Welcome to the captivating world of interior design, where creativity meets functionality. It's an art form that takes time, patience, and a keen eye for detail to master. Among the plethora of design elements you can manipulate, wall art often proves to be the most transformative, breathing life into an otherwise dull and dreary space.
Many people consider wall art as an afterthought. However, in our book, it's a fundamental aspect of interior design. It has the power to set the tone for the room, serve as a room's focal point, and harmonize the overall aesthetic. But there's one question that often leaves individuals stumped: What size wall art should you get? This question is much more important than you might realize, as both undersized and oversized pieces can disrupt your space's balance. Let's delve into this topic further.
Size Does Matter
Stone Pot Succulent Plant Canvas Wall Art
When it comes to wall art, size indeed matters. The size of the wall art you choose should depend on the scale of the space and the furniture around it. If your wall art is too small, it may not make the impact you desire. On the other hand, if it's too large, it can overwhelm the room and make it feel cramped.
Small Spaces
In small spaces, less is more. The trick to selecting wall art for small areas is to opt for smaller-sized pieces that fit perfectly on your wall without overwhelming the space. As a rule of thumb, the artwork should take up about two-thirds to three-fourths of the wall space it occupies. A piece that is too small will get lost on the wall, while a piece that is too large will make the room feel even smaller.
In a small room, you can also create a gallery wall with smaller pieces of art. This gives you the ability to display multiple pieces in a structured and balanced manner, without making the room feel crowded. This way, each piece gets its moment in the spotlight while contributing to a larger, cohesive whole.
Medium Spaces
For medium-sized spaces, you have a little more room to play with. Here, you can opt for medium to large pieces of wall art. Again, you want to follow the two-thirds to three-fourths rule. The artwork should be large enough to fill the space without overwhelming it.
An effective strategy for medium spaces is to pair a large central piece with smaller satellite pieces. The central piece serves as the focal point, while the smaller pieces accent and complement it.
Large Spaces
Large spaces often require substantial pieces of wall art to fill the area and create visual interest. A common mistake people make with large spaces is using multiple small pieces of art, which can make the space feel cluttered and chaotic. Instead, consider a large piece of artwork that can serve as a statement piece and set the tone for the entire space.
In large rooms, the artwork can be up to 75% the width of the furniture below it. An oversized painting or a large, personalized sign can create a striking visual that will draw attention and admiration.
Placement for Different Sizes of Wall Art
Best Dog Dad Ever Sign II | Customizable Canvas
The placement of wall art is as crucial as its size. Small pieces have a more profound impact when they are at eye level, approximately 57-60 inches from the floor, in intimate spaces like reading corners, above consoles or bedside tables. In a gallery wall setup, smaller art pieces should form a coherent cluster, maintaining 2-3 inches between each piece for balance.
For medium-sized art, the center of the piece should generally be at eye level too. Position it above furniture like sofas or fireplaces, leaving 6-8 inches between the furniture and the art.
Large artwork is best suited for big, open spaces. Place them high enough to draw the eye upwards, yet not so high that it's disconnected from the room's layout. Remember, the right placement will enhance your art's impact, creating a visually appealing and harmonious space.
Wall Decor and Personalized Signs
Apart from paintings and prints, other forms of wall art such as wall decor and personalized signs can bring a unique touch to your home. Wall decor includes a variety of elements such as mirrors, clocks, sculptures, and tapestries. These elements add dimension and texture to your space, breaking up the monotony of flat wall surfaces.
Personalized signs, on the other hand, allow you to add a personal touch to your space. They can be tailored to include quotes, family names, or images that resonate with you. These can serve as wonderful conversation starters and make your space feel truly unique.
The size rules we discussed earlier apply to wall decor and personalized signs as well. The key is to ensure balance and harmony between your wall art and the rest of the room.
Experimentation is Key
Modern Elegant Peacock Portrait Canvas Wall Art
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment. The rules provided above are guidelines, not strict commandments. Feel free to bend them according to your taste and the needs of your space. The ultimate goal is to create a space that feels balanced, inviting, and representative of you.
Whether you're a seasoned interior designer or just starting to dip your toes into the world of design, the right size wall art can completely transform your space. As long as you pay attention to scale and proportion, you can make any piece work.
To help you on this journey of transformation, consider a place that specializes in wall art of all sizes, wall decor, and personalized signs. Tailored Canvases offers a variety of designs to cater to diverse tastes and needs, ensuring that your space will have the perfect piece of wall art. Choose your size, pick your design, and get ready to transform your space!
