How Do You Choose the Perfect Art Print for Each Room?
1. Consider the Room’s Purpose
Different rooms serve different functions, and your art should reflect that.
- Living Room: This is often the social hub of the home. Choose art that sparks conversation or reflects your personality. Large, bold pieces can make a statement here.
- Bedroom: This is your personal retreat. Opt for calming and serene prints that help you relax. Nature scenes, abstract art in soft colours, or minimalist designs work well.
- Kitchen: The kitchen is often a bustling space. Consider cheerful and vibrant prints, perhaps with food themes or simple, modern designs.
- Home Office: Productivity and inspiration are key. Choose art that motivates you.
- Bathroom: Smaller spaces like bathrooms benefit from simple, clean art. Coastal themes, botanical prints, or subtle abstracts can add a touch of elegance.
2. Match the Colour Scheme
Your art print should complement the existing colour scheme of the room.
- Coordinate, Don’t Match: Choose prints that have a few colours in common with the room’s decor, but avoid perfectly matching everything. This creates harmony without looking too staged.
- Use Art to Introduce Accent Colours: If your room is mostly neutral, use art to introduce pops of colour. This can add interest and vibrancy to the space.
3. Think About Scale and Placement
The size of the art print is crucial.
- Large Spaces: Big, bold prints work well in large spaces or above substantial pieces of furniture. They fill the space without getting lost.
- Small Spaces: Smaller prints or sets of smaller prints (like a gallery wall) are ideal for more compact areas. They add detail without overwhelming the room.
- Eye Level: As a general rule, hang art at eye level. In living rooms, this means the center of the art should be about 57 inches from the floor. In dining rooms or above furniture, lower it a bit to account for seated viewing.
4. Mix and Match Styles
Don’t be afraid to mix different styles of art.
- Eclectic Look: Combining various styles can create a dynamic, eclectic feel. For example, pair a modern abstract print with a vintage botanical.
- Cohesive Themes: If you prefer a more cohesive look, stick to prints within the same theme or color palette. This can be particularly effective in creating a serene and unified space.
5. Reflect Your Personality
Your home should reflect who you are. Choose art that you genuinely love.
- Personal Connection: Select pieces that resonate with you on a personal level. Whether it’s a print of a place you love, an artist you admire, or a piece that makes you feel something, it should speak to you.
- Originality: Don’t just follow trends. While it’s helpful to know what’s popular, ultimately, your art choices should be about what you enjoy and what fits your space.
6. Experiment with Framing
The frame can have a significant impact on how the art is perceived.
- Consistent Frames: Using the same style of frames throughout a room can create a unified look.
- Mixing Frames: Different frames can add an eclectic, curated feel. Just be sure they complement each other and the art.
7. Rotate Art Regularly
To keep your space feeling fresh, consider rotating your art.(I do this all every year!)
- Seasonal Changes: Change prints according to the season. Bright, vibrant pieces for summer and warmer, cosier prints for winter.
- Mood Shifts: Swap out prints based on your changing tastes or moods. This keeps your decor dynamic and reflects your evolving style.
Choosing the perfect art print for each room is all about understanding the function of the space, coordinating with the existing decor, considering scale and placement, mixing styles, reflecting your personality, experimenting with framing, and rotating art regularly. With these tips, you can select art that enhances your home and makes each room feel complete.
Janey x