Art by Kufa Makwavarara, Lisette Forsyth and Karla Nixon displayed in a home with white walls.

From Blank Walls to Gallery Chic: How to Style Art Like a Pro

As an art lover, you may have collected a variety of artworks over time, ranging from paintings and sculptures to photographs and prints. But, when it comes to displaying them together, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin.

In this article we share our top tips on how to master the art of displaying different artworks together harmoniously in your home - along with examples from our stockroom.

 

Art styled in a home, paintings by Pascale Chandler and Chris Denovan
An example of two paintings using similar colour schemes to create an impact in a neutral room. Paintings by Pascale Chandler and Chris Denovan.

 

Styling the art in your home can be an exciting project. Whether you are decorating your lounge, dining area, bedroom or office space, when selecting which artworks to hang together think about the following factors:

Select the right artwork to create a coherent look in a room:
To select the right artwork, consider the room's color scheme, style, and overall mood. Choose pieces that complement each other and fit within the room's design aesthetic. You can also select artwork that tells a story or has a common theme.

Create a cohesive color scheme:
One way to display different artworks together harmoniously is to create a cohesive color scheme. Choose a color palette and look for artworks that have colors in common. This will help tie everything together and create a cohesive look.

 

Salong hanging examples of art on a wall above a shelf
Two examples of displaying a number of different types of artworks grouped close together in a Salon-style, experimenting with size, shape and colour.


Mix and match styles:
Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles of art. For example, you can display a modern abstract painting alongside a vintage photograph. This creates an interesting contrast and adds depth to your display.

Arrange the artwork on the wall:
When arranging artwork on a wall, start by considering the wall's size and layout. Then, choose a focal point and work around it. You can create a symmetrical arrangement or a more organic, asymmetrical layout. Consider the balance and spacing between pieces as well.

Vary sizes and shapes:
When it comes to displaying artworks together, vary the sizes and shapes to add visual interest. You can create a gallery wall with different sized frames or place a small sculpture next to a larger painting.

 

Corne Eksteen and Ruan Jooste on show at StateoftheART
An example from our Gallery Showroom, showing the effect of size and colour combinations. Artworks by Corné Eksteen and Ruan Jooste.


Use balance and symmetry:
Balance and symmetry are key to creating a harmonious display. For example, you can place two smaller artworks on either side of a larger one or create a symmetrical arrangement of artworks on a wall.
To balance different sizes, colors, and styles of artwork, consider creating a visual hierarchy. Start with the largest piece and work around it, using smaller pieces to balance the composition. Use complementary colors or neutrals to tie the pieces together. And try to balance different styles by using a unifying theme or color palette.

Consider the space:
Finally, consider the space where you'll be displaying your artworks. If you have a large wall, you can create a grand display, while a smaller space may require a more compact arrangement.

 

Grace Kotze art styled in a home
An example of a painting complimenting a room setting: the dark, bold work by Grace Kotze creates a statement in a light room, matching the colours of accessories.

 

Here are some examples and ideas to get you started:

  • In a living room, you could display a large statement piece above the sofa and arrange smaller pieces around it.
  • In a bedroom, you could create a symmetrical display above the bed using matching frames or display a large statement piece above the headboard.
  • And in an office, you could create a gallery wall of inspiring quotes or use artwork to reflect the business's branding or mission.

 

COMMON MISTAKES WHEN HANGING ART TOGETHER IN A ROOM:
Before you put nails in the walls and start hanging your artwork, make sure you haven't made any of these errors when styling your space. Some common mistakes to avoid include:

  • hanging artwork too high or too low,
  • using too many small pieces,
  • creating cluttered or overcrowded displays,
  • and not considering the room's overall design aesthetic. Avoid using artwork that clashes with the room's color scheme or style.

 

Art pieces can feel electric and alive when placed and styled in the right space. Hanging your favourite artworks together in such a way to create a synergy between them can lead to very satisfying results that you will enjoy for years to come.
Let us know if you found this ARTicle helpful and share your art styling progress with us on Instagram.

 

 

Take a look at our large selection of artworks selected for various room settings:
CORPORATE AND OFFICE ART or ART FOR A CORPORATE COLLECTION; ART FOR THE BEDROOM; HOTEL ART and GUEST HOUSE ART; ART FOR A DINING ROOM; or ART FOR YOUR BATHROOM.
Browse our large collection of art for walls to suit your space.

 

 
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