How to Place an artwork in your Space
This is just a Guide to Creating a Beautiful and Harmonious Space
Art has the power to transform a room. Whether it’s a striking painting, a vintage poster, or a unique sculpture, the right piece of art can bring a space to life, reflect your personality, and even influence the mood of the room. To truly enhance your living space, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure that your artwork complements the room’s design and atmosphere.
This guide will help on how to maximize visual impact and harmony:
1. Consider the Room’s Purpose and Atmosphere
The first thing to consider when placing artwork is the function and mood of the room. Different types of artwork can evoke different feelings, so it's essential to choose pieces that align with the purpose of the space.
- Living Room: As the central gathering space in your home, the living room is a good place for statement-making artwork. Opt for a piece that seems ideal for the room or sparks conversation. Bright, vibrant colors might energize a space, while muted tones can create a calming, serene environment.
- Bedroom: For the bedroom, you want artwork that promotes relaxation and comfort. Soft landscapes, abstract pieces with gentle color schemes are good. Avoid overly bold or busy designs that may disrupt the tranquility of the room.
- Dining Room: Art in the dining room should stimulate conversation and complement the design of the table and chairs. Bold, vibrant pieces can work here. Also, consider the size of the art in relation to the table—it should feel balanced and proportional.
- Office: Artwork in a home office can serve as both inspiration and a reflection of your style. Luck bringing artwork, minimalistic pieces, or abstract designs can create an environment conducive to focus and creativity.
2. Think About Scale and Proportion
- One of the most important aspects of placing artwork is ensuring the size of the piece is proportionate to the wall or furniture it is hung above. Here are some tips for achieving the right balance:
- Large artwork: If you have a big, blank wall, you may choose a large artwork. It creates a focal point and can fill an otherwise empty space beautifully. Just ensure the scale of the art aligns with the room’s dimensions.
- Gallery wall: If you have a collection of smaller pieces, a gallery wall can be a great way to showcase them all in one place. When grouping multiple works of art, make sure to maintain consistent spacing (generally 2 to 4 inches apart) to keep it visually organized.
- Above Furniture: When placing art above furniture, aim for the center of the piece to be at eye level. Typically, the center of the artwork should be about 57 to 60 inches from the floor, but this can vary based on the size of the room and your height. A good rule of thumb is to leave about 6 to 8 inches between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the frame.
3. Match Colors and Styles
- Your artwork should complement the color palette and design style of the room. Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Coordinating Colors: If your room already has a set color scheme, select artwork that either complements or contrasts these colors. If your walls are a neutral tone, a colorful painting or photograph can provide a pop of color. Conversely, if your room has bold colors, you might want to opt for artwork with muted tones or more neutral designs to create balance.
- Consider the Style: The style of the artwork should mesh well with the overall aesthetic of the room. For example, minimalist art works well in modern or Scandinavian interiors, while a vintage painting could be perfect for a traditional or eclectic room. Art can be a reflection of your personal taste.
- 4. Consider Lighting
- Lighting is just as important as placement when it comes to showcasing artwork. Well-lit artwork draws attention and enhances its visual appeal. Here are some tips for lighting your pieces effectively:
- Natural Light: If possible, hang your art near windows to take advantage of natural light. However, be cautious about direct sunlight, as it can fade the colors over time.
- Accent Lighting: For a dramatic effect, use track lighting or spotlights to highlight artwork. These lighting fixtures allow you to direct light exactly where it’s needed and can make your art stand out in the room.
- Ambient Lighting: If your space doesn’t get much natural light, consider using ambient lighting, such as a soft overhead light or table lamps, to brighten the artwork.
- 5. Create a Focal Point
- The artwork you choose can serve as the focal point of the room. To make your art stand out, consider placing it in a prominent location where it immediately draws attention. Some ideas include:
- Over the Sofa or Bed: These are prime locations for large, bold art that commands attention. A striking piece can instantly become the centerpiece of the room.
- In a Corridor or Hallway: Narrow spaces like corridors can benefit from artwork, especially if you have several pieces displayed along the walls. This creates a dynamic and engaging passage.
- Complementary Art: In some cases, a collection of artworks can work together as a cohesive focal point, like a series of photos or a themed set of prints that work together to tell a story.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
· Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts when placing artwork in your home. Sometimes, an unexpected placement or combination can create a stunning effect that surprises you.
Final Thoughts
- Take your time to find pieces that you love, and feel connection, enjoy the process of curating a beautiful, art-filled environment that you can enjoy every day.