Your living room may even be your most personal space. It reflects your personality and nature, expressing your spirit and creating a surrounding you’re most comfortable in. The living room is a place where we interact with other people, bring them into our world and let our own style shine. Whether it is formal and aiming for a high-class feel, or a laid back, more casual approach where everyone can simply hang out, the living room is where life thrives. And what better way to enrich your life than with some amazing art? If you’re finally deciding to redecorate your living space the way you always wanted to, or you want to design your dream home from scratch, here are some of the best living room design inspirations with hanging wall art that will transform your space!
So, a blank wall in front of you and a million ideas running through your mind. Maybe one large picture would do the trick. Or perhaps a carefully picked outset of smaller ones. How about differently shaped and sized frames, would they work together? And what about the furniture, everything has to go well with the furniture or there’s no point in even trying to decorate a room. So many things to consider… One could even say that standing in front of that blank wall feels almost like an artist standing in front of a blank canvas; inspiration, talent, skill, taste, experience… so many elements have to blend together in order for an artwork to come to life. But, don’t worry, even if you’re not an actual artist, if you’re just an art enthusiast or an interior designer, or simply a homeowner or a DIY type, or just a person in front of a blank wall – we’re here to help.
Hanging Wall Art 101
First, let’s go over some technicalities. To make sure any decorating idea can work, we must check if there’s room for it to happen. When it comes to dimensions and measurements and setting up the perfectly sized piece of art, here’s how to start. Measure the blank wall and then deduct 12-24 inches, this means we’re taking 6-12 inches from each side. This should leave enough free space on the sides to give both the room and the artwork some room to breathe and not appear overwhelming. However, if your wall is on the larger side, then a single big canvas wall art may be impossible to find, or too expensive, so in that case consider forming a collage laid out of smaller pieces which work well together.
It is probably best to try and acquire artworks from the same series or at least similar in style as too much variety packed together on a single wall may come out hectic and unflattering. You can adorn your wall with a higher number of smaller sized paintings, some of which may even go well with framed photographs, or you can go for two, three, or more panels to form a powerful diptych or tryptic pattern. Either way, always make sure there are at least 2 or 3 inches of free space separating the pieces, and once you’re set on the distance, make sure you follow through and keep it consistent throughout.
Positioning Your Artwork
In terms of height and positioning, generally people tend to hang their artwork at the line of sight, in theory there is nothing wrong with this approach, furthermore, when it is applicable you probably should stick to it. However, depending on the size of the wall and the artwork, the arrangement of your furniture, and even the architecture of the space, this general rule of thumb can’t always be followed. If you are looking to hang some art above your sofa, bed, table or any other relatively small piece of furniture, try to get an artwork which corresponds to the length of the furniture piece. Or, at the very least, give your best to avoid placing an artwork that is wider than the furniture under it, because it simply doesn’t look good most of the time.
Most Popular Styles and Living Room Art trends in 2019
Line Drawings
Simplicity is always in fashion, it never has and never will go out of style. Line drawings inspired by the sketches from artists such as Picasso and Matisse are very sought after. The classic minimalism leaves much for interpretation and offers plenty of space to the room and the viewer. It is very easily combined with different furniture and interior design styles as it acts as a complementing piece rather than a dominating element in the space. A subtle play of a single-lined artwork can go a long way, especially when juxtaposed against a more vivid furniture décor. You can find different styles of line drawings available, from simple and delicate works only hinting at a familiar silhouette, all the way to grandiose abstract shapes done in the minimalist style. Line drawings go well as a collection of similar works, or even when combined with completely different styles.
Color Blocking
For those looking for something bolder, color blocking may be the perfect approach. This vibrant style is based on combining strong colors from different ends of the spectrum and juxtaposing them against each other. The trend originated back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, but it has come back in big style! Color blocking is the perfect way to liven up your living room this summer and bring all the colors of this world into your own space. Feel free to experiment with different shapes, patterns, color combinations, and hues, mix up your curtains, carpets, furniture, make the entire room your cooking pot where you can create some fresh ideas. Color blocking wall art may seem simplistic enough, but the endless combinations provide a truly unique style and can certainly make your living room pop this year.
Flow Art
Go With The Flow art is perfect for the summer days ahead of us. The wavy forms and patterns evoke a truly undeniable sensation of water and motion. This assertive style will most definitely bring life to any room and make you and your guests longingly stare at the artwork until you can almost hear the crashing waves and flowing water. Although be mindful when pairing such a strong visual statement with the rest of your décor, you don’t want to create a noise of colors. If the themes of water, sea, and waves aren’t really your thing, you can always switch it up with stronger colors of red, yellow, green, black and brown. There’s nothing like a splash of lava on your walls to bring up the heat!
Biophilia
Biophilia is another trend getting much attention this year. The celebration of the relationship between humankind and nature is often expressed through mesmerizing art. The term Biophilia was popularized with the meaning referring to a positive psychological state of being, so if you’re going for a zen style of home décor, you’re at the right place. Tree leaves, tree bark, seashells, feathers, stones, cockles, anything organic and natural can be art. If you want to bring the outside inside, choose one of the many artworks depicting nature as the primary theme. It goes without saying that this style works perfectly with natural, organic materials used in interior design. Stone, hardwood floors, plants, anything green and in earth tones will make for a perfect oasis right in your living room.
Organic mirrors work perfectly with Biophilia. Organically shaped frames with a mirror at the center make for a true one-of-a-kind feel to your entire place. Rather than going for a metallic frame, choose one of the many wooden ones available which will make your living room a place of nature fantasy.
Maximal Prints
If you know what you like and don’t shy away from showing it, maximal prints are where it’s at this year. No matter how neutral or dull your living room may seem, with the boring furniture, bland walls and non-existing touch of décor, if you introduce even a single maximal print, boom, your room is instantly transformed into something else. Lush, vibrant, clashing and popping colors, maximalism is not for the faint of heart. You’ll find an array of strokes and ideas thrown into a single artwork, almost making you notice something different each time you look at it. If you need a conversation art piece for your living room, go maximal.
Try it Out on ARTSEE App
In the end, the most important thing is to find the artwork which inspires you and makes your living room the place you never want to leave. In order to do that, make sure you try out the ARTSEE app which allows you to visualize and actually see how the artwork would look like on your wall before setting it up.