10 Design Strategies for Art Lovers

For art lovers, designing a home or space that showcases their passion while remaining livable can be a challenge. The key is finding the right balance between functional spaces and gorgeous displays. Here are 10 design strategies to help art lovers create a beautiful, art-filled home:

Choose the Right Walls and Lighting

The foundation for an art-focused interior is the walls and lighting. White walls neatly frame artwork, while colored walls make bolder statements. Track lighting draws the eye to lit pieces, while picture lights highlight specific works. Natural lighting should illuminate art without causing glare or fading. Consider wall color, accent walls, picture hanging systems, and lighting options that complement both the art and overall space.

• White, neutral walls neatly frame and highlight artwork without competing. They also make small spaces appear larger.
• Accent walls in bold paint colors make more dramatic statements and focus attention on particular walls.
• Picture rail systems allow flexible hanging arrangements.
• Track lighting provides directional illumination ideal for spot-lighting artwork.
• Picture lights illuminate individual pieces without glare.
• Large windows and skylights give abundant natural light but can cause artwork fading without curtains or shades.
• Diffused natural light is best for even, non-damaging illumination.

Choosing walls and lighting tailored to the space and artwork allows art to take center stage.

Curate Wall Groupings for Maximum Impact

Hang art in intentional, cohesive arrangements for gallery-style walls with visual impact. Follow these curation tips:

• Harmonize varied pieces through color schemes, framing style, or theme.
• Group paintings by size, subject matter, style, or palette for cohesion.
• Start with a focal piece and build around it with supporting works.
• Add drama with tighter groupings and filled walls or negative space for more minimalist displays.
• Hang small pieces in same-size groupings rather than sporadically.
• Balance complex clusters with generous negative space.
• Arrange abstractly for asymmetrical, contemporary installations.
• Salont-style groupings with many small pieces provide abundant visual interest.

A thoughtfully curated art wall makes every piece stronger through their combined effect. Allow pieces to play off each other for maximum impact.

Make Art the Focal Point

Draw the eye to displayed artwork by minimizing visual clutter and distraction. Follow these tips:

• Avoid busy wallpaper patterns or heavily patterned furniture competing with art.
• Select solid upholstery in neutral hues or muted tones rather than loud prints.
• Edit furnishings to only essential pieces; remove unnecessary clutter.
• Position seating to face displayed artwork.
• Limit accessories that divert attention from featured art.
• Keep lighting focused on artwork without excess ambient light.
• Direct traffic flow to give prime viewing for important pieces.

Making artworks the obvious visual focal point gives them proper emphasis and showcases them attractively.

Balance Form and Function

The spaces in an art-centric home must still function day-to-day in addition to displaying art. Aim for this delicate balance:

• Choose cozy seating that invites people to linger and view collections.
• Select coffee and side tables that allow serving guests and daily use.
• Include bookshelves, cabinets, and storage to house necessities out of sight.
• Use screens or partial walls to define spaces without cramping art installations.
• Incorporate only needed desks, dining sets, and workstations.
• Select multipurpose furniture, like coffee tables with storage cubbies.
• Use bar carts and small kitchen tables rather than large formal dining sets.

Blending artful style with livable everyday functions creates a home that meets needs while still showcasing treasures.

Display Three-Dimensional Art

Don’t limit displays to wall art alone. Incorporate sculptural pieces throughout room designs for artistic ambiance.

• Place free-standing sculptures as focal points in open floor spaces.
• Arrange groupings of ceramic pieces on shelving built into wall displays.
• Showcase artful bowls, vases, and objects on coffee tables, sideboards, and tabletops.
• Install hanging mobiles with visible forms that catch the light.
• Position artful furniture, like ornate carved chairs, where they can be viewed.
• Use pedestals and platforms to display smaller 3D pieces at ideal heights.
• Incorporate kinetic pieces that interactively rotate or move with motors.

Sculptures and objects with artistic shapes bring an exhibit-like feel while adding intrigue.

Vary Display Techniques and Heights

Employ a mix of art hanging methods at varying heights for visually engaging arrangements.

• Hang pieces salon-style from rail mounts for a packed appearance.
• Lean canvases against walls without frames for a casual effect.
• Arrange matching collections in uniform grids for modern simplicity.
• Scatter small pieces at different heights in an abstract collage-like style.
• Hang select large statement pieces alone as anchor points.
• Display special pieces at eye-level for optimal viewing.
• Elevate paintings higher for impact or lower for intimacy.
• Incorporate wall shelves or cubbies to integrate displayed objects.

Varying hanging techniques makes art installations more dynamic while accommodating pieces of all sizes.

Showcase Photography

Photography deserves special treatment in home galleries thanks to its unique medium.

• Choose solid mats and framing that do not distract from photos.
• Display similar-size images in cohesive groups or grids.
• Arrange still life photos on coffee tables as objets d’art.
• Group candid images casually on shelves or sideboards.
• Combine framed photos with gallery walls for diversity.
• Hang large prints as stunning individual focal points.
• Backlight translucent photos for luminous effects.
• Feature special photos alone in niches or on accent walls.

With thoughtful display approaches, photography mixes beautifully into artful interiors.

Make Room for Art in Bedrooms

Bedrooms often get overlooked as art display spaces. But art can make sleeping spaces feel more inspiring and personalized.

• Hang or prop pieces on otherwise blank walls above headboards.
• Display artwork on closets or bathroom walls seen from the bed.
• Arrange collections of smaller artworks on dressers or nightstands.
• Showcase larger pieces on spare walls or seating nooks.
• Add delicate textile wall hangings as softer accent pieces.
• Incorporate artful mirrors and prints to cover boring builder-grade headboards.

Even modest art installations make bedrooms feel more welcoming and intimate.

Define Spaces with Art Partitions

In open concept homes, define spaces like dining and living rooms through strategic art placement.

• Use gallery walls or prints to distinguish undefined areas.
• Install translucent art partitions to separate rooms subtly.
• Position tall sculptures or distinctive pieces where spaces meet.
• Align artwork with furniture arrangement boundaries.
• Hang pieces on partial walls or railings between rooms.
• Group paintings around architectural elements like columns or steps.

Creative artwork arrangements transform cavernous open interiors into more intimate, usable spaces.

Make Bold Statements with Oversized Art

For dramatic impact, go big. Oversized art installations make stunning statements.

• Display expansive canvases or large-scale photographs alone.
• Cover entire accent walls with a giant piece as the focal point.
• Hang room-height gallery pieces to exaggerate scale.
• Lean unframed oversized canvases on the floor below wall displays.
• Paint or decal designs directly onto accent walls for built-in art.
• Commission custom-painted murals for personalized art.
• Use projectors to cast rotating digital images or videos on blank walls.

Oversized artworks give unique character to any interior when used thoughtfully.

Enhance with Artful Accessories

Artfully arranged accessories complement displayed works and enhance the gallery-like ambiance.

• Place collections of art books on coffee tables or shelves.
• Display unique objets d’art like sculptures on side tables.
• Include artful lamps, vases, tea sets, and dishes in arrangements.
• Scatter small framed photos, prints, and paintings throughout.
• Arrange flowers in colorful vases as living art pieces.
• Stack artwork caddies to hold pieces not yet hung.
• Place decorative trays on console tables to showcase 3D pieces.
• Style occasional tables with artful accessories that complement nearby wall art.

Well-chosen objects mixed with displayed artwork strengthen the overall artistic environment.

Conclusion

With the right mix of wall spaces, intentional arrangements, strategic lighting, and artful accents, art lovers can design gorgeous, livable spaces. Balance aesthetics with practical function by keeping furnishings minimal and prioritizing art. Vary hanging techniques and heights for compelling, gallery-style installations that turn home into a personal art museum. Embrace large statement pieces, sleek partitions, photography, multimedia works, and 3D objects to make art the heart of interior design. By thoughtfully incorporating these strategies, art and living spaces harmonize beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions About Design Strategies for Art Lovers

Art lovers designing home spaces often have questions about the best ways to display and integrate their collections. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

How much wall space is ideal for displaying art?

The amount of wall space depends on your overall collection scale and display preferences. Large collections and salon-style groupings require lots of wall real estate across multiple rooms. Minimalists can highlight select pieces on just a few accent walls. Ideally, aim to have wall space proportionate to your collection size and curation goals.

How do I make art look cohesive when styles and mediums vary?

Curate varying pieces into harmonious arrangements by color-coordinating frames and mats. Or develop a theme, like nature or urban scenes, to tie together works. Mixing mediums like photography, paintings, and prints actually enhances diversity. Just unify selections with consistent sizes and framed looks.

Should art be hung at eye level?

Most artwork is ideally hung at eye level for comfortable viewing. But raising key pieces draws the eye upwards, while lowering accent pieces provides contrast. Just avoid positioning too high or low. Standard gallery height is 57-60 inches from the floor to a piece’s center.

What types of lighting work best for displaying art?

For wall art, adjustable picture lights or directional track lights work best. They illuminate pieces without shadows or glare. For 3D pieces, recessed and track lighting give dimension. Avoid direct overhead lights, which create shadows. Place lights at a 30-degree angle off walls to avoid glare.

How do I make a living room functional if the walls are filled with art?

Keep furniture minimal for open space to use and move through the room freely. Select multifunctional benches and ottomans instead of space-hogging chairs. Use glass coffee tables to prevent visual heaviness. Console tables behind sofas provide surface space without clutter. Minimize knickknacks and accessories competing with the art.

Should I display art or TV over my fireplace?

Displaying art over a fireplace draws eyes up to appreciate the paintings. Televisions tend to dominate a space visually. If including one, mount it off to the side at standard height. Then highlight art over the fireplace itself as the focal point.

How can I include art in open concept spaces?

Floating shelves, rail systems, and gallery walls help define spaces within open floor plans. Curate distinct groupings in each zone tailored to that room’s purpose. Or use large pieces as room dividers. Just be sure to create visual breaks and borders so spaces don’t bleed together.

What’s the best way to elevate art above furniture?

Pedestals, tall shelving, higher picture rails or tracks, and floating ledges all raise artworks safely above furniture. For small pieces, sturdy wall-mounted shelves work well. Never place small loose pieces directly on top of tall furniture. And make sure hanging clearing heights work ergonomically.

How do I create an art display in a rental apartment?

Adhesive removable hooks, rail systems, and cleat hangers avoid damaging rental walls. Lean larger pieces against furniture or walls. Prop unframed canvases on shelves or mantels without needing nails. Apothecary-style shelving adds flexible display space. And you can always display art on easels if needed. Just focus on lightweight pieces and non-invasive installation methods.

More Design Tips for Art Lovers

Beyond the strategies already discussed, art lovers decorating their homes have additional options to create inspired artistic spaces. Here are more design tips:

• Mix 2D and 3D art in displays for added depth and perspective. Sculptures, glasswork, and objects diversify flat wall art.
• Incorporate pieces from current and past artists or movements for an educational overview.
• Allow some negative space between framed pieces for cleaner lines rather than clustering too densely.
• Choose furniture in solid colors without complex patterns to keep the focus on displayed art.
• Repurpose architectural salvage like corbels, spindles, and railings as art stands or shelves.
• Use floor rugs with simple patterns as canvas backgrounds to define seating areas accented by art.
• Paint built-in bookshelves, trimwork, and walls in bold colors to contrast with neutral artwork.
• Frame groupings according to a theme like family photos or travel mementos on a common wall.
• Illuminate artwork by wiring wall sconces and accent lights to strategic picture hanging spots.
• Incorporate commissioned creative wall paint techniques like gradients, patterns, or scenes.
• Display treasured framed art above dressers or nightstands in bedrooms as an alternative to common decorative mirrors.

With a little creativity, art enthusiasts can adapt almost any interior into a stylishly artistic living space. Begin with the foundational strategies, and then add personalized details for a home exhibiting both beautiful form and function.