Wall Art Decor Ideas For The Living Room

Trying to find wall art decor ideas for your living room and not sure where to begin?No problem, we've put together a guide that will help you through the process of selecting the right wall art for your space. Enhancing your living room with thoughtfully selected wall art can transform the space, reflecting your personal style and create a welcoming atmosphere. 

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect pieces:

three ukiyo-e wall art over the sofa

Find The Focal Point Of Your Living Room

Identifying the focal point in your living room is key to selecting the perfect wall art for your living room. This could be above the sofa, around the fireplace, or on a prominent wall. Each option creates a unique effect and helps set the tone for your décor. Here’s how to approach each focal point:

If Above the Sofa is Selected

  • Wall art above the sofa is one of the most popular choices for placing your art. To achieve balance, choose a piece that is approximately two-thirds the width of your sofa.
  • Ensure the bottom edge of the artwork is 6-12 inches above the back of the sofa for optimal alignment.
  • Consider a large statement piece, such as abstract art or modern prints, to draw attention and anchor the seating area. Alternatively, you can create a gallery wall with smaller pieces arranged symmetrically or organically for a more eclectic look.

Tip: Use colors or themes in the artwork that tie in with your throw pillows or area rug for a cohesive design.

Expressive wall art print of swirling trees and clouds in shades of blue and white, depicting a lively rural landscape in an abstract style.

If Above the Fireplace is Selected

  • Wall art above the fireplace is an excellent spot as this area typically draws a lot of attention. Select a piece that complements the shape and size of the fireplace mantle.
  • For a traditional fireplace, opt for a centered, landscape print to create a classic look. For a more modern fireplace, consider an oversized square wall art piece to add contrast and soften the lines.
  • The artwork should be hung with the bottom edge around 4-6 inches above the mantle. This ensures the art is visually connected to the fireplace but not overwhelming.

Tip: Choose artwork with warm tones or natural elements to enhance the coziness of the fireplace area.

Impressionist-style wall art print with soft blues, purples, and golds, evoking tranquil water lilies and reflections for a serene and elegant touch to any room.

If a Prominent Wall is Selected

  • A prominent, blank wall can serve as a dramatic backdrop for a bold statement art print. Use large-scale wall art that fills the space proportionally to avoid the wall looking too empty or too crowded.
  • Consider the height of the wall—if you have a tall ceiling, a vertical piece or a series of stacked prints can create a visual impact.
  • For expansive walls multiple pieces arranged in a grid layout can add depth and dimension.

Tip: Use lighting, such as picture lights or wall sconces, to highlight the art and emphasize its importance in the room.

How To Select The Size of Your Wall Art Print

The size of your wall art should be proportionate to the wall and surrounding furniture. For instance, a large canvas works well above a substantial piece of furniture, while smaller artworks are suitable for narrow walls or grouped in a gallery arrangement. Ensuring the right scale prevents the art from overwhelming or underwhelming the space.

small wall art gallery on living room wall

Small Wall Art Prints

Best For: Small spaces like narrow walls, corners, or areas above side tables, shelves, or in a gallery wall arrangement. Small wall art prints are perfect for adding subtle details to your living room without taking up much space.

Tip: Arrange small prints in a grid or asymmetrical layout for a curated look. Pair prints with similar themes or colors to maintain a sense of unity.

medium size wall art print of toronto cn tower

Medium Wall Art Prints

Best For: Above furniture like a console table, small sofa, or between windows. Medium-sized prints are versatile and can serve as standalone pieces or be paired with smaller prints to create a layered effect. They’re ideal for adding visual interest without dominating the room.

Proportion Rule: If placing a medium print above furniture, make sure the width of the artwork is approximately 50-75% of the furniture’s width to achieve a balanced look.

Tip: Choose a medium print with bold colors or textures to make it stand out as a focal point in smaller spaces.

large canvas wall art print of scottish cow over the sofa

Large Wall Art Prints

Best For: Wide, open walls or above substantial furniture like a long sofa, large console, or a fireplace. Large wall art prints in the living room make bold statements and are ideal for anchoring your décor. They work particularly well in spaces with high ceilings or expansive walls.

Tip: For oversized prints, aim for the artwork to take up about two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the furniture it’s placed above. For instance, a large print above a sofa should span most of the sofa’s width without exceeding it.

To help selecting the right size when browsing our website you can check out our wall art size guides below:

Wall art size guide for landscape
Wall art size guide for portrait
Wall art size guide for square

Decide The Vibe Of The Wall Art Piece

The vibe of your wall art can significantly impact the overall atmosphere of your living room. When selecting a piece, consider the mood you want to create and how it aligns with your personal style and the room’s functionality. Here’s how to choose art based on the vibe you’re going for.

storm trooper pop wall art canvas print

For The Vibrant and Active Living Room

Best Choices: Bold abstract wall art for the active living room with colorful geometric designs can be a great choice. Vibrant wall art is perfect for creating an energetic and lively atmosphere. This works especially well in spaces where you entertain guests or want to inject personality and creativity.

Pairing Tips: Complement the art with accent furniture or décor in matching vibrant tones, such as throw pillows or rugs. Avoid overloading the space with too many patterns or colors to maintain balance.

For The Elegant and Sophisticated Living Room

Best Choices: Minimalist black-and-white wall art prints for an elegant living room are the perfect choice to keep the space clean, pair the art with some metallic accents like gold or silver canvas pieces for that extra touch of class. Consider framed canvas wall art prints for a sleek finish to elevate the elegance of the room.

Pairing Tips: Coordinate the artwork with luxurious materials in your living room, such as velvet sofas, marble accents, or metallic light fixtures, to enhance the upscale feel.

misty pines wall art print for living room

For The Relaxing and Cozy Living Room

Best Choices: Abstract landscapes, serene nature scenes, or warm-toned artwork in earthy hues like beige, green, or soft blues are perfect to create a cozy and relaxing space. Relaxing wall art in the living room helps create a peaceful retreat where you can unwind and feel at ease. Soft, textured canvas prints or art featuring neutral tones can complement cozy living room elements, like plush throws and soft lighting.

Pairing Tips: Use warm lighting, such as table lamps or wall sconces, to enhance the soothing effect of the art. Incorporate natural materials, like wood, in your furniture to harmonize with the calming vibe.

Consider The Color Of Your Space When Select Your Art Print

Harmonize your living room wall art decor with the existing color palette. Select pieces that complement or thoughtfully contrast with your existing décor. For example, if your space features warm earthy tones, wall art pieces with similar hues can create cohesion, while cool blues or greens offer a refreshing contrast.

Remember if selecting colors becomes difficult, use neutral tones to avoid contrasts that may unbalance your living room space.

wall art decor for your living room

Choose Your Wall Art Print

Your living room is more than just a space—it’s a reflection of your personality, lifestyle, and the emotions you want to evoke when you walk into the room. Choosing the right wall art print is about more than just decoration; it’s about creating an environment that feels uniquely yours.

Start by thinking about what kind of art truly resonates with you. Don’t be afraid to mix different styles and textures to create an entirely personal gallery. A combination of abstract prints, photography, and typography art can give your space depth and make it feel curated rather than staged.  Most importantly, choose wall art that makes you feel something—whether it’s inspiration, nostalgia, excitement, or peace. Your living room should be a place where you feel comfortable and connected, and the right art can help you achieve that effortlessly.

Abstract art of undulating white and navy blue stripes, resembling the dynamic flow of ocean waves, styled in a minimalist manner.

Where To Hang Your Wall Art Print in Your Living Room

Placement is key to showcasing your art effectively. Hang pieces at eye level for optimal viewing, and ensure they are centered relative to furniture or architectural features. Incorporate art into various areas, such as above the sofa, near the fireplace, or along hallways, to create a balanced and engaging visual flow throughout the room.

FAQs

1. How do I choose the right frame for my wall art?

Select a frame that complements both the artwork and your living room décor. Neutral frames like black, are versatile and can suit various styles. Ensure the frame enhances the art without overpowering it.

2. Can I mix different art styles in my living room?

Yes, mixing art styles can add depth and interest to your space. Aim for a cohesive look by considering a unifying element, such as a common color palette or theme, to tie the pieces together.

3. How many pieces of art should I hang in my living room?

The number of art pieces depends on your wall space and the room’s layout. A single large piece can make a bold statement, while a collection of smaller pieces can create an engaging gallery wall. Balance is key to avoiding a cluttered appearance.

4. Should my wall art match my living room furniture?

While your art doesn’t need to match your furniture exactly, it should complement the overall style and color scheme of the room to create a harmonious look.

5. How do I arrange multiple art pieces on one wall?

When arranging multiple pieces, consider the overall composition. You can align them along a central line or create a grid pattern for a structured look. Laying out the arrangement on the floor beforehand can help you visualize the final display.

earthy tones wall art ideas for living room

Browse Our Collection of Wall Art Prints For Your Living Room

Explore our curated selection of wall art prints designed to enhance your living room’s aesthetic. From modern abstracts to serene landscapes, our collection offers a variety of styles and sizes to suit your space. Discover the perfect piece to reflect your personality and elevate your home’s décor.

By thoughtfully selecting and placing wall art, you can transform your living room into a space that is both visually appealing and uniquely yours.