Selecting art pieces for your space can be overwhelming. With countless options and personal preferences differing, it’s easy to make mistakes that impact the room’s overall aesthetic. To prevent these common pitfalls, here are five mistakes to avoid when choosing art for your space.
1. Disregarding the Size of the Art Piece
When choosing art for a space, one common mistake is neglecting to consider the scale of the artwork. Whether you opt for a large singular piece or a collection of smaller pieces, it’s essential to ensure that the size of the art harmonizes with the walls and furniture in the room. Oversized art can dominate a space, while smaller pieces may go unnoticed and lack impact.
Make sure to measure the wall before buying any artwork to ensure it will fit harmoniously in the space. Take into account the size of the furniture in the room and opt for art that is proportionate to the area. If you’re unsure, try creating a mock-up using paper cutouts or painter’s tape to get a better idea of how the art will appear on the wall before making a final decision.
2. Failing to Account for the Aesthetics of the Area
A common error in choosing art for a room is failing to consider the style and design aesthetic of the space. Art should enhance the overall appearance of a room, not clash with it. For instance, a modern abstract painting may not suit a traditional, rustic room.
Before purchasing art, think about the style of your space and select pieces that match that style. For a minimalist, contemporary space, go for artwork with clean lines and simplicity. For a more eclectic or bohemian space, mix different styles and colors to achieve a lively and playful look.
3. Not paying attention to the color scheme
Art is a wonderful way to incorporate colorful elements into a room and bring together its color palette. However, it is important to carefully consider the existing colors in the room to ensure a cohesive and harmonious look. When choosing art for your space, take note of the main colors present and select pieces that complement or enhance these colors.
Think about the atmosphere you wish to establish in the room and choose colors that elicit that emotion. For a serene and elegant aesthetic, opt for a neutral color scheme with some hints of color. For a more daring look, select vibrant artwork that will command attention and infuse the space with vitality.
4. Avoid hanging artwork at the wrong height
Hanging artwork at the right height is crucial for enhancing the aesthetics of a room. One common error is placing artwork either too high or too low on the wall. Ideally, artwork should be hung at eye level, with the center of the piece positioned around 57 to 60 inches from the floor.
Use a tape measure to mark the desired height on the wall before hanging your artwork to ensure it is displayed correctly. When creating a gallery wall with multiple pieces, begin by hanging the center piece at eye level and then work outward, maintaining an even amount of space between each piece.
5. Purchasing Art Based on Popular Trends
It can be alluring to purchase artwork just because it’s fashionable or popular at the time. However, blindly following trends may lead to buying art that doesn’t resonate with you or showcase your individual style. Art is a means of self-expression and should mirror your preferences, tastes, and personality.
Instead of following art trends, spend time discovering various artists, styles, and mediums to find pieces that deeply resonate with you. Reflect on your personal connection to the art and how it impacts your emotions when choosing pieces for your space. Choose to invest in artwork that brings you genuine joy and admiration.
Ultimately, selecting art for your space is a personal and subjective task that necessitates thorough thought and attention to detail. By steering clear of these five typical errors, you can be certain that the artwork you choose will elevate your space and imbue it with beauty, personality, and style. Keep in mind factors like scale, style, color, height, and personal relevance when selecting art for your space to curate a unified and aesthetically pleasing setting that authentically represents your individual taste and personality.
