chosen spot without being too cramped.
For example, if you’re hanging a large painting, you need to make sure that there’s enough wall space around it. If you’re hanging a smaller piece, you may want to consider adding some other elements to the grouping, such as photos or other artwork.
5. How Should You Hang Your Artwork?
Image credit: interiordesign.lovetoknow.com
Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot for your artwork, it’s time to start thinking about hanging it. This is where things can get a bit tricky as there are a few different methods you can use.
If you’re not sure how to hang your artwork, the best thing to do is to get the help of a professional carpenter or odd job person.
One way to hang your artwork is to use picture wire. This is a strong wire that’s designed to support the weight of the artwork. It’s easy to use and all you need is a few basic tools.
Another common method of adding wall art to your wall is to use frame hangers. These are small metal plates that are attached to the back of the frame. They’re easy to use and they provide a sturdy way to hang your artwork.
A third option is to use Velcro strips. These are easy to use and they’re very versatile. You can use them to hang artwork of all sizes.
6. Tips for Displaying the Wall Art
How you display your wall art is just as important as the art itself. You want to create a cohesive and balanced look that complements your space. Here are a few tips for displaying wall art:
1) Consider the size of the artwork and the space it will be displayed in. Make sure the artwork isn’t too small or too large for the space.
2) Hang artwork at eye level. This will create a more harmonious look and make the piece more visible.
3) Group similar pieces together to create a visual focal point.
4) Use different sizes, shapes, and colours of artwork to create visual interest.
5) Think about how you want the room to feel and choose artwork that reflects that mood. For example, if you want a calming and relaxing space, choose nature-inspired prints or abstracts. If you want a more energetic and lively feel, choose bright colours and bold prints.
If you want to create a sophisticated and elegant look, choose black and white photos. You can hang them in a grid or a staggered formation. This will create visual interest and will help to add depth to the space. You can also mix up the sizes and shapes of the photos to create more visual interest.
7. Don't Neglect the Maintenance of Artwork
Image credit: utrdecorating.com
Once you’ve hung your artwork, you need to think about maintenance. How are you going to keep it looking its best?
One of the best ways to protect your artwork is to frame it. This will help to keep it from getting damaged or dirty. Make sure that you use high-quality materials and that the frame is the right size for the piece.
Another good idea is to dust your artwork regularly. This will help to keep it looking clean and will prevent dust from building up over time.
If you have paintings or photographs, you may also want to consider using a UV-resistant spray. This will help to protect the colours from fading in direct sunlight.
If you want to go a step further, you can also have your artwork laminated. This will add an extra layer of protection and will make it easier to clean. Not only that, but it will also help to prevent creases and wrinkles.
You can even have your artwork mounted on foam board to make it even more durable. You can do this by yourself or you can take it to a professional.
My Final Thoughts
Wall art is an important part of your decor and a great way to add personality and character to your space. It can also be used to create a visual focal point or to complement the mood of the room.
When choosing wall art pieces, it’s important to consider the size, shape, and colour of the piece. You also need to think about how you want the room to look and feel. Choose artwork that reflects the mood you are aiming for and of course, your style.
If you’re not sure how to hang your artwork and don't wish to tackle this yourself, take it to a professional framer or gallery for help.
Dust your artwork regularly and, if you have paintings or photographs, use a UV-resistant spray to keep them looking fresh and vibrant. Group similar pieces together for a cohesive look and consider your eye level when hanging artwork.
The bottom line is to have fun and be creative!
Author: Matthew Chiappini
