How to Select Wall Art and Décor for Your Home

You want your artwork to do more than simply fill up space. Selecting the right wall art can elevate a room, adding style and reflecting the owner's personality. It's also important to consider size and placement to create an inviting interior. We'll give you tips and tricks to make a bold statement with your artwork. Here are some highlights.

• It's important to pay attention to scale and proportion.
• Select pieces that are true to your personal taste, while also aligning with the existing decor.
• Add texture and dimension to a room by installing wall accents made of metal, wood or textile pieces.
• A gallery wall or oversized piece of art can anchor a space, making a big impact.

Size
Selecting the right size artwork for your walls is important. If it’s too big, it’ll overwhelm your space. If it’s too small, it’ll look insignificant. In order to get the proportions right, here are a few general rules.

• Mini pieces of artwork less than 10 inches tall are typically better for table tops.
• Small pieces of art less than 24 inches tall are ideal for smaller walls, in corners, foyers, bathrooms or hallways.
• Large pieces of artwork exceeding 32 inches tall look great on a dining room wall or over a bed or couch.
• Oversized pieces of artwork are larger than 40 inches high. Use them to make a statement on big open walls.

Orientation
There are several different ways to display your art.

Gallery Walls
Combine several pieces of art on one wall. They can be different sizes, but generally the largest piece is in the middle and is surrounded by several smaller pieces.
Learn how to create a gallery wall.

Shelfies
A shelfie is an open shelf where art, plants and your favorite knickknacks can be displayed. A smaller piece of art works great on a shelfie.
Learn how to hang a floating shelf.

Large Prints
If you have an extra-large wall in a dining room, bedroom or living space, consider one oversized print. There are also extra-large pieces of art that come in multiple panels that you can hang close together.

Materials
Wall art comes in a variety of materials. Most wall art is painted or printed on canvas. Canvas prints can be framed or stretched over a wooden frame and stapled in the back. Wood is another popular material. Prints are mounted on wood or durable medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and finished on the sides with a layer of foil. Other materials include paper, plastic, glass, fabric, ceramic and plaster.

Framing
There are several different framing options for your wall art. If you want a sharp, finished look, try framed prints. They come in an endless variety of colors and finishes, including chrome, copper, bronze, gold and clear acrylic. To make your art really stand out, black frames with white matting look great for photography. Another option is frameless wall art. These are typically printed canvas pieces that are pulled over stretcher bars.

More Info
Try these 10 ideas for decorating large walls.
Learn more about choosing wall decor for an open floor plan.
Small apartment? Try these 14 decorating ideas.

Whether your home is modern or traditional, rustic or midcentury, there’s wall art for every style and budget. As you select the perfect piece of artwork for your space, keep color and theme in mind. If there’s a color that you love, carry that through your art and accessories — blankets, throw pillows, knickknacks, lighting, etc. It’ll give the room a cohesive look.

Purchasing art is largely based on personal preference, but here are the most popular themes and colors for each room to help you get started.

Living Room
Themes: photography, landscape, portrait, abstract, travel, cityscapes
Colors: Black and white, neutral or bold colors work well. Tie the colors from the art into home décor accessories.

Kitchen
Themes: florals, food, inspirational quotes
Colors: Primary or secondary colors like red, orange, yellow and green are energizing and whimsical.

Dining Room
Themes: landscape, florals
Colors: Take risks with bold, beautiful colors.

Bathroom and Powder Room
Theme: floral, nature, botanicals, coastal, photography
Colors: Light, natural colors with blues, grays, greige and light or sage green are nice for bathrooms. Powder rooms are a small space where you can make a big impact and have a little fun. Bright colorful prints will bring unexpected cheer, while framed black-and-white drawings can bring an air of sophistication.

Bedroom
Theme: photography, abstract, figurative
Colors: Calming colors like blues and greens are good for bedrooms. Avoid oranges and reds that are energizing.

Nursery and Kids Room
Theme: animals, sports, inspirational quotes, whimsical
Colors: Soft pastels or bold primary colors are often included.

Learn more about how color affects moods and emotions.

Hanging paintings and artwork isn’t the only way to decorate your walls. Wall accents, tapestries and decals can also liven up your home.

Wall Accents
Materials: wood, metal, resin, glass, wicker
Some examples of wall accents include baskets, window wall art, decorative metal plates, wire sculptures, wall signs for kitchens and laundry rooms, hanging tin pots for small succulents or plants, and more.

Wall Tapestries
Materials: cotton, wood, wool and grass
The vivid colors and geometric patterns in cotton tapestries will add bohemian flair to your space. Woven wall art constructed with cotton, wood and wool would look great in a bedroom or living room.

Wall Decals
Materials: self-adhesive decals
Homeowners or renters will love these peel-and-stick, easy-to-remove decals. Popular themes include animals and inspirational sayings, so they're ideal for nurseries or kid's rooms.

If you're ready to purchase artwork for your home, we have thousands of options to choose from. From florals to photography, landscape paintings to abstract pieces, we have what you need to decorate your space. Shop online now.