Adding Art to Your Walls
When it comes to embellishing a new apartment, a lot of people jump right to painting and buying new furniture. There’s a simpler way to gussy up a new place, though: add some art to the walls. Purchasing art can be intimidating, especially if your idea of “art” sticks exclusively to the painted canvasses you find at museums and galleries. The reality is, though, that art can be almost anything. There are no wrong answers in the world of wall art. We’ve compiled a few tips that might make the art-buying process easier if you’ve never done it before:
- Select works that mean something to you. As we mentioned, not every person is an art curator. That doesn’t mean your opinions aren’t valid, though. The entire point of art is to speak to people at a personal level, so if you find something that moves you, don’t worry about whether it would withstand the scrutiny of an art buff. Your gut will be your best friend when it comes to picking pieces that will work in your home.
- Keep size in mind. One of the more practical parts of selecting wall art is considering its size. You don’t want to pick a work that overwhelms a small wall. Make sure you have a least a few feet of space to spare from the edge of the frame or canvas to your wall’s nearest corners. On the other hand, don’t buy a piece so small that it looks silly in the middle of a small wall. If you do like a piece that’s on the small size, consider matching it with other works to make a gallery wall.
- Get playful with colors. You don’t have to worry too much about color-coordinating an abstract piece with the rest of your apartment—unless you want to. Depending on your personal style, picking a painting or other work that ties in hues from your furniture and throw pillows may work well. However, if you’re looking to make more of a statement with your new piece, you might want to choose shades that aren’t anywhere else in your home.
- Consider DIY masterpieces. Remember, “art” doesn’t have to come from a gallery. It can come from your own craft room—or even your child’s imagination. Try framing bright, geometric patterns made using color-blocking techniques. Print out family photos in unexpected colors and line them up in vertical frames. Let kids play with complementary colors of nail polish on a canvas, creating cute swirled patterns, and then frame it.
- Don’t be afraid to mix mediums. Even if a large, bright painting serves as the focal point of your room, you can still incorporate other elements of art, like wall sculptures and photographs. The main purpose of decorating is to create a space that reflects your personality, so don’t hesitate to mix and match if that’s what looks best to you.
DIY Wall Art Projects [Better Homes and Gardens]
10 Broad-Stroke Ideas for Choosing and Displaying Art [Houzz]
10 Tips for Choosing Artwork for Your Home [West Chester Magazine]
