Shopping for Home Accents
Artwork is personal. And adding artwork to your home can be a great way to let your personality and your own unique style shine through. But before you purchase a new work of art or reach for your hammer and toolbox in the garage, there are a few things you should consider first.
Grab a Tape Measure!
The first step when purchasing artwork for your home is to take measurements. First, measure the length and width of the wall. If you are hanging the piece above furniture, like a bed or a sofa, measure from the top of the item to the ceiling rather than the floor. And if you are hanging a piece of art above a furniture item, choose artwork between 65 and 85 percent of the furniture’s width. Bigger pieces will make your furniture look cartoonishly small, and smaller artworks will leave too much blank space.
When measuring, don’t forget to account for what is on the wall already by following the three-eights rule. To do this, calculate your ideal width by multiplying the length of your wall by 0.57. And forget hanging at eye level. Most interior design experts position art pieces with a standard 58-inch from the floor to the center of the artwork.
Before you start hanging, consider using craft paper to map out how your finished gallery wall will look. Simply cut your paper into the varying dimensions of your artwork and then tack or tape it to the wall. This will give you the opportunity to play around with the space, measurements, and the placement without putting any holes in your walls.
Standard Size 101
When it comes to artwork, there is no one-size-fits-all. However, there are a few things you should know about artwork sizes. Knowing the standard sizes can take the frustration out of framing, as some sizes are more expensive to frame than others.
When purchasing artwork, look for the following standard sizes:
- 5” x 7”
- 8” x 10”
- 11” x 14”
- 16” x 20”
- 20” x 30”
- 22” x 32”
Art and Design
Minimalist, mid-century, or shabby chic: whatever your design preferences are, you are sure to find artwork that complements your style. But don’t feel boxed-in. Get adventurous with your artwork selection and pair a contemporary art piece with a traditionally styled room. You’ll be surprised how easily mixed design styles can come together for one stylish look.
Conversely, you can draw inspiration from your favorite artwork and decorate your home in a way that complements your favorite pieces. Just don't be too matchy-matchy, of course, as you don't want your wall art to overwhelm every aspect of the space.
Art Pieces for Budget-Conscious Collectors
When starting your own art collection, start small. Look for affordable pieces that you like first. This will help you figure out what type of artwork you like most. You can shop online for affordable artwork, visit local galleries in your city, or purchase unique pieces while traveling. Art is personal and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
For the Love of Art
Interior experts have outlined the rules for us. But sometimes rules, especially when it comes to design, are meant to be broken. When choosing art for your own home, it all comes down to what you love. After all, you will be the one looking at it every day. Make sure you choose a piece that sparks joy so that you can look at it again and again and still have that same positive feeling that inspired you to purchase it originally.
Start Your Art Search Today
Choosing the right art for your home is the easy part. Making it all come together is a little tricky. From measuring first to designing your home around your art, these tips can help you along the way. Find your next favorite art piece today online or in-store at Jerome’s Furniture.