With all the excitement that comes with decorating, it can be easy to get carried away. This is especially true when it comes to decorating walls! There are so many different ways to decorate walls and so many different styles of decor that it may seem like the only good way forward is to decorate every single one of your walls. We've done the research for you and figured out how to get the best quality out of your decor without going overboard.
When decorating your walls, balance is key. Empty space is a necessary component of design, so you shouldn't feel the need to fill every wall with decor. Filling every space will make your room feel cluttered, busy, and disordered.
Are you wondering how you can better maintain the balance of decor on your walls, while still making sure everything looks nice? Keep reading to find out!
How Many Walls In A Room Should Have Art?
Pictures and works of art are great for creating focal points in your room. However, you have to use them correctly in order to have the pleasing effect you're after. Don't worry too much about doing it wrong though, there are easy ways to make sure that you end up with a look you like without going overboard!
First, take into consideration which kinds of walls you have. Walls that are covered in wallpaper or paneling will already have something going for them, so you are going to need to accommodate your art to adjust accordingly. We're going to assume that, like most people, you have regular, blank walls. However, if you do have wood-paneled or wallpapered walls, simply compensate by choosing items with complementary styles and colors (which includes picture frames).
Not all of your walls will be blank to begin with. Some of them will have doors, windows, or closets in them, which will take up room and visual weight. Depending on how much room is taken up, you may not need to put any art on those walls.
Walls that have windows will generally also have curtains, and curtains are a form of wall art. Those walls may also have furniture against them, which takes up a visual weight as well. As odd as it may seem, these are all things you should be thinking about!
Since there really is no one right answer, your best solution is to think of art as an accent, not the main attraction. Your decor should be individual pieces of a whole that make your room the work of art. Whether it's a painting, photograph, vinyl lettering, or floating shelves, remember to keep taking steps back to observe the balance of your room. Click here to get some great living room wall decor ideas!
Do Pictures Have To Be Centered On A Wall?
Absolutely not! While it's a good idea to maintain a balance when it comes to wall art, that doesn't mean that you have to keep all your decor centered.
Walls can be one of the most satisfying parts of your home to decorate! They can also be one of the most frustrating. There are so many different types of wall decor that it can be easy to get carried away trying to fit everything in that you want to include. One of the first things you need to consider is visual balance, also known as visual weight.
Think of your wall as a scale. This balance point should be the middle of the wall, but you can decide that for yourself based on the layout of the room. You want to maintain an equal balance on both sides, but that doesn't mean everything needs to be the same size, color, or have an exact counterpart.
Should Picture Frames Match In A Room?
They can, but they certainly don't have to. Using different colors and styles of picture frames is a great way to subtly add variety and shake things up without completely throwing off your aesthetic. However, this will depend on what kind of aesthetic you're going for. If you are wanting everything to be very formal and uniform, then matching picture frames is a great way to go!
Mismatched Frames
Using frames of different colors, sizes, and shapes are a great way for you to shake things up without making any big purchases that you might regret. You can use different colors to match different elements in your room, or use different shapes and materials to coordinate reoccurring themes.
Matching Frames
Are you wanting to play it safe or maintain a more uniform look? Using matching frames may be the way to go. While this may limit your art choices (as you'll be limited to whatever size of frame you've chosen), you won't have to worry about looking cluttered or disordered.
Best Of Both Worlds
If the other options aren't what you want and you aren't sure how to implement different colors or styles of frames, start by using the same kind of frame in different sizes. This will give you some wiggle room to work with are far as variety goes. It will also reassure you that you aren't taking any crazy steps you might regret.
How Big Should A Picture Be On A Wall?
This choice is completely up to you. There are just too many options when it comes to art and decor for there to be a set rule. If you're worried that the art you like might be bigger than what is generally acceptable, don't be! Art is all about personal expression, so take this opportunity to express yourself! Whether that be through a large work of art or several small ones, there is no wrong answer.
Where Should Artwork Be Placed In A Room?
A general rule of thumb is that art should be hung at about eye level. But since that's a different measurement for everyone, there really is no official set height. However, there are some general guidelines that can help your decor come together as a cohesive whole.
For example, if you are hanging art above your couch, it's best to have it centered. Otherwise, your room might seem crooked! Make sure not to hang it closer than four to five inches above the furniture. Also, try not only to center it with the couch but center it between the couch and the ceiling as well. Click here for some great above-the-couch wall decor ideas!
If you are just not sure what height to start hanging your art at, hang the central pieces 57 inches above the ground. This measurement represents an average when it comes to eye level, making it easy for many to enjoy your decor!