How to Choose the Perfect Wall Art for Your Home?

Buying art doesn’t come naturally to many, not least because we’re not all gallery curators and artists ourselves. But it’s undeniable that wall decor in a home can take the aesthetics of the space up a notch and act as positive visual cues. While furniture makes a home practical, wall features, such as an accent wall or an artwork infuses it with personality and a sense of style. If you’re not the most artsy person around and wondering how to choose artwork for your home, these tips will help you hit the ground running.

Tip #1: Zero In on a Style of Wall Art

There are, of course, numerous different ways to categorise art like folk, tribal, art by painters and regional styles. Artwork varies in style, from Renaissance to modern and everything in between. As a wall accent, art works well as a focal point in your room, especially if you pick an offbeat piece that plays with colours, textures and design. Or you can choose to play it safe with a simple piece that is in line with the room’s decor scheme. It is also possible to design an entire room around a single statement piece of art, something that is eye-catching and one-of-a-kind!

Tip #2: When in Doubt, Stick With Time-tested Folk Art

If you have no idea of how to choose artwork for your home, go with a type of art that will always remain evergreen! Folk art like Batik or Songket are not a passing trend; they have been around for centuries and will continue to do so for more. Instead of opting for a painting, you can also choose interesting wall features like this Batik mask to play up the look of your room.

Tip #3: Budget Versions of Famous Artists: Yay or Nay?

Well, not all of us can afford the Frida Kahlos of the world. At any rate, having tasteful wall decor options should not be limited just because of lack of resources. But do imitation or budget renditions of famous painters’ works look slightly low-brow? Not if you pick a decent version that is inspired by the original instead of being a cheap imitation! 

Tip #4: Support Local Artists

Just like the greats among painters have their place, let the lesser-known local artists can also figure in your decor scheme. You will be surprised by how many budding artists you can find locally whose captivating works can create a stunning wall accent. Not only is this an economical option but it also helps you become a patron of original art.

Tip 5: Keep Wall Decor That Reminds You of Home

In our moments of crisis, we always fall back on our childhood memories. The place we grow up in always has a very special place in our hearts. That is why, when you are wondering how to choose wall decor for your home, always keep something from your hometown. It could be a simple painting of your hometown done by a local artist. Anything that feels like home can never be the wrong choice for your interiors. 

Tip #6: Pick up Wall Accent Pieces on Your Travels

Art never has an objective definition; it means different things to different people. To some, it may be a style statement or expression of their personality while to others, it could be all about memories and experiences. If you fall in the latter category, use wall art pieces that you pick up during your travels to decorate your home. You can use a mix of things, like exotic paintings or even tribal masks in this category, depending upon the places you have visited, to play up the look of your wall.

Tip #7: Decide Where You Want to Place Artwork

Wall art no longer needs to be hung up on the wall. Framed artwork can be kept on the floor against the wall, or on a bench, even layered with smaller pieces to create a focal point. Such unique wall features can be used to create vignettes alongside personal items. Depending on where you plan your wall decor, you’ll need to decide the size, framing (or lack thereof) and other details.

Tip #8: Pick the Right Size

The size of your wall decor matters. The incorrect size can make your wall art look out of place in your room of choice. For maths enthusiasts, multiply the width and length of available wall space by .57 and .75. This will tell you the size range for your artwork. Those who prefer to wing it, you’ll want a piece that covers either 4/7th or 3/4th of your available wall space. Keep in mind the thickness of the potential frame if you’re buying just a print or mounted canvas.

Tip #9: Fix a Budget and Don’t Cross It

When it comes to art, there is a wide spectrum of prices depending on mediums, artists, age, popularity and much more. This means that maintaining a fixed budget is key as art could well blow a gaping hole in your wallet. Mass-produced art often available on art-focused sites is ideal for those on a budget. Art fairs and gallery exhibitions are where to go if you want a renowned or unique piece. Swing by low-key artist exhibitions, fairs and vintage markets, too, because chances are you’ll find a gem or two there, without shelling out too much!

Tip #10: Choose an Optimum Number

You could choose a single statement work as your wall decor or group several pieces together for a gallery wall effect. For single pieces, tip #2 works best. However, if you want a gallery wall, it’s best to map it out first to see how many pieces you need and in what shapes and sizes. You can do this on a giant piece of cardboard, taped newspapers or on the wall itself with painters’ tape. The last option is great if you want to figure out where to drill holes.

Bonus Tip: Frame DIY Wall Art That Feels Like ‘You’

While all the other options here are about sourcing the right kind of wall art for your home, this one is about channelling your inner artist and creating art yourself. Trust us, there really isn’t anything that expresses your personality as well as DIY art. If you have kids, frame the art they create over the years; it’s the best time-lapse capsule for them when they grow up. 

Armed with these tips on how to choose wall decor for your home, you’ll be all set to speak from the heart with art! Also check out these Insta-worthy ways to decorate your walls without going broke!

How Can Livspace Help You?

Want stunning interiors? Livspace can help you! All you have to do is book an online consultation. If you prefer meeting in person, you can also find Livspace designers at the IKEA Damansara store. Hurry up and get quality home interiors from the best in the industry!

Write to us at editor.sg@livspace.com