How to Choose the Perfect Custom Wall Art for Your Home
Decorating your home with custom wall art is a fun way to show your style and make your space look even better. But with so many options available, choosing the perfect piece can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you select wall art that perfectly complements your home’s style, fits the space, and enhances your overall décor.
1. Identify Your Personal Style
The first step in choosing the right wall art is identifying your style. Your home should reflect your taste and personality, so it’s important to select artwork that resonates with you. Here are a few styles to consider:
- Modern/Minimalist: Look for abstract or geometric designs in neutral tones or monochrome colour schemes.
- Bohemian: Vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and ethnic motifs are great choices for a boho vibe.
- Traditional/Classic: Think of timeless pieces such as landscapes, still life, or classic portraits.
- Rustic/Farmhouse: Opt for artwork featuring natural themes, like countryside scenes or vintage-inspired designs.
- Contemporary: Bold, edgy, and experimental art can add a modern twist to your living space.
By matching the style of the artwork to the overall theme of your home, you can ensure that the piece feels cohesive within your space.
2. Consider the Room’s Purpose
Each room in your home serves a different purpose, and your wall art should reflect that. Here are some ideas on how to choose art based on the room:
- Living Room: As a central gathering space, consider choosing a statement piece, like a large canvas or a set of coordinated prints. Something bold and eye-catching will serve as a focal point and conversation starter.
- Bedroom: In this more private, serene space, opt for calming artwork, like nature scenes or abstract pieces in soft hues. Personalized prints with quotes or meaningful designs also work well in bedrooms.
- Home Office: Choose art that boosts creativity and productivity. Motivational prints, abstract art, or calming landscapes can create an inspiring workspace.
- Kitchen/Dining Room: This is the heart of many homes, and wall art here should feel inviting. Food-themed art, whimsical prints, or family-centric pieces can add warmth to these spaces.
- Hallways/Entryways: These transitional spaces are perfect for smaller, complementary pieces, such as a gallery wall or a series of themed posters that tell a story as you walk through.
3. Choose the Right Size
Scale is key when selecting wall art. You want to avoid pieces that are too small or too large for your wall, as they can look out of place. Here are some tips for choosing the right size:
- Measure Your Wall Space: Measure the wall where you plan to hang the art. A general rule is to leave 6 to 12 inches of blank space around the frame so that the art doesn’t feel cramped.
- Large Spaces: For big walls, such as those in a living room, choose larger art pieces or even a collection of smaller pieces (like a gallery wall) to fill the space without overwhelming it.
- Small Spaces: Smaller walls, like those in hallways or bathrooms, benefit from smaller prints or art grouped in clusters.
- Above Furniture: If you’re hanging artwork above furniture (like a sofa or bed), aim for art that is two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the furniture to maintain balance.
Bonus Tip: If you’re unsure about the size, try using painter’s tape to outline the dimensions of the artwork on your wall. This will give you a visual idea of how the art will fit before purchasing.
4. Coordinate Colors with Your Existing Décor
When it comes to choosing the colours of your wall art, it’s important to think about how they will complement your existing décor. There are two main approaches to selecting colours:
- Complementary Colors: Choose art that features colours that complement or contrast with the existing palette of your room. For example, if your room is decorated in cool tones like blues and greys, a piece of art with warm accents (reds, oranges, yellows) can create a beautiful contrast.
- Monochromatic Scheme: For a more cohesive look, you might choose art that blends seamlessly with the room’s colour scheme. If your room is primarily neutral, consider wall art with soft, muted colours to maintain that calming aesthetic.
Be sure to pay attention to the dominant colours in the artwork and how they match the walls, furniture, and decorative pieces in your room. A well-coordinated palette can help tie the room together and make it feel complete.
5. Think About Framing and Finishes
The presentation of your wall art can be just as important as the artwork itself. Consider the following:
- Framing Options: A frame can enhance or completely change the look of the artwork. Choose a frame that suits the piece and the room it will be displayed. For modern art, you might prefer a sleek black or white frame, while a rustic wooden frame could work well in a more traditional or rustic home.
- Canvas vs. Poster: If you prefer a more contemporary look, a frameless canvas print may be perfect for your space. Posters, on the other hand, are more versatile and can easily be framed for a polished appearance.
- Finish Options: Decide between matte or glossy finishes depending on the overall aesthetic you want. A matte finish offers a more subtle look, while a glossy finish can make the colours pop and feel more vibrant.
6. Incorporate Personal Elements
Custom wall art offers the opportunity to add a personal touch to your home. Here are some ways to personalize your wall art:
- Family Photos: Turn your favourite family portraits into canvas or poster prints to create a meaningful and personal display.
- Quotes and Typography: If there’s a quote or phrase that holds special meaning to you, consider having it custom-made as wall art.
- Pet Portraits: Celebrate your furry friends by turning their photos into custom wall art. This is especially popular in pet-friendly homes.
- Travel Memories: Turn photos from your favourite holidays into beautiful wall art to remind you of the places you’ve visited and the memories you’ve made.
7. Mix and Match Styles
Don’t be afraid to mix different styles of wall art in the same room. Combining abstract prints with photography or typography can create an eclectic, layered look that reflects your personality. Just make sure there is a common thread—whether it’s colour, frame style, or theme—that ties the pieces together.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect custom wall art for your home is all about blending personal style with the practical elements of size, colour, and space. By taking into account your home’s décor, the function of the room, and the type of art that speaks to you, you’ll create a unique and personalized space that feels truly your own. Whether you’re going for bold, modern pieces or more subtle, classic designs, custom wall art is a wonderful way to make your home feel more like “you.”