The living room is the heart of every home. It’s where we gather to watch our beloved television series, relax after a long day, or entertain families and friends during fun gatherings. That’s why it’s also the biggest and most welcoming section of our living space.
Does a sad, blank wall greet you as you and your guests enter your home? Consider getting framed prints and arranging them smartly on your living room walls. Doing so can be a cost-effective and fulfilling way to reflect your style and personality on your property. It can be overwhelming, though, considering the wide range of options available. But don’t worry; this guide will show you how to turn your living room from bland to grand.
Do: Infuse Your Style
First things first: your framed prints should reflect your taste. The blank canvas you’re staring at isn’t a museum wall—it’s your living space, and it should tell your story.
Do you crave the calming serenity of a nature scene or the electrifying energy of a pop art piece? Are you a movie buff with a penchant for classic film posters? You may want to share treasured memories with carefully curated framed photo prints. The possibilities are endless, so let your walls speak your preferred art style.
Do: Mind the Scale and Layout
The size and arrangement of your framed prints significantly impact the overall look and feel of your living room wall. Consider these to create a balanced and impactful composition:
- Proportion is Key: A single, giant wall décor can overwhelm a small space, while tiny photo prints get lost on a large wall.
- Embrace the Gallery Wall: Create a gallery wall for a curated and collected look. Start by laying your prints on the floor to experiment with different arrangements before committing to nail holes.
Taking heed of scale and experimenting with layouts lets you create a visually appealing arrangement that enhances the overall aesthetic of your living room. The same principles apply to your other living room décor, like rugs, curtains, and wall art.
Do: Consider the Lighting
Proper lighting can make or break any home décor, including your framed prints. Consider these tactics to ensure your artwork is beautifully illuminated:
- Natural Light is Best: If possible, position your prints where they receive natural light. Natural light brings out the colors and details in your artwork, allowing them to come alive.
- Task Lighting for Focus Pieces: A particularly cherished print needs a dedicated spotlight to highlight its beauty. It’s also one way to create a focal point in your living room.
By strategically using natural and artificial light, you can ensure your framed prints are showcased in their best light—literally and figuratively.
Do: Frame it Right!
The frame you choose can significantly impact the look and feel of your print. Choose the perfect frame to complement your artwork by:
- Matching the Frame to the Style: A minimalist frame complements a modern print, while a vintage frame adds character to a classic artwork.
- Considering Matting: Matting adds depth and creates a separation between the artwork and the frame. It can also help draw the viewer’s eye into the print. Wider mats work well for bold, graphic prints, while narrow mats can add a touch of elegance to more delicate pieces.
Selecting the right frame and matting elevates your artwork and creates a polished and finished look. The same considerations hold when framing canvas prints.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of selecting and arranging your framed prints let’s discuss some common pitfalls to avoid when hanging them.
Don’t: Match Everything
While cohesion is important in creating a pleasing living room space, achieving it doesn’t require everything to match perfectly. A sterile, matchy-matchy environment can feel impersonal and uninspired.
- Think Color Palettes: Instead of identical prints, choose pieces that share a color palette.
- Layer Textures: You can also introduce visual interest by incorporating prints with different textures.
Embracing a curated approach and considering color palettes and textures helps create a harmonious and visually captivating frame art print arrangement that reflects your unique style.
Don’t: Hang Everything at Eye Level
While eye level is a good starting point for a single statement piece, a gallery wall thrives on variation.
- Stairstep it Up: Arrange your prints in a stairstep pattern for a visually pleasing flow. Mix and match portrait and landscape orientations for a more dynamic feel.
- Leave Room to Breathe: Don’t crowd your frame photo prints together. Leave some negative space (empty wall) between them to allow each piece to breathe and avoid a cluttered look.
Create a dynamic and visually interesting gallery wall that breaks away from the monotony of a uniform hanging height. Incorporating these tips should help you.
Don’t Hang Artwork Above Direct Heat or Sunlight
While you might love the idea of placing your artwork above the fireplace for a cozy ambiance, resist the urge. Direct sunlight can fade your art pieces over time, leaving your art prints dull and lifeless. Heat sources like fireplaces or radiators can cause the prints to warp or crack over time.
Don’t Skimp on the Frame
While a fancy frame won’t make a bad print look good, cheap frame options can detract from a beautiful piece.
Investing in a quality frame or custom-framed print is important for both durability and aesthetics. Setting a reasonable budget for quality frames protects your artwork, elevates its beauty, and adds value to your living room decor.
Creating an Inviting Living Room
Decorating with framed prints may sound simple, but you need to know these tips to level your decorating skills. Your living room is a reflection of your personality and taste, so don’t be afraid to embrace your style, unleash your inner decorator, and experiment. Soon enough, you’ll have a living room that gets everyone talking.
