Let’s talk Art and Where to put it!

Art is one of the most powerful elements in a room. It has the ability to pull a space together and infuse it with the personality of the people who live there. While choosing art is an incredibly personal decision, I’m often asked by clients to help guide them through the process.

As a designer, I can easily advise on scale, colour palettes, and texture to ensure a piece complements the space beautifully. But beyond the technical aspects, art should connect with you on a deeper, emotional level. It should make you feel something. At the end of the day, you need to love it—because that connection is what truly brings a room to life.

Where does Art belong in the House?

There are a few key spots in a home that naturally call for art. In the living or family room, it’s often placed above the sofa or fireplace—those focal walls that anchor the space. In the dining room, a piece above the buffet adds visual interest and balance. Bedrooms often benefit from art above the bed, while hallways are ideal for creating rhythm and movement through a gallery-style layout.

These larger walls typically call for a statement piece—whether it’s art or, in some cases, a mirror. But beyond these anchor points, it’s just as important to thoughtfully layer in smaller, accent pieces throughout the home. These quiet moments of art can add intimacy, warmth, and unexpected personality to the space.

The Power of Scale!

• Large scale art creates drama and focus, especially in rooms with tall ceiling heights and minimal décor.
• If one large piece seems overwhelming, then opt for a diptych or triptych instead.
• Don’t select pieces that are too small for the wall, you’ll know when you look at it, that it looks off and that it appears to be floating in space.  When selecting items that will be above a console, fireplace, etc.. try to ensure that the art is about 75% as wide as what is below to anchor it.  The art should not be wider.

 

Ideal Hanging Height

• The centre of the Artwork should be around 55″-60″ above the floor for proper viewing height.
• When hanging over a sofa, bed or table, you want the art to relate with the furniture so hanging the item 6″-12″ above that furniture is good.
• For gallery walls, keep consistent spacing in-between the frames, usually 2″ or 3″ of wall space.
• When in doubt, get out the green painters tape and mask it out on the wall first!

 

Choosing the Right Piece for the Room

• Coordinate with the colour palette and tone of the room. Don’t be too matchy-matchy though as it will come off as dull.
• Think about the visual weight of the piece. Dark pieces will appear heavier and moodier which may be suitable for a dining room or bedroom, while light and airy pieces will recede and be more suitable to rooms that aim to feel happy and more free-like a spa bathroom.
• The function of the room will help with the selection of the piece.  You may be looking for calm, serene art for bedrooms and bathrooms, fun and energetic for a kid’s space and vibrant and colourful for an open great room.

 

Frames, Mats and Materials

• Frames and Mats are an extension of the art.  Go for thin metal frames for more modern works and an elegant wood frame for more traditional.  Definitely go to your local Framing store with your art so you can try out different mat boards and frames before selecting.
• I love the look of a very small drawing swallowed up by a large, oversized mat and matching frame.  Looks so luxurious. Play with scale at the framers.
• When doing a gallery wall, it helps to have the pieces all in the same material and colour, but the size of the frames do not need to match at all!  Add in some wall sculpture and mirrors to get mixed in the grouping.

 

Gallery Walls

• Helps to start with the largest piece first and then build your way outwards from there.  Don’t centre the large piece right in the middle, offset it to one side and up or down.
• Try to keep the images all in the same colour palette, but the medium does not need to match.  I would mix watercolours with sketches and photographs but I would be keeping the frames the same all white, black, wood or metal.
• Map out your design either on the floor first or cut out some simple paper templates and stick them on the wall until you are happy with your design. No nail holes to cover up!

 

Custom and Local Art- Look for Personality!

• It’s always a great idea to support Local!  Go to your local galleries and see what they stock and another great option is Etsy and Instagram!  You can usually find an artist that you love and even have a piece commissioned for your own specific needs.
• Art does not have to be expensive- but you should love it and feel intentional 🙂

Last Tip!

• Don’t forget to light your art!!  You can’t see it if there is no light! You can either hardwire a picture light above your art or try out one of the battery operated versions like this one.

 

Have a great Weekend!!