The Ultimate Guide: Choosing Paintings for Living Room Décor
Your living room serves as the heart of your home, a space where family and friends gather to relax, converse, and create cherished memories. One of the most effective ways to infuse personality, warmth, and style into this central hub is through carefully chosen artwork. In this blog, let us explore how to choose paintings for the living room.
Discover the centerpiece of your living space
When you step into your living room, what grabs your attention first? If it's the comfy sofa where everyone gathers, consider hanging a striking piece of abstract wall art above it to spark conversations. Alternatively, if your eyes are drawn to the fireplace, opt for something understated and sleek to enhance its elegance. Perhaps it's the inviting rug that steals the spotlight; in that case, select wall decor that harmonizes with its style and hues. And don't forget to leave ample space around the artwork so you and your visitors can admire it fully.
Consider the ambiance you wish to create in your space
If your goal is to cultivate a cozy and tranquil atmosphere, envision your living room as a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Embrace nature-inspired tones with landscape painting or nature painting in soothing neutral wall art and earthy colours. Incorporate plush textures and flickering candles to enhance the sense of warmth. On the other hand, if you envision your living space as a vibrant hub of activity and social gatherings, opt for bold abstract art paintings or lively figurative paintings that exude energy and vitality. In a spacious, open-plan layout, let your creativity run wild with bold abstract shapes and lively botanical prints. Choose pieces that evoke joy and excitement, adding an extra layer of liveliness to your home.
Select the appropriate size for the artwork
Choosing the right size of artwork can significantly impact the ambience of your living space. Are you eyeing a particular piece but unsure if it's the perfect fit? Or perhaps you're puzzled about which size to pick for a specific spot in your room. For smaller wall art, think about utilizing shelves in alcoves or on a media wall. Experiment with varying heights to add visual intrigue. You might lean a tall portrait against the wall alongside small decorative items like bowls, plants, or wide landscape prints, or mix tall vases and candlesticks with wider pieces. Medium-sized artwork offers versatility. It can complement an occasional chair or pair elegantly with a side table, adding interest without overwhelming the area. This size choice allows you to create a balanced look that contributes to the overall harmony of your living room. Consider large-scale artwork for prominent areas like above a sofa or a focal point such as a fireplace. Opting for a sizable framed canvas or print can simplify the design and maintain a polished look. Take into account the room's height, ensuring there's ample surrounding space to prevent it from overpowering and shrinking the room's visual space.
Think about the colors in your living room.
When selecting artwork, consider the existing color scheme of your space. This can serve as a helpful guide in determining the level of contrast you desire between the art and other elements in the room. Keep in mind, there's no need to stick strictly to matching colors! For instance, if your living room walls are predominantly green, it doesn't mean your artwork must be green too. Accent colors can be particularly effective in this scenario, as can using neutral tones or black and white pieces to tone down vibrant hues. If you're aiming for a cosy and calming atmosphere, opting for a tonal approach can be especially effective.
Consider the type of artwork that appeals to you
One of the most crucial decisions when decorating your living room is determining the type of art you want to display. We always emphasize the importance of selecting pieces that resonate with your individuality rather than following fleeting trends. Look for artwork that speaks to your soul and holds personal significance.
Where to place art in your living room
Deciding where to hang artwork in your living room can feel daunting with the myriad of options available. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started: Above your sofa - Since the sofa often serves as a focal point, hanging artwork above it ensures it catches the eye immediately. Consider either one large canvas or a set of two, depending on the available wall space. Over your fireplace - Placing artwork above a fireplace not only provides a focal point but also ensures it remains visible from every corner of the room. On a wall opposite a window - Hanging artwork opposite a window allows you to appreciate both the artwork and the outdoor view simultaneously. On shelves - Utilizing shelves can be a fantastic option if you prefer displaying smaller pieces of artwork, postcards, or photographs, particularly those commemorating your favourite holidays. On sideboards - Embracing the current trend of leaning art against the floor or a sideboard can lend a stylish touch to your living room, especially when featuring large, minimalist abstract prints.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your living room is a reflection of your style and preferences, so opt for artwork that resonates with you and adds character to your space. Choose pieces that harmonize with the existing colours and furniture while allowing room for spontaneity and individual expression. The beauty of wall art lies in its versatility, so feel free to switch things up until you achieve the perfect look and ambience for your lounging space.