Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Wall Art (and Were Afraid to Ask)

Take a moment to think about some of the most effective ways to spruce up a room. Perhaps you have recently moved into your first home, or you are planning to change flats. Creating a comfortable interior is key if you hope to make the most out of what these spaces have to offer.

While there are many tried-and-tested strategies to employ, what if you do not have a great deal of time? One extremely innovative solution comes in the form of bespoke wall art.

Bespoke Wall Art

Let’s take a look at some professional suggestions of different types of wall art and the potential advantages that each has to offer.

Canvas Art

This is arguably the most traditional tip, and canvas paintings have adorned homes for centuries. The main benefit here is that you can choose from a veritable kaleidoscope of unique themes.

From classical motifs to modern art, and expertly rendered reproductions, the world is indeed your oyster. However, we should mention that the themes in question must always match the ambience of the room.

This is the best way to ensure that your choices do not clash with the nearby environment.

Hanging Digital Prints

There is perhaps no better way to imbue a room with your personality than through the use of professionally framed prints from your own photos. From wooden and aluminium frames to custom-made wallboards, flexibility is never a concern.

These digital reproductions are also able to provide a unique flavour that might be tough to achieve with the use of reproductions. You can choose from a host of dimensions, and these should be determined by the size of the room.

Metallic Wall Art

One of the latest trends promises to offer a sleek and sophisticated appeal. Metallic wall art has gone viral over the past few years, and this sense of momentum is showing no signs of abating.

If you have been looking to achieve an “industrial chic” vibe, metal wall art could represent the ideal solution. Another ancillary benefit here is that this type of art is extremely durable.

Furthermore, many pieces tend to increase in value over time (ideal for those who are looking for a considerable return on investment).

Once again, take some time to analyse the different finishes and metallic tones. This will guarantee that the art fits in seamlessly with the environment.

Reclaimed Items

The shabby chic craze enjoyed a significant amount of attention during the early 2000s. Similar to other trends, this movement has begun to experience a comeback.

Not only will reclaimed items provide an organic touch to your home, but they can also be used to illustrate your feelings about environmental conservation. Although it is possible to purchase professionally curated pieces, it is equally logical to visit your local second-hand store.

There are plenty of items to select, and you can then allow your artistic side to run wild.

Tapestries

In terms of the most cost-effective wall art, tapestries certainly take centre stage.

Tapestries can be hung anywhere, and they are just as easy to remove when needed. Tapestries are also thought to reflect Bohemian undertones, and they will often be placed alongside other textiles (such as rugs, or floor-to-ceiling window curtains).

Let’s finally mention the practical side of these fabrics. Tapestries can help to insulate the interior of your home during the colder months of the year; not a bad way to keep hefty heating bills at bay.

How High Should I Actually Hang Art?

This is probably the most common question, and there’s actually a pretty simple answer: the center of your artwork should be at eye level, which is typically around 57 to 60 inches from the floor.

This is the standard used in galleries and museums, and it works for most situations.

But here’s where it gets tricky. Eye level for who? If you’re tall, your eye level is different than someone who’s 5’2″. The 57-60 inch rule is based on average human height, so it works for most people most of the time.

There are exceptions, though. Art hung above furniture should relate to the furniture, not just the wall.

A good rule of thumb is to hang art about 6 to 8 inches above your sofa or console table. This creates a visual connection between the furniture and the art.

For dining rooms where people are usually seated, you can hang art a bit lower so it’s at eye level when people are sitting. And in hallways or staircases, you might adjust based on sight lines and how people move through the space.

What Size Art Should I Get?

Size matters, and one of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing art that’s too small for the space. Art that’s too small looks like it’s floating awkwardly on the wall. Art that’s appropriately sized looks intentional and anchors the space.

For art above a sofa, a general rule is that your art (or grouping of art) should take up about two-thirds to three-quarters the width of your sofa. So if you have a 90-inch sofa, you’re looking at art that’s roughly 60 to 67 inches wide.

For a single statement piece on a large blank wall, bigger is usually better. Don’t be afraid of large-scale art. It makes a bold statement and can actually make a room feel larger and more confident.

If you’re working with smaller pieces, group them together to create a larger visual impact.

Do I Really Need to Frame Everything?

Short answer: no, not everything needs a frame. Canvas paintings typically look fine without frames (that’s kind of their whole deal).

Posters and prints on paper usually need frames both for protection and to look more finished and polished.

But here’s the thing about frames: they can completely change how art looks. A simple black or white frame keeps the focus on the art.

A chunky wood frame adds warmth and texture. An ornate gold frame makes things feel more traditional or vintage.

If you’re on a budget, even an inexpensive frame from IKEA or Target can make a poster look way more expensive and intentional.

And if you’ve got something you really love, investing in custom framing is worth it. Good framing can elevate even mediocre art.

One very forgiving trend: floating frames or just pinning unframed prints to the wall with washi tape or small clips. It’s casual, changeable, and works great for renters or people who like to switch things up frequently.

Making Wall Art Your Decor Best Friend!

Note that these are only a handful of the numerous ways in which wall art can provide your home with a face-lift in no time at all. Do not hesitate to search online for more suggestions. There are no boundaries when it comes to personal taste.

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will receive a very small commission if you click through and make a purchase. These links help to pay the editorial costs of writing a blog. For more information, please read my full affiliate disclosure here.

I also use Artificial Intelligence Image generators to create some of my images. These are to show you examples of my ideas and inspiration when I cannot produce the real images myself.