Staying updated on the latest wall art trends may seem like an added task when you're more concerned about furniture or the overall design of a room. However, the artwork you choose to display on your walls can make a significant statement, enhancing the atmosphere of your space. Whitney Vredenburgh, the founder of a home staging and design company called Nested Spaces, shared with House Digest that wall art can help define the personality of a room and provide a finishing touch. "Picture a bare wall waiting for artwork; no matter how beautiful the furniture and decor are, the space won't feel complete without it," she explained.
However, it's essential not to go overboard with wall art. The era of covering walls with gaudy decals and photographs is long gone. Designers now recommend opting for a minimalist approach instead of cluttering your walls. This advice is particularly crucial for those living in one-bedroom apartments or small city spaces. In limited areas, drawing attention to the size with large macramés or generic oversized art pieces from IKEA is not ideal.
In order to align with the current popular design trends, minimalism is essential. While you can still add your personal touch to any space, it's important to steer clear of outdated styles. According to Vredenburgh, this includes farmhouse-era decor and improperly sized paintings, both of which are still commonly found in people's homes.
Skip the farmhouse-era stuff
Whitney Vredenburgh advised House Digest in an exclusive interview that outdated wall trends include farmhouse-inspired decor — suitable for farmhouse dwellers. However, even if you're a fan of all things cottage core, it's best to resist the temptation. Vredenburgh pointed out, "The majority of the population doesn't live in a farmhouse." Therefore, it's time to part ways with your milk jug pictures in rustic wooden frames or the steer artwork from T.J. Maxx. Consider donating artwork featuring cliché phrases like 'live, laugh, love' as well. The younger generation often mocks such signs as inauthentic decor, highlighting the need to move away from superficial farmhouse decorations in non-farmhouse settings.
When it comes to decorating your walls, size matters. Whitney Vredenburgh advises against using inappropriately sized wall art, as it can throw off the balance of a room. "Most people tend to buy artwork that is too small for a space," Vredenburgh shared with House Digest. To ensure the right fit, she suggests measuring the area where the artwork will be placed. For instance, if it's above a console table or sofa, the art should be 5-8 inches shorter than the table on each side and positioned about 6-8 inches above the furniture. If the art is hanging on a wall, the midpoint should be 60 inches from the floor.
When considering wall art for your home, it's important to tailor your choices to each specific room. Canvases are a popular option, available in various sizes that are best suited for different spaces. Small canvases, such as 5-inch-by-7-inch or 6-inch-by-8-inch prints, are perfect for filling small spaces like shelves or creating a vertical line on a wall. Moving up in size, small canvases (8 inches by 10 inches) can make a great addition to entryways and hallways. Medium canvases (16 inches by 20 inches) are commonly seen in kids' bedrooms or family rooms, while large statement canvases are best suited for adult bedrooms and living rooms. For a unique and striking look, consider a triptych canvas to elevate a master suite, but always remember to measure your space beforehand to ensure a proper fit.
