How to choose art that speaks to you
Now that you’ve read about the benefits of art in the home, it’s time to pick pieces to display. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are some tips for purchasing art you’ll enjoy viewing.
1. Discover your personal style
Make your collection a reflection of you by having pieces that incorporate your personal style. This will also help your pieces flow together and create a warm, inviting space.
Now that you’ve read about the benefits of art in the home, it’s time to pick pieces to display. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are some tips for purchasing art you’ll enjoy viewing.
- Create an inspiration board: In this first step, you’ll browse through art either from books and magazines or online and save pieces that speak to you. Then, analyze the images you chose. Do they all have a particular look or feature that you can replicate?
- Use your favorite textures and color schemes: Once you’ve decided on a theme, think of the colors and fabrics you want to feature. If you already have furniture or rugs purchased, consider how those colors will mesh with the art. 3D textured relics are a great way to add dimension and texture.
- Know your budget: The cost of art can quickly add up, especially if you’re looking for investment pieces. Be realistic about your budget before you find artists or galleries to shop for. The last thing you want is to fall in love with a piece of art that is way out out of your price range.
2. Pick pieces that are meaningful to you
Remember that the art in your home will likely become a conversation starter with guests. Curating a collection that features personal connections or passions can help you share your interests with others.
- Consider your heritage: Think of ways to tie your ancestry or family tree into the art you display. Are there scenes of a certain part of the world where your family came from? Another idea is to add pieces of religious significance and/or family relics.
- Showcase your hobbies or interests: If you’re not sure of the type of scenery to display on your wall, why not show off your interests? Say you’re an avid sailor — paintings of sailboats or the sea can bring you joy and also serve as a talking point with visitors. If you love to travel, try curating pieces from your vacations.
- Commission an original piece: Want to display personalized pieces? Commission a local artist to create something original. Family portraits can be a great choice, as can scenery from your childhood or life, and pet portraits tend to be more affordable.
3. Know where and how to display the art
Hanging or otherwise displaying the art can be a difficult task to check off the list. If a piece isn’t the correct size or too heavy for the wall then you may find it unusable. Make sure to know the where and how before you purchase a piece.
- Hang single pieces at eye level: Make your home display industry-standard by featuring art at 57″ on center. This means that the center of the piece should be 57” above the floor, the average human eye-height.
- Embrace the rule of three: If you want to feature more than one piece of art on a certain wall or room section, use the rule of three. Odd numbers are more interesting to the eye so hanging pictures in groups of three will make it the focal point of the room.
- Remember your frames are a statement too: Your frame may be just as eye-catching as the art within it. Before you spend time and energy framing a piece of art, think about the color, size and texture of the frame and how it will play into the aesthetic of your room.