Art is personal. 

Picking the right piece for your home can be tough, and there's no one formula you can follow to make a space that expresses who you are.

The artwork you choose should be unique to you: a reflection of your passions, history and style.

Sometimes these choices are driven by a need to fill a specific space, like a spot over the couch or an empty hallway. Other times, you may be driven to make space for that great canvas that spoke to you - your centerpiece.

Either way, there are no definitive rules. But there are a few helpful guidelines to make the process of selecting and hanging your art so much less confusing.

Still Waters by Lisa Jensen, finished with a Black Floating Frame 

#1. Size Up Your Space

Consider the size of the piece in relation to its surroundings.

Proportion and placement are equally important here.

If you’re looking to fill an open room, don’t be afraid to go big with a statement piece. Alternatively, if you live in a tighter apartment (like me), a bundle of smaller pieces may suit your needs better.

Too much empty wall space can overwhelm an undersized canvas, but that doesn’t mean you need to commit to the biggest size possible. 

Measure your space with a tape measure to get an idea of the fit.

If you’re still unsure, cut a piece of cardboard to the size and shape of the canvas you’re considering and hold it up to your wall. This will give you a true feel for size. 

 

Untethered 3-Piece by Eberhard Grosstasgeiser 

#2. Pick Your Orientation

Landcape or Portrait?

Try to match the artwork's orientation to your space. 

A large, horizontal wall tends to demand a landscape piece, as these are great for filling a visual field.

On the other hand, a hallway or more narrow wall space may benefit from a portrait canvas, to give a sense of openness to the area.

Horizon by Elisabeth Fredriksson is a great example of how a portrait piece can add space to a room 

#3. Establish Your House Height

One of the most common mistakes is hanging art too low or too high. 

A good rule of thumb is roughly 60” from floor to the center of the artwork - approximately eye level. Once you’ve established this “House Height,” use it to create flow and consistency throughout your space. 

If you’re planning to hang your art above a bed or piece of furniture, make sure the artwork feels connected to the piece. If it’s hung too high, it may appear disconnected. 4-10” is a guide but really you need to step back and eyeball it.

 The Copper Hills 3-Piece establishes house height by using multiple panels

Alternative:
Keep in mind, you don’t have to hang all of your art. You can also simply lean pieces against the wall.

(Fireplace mantles and shelves are a great place to do this.) 

Here, Emma Kelly's Antelope Canyon rocks the underrated "Wall Lean"

Create a Home with Connection

Wall art doesn't just give off a creative buzz - it can make your home feel more connected. 

Use the tips above to make a pick that's right for your space. 

Our small team has helped transform thousands of homes with nature-focused art from independent creators. We print each piece here in Colorado, and ship free to your doorstep. 

Check out our most popular pieces and see if anything catches your eye.

 

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