How to Pick Wall Art: Expert Tips for Every Room

How to Pick Wall Art That Belongs in Your Space

A photographer’s guide to choosing art that speaks, not shouts

If you’re like me, you’ve probably walked into a room and felt something was off—too sterile, too loud, too forced. Nine times out of ten, it’s the walls. Not what’s on them, but what’s missing. Wall art isn’t just filler—it’s the soul of a room. It sets the tone, stirs memory, holds silence, or breaks it.

But let’s be honest—choosing wall art can feel overwhelming. With every scroll, you’re hit with generic prints, AI renderings, and mass-produced designs that have no relationship to the space—or to you. So, how do you choose wall art that truly reflects your life?

I’ve been creating and printing real photographic wall art for over three decades—scenes I’ve shot myself, on location, in forests, cities, deserts, and alleyways around the world. Here’s how I approach selecting wall art, not just as a creator but as someone who builds their spaces around real stories.

Introduction: Why Wall Art Matters (and How to Start Choosing)

Wall art isn’t just the finishing touch—it’s the heartbeat of your decor. The right artwork can completely transform a room, turning blank walls into a canvas for your personality and style. Whether you’re drawn to bold abstract art, serene landscapes, or vibrant prints, choosing art is about more than just filling space. It’s about creating a sense of balance, harmony, and joy in your home.

When selecting wall art, consider the story you want your space to convey. Consider the room’s theme, the colours that already exist, and the mood you want to create. Is your living room calling for a statement piece of art, or would a collection of smaller pieces better reflect your style? Don’t be afraid to mix different mediums—canvas, prints, or even graphic art—to build a collection that feels personal and unique. 

With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Start by measuring your wall space, noting the colours and decor you already love, and letting your own sense of style guide you. The perfect piece is the one that makes you pause, smile, and feel at home. Remember, your wall art collection is a reflection of you—so let it create a space that feels balanced, welcoming, and unmistakably yours.

Start with the Room—Not the Art

Before you even browse, take a moment to look at your space. Not just the blank wall but the room as a whole. Every room has its own rhythm, light, purpose, and emotional tone. Your art should echo that.

Think about:

• Room size and ceiling height
• Amount of natural light
• Furniture placement
• The mood you want to create

If your room has high ceilings, you can take advantage of the extra vertical space by choosing larger or oversized art pieces for a dramatic effect. A large wall or big wall often needs appropriately scaled artwork to avoid looking empty and to create a strong focal point. Even a narrow space can benefit from carefully chosen art or mirrors to add visual interest and balance. 

A sunlit kitchen might ask for something bright, quirky, or botanical—like a print from my Floral Wall Art Collection. A quiet reading nook in a shadowy hallway? That’s where one of my foggy forest scenes or black-and-white street shots belongs.

Measure the Space Like You Mean It

Good art in the wrong size still feels wrong. I can’t tell you how many beautiful rooms I’ve seen ruined by prints that are either swallowed up by a massive wall or crammed too close to the furniture like an afterthought.

Here’s the formula I stick to—the same one I use when I’m hanging prints in my own space:

• Measure the full width of the wall
• Multiply that by 0.6 to 0.75 to get your ideal artwork width
• Leave at least 6 inches of space above the furniture 
• And most importantly, hang the center of the piece between 57 and 60 inches off the floor

That last point? It’s the difference between art that floats and art that lives in the room. I’ve written a complete guide on how high to hang wall art if you want to go deeper—but the key is keeping things at a natural sightline. When your art is placed with purpose, the entire room feels more grounded and more intentional.

Match the Art to the Function of the Room

Different rooms carry different emotional weight—and your art should work in harmony with that. I think of it like this:

Living Rooms

This is where conversation happens. The living room wall is a prime spot for displaying living room artwork that reflects your style and creates a welcoming atmosphere for friends. Go bold. Oversized urban prints, architectural textures, or surreal natural elements hold attention. When selecting oversized artwork, choose pieces that complement the sofa's dimensions for a balanced and harmonious look. 

One of my personal favourites in this category is the Intricate Sailboat Rigging at Sunset—rich in detail and warmth, it brings subtle motion and structure into the room without demanding attention.

Bedrooms

In the bedroom, art should enhance comfort and relaxation. Here, the tone is softer. Look for calm, muted colours, abstract nature, or quiet portraiture that evokes stillness. Pieces like Brown Bear Cubs in a Serene Moment or the more introspective Performer Clown Wearing a Mask add warmth without overstimulating—perfect for spaces designed to restore and unwind.

Kitchens

Let it be fun, unexpected, or even humorous. Kitchens are full of movement—your art can be, too. Wall art like the retro flair of the South Beach Florida Hotel Sign or the kitschy charm of the DeSoto Salon on Route 66 brings personality and colour into a space where people gather, cook, and laugh.

Bathrooms

Less is more. Let the artwork echo the lines of the room—framed verticals over towel racks or pieces that quietly reflect open space. Wall art like Time Stands Still in the American Southwest brings texture and silence, while Canyonlands National Park at Sunset adds a warm, expansive glow—ideal for simple, restorative bathroom design.

Know Your Own Taste—Then Push It

Forget trends. This is your home. Art should reflect what you value, what you notice, and what you’re drawn to, even when you don’t know why. Choosing artwork is a personal journey—there are no strict rules, and the best results come from exploring what truly resonates with you. Some of my collectors gravitate toward bold black-and-white architecture. Others want subtle scenes from remote parts of the world—like this Quiet Street with Old Houses in Tuscany—because they remind them to slow down, breathe, and be. 

Ask yourself:

• Do I like high contrast or soft tones?
• Am I more drawn to nature or the city?
• Does this piece make me feel something, even if I can’t name it?

When choosing wall art, focus on what speaks to you and don’t be afraid to experiment with different pieces to see what enhances your space.

And here’s a trick: scroll through art quickly and see what makes you stop. For example, you might find yourself unexpectedly drawn to a vibrant abstract piece or a calming landscape. Don’t overthink—go with the piece that grabs you without needing to explain itself.

Once you’ve got a feel for the theme or mood that speaks to you, I’ve got thousands of real photographs across hundreds of curated collections to help you narrow it down—whatever you’re drawn to, there’s a print that fits. Browse popular wall art collections to get inspired.

Choosing Color—Without Losing Yourself

You don’t need to match your couch. Seriously. Wall art is an opportunity to explore contrast, depth, and texture—not just coordinate swatches.

That said, colour relationships matter. Use the colour wheel if you want to get technical:

• Complementary colours (opposites like blue and orange) create a pop
• Analogous colours (side-by-side like blue, teal, and green) create calm
• Monochrome (variations of a single colour) makes a space feel refined

Matching the tones or themes of your art pieces can help create a cohesive and harmonious display, making the overall arrangement feel intentional and balanced.

If you’re working with muted tones, go for high-contrast black-and-white prints. If your space is already busy, lean into minimal, quiet pieces that ground the room.

Need a place to start? My Blue Wall Art Collection features a range of tonal pieces that add subtle complexity without overwhelming a room.

Size Matters—Let’s Break It Down

Small Artworks

• Great for hallways, bathrooms, or layered gallery walls
• Pair 2–3 small prints in a tight grid or row for cohesion
• Avoid floating them alone on large walls—they’ll get lost

Medium Artworks

• Ideal above desks, sideboards, or mantels
• Balance with other decor but give it enough space to breathe
• Think 18x24 to 24x36 range

Large & Oversized Artworks

• Perfect for anchoring spaces above beds, couches, and fireplaces
• Should span at least 2/3 the width of the furniture below it
• Helps define the visual rhythm of a room and draws the eye instantly
• Works well as a single bold piece or paired with subtle accent prints
• Commanding wall art like Morning Mist in Haliburton Forest or Badwater Basin and Telescope Peak fills large spaces with atmosphere and quiet drama

Remember, one large print often does more than five small ones.

Mix It Up: Media, Texture, and Personality

Yes, I make fine art photo prints—but even within that, there’s a wide range of moods and finishes. Think about the material and process behind the image. Incorporating abstract pieces and original pieces can add variety and depth to your collection, offering creative and modern elements that balance your overall design.

• Matte paper absorbs light, reduces glare, and enhances texture
• Glossy finishes give more contrast and drama
• Framed vs. unframed can completely change a piece’s tone

And don’t be afraid to pair mediums. Mixing paintings with photographs or prints creates a dynamic display that brings texture and personality to your space. A richly detailed piece like Kitchen in Gold Rush Gold Mine Town can sit beautifully beside a soft floral print—if the tones and visual weight echo each other. Art doesn’t need to match—it needs to communicate.

Consider adding a mirror or mirrors to your wall decor arrangement to enhance light, create visual balance, and make the space feel larger. Talented artists create a wide range of unique artworks, and supporting original creations brings authenticity and individuality to your home.

Lighting: Your Art Deserves Better Than Shadows

Light makes or breaks wall art. I always recommend low-heat, high-CRI LEDs for illuminating prints. A simple directional spotlight can turn a quiet photo into a statement piece. And always avoid direct sunlight on prints—it fades them faster than you think.

If you don’t want to wire in lights, consider:

• Wall-mounted picture lights
• Adjustable floor lamps with focused beams
• Track lighting with dimmable heads

And don’t forget natural light. Positioning art opposite or adjacent to a window can bring it to life—just be mindful of glare and fading.

Gallery Walls Done Right

A gallery wall isn’t just a bunch of frames stuck on drywall. It’s a curated composition. Think of it like a sentence. Each piece contributes to the meaning, but the spacing and order control the tone.

Tips:

• Stick to a colour palette or theme (black and white, travel, nature)
• Use consistent spacing—2 to 5 inches between each piece
• Start with your largest piece slightly off-center and build around it
• Mix verticals and horizontals for rhythm
• Don’t be afraid to play with different arrangements and layouts until you find what feels right for your space

One of my favourite gallery wall formats is combining images from my Urban Photography Collection with quieter nature prints for contrast.

Creating a Cohesive Look Across Your Space

A cohesive look doesn’t mean every piece of art has to match—it means your wall decor works together to create a sense of flow and unity throughout your space. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is with a gallery wall. By thoughtfully arranging multiple pieces—mixing abstract art, photography, and prints—you can create a striking focal point that draws the eye and tells a story.

When building a gallery wall, pay attention to the frames you choose. Consistent frame styles or colours can tie different artworks together, while a mix of sizes and orientations adds visual interest. Don’t be afraid to combine large pieces with smaller ones; this balance creates movement and keeps the display from feeling static. For a blank wall, a single large piece of art can make a bold statement and anchor the room, while a series of smaller artworks can add layers of meaning and texture.

The key is to choose artwork that complements your room’s style and decor. Let your collection reflect the colours, shapes, and themes already present in your space. Whether you’re creating a gallery wall in the living room or hanging a large abstract piece in the hallway, aim for a sense of harmony that enhances the overall feel of your home. With a little planning and creativity, your walls can become a gallery that’s both beautiful and uniquely yours.

Avoiding Common Wall Art Mistakes

Even the most beautiful artwork can fall flat if it’s not chosen or displayed thoughtfully. One of the biggest mistakes people make is picking art that’s too small for the wall space—it can leave your room feeling unfinished and the artwork itself looking insignificant. Instead, choose artwork that fills the space appropriately, creating a sense of presence and balance.

Another common misstep is hanging art too high or too low. As a general rule, aim to hang your artwork so the center sits at eye level—about 57 to 60 inches from the floor. This creates a natural line of sight, helping the art feel connected to the room. Avoid overcrowding your walls with too many pieces; a few well-chosen artworks can create a stronger impact and a more cohesive sense of style.

Finally, remember that your wall art should enhance the room’s decor, not compete with it. Choose pieces that complement your existing style and colour palette, and don’t be afraid to leave some wall space open for a sense of calm and balance. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll create a wall art display that feels intentional, inviting, and perfectly suited to your space.

Rotate Your Art Like You Rotate Your Wardrobe

Art doesn’t have to be static. I rotate pieces in my own space seasonally or just when the mood changes. A foggy winter scene doesn’t hit the same in August—and that’s okay.

Try:

• Seasonal swaps: spring florals, fall leaves, winter starkness
• Thematic shifts: from calm to bold, depending on what the space needs
• New frames or mats: update the same art with a different finish

It keeps your space feeling fresh and helps you reconnect with pieces you already own.

Signed Prints vs. AI & Stock—What You Hang Says Something

Every piece I offer is signed and printed by hand—because wall art should mean something. Not just to me, but to you. Your gallery wall is more than decoration—it’s a reflection of who you are. It tells people what you care about, what moves you, what you find beautiful, strange, or worth pausing for. When someone walks into your space, they read the story you’ve chosen to put on display.

Real photography, made by real artists, tells a different story. It says you value craft, that you support human creativity. That the moments on your wall actually happened—somewhere, sometime, through the eyes of someone who was there. That’s what gives a space weight, character, and honesty.

When you hang a piece of art, you’re saying:

“This mattered enough to someone to capture it. And it matters enough to me to live with it.”

That’s not just decoration. That’s a story!

Hanging and Maintaining Your Art

Once you’ve found the perfect piece—or curated a gallery wall that tells your story—it’s time to hang your art with care. Use a level to make sure each artwork is straight, and select the right frame and hardware for the size and weight of your piece. For heavier art, opt for sturdy frames and wall anchors to keep everything secure. 

Maintenance is just as important as placement. Dust your frames and artwork regularly to keep them looking fresh. Avoid hanging art in direct sunlight or damp areas to prevent fading and damage. If you’re displaying a gallery wall, check the arrangement periodically to ensure everything remains aligned and in good condition.

Above all, have fun with the process. Whether you’re experimenting with different layouts, swapping out pieces for a seasonal refresh, or simply enjoying the inspiration your art brings, remember that your walls are a reflection of your personal style. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find artwork that not only enhances your space but also brings you joy every day.

Final Word: Pick Art That Lives With You

Forget the rules. Forget the trends. When it comes to how to pick wall art, start with your gut and end with your heart. Choose something real. Something that stops you, that holds space, that makes silence more interesting.

Your home isn’t a gallery. It’s a story you’re still writing. Make sure the art on your walls says something you actually believe.

We hope this guide inspires you and gives you the confidence to choose wall art that truly reflects your personality and style.