
Unveiling the Art of Selecting the Right Art for Your Space
Art can transform a room from a simple, functional space into a reflection of the inhabitant's personality and taste. Selecting the right art for your space is undoubtedly subjective, but certain factors can help guide the process. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to navigate the art world, focusing particularly on size and scale, to ensure that the art you choose is the perfect fit for your space.
Understanding the Importance of Size
Size matters when it comes to art. The scale of a piece in relation to its surroundings can affect not only the visual impact of the artwork, but also the overall balance of the room.
1. The Room's Scale
To ensure that the piece of art you select will not overpower or underwhelm the space, consider the size of the room. A large, open room with high ceilings can handle a larger piece of art, while a smaller, more intimate space may be better suited to a smaller piece or a collection of smaller pieces.
2. The Wall's Scale
The wall on which you plan to hang the art also plays a crucial role in determining the right size of artwork. As a rule of thumb, the artwork should fill two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall space.
3. The Furniture's Scale
When placing art above furniture, the piece should not be wider than the furniture piece; a good guideline is to select art that is three-fourths the width of the furniture.
4. The Art's Scale
The scale of the art itself is also an important factor. A piece that is too small will get lost on a large wall, while a piece that is too large can overwhelm the space. A painting can be on a variety of sizes
Image Source: Happy Yellow Tree by Amanda Dagg
The Role of Orientation
The orientation of the artwork can also impact how well it fits within your space.
5. Portrait Orientation
Tall, narrow walls will work best with art of a similar shape, created in a portrait, or vertical orientation.
6. Landscape Orientation
Horizontal wall spaces (often found over sofas, in a hallway) work best with landscape-oriented artwork.
Gallery Walls
Gallery walls can be a great solution when you have a large wall space to fill and a variety of pieces you want to display.
7. Grouping Artwork
Group together wall art of the same size or create visual interest by grouping together art of varying sizes.
8. Layout Planning
Lay the artwork out on the floor first, measure the total groupings height and width to ensure it will fill up your space.
The Hanging Height
The height at which art is hung also plays a role in how well it fits within your space.
9. Eye-Level Art
Most galleries hang their art at average eye level, about 58 to 60 inches from the floor. This rule applies whether the piece is to be hung on a bare wall or over furniture.
10. Straying from the Middle
There are exceptions to the rule of hanging art at eye level, of course. For instance, you might decide to hang a series of pieces vertically, in which case you would start the first piece at eye level and arrange the others above and below it.
Selecting the Right Art For Your Space
When selecting art, you should always trust your instincts and select something that you love. However, it can also be helpful to keep in mind the existing decor and color scheme in your space and budget.
11. Complementing Existing Decor
Choose art that complements the existing furniture and decor in the room. It doesn't have to match exactly, but it should be in harmony with the other elements in the room.
12. Incorporating Color
Consider the dominant colors in your room and choose artwork that features those colors to create a cohesive look.
In conclusion, selecting the right art involves a careful consideration of various factors, including the size and orientation of the artwork, the wall space available, the height at which the artwork will be hung, and the existing decor in the room. But most importantly, the art you choose should be something that you love and that brings you joy. After all, art is a reflection of the soul, and the art you choose should speak to you and inspire you.
“I paint pictures inspired by nature, flowers, beauty. I want people to feel good when viewing my art” - [Amanda Dagg]
By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that the art you select will not only fit perfectly in your space but will also enhance your enjoyment of the room. Now, it's time to start exploring and find that perfect piece of art that speaks to you! Order a commission painting or have a Photoshop render of a painting in your room