The Do’s and Don’ts of Decorating with Art: A Beginner’s Guide
Decorating with art is one of the most exciting ways to bring personality into your home, but if you’re new to the process, it can feel a little intimidating. How do you choose the right pieces? What size should you get? And where exactly should you hang them? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or just refining your space, these essential do’s and don’ts will help you decorate with confidence.
Do: Choose Art You Love
The best rule of thumb? Pick pieces that truly speak to you. Art should reflect your personal taste, evoke memories, or simply make you happy – not just follow trends. Whether it’s photography that draws you in or cityscape art that reminds you of a favorite trip, meaningful art makes a space feel more authentic and inviting. Decorating should be about self-expression, so trust your instincts and go with what you love.
BONUS: create custom art prints of your own photographs or homemade artwork to make your space feel even more like YOU.
Don’t: Go Overboard with Size
Scale is everything when it comes to wall art. Choosing pieces that are too large can overwhelm a room, while art that’s too small might get lost in the space. A good guideline? If you’re hanging art above furniture, aim for a width that’s about two-thirds the size of the furniture beneath it. For standalone pieces, make sure they balance well with the surrounding decor and don’t feel like they’re floating in an empty space. If you are in fact looking to fill a bigger space, be sure to check out our selection of large wall art!
Do: Consider Your Color Scheme
Art can either blend seamlessly with your decor or create a striking contrast – it all depends on the vibe you’re going for. If you want a cohesive look, choose pieces that pull from your existing color palette. Love a bold, eclectic feel? Opt for colors that pop against your walls or furniture. A mix of warm and cool tones can also help balance the overall aesthetic of your space. Shop by color to find the hue that works for you.
Don’t: Hang Art Too High
One of the most common decorating mistakes is placing art too high on the wall. A simple rule to follow: the center of the artwork should be about 57–60 inches from the floor, which is roughly at eye level. If you’re hanging art above furniture, leave 6–8 inches of space between the bottom of the frame and the furniture below to keep everything visually connected.
BONUS: If you’re looking for an easy way to hang art without tools, Steelpix is the perfect choice!
Do: Play with Different Layouts
There’s more than one way to style your walls! Try a gallery wall with a mix of frames and sizes for an eclectic look, or go with symmetrical arrangements for a cleaner, more balanced feel. Love oversized statement pieces? Try diptych or triptych art for a bold, modern effect. If you like to switch things up, lightweight art like Steelpix makes it easy to experiment with layouts and refresh your space without the hassle of nails.
Don’t: Be Afraid of Empty Space
Negative space is your friend! Filling every inch of wall space can make a room feel cluttered, while leaving intentional gaps allows your artwork to breathe. Statement pieces shine when they have room to stand out, so embrace a little blank space around your favorite pieces to enhance their impact. This works especially well if you’re into a minimalist decor style, or if you want to decorate your space with contemporary fine art.
Ready to start filling your space with art? Check out some of our Best Sellers on iCanvas for inspiration from other shoppers!