How to Pick Art for Every Room in Your Home

Your bedroom should be a place to relax and unwind – and the artwork in the space should reflect that. Pick an abstract painting in soothing colours or a peaceful landscape photograph. Avoid busying the walls and pick one larger piece of art, as opposed to several smaller ones.

It’s best to keep the artwork small in the kitchen so they don’t compete with the design details that already exist in the space: backsplash, tile, overhead lighting and more. However, the kitchen is a social gathering place. Feel free to buy art that is bright, quirky or funny, like quotes or comics.

Here are graphic kitchens that double as art galleries.

The artwork here should also follow the rules of the bedroom: one large piece in restful tones. However, the artwork should appeal to every guest, so it’s best not to pick something that’s super eccentric. Playing up the visitor theme with travel landscape photographs is always a good bet.

The office can really be a fun space to pick artwork for. We recommend framing a bunch of smaller prints or photographs that inspire you and placing them on a floating edge shelf or gallery wall. That way you can switch up the artwork easily depending on your mood.
Want more office design inspiration? We asked Sarah Richardson how to create an at-home office.

When you’re hanging artwork in your wee one’s room, think whimsical, not childish. Although you should select paintings and photographs that feature things that they’re into – like animals, sports, science – avoid picking something that is character-based that they’ll grow out of quickly.

You shouldn’t forget about artwork in the bathroom, as it’s a room that you use every day. Artwork looks great in pairs here: pick two similar prints to go above the toilet or towel hooks. Small or medium-sized pieces work best, but match to the size of the bathroom.

In the living room, choose a large statement piece or opt for a gallery wall. Remember to consider the room’s size, as you don’t want the artwork to overwhelm (or underwhelm) the space. You can think outside the canvas or frame here: flags, horns or rugs can be a fun alternative.
Here are 20 decor pieces to help you pass as a bona fide art collector.