Wall Art – 4 Tips to Help You Make the Right Choice

Furniture and fabrics play a key role when designing the rooms in your home, but don’t overlook the walls—they can speak volumes about your style and personality.

Plain, bare walls can make a room feel cold and lacking in character. Wall art is a great way to add colour and personality to your space, whether you're aiming for a bold impact or a subtle statement.

Here are four tips to help you choose the right wall art:

Location

Take a good look at each room and think about what kind of art would suit the space. In bedrooms, for example, you may want something calming and relaxing. In contrast, living rooms and kitchens might benefit from pieces that are bold and eye-catching.

Type of Art

There are many forms of wall art to choose from:

• Photographs: These can be deeply personal, capturing memories with family and friends.

• Posters: An affordable way to enjoy the artwork you love. Choose from styles like surrealism, pop art, impressionism, abstract, or modernism. Posters are widely available online or from art galleries, letting you enjoy famous masterpieces without the hefty price tag.

• Murals: Make a dramatic statement with a mural. Create the illusion of a garden, jungle, or seascape. Add an educational touch with a world map or bring energy to a room with graffiti-inspired art.

• Paintings: Original artwork in oils, acrylics, ink, or charcoal adds a unique touch. You can find pieces online or at local galleries, often accompanied by a signed certificate of authenticity. Original art doesn't have to be expensive—smaller pieces can start from as little as £25.

Frames

The right frame enhances your art:

• Traditional or formal paintings pair well with darker frames.

• Modern pieces often look best with lighter or minimalist borders.

• Frame materials range from wood and metal to gilt, leather, and bamboo.

• A plain frame works best with a busy picture, while a traditional painting in an ornate gilt frame adds a touch of vintage charm.

Hanging

Proper placement is key:

• Art should not be hung too high. For instance, a picture above a sofa should be no more than about 10 inches above the back of the sofa.

• When arranging multiple pieces together, lay them out on the floor first to visualise the layout.

• For stability and to prevent shifting, hang pictures using two anchor points—one on each side of the frame—not just a single central hook.