How to select artwork for your space
August 11, 2022
As much as furniture and lighting are important, art gives a space soul. It should be meaningful to you. Every time you enter your room you should love what you see. I always prefer original art if possible. You will keep it forever, and likely move it from room to room over time.
There are many sources of great art. Visit local art vendors and galleries to see the type of work that appeals to you. Many galleries will create a virtual image where they will place it in your home, so you can see how it will look before you purchase. Most big cities will have an annual emerging artist fair once a year. This can be a terrific place to pick up an original piece at a great price. Alternatively, think about online sources like Artwrk, Etsy, or even Posterjack to print and frame a great photo from your travels.
Getting the scale and proportion of your selection right for all the elements in your room is key.
Let’s talk first about art hanging over a piece of furniture. You want to consider the width and height of the furniture, as well as the ceiling height in the room. A good rule of thumb is to have your art be at least two thirds the size of your furniture. And, as you can see in this living room, the painting by Maya Eventov is clearly the star of the show.
The other important factor to consider is whether the art will be hung in an area with a lot of direct sunlight or the opposite, in a room with very low light. In the first case, this will likely affect the medium you choose as it will need to hold up to those conditions. A good art curator or gallery can help with this. If you have low light, installing a picture light above your art will give it the prominence it deserves.
You can hang art in any room of the house if you are mindful of the conditions and choose the appropriate medium. In this little bathroom, we had an original photograph of Lake of Two Rivers by David Chaloner printed on canvas to hold up the steamy bathroom conditions. It adds interest and warmth while complementing the custom walnut vanity.
Choose a piece that speaks to you, and you will never tire of it. Need some guidance? Contact us to set up a free discovery call: https://www.yassein.com/contact.html.