5 Living Room Wall Art Mistakes That Ruin Your Space
Wall art can make or break your living room’s aesthetic. While the right pieces can elevate your space, common mistakes can detract from your room’s overall appeal. Here are five living room wall art mistakes to avoid:
1. Choosing Art That’s the Wrong Size
The Mistake: Hanging artwork that’s disproportionate to your wall or furniture.
How to Fix It:
- For large walls, opt for oversized art or a gallery wall
- Above furniture, art should be about 2/3 to 3/4 the width of the piece below it
- In general, bigger is better than too small
2. Playing It Too Safe
The Mistake: Selecting bland, generic art that lacks personality or impact.
How to Fix It:
- Choose art that reflects your personal taste and style
- Don’t be afraid of bold colors or unique subjects
- Consider statement pieces that can serve as conversation starters
3. Improper Hanging Height
The Mistake: Placing art too high or low on the wall.
How to Fix It:
- Hang art at eye level, typically 57-60 inches from the floor to the center of the piece
- When hanging above furniture, leave 4-8 inches of space between the bottom of the frame and the top of the furniture
- For gallery walls, treat the entire arrangement as one unit when determining height
4. Ignoring the Room’s Style
The Mistake: Selecting art that clashes with your living room’s existing decor and theme.
How to Fix It:
- Consider your room’s color palette and choose art that complements or purposefully contrasts it
- Match the style of your art to your decor (e.g., modern art for contemporary spaces, traditional paintings for classic rooms)
- Use art to tie together different elements in your room
5. Overlooking Proper Lighting
The Mistake: Failing to illuminate your wall art effectively.
How to Fix It:
- Install picture lights or track lighting to highlight your artwork
- Consider the natural light in your room and how it affects the visibility of your art
- Avoid hanging art in direct sunlight to prevent fading
By avoiding these common wall art mistakes, you can create a living room that feels cohesive, personal, and visually stunning. Remember, wall art is an opportunity to express yourself and add character to your space. Take your time, choose pieces you love, and don’t be afraid to experiment.