A room without a splash of art on the walls is simply soulless. It feels sterile, as if something essential is missing. Well, it is indeed. Art can transform a place, acting as the finishing touch that can tie everything else in your decor together and give it a unique personality. Without it, your home will always feel unfinished. 

However, just picking the artwork you love is not where the job ends. Where you hang it, the size you go for, and the style you choose will all play a huge role in how it works within your home. 

In this article, we’ll approach wall art as less of a decoration and more of a design decision with everything that entails. We will take you through the essentials of selecting and hanging wall art in a way that makes all the difference.

Location, Location, Location. Where to Hang Wall Art?

Every room has its own character. How does this relate to hanging? Well, knowing where to place your art will help highlight it and complement the mood of the space. Everything in decor should work together in order to achieve the desired effect. 

That being said, where you hang your art will depend on which room you mean it for:

• Living room: This is the place where most people choose to entertain and unwind. Therefore, your art pieces should be able to catch the attention of the audience, and it would be even better if they spark a conversation. If it’s large, then the best thing to do is to place your wall art above the sofa or the fireplace, where it will naturally become the focal point. 

• Bedroom: Here, something softer and more soothing will work best. The ideal places to hang in such rooms are above the bed or above a cosy reading nook. 

• Dining room: Another good spot for conversation-starting art. A bold print or maybe one in an unexpected composition can create interest and set the tone for entertaining gatherings. 

• Hallways & Entryways: Transitional spaces are important in terms of first impressions. If you have pieces of art that reflect your style, hang them there to introduce newcomers to your home's overall personality. 

  Kitchens & Bathrooms: These two tend to be often overlooked, but actually, they could very well benefit from some playful and textural prints. Large scale is not a good idea here, so opt for smaller pieces that bring warmth and a pinch of charm. You don't want to overwhelm the place.

For more tips on how to hang wall art perfectly, consult our guide: Hanging Photos With Style At Home.

But How Big Should Your Wall Art Be? 

After figuring out the right place for your wall art, scale is one of the most common mistakes people tend to make. Yes, you may love your small piece to bits, but if it's too small, it will simply get lost, and no one will appreciate it as much as you do. But then again, it being too large can also overwhelm your room. 

So, how high on the wall to hang art? Make the right call with a quick rule of thumb: Artwork should be around 60-70% of the width of the furniture beneath it, be it a sofa, sideboard, or bed. 

Ceiling height also plays a role in the matter. Rooms with high ceilings love taller, vertical pieces that will naturally draw the eye upward and highlight the height of the place. Lower ceilings, however, will thank you if you choose to adorn them with horizontally oriented art that visually elongates the wall. 

Knowing this, you can decide whether to let a single oversized print anchor the space or create a gallery wall with multiple smaller works that tell a story together. It's your call. Both approaches will work wonderfully. 

If you're still unsure where to start, check out our Wall Art Size Guide.

Know What You're Trying to Achieve

Every wall art placement should have a clear purpose. So, before hitting the nail on the wall, maybe you can ask yourself some important questions to double-check that it does. 

If you want an eclectic, extravagant feel that calls for attention, choose bold, oversized prints with high-contrast colours and striking designs. If this is what you want, don't shy from drama. 

But if you fancy some calm and balance, focus on choosing art that reflects a calming colour palette, textures, and shapes already present in the room. In this way, you will accentuate harmony and cohesion, which in turn will calm you. 

And of course, there's a third option for those who don't care about size as much as what they are saying with their wall art. To create a story, opt for a curated gallery wall or themed series that will bring layers of personality and layers to the story they're telling.

Style Always Matters 

Yes, when you hang your piece in the right sweet spot, it makes all the difference. When it comes with some purpose—that's even better. However, the style you choose will always have a big say in the matter of impact. It has to resonate with your personality and what's already in place in your home. 

Abstract prints, for example, will be wonderful in modern and contemporary homes. They will naturally introduce the movement and sophistication clean-lined spaces need. 

Nature and botanical prints, on the other hand, are all about calm and praise of organic tranquillity, making them ideal as wall art above the bed, or in bathrooms, and anywhere else you like to unwind. 

Kitchens, children's rooms, and creative spaces adore colourful, warm art that brings joy. Photography and illustrations may also feel right here. Photography is all about drama and intensity, while illustrations can be cute and full of charm, softness, and artistry.

Are you all about being on top of the trends? Then, make sure to check out the Top 7 Wall Art Trends for 2025 we've compiled to help you make your home picture-perfect.

Additional Notes on Placement & Composition

Now, here are a few more tips and tricks on wall art placement that will help you make a difference when you hang your art. 

The eye-level rule is a classic for a reason. Position the centre of your artwork at around 145 cm from the floor so that it sits comfortably within the viewer's natural line of sight. 

If you choose to go for storytelling purposes, you'll end up hanging multiple pieces together. In this case, do pay attention to spacing. Consistent gaps between artworks are a must to maintain a sense of rhythm. Otherwise, your arrangement will feel cluttered. For more inspiration and practical advice, take a look at our Gallery Wall Styling Guide. 

And if you feel confident enough to spice things up, why not layer your wall art with mirrors? It will mean more light and reflection in the room, as well as depth, dimension, and dynamism. Overall, it's a great idea… if you dare. 

Design With Heart, Purpose & Instinct

Treat your wall art as a design would — like an investment in the atmosphere in your home. Nail the right place on the head, place with intention, and your space will thank you with a delightful transformation. 

Approach things thoughtfully and allow your artwork to become a reflection of who you are and how you want your home to feel. 

Take your time, trust your instincts, and know that you've got design experts behind your back to help you when you need us. In the right place, the right art will make your house feel like home.