Finding the right print, canvas, or poster for your living room can be challenging. Imagine you have spent much time perfecting your space—from selecting the ideal sofa to laying down a standout rug. Now that the big pieces are in place, it is time to focus on those finishing touches, which can be one of the most enjoyable parts of decorating your living room.

The decor is all about the details, and wall art is no exception. Choosing the right piece means knowing your space and your style inside out. A clear vision will help you find the perfect artwork for your living room. Here's how to get started.

Know Your Space

Let's start with the basics. Getting your measurements right is crucial when picking artwork for your living room. There's nothing worse than putting up a frame only to find it doesn't quite fit or looks off. If you're decorating an already furnished space, look for spots to add a focal point.

Large wall art can make a statement above a sofa, while smaller pieces are great for a gallery wall or a shelf. It's best to avoid too many busy patterns in a small living room. Instead, go for a few larger frames. This approach will help keep the space feeling open and uncluttered.

Define Your Personal Style

Unlike other home decor tips, choosing artwork is really personal. There aren't strict rules about what styles work or don't work, which makes picking wall art for your living room a lot of fun. If you have a defined interior style, you can use it to guide your choices.

Retro patterns are a great fit for a mid-century modern living room. Fine lines and abstract shapes are popular in Scandi-inspired spaces. If you're unsure of your style or looking for a specific vibe, learning the right terms can make it much easier to find artwork that fits.

Consider Your Colors 

When decorating your living room, the color of your artwork is an important factor to consider. To prevent clashes, check out your current or planned color scheme before making any decisions. If your space already features warm tones like red, orange, and yellow, stick with these hues in your artwork to maintain harmony.

Conversely, artwork with contrasting colors can make a bold statement, especially with larger pieces. Instead of trying to match your artwork to your room exactly, aim for colors that complement your existing décor. You can echo tones from your furniture or introduce subtle color hints in your artwork to add visual interest.

Choose a Medium

When choosing art for your living room, it's helpful to understand the different mediums available. For those who aren't artists, this just means knowing what the art is made from. Is it an original painting or illustration? Is it a mixed-media piece that includes fabrics and other materials? Or is it a print, a reproduction of the original artwork? Each option has different price points, so you'll need to consider this when planning your budget for wall art.

Original pieces are typically the most expensive, but they offer unique texture and intricate detail, which can be worth the investment. If originals are out of your price range, prints can be a fantastic alternative, allowing you to enjoy the art you love without overspending. Regardless of your option, art is always an investment, so try to stretch your budget to ensure you get the best quality, especially for larger statement pieces. 

Get Your Lighting Right

Investing in quality artwork for your living room is always worthwhile, so getting your lighting just right is crucial. The way you light your artwork can significantly enhance or diminish its impact. Focus on creating optimal lighting to make the colors, details, and textures pop. Use picture rails with spotlights above or place your art where ceiling lights illuminate it.

Consider the light sources in your living room, including natural light from windows and any artificial lighting, and plan your artwork placement accordingly. Good lighting is important for many reasons, including effectively showcasing your artwork.

Choose Your Frames Carefully

To frame or not to frame? It depends on the artwork you have in your living room. Some pieces, like canvases, often look best without a frame, and sculptural works don't require one. However, if you're dealing with prints or original art on paper, framing can help make it stand out and create a focal point against your wall.

Attention to detail is key, so match the frame's tones and textures to your living room's style. For instance, consider using mid-wood frames that complement teak in mid-century modern spaces. There are no strict rules, though—feel free to experiment and see what works best for your space. If you prefer an easy option, look for ready-to-hang artwork already framed.

Trust Your Instincts  

Wall art is a personal choice, and it's important to remember that what you enjoy might not be the same as someone else's taste. There are no hard-and-fast rules for picking artwork for your living room, which often comes down to experimentation. Try moving pieces around, swapping them with art from other rooms, and exploring different options until you find something that really resonates with you.

Draw inspiration from your existing decor, the artwork you come across while out and about, and the wall art you see on social media. There are ideas everywhere, and with some searching, you'll discover a piece you truly love and are excited to display in your living room.