Framed Wall Art

Choosing wall art is one of the decisions people spend the longest time on, partly because it feels permanent and partly because it is very visible. Getting it right makes a significant difference to a room, but the principles that guide good choices are more straightforward than most people expect.

Size is the most common mistake. Art that is too small for a wall looks lost and tentative, even if the piece itself is good. For a sofa wall in a living room, the art or arrangement of art should ideally span around two thirds of the sofa's width. For a single large wall, one substantial piece or a gallery wall of coordinated prints will read far better than a small frame in the centre.

Framed art gives a more finished and considered look than unframed prints, and the frame itself plays an important role in how the piece sits in a room. Thin black frames suit contemporary and minimalist interiors and keep the focus entirely on the image. Natural wood and oak frames work well in warmer, more relaxed schemes. Wider, more ornate frames suit traditional or maximalist interiors where the frame itself is part of the visual statement.

Subject matter and colour are worth considering in relation to the existing room rather than in isolation. A piece of art that introduces one or two colours already present in the room, such as picking up a tone from cushions, a rug, or curtains, will feel cohesive rather than like an afterthought. Abstract prints are particularly versatile in this regard, as they can be chosen specifically to complement an existing colour palette.

Hanging height is a detail that makes a noticeable difference. The general rule is to hang art so that the centre of the piece sits at eye level, which is around 145 to 150cm from the floor. Above a sofa or console table, the bottom of the frame should sit around 15 to 20cm above the furniture to create a visual connection between the two.