How to pick paintings that elevate your living room instantly

Your living room is often the heart of your home, a space where conversations happen, guests gather, and your personal style comes to life. Although furniture makes a significant difference, the presence of art makes the space unique. A good painting can transform any wall into a work of decoration, making the design complete and speaking volumes about the homeowner's character. However, you must be careful because this step may dramatically change the look of your room.


Choose the right mood

In order to decorate the living room with paintings, you first need to determine which mood you want to see in the room. Do you want it to be relaxing and comfortable, or energizing and lively? The works must correspond to the existing interior and bring some emotions to your guests. Landscapes, abstract combinations, and neutral colors make people relax, whereas bright colors and dynamic shapes add intensity to the mood.
It does not matter whether the painting will blend with the interior decor fully, but it should at least complement it in some way. The best way to achieve such an effect is by selecting one or two colors that are already used in your room, such as pillows, carpets, or curtains and replicating them in your painting. If you have a room that lacks variety and uses neutral shades only, then a contrasting painting will provide some excitement.
Size and positioning is crucial

No matter how impressive the painting is, its proportions must be proportional with your room. According to a rule of thumb, the recommended dimensions of a painting must take up two-thirds of the furniture it will hang above, particularly the sofa. Big walls require bigger paintings or even an arrangement of several artworks in a gallery format. Small walls will favor more modest frame sizes. Eye level positioning is also important.

Find a painting to match your interior style

It is essential to choose a piece of artwork that matches your interior style. Modern interiors will fit large paintings or textured paintings, traditional houses require more detailed and classic artworks like landscapes or portraits. It is vital that the interior and the painting style match, creating unity in the space.
Consider how the painting will be displayed

There is a lot more to choosing a painting than only its image. The framing style, orientation, and lighting of the painting can play a significant role in the final outcome. Depending on the shape, the artwork can stretch out the space and even elongate the walls. It is crucial that there is proper lighting in place since wall lamps will add to the ambiance.
Select something that appeals to you

The main thing when choosing a living room painting is its appeal for you. There are many trends in interior design today, but you should stick to what suits your taste and style. Your artwork should evoke certain emotions, remind of a certain period of time or place, or reflect your personality.