How to choose artwork for your space, and where to find it

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Finding the right artwork for a space can be a joy -- and a challenge.

In fact, one of the most rewarding parts of designing is putting the finishing touches in — placing the accessories, arranging the bookshelves, and hanging the artwork. But, that final phase is also where a lot of people get stuck, or just run out of steam.

Because a redesign involves so many elements, artwork is often the last thing that gets considered, which makes the job harder, because you are fitting something into an already-existing palette and design.

When to Choose:

Instead of waiting to the end of the process, START with the art. it could be an inspirational piece that you already own, an inspirational piece that you don’t own, but could get something similar. Or, look for a key piece at the start of the process so you have a direction in place, something you can work around even if it’s just a pillow.

Didn’t do that and you are now looking? Here are a few tips and techniques I use to to get a cohesive look.

How to choose your artwork

I suggest placing blue painters tape on the wall to outline the location. This is a great way to work out the scale and orientation (portrait - vertical, or Landscape - horizontal) . Measure your outline and you’ll know the size range that will work best.

Look for colors that already exist - including color that exists in a sofa, chair or drapes, will create a coordinated look.

Add a pillow or accessories that pick up on colors in the piece
Mix your media - Consider mirrors, drawings, hangings, wall-hung sculpture, and collage.

How to hang it

Eye Level. Most professionals agree that hanging art at eye level — meaning that the CENTER of the piece is at eye level — is the best practice. I usually see art hung too high, so use this rule of thumb if you are not sure. Usually I hang around 66” above the floor to the center of the piece.
Get a friend to help. It takes at least two people to do this, so one of you can step back and see how it’s looking.
Measure twice. Once you know where the top of the piece is, measure the top of the frame to the picture wire when it is pulled tight, then place the hanging part (not the top) of the hook on that spot, centered. For larger pieces or mirrors, hire a professional.

Where to look for artwork

Finding the right piece is a slightly different process for everyone. While most people appreciate a story behind the piece (think: “we were walking the Turkish Bazaar in Istanbul and….) it’s important that the piece, not just the story, fit the space and the decor. Local galleries and artists if you are living outside an urban area can be a great resource. But for New York, LA, or Chicago be prepared for ‘investment level’ artwork at most galleries. The solution? The internet of course. There are great resources at every level from original pieces to tasteful prints and reproductions. Most do ship unframed, so keep in mind that framing will add to the overall cost.

Minted ships their pieces framed and ready to hang, and the lovely nature prints from Barloga Studio can be hung from a clever wood magnetic strip hanger they sell on their site.

Original Pieces -

Print and Reproductions -