Wall art for the living room - ideas and inspiration

The living room is often the most important room in the house, and art can make a real difference to how much style and personality it has. Choosing the right pieces can feel daunting, though, especially when you want the room to look considered rather than cluttered. Here we look at different ways to use art in the living room — whether you prefer color or black and white, modern or classic, large or small.

How to choose the right art for your living room

Start from the room's style and palette. If your living room is neutral, a piece with more color gives you a welcome contrast; if the room is already lively, calmer artwork helps restore balance. Size and proportion matter just as much. Large pieces usually work best on a big wall or above a sofa, while smaller ones make lovely details in tighter spaces or as part of a gallery wall. Placement is the third piece of the puzzle. Art should work with the furniture and the other elements in the room, and getting that right changes how the whole space feels. The common mistake is hanging too high or too low — aim for eye level and you will not go far wrong.

Image from: @umevagen

Choosing a style and theme

Which style you choose depends largely on what you want your living room to say about you and your taste. Modern artwork gives a room an elegant, pared-back feel, while classic pieces bring something more traditional and timeless.

Matching and grouping

Hanging pieces symmetrically or asymmetrically changes how orderly or playful the room feels. How many you put on one wall depends on its size and the effect you are after. A gallery wall is a fun way to mix different styles together.

Image from: @malin.sveder Click here for living room wall art