Art is something that can change the world! An otherwise boring wall can be completely transformed into a portal to another world with the right artwork! It should be no secret that I am passionate about art as my lifelong hobbies basically always included having something awesome on my wall! I do know that choosing art and making sure it will fit may be a challenge. That is why I creating this short guide to choosing artwork you will love, matching it to your space and setting up your space! After reading this, you will be able to choose the perfect art for your space!
I have been known to do some pretty crazy things to my walls over the years, like adding glitter, or vines and twigs ;-). Here are some basic (AND not so crazy) ideas to help you choose the perfect art for your space. Remember that art is subjective and not limited to “paintings.”
1. Survey the room
Take a look around the room that you are needing art for. Is there a certain theme or style (Modern, BOHO, farmhouse)? A prevalent color? How big is the wall that you are wanting to showcase? While everyone’s home and tastes will be different, there are a few basic guidelines for certain situations.
Measure the space you have available. This will determine what size art will look best in your home. If you are going for a large area over the couch, a large painting or a group of paintings in a gallery display will be your best option. Make sure to fill your art area, but also use the negative space around your art to draw interest.
For smaller spaces, try to fill up your space while leaving some room on the wall for a border.
Make sure to account the sizing of any frames that you may want to add to the art!
2. Pick a Color Scheme
Does your room have a mood that you want to portray? Teals and blues are calming, while pinks are more wild and free. Earth tones are subtle but still could provide a calming warm feeling to your room.
When trying to pick a color scheme, I recommend taking a look at a color wheel to get a feel for what colors work well together. Check out Decoart.com for all kinds of color tips!
If your room is white or neutral, any pop of color in your art will be greatly enhanced. Make sure you pick a color you enjoy!
If you have colored walls or furniture, choose art that are a few steps away on the color wheel (green, light green, yellow) to achieve an analogous color look, or choose the opposite color on the wheel (green, red) for a complimentary pop of color! Black and white are always fun and go with (most) everything.
Make sure to decorate with the overall mood you want to convey. (Don’t use a lot of red if you are wanting a calm and tranquil room.)
Via Elle Decor
3. Find your art
Now for the fun part! I am all for finding art that really speaks to you! Whether it is a collection of black and white photography, a mixed media piece or a traditional painting, make sure it speaks to you! That being said, there is an infinite places to shop for art. Etsy, Art.com and thrift stores , will all have beautiful pieces of original art. Art galleries and collectives are another great option. Find what fits your space and will speak to you and inspire you and you are golden!
When shopping online, be aware that colors on-screen may look different when you see them in person. You never know exactly what you are going to get. An artist could’ve been photographing in bad light, or your monitor may need to be calibrated! Art fairs and festivals are another great choice where you can view art in person under a natural light.
Another art finding option could be including something personal or special into your space. This could be black and white photos, framed momentous or a personalized wood sign. Even items that you are passionate about can be converted into art pieces! Don’t limit your imagination, be excited about your art! Remember to go with what you like and what will match your space.
If you are still looking for your signature room style and would like some motivation, try out this fun quiz. (They do have you give your email to see the results)
4. Framing
A lot of art will require you to frame it. Depending on what you are framing, there are a few basic tips.
Via A Beautiful Mess
Basic framing tips:
- Make sure the frame also goes with your color scheme.
- Choose a frame that goes with the look of your room (don’t use an overly ornate frame in a modern clean lined room unless that is the look you are going for)
- Choose a frame that doesn’t distract from the art.
- Canvases can be framed with no glass in shadow box frames, or simply may have the edges painted, depending on the look you desire
- Original art (such as watercolors) can be floated behind UV protected glass.
- If you are framing a print or photo, a larger negative space in the mat is better. (make sure the framed art will still fit in your space)
- Try to make the matting even all the way around. A frame shop will advise and give you previews of how everything will look.
- If you are hanging a gallery wall, use painters tape to trace everything out on your wall before nailing. A laser leveling tool may be a good idea as well.
- If you are hanging heavy art, nail into the studs of the wall or use anchors
- If you are renting, check out the command strips that have different weight limits
This site has lots of useful framing tips for your specific framing questions.
5. Enjoy the perfect art for your space
While art and all people’s’ tastes are different, that is truly the point of art. Art doesn’t have to be a simple painting, but it could be anything. Hats, masks, guitars, anything. An empty wall gives yo the chance to tell the story about who you are. Art can make you feel different emotions, uplift your spirit, or just help you to get lost in your own thoughts. I hope that if nothing else, these tips will inspire you to consider getting art (or making it) for your space as it can be something more precious than gold! Check out our Wall Art Mash up, or our BOHO Name Bow holder for more wall art ideas!
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