A stunning, well-placed piece of art can be the focal point of your living room. Art with custom framing can also guide your interior design choices to create a cohesive space. If you want to add artwork to your home, the guide below will help you get started.

How to Choose the Right Artwork

Begin by looking at color. If you have a color scheme in your home, choose art that fits into it. Pieces with neutral, cool colors will look natural against creme walls and gray furniture. Alternatively, they can contrast nicely with wood-paneled walls or black paint in a dark-colored room.

Use the same approach when choosing the style of the work. Busy abstract styles fit in with minimalistic interior designs. A more colorful portrait or landscape scene complements a rustic-style room. Remember that you can always adjust the colors and furniture in the living room to conform with a painting you love.

Size is another important consideration. If you’re exploring large pieces, they should be at most two-thirds of the width of the sofa, chair set, fireplace, or other feature it will hang above. Anything bigger will throw off the balance.

If you’re getting a custom frame for the piece, try to match the style of the painting. Ornate wood frames are preferred for traditional or classical paintings. On the other hand, you can choose a simple, thin frame to border a visually complex work. Thick, decorated frames add bold features to walls that are otherwise empty.

How to Find the Right Placement in Your Home

Once you choose the art and custom frame, cut out a sheet of paper in the same size. You can then tape this in various locations around your living room to choose a spot that will fit it. Generally, the center of the painting should be at eye level. Since people spend most of their time sitting in living rooms, you’ll want to focus on a seated eye level for walls in view of the couch. Many people choose to place artwork above the sofa or a fireplace.

It’s best to keep larger pieces away from small art with different types of frames because the styles can clash. Smaller art, however, blends in well with similar-sized decor of different colors and shapes.

For original art and custom framing, visit Denali Graphics & Frame of Anchorage, AK. They have an onsite art gallery that displays the work of talented Alaskan artists. They also provide framing options to help you customize your piece and make it fit into the decor of your home. Learn more about their art gallery online or call (907) 561-4456 to discuss your needs. Connect on Facebook for news and information about upcoming art events.