What Is Wall Art and How to Choose the Right Style

If your walls appear too ordinary, wall decorations could be exactly what you need. A blank wall combined with the perfect artwork opens up endless decor options. But with so many art types for walls, how do you choose the right one for your home? 

Learn how in this guide. Dive deeper into what options you have and the right things to consider when choosing the right style. Transform your interior with the right art!

What is Wall Art? 

It’s a piece of art designed to be installed or painted on a wall. It's a decorative accessory that lets you express your personality and artistic side. It can also be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. You can use a piece to fill the void on your wall. At the same time, the right artwork can also enhance the overall aesthetic of your space.

Different Types of Arts to Choose From

There are different types of wall art you can get. Depending on the medium, you can choose from the following: 

1. Paintings

These artworks are unique pieces made directly by artists. They can appear as acrylic, oil, mixed media, or watercolor. Most of the time, every painting has a single copy and is sold to one buyer only, rendering them unique and original.

2. Sculptures

These are wall-mounted artworks in three dimensions. Regarding style, wall-mounted sculptures frequently manipulate perspective, light, and shadow. This enables them to enhance the character and elegance of your walls.

3. Framed Art

These are artworks framed with different kinds and styles of frames. This gives them a classic and polished look. The art piece can vary—it can be a portrait, vintage map, graphic print, anything. 

4. Canvas Art

Canvas art is art printed onto canvas, giving it more texture and depth. Canvas artworks mostly resemble original paintings, but without the typical high cost associated with original artworks. This affordability makes them a popular form of ready-to-hang wall decor. 

5. Tapestries

These are fabric pieces that you drape on the walls. They have textile-based designs and can add texture and warmth to your walls. Some of the most popular examples of these are the Bohemian tapestries.  

6. Photography

These can be photographs, framed or not, of different things. It can be one of your favorite moments, like your wedding. It can also be your family photo, your favorite place, or your pets. Anything you want—photography is a great and simple way to add a personal touch to your walls and space. 

7. Posters

These are printed copies of some original artwork or images. They’re usually printed in large volumes and using thinner, less expensive paper. These can be movie posters, iconic pop or musician prints, retro ads, etc. 

8. Graffiti/Murals

These are artworks painted or made directly on the wall. They often use the entire wall and can be painted with a scene, character, abstract, etc. Unlike other types, they can make spaces more immersive. 

9. Decals

These are designs or images printed on special materials like plastic, paper, or cloth. Like stickers, they stick to walls, except decals are transferred to the wall surface. They’re also easy to remove, so you can change them more often. 

6 Tips on How to Choose the Right Style

If you can’t think of which type to get for your walls, here are some valuable tips to consider:

1. Pick a Medium

Among the types listed above, choose your preferred medium. What kind of wall decor do you want to place in your space? 

Here are some tips for choosing: 

- If you can’t afford an original painting, opt for prints. 

- For a more interactive decor, choose wall sculptures. 

- Consider what you want to add to the room—scenery, family photo, symbolic figures, etc. 

- Consider what your wall can handle or what you’re allowed to. Do you own the house or are you a renter? 

- Think about which room you plan to place the art.

2. Know Your Style

At the same time, determine the style you want to get. First, take a quick look at the existing interior style you have—furniture, decor, and the overall aesthetics. What style are they? Choose an artwork that complements the existing style. Or, if you plan to change things up, choose a style that will complement the changes you plan to make. 

Here are some popular art styles you can choose from: 

- Abstract: It’s a flexible form of art that employs concepts and ideas not limited by the physical realm. It is non-figurative and emphasizes the application of color, shape, and composition.

- Modern and Contemporary: This reflects the current trends and artistic movements. 

- Pop: This features colorful and often bold imagery, perfect for modern and whimsical interiors. 

- Landscape and Nature: This is versatile and shows natural scenery in the real world. 

- Minimalist: This uses limited elements to emphasize simplicity. 

- Animal and Wildlife: This is versatile and shows different animals and wildlife. 

- Retro and Vintage: This evokes nostalgia and features classic designs, perfect for vintage and industrial interiors. 

- Impressionist: This conveys the visual effect of a moment by altering the impacts of light and hue.

- Surrealist: This is versatile and is the opposite of realism, all based on full imagination and often thought-provoking. 

- Botanical and Floral: This is versatile and features nature-inspired designs, like plants and flowers. 

3. Play with the Color Palette

Aside from the overall design, think about your colors. There are different ways to approach this: 

- Match the Colors

Use analogous colors for this. In case you don’t know, in the color wheel, these are colors next to each other. They produce a unified, harmonious visual style. This approach works best if you want the art to coordinate with your current decor and furniture. 

If your space focuses on warm tones such as yellow, red, and orange, use the same tones. This is effective for a range of designs, especially minimalist, modern, contemporary, and rustic aesthetics.

- Create Contrasts

For a bolder and more vibrant look, select complementary colors. On the color wheel, these are opposite colors. This transforms the wall art into a statement piece, allowing it to stand out. It makes the wall and space more dynamic. Plus, it works best for maximalist, contemporary, transitional, and eclectic interiors.

- Use Monochromatic Colors

This is if you want to have only one color throughout the area. You use different shades of the same color. This method produces a stylish and elegant appearance. You can often see this in minimalist, contemporary, and industrial designs.

4. Consider the Size and Scale

These artworks come in a variety of sizes; make sure they are suited for the space. It shouldn’t look strange or overbearing on your walls. A large piece of art can make a big statement, but it may be too much for a tiny wall.

To get the right size and scale, consider the distance from which the art will be viewed and the size of the wall. You can also use painter’s tape to try and visualize the size of the artwork on your wall. This helps visualize how it will look in real life. 

5. Think About Framing

Consider whether you want the artwork framed or unframed. This often depends on the type you’ll get. For example, sculptures don’t need frames, while photographs look best with frames. If you choose to use frames, make sure to consider their color and add their size to your visualization as well. 

If you’re buying a frame and adding it separately, make sure to choose carefully. Pick the right frame that can enhance the artwork. For example, a modern frame looks great with contemporary paintings. 

6. Use Your Instincts

Art is subjective, and it's perfectly fine to prioritize your preferences. It doesn’t matter if they may not appeal to others. So, consider your interests, taste, and style when choosing. This can make your home and decor feel more like a reflection of you. 

Use your gut to decide what you prefer. Consider what catches your eye and pleases you when you see it. Choose an uncommon or distinctive piece of art. Ultimately, choose artwork that makes you happy.

Conclusion

The best wall art to choose is one that reflects you and your home. You can either choose to follow an interior theme or go beyond and be unconventional. Simply pick your preferred medium and consider the right factors when choosing the right item. 

Take a look at some actual items in our art collection. From sculptures to multipurpose modern art, we offer a wide range of options. Choose one that fits your needs and wants!