5 Tips for Finding the Best Framed Wall Art for Your Living Room

Art is personal, and the framed wall art you choose for your home brings that intimacy into your living space. The right piece can shift the mood of your space, reflect your personality, and create a more layered, intentional interior. For many first-time art collectors, the process can feel overwhelming with many styles, sizes, and formats to choose from. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything from finding the right size and placement to choosing pieces that complement your style and the atmosphere you want to create. Get the best tips on choosing the perfect wall art for your living room right here from Artamine’s expert art curators.

5 Tips for Finding the Best Framed Wall Art for Your Living Room

1. Choose The Colour Palette for Your Living Room

Art and colour go hand in hand. Think about the tones that dominate your living room - whether it’s earthy neutrals, soft pastels, or vivid hues. Your framed wall art doesn’t need to match the exact shade of your sofa or rug, but it should comfortably sit in the same colour family. If your living room has a minimal or neutral backdrop, a bold piece, such as a contemporary African painting, can become the “hero piece”: the main feature that draws attention first and sets the tone for the room. It’s usually the largest or most striking piece on the wall, creating contrast and depth.

On the other hand, if your space already features multiple colours, look for pieces that echo one or two of those tones to create cohesion. You can also introduce an accent colour through your art – something unexpected that lifts the room without overwhelming it.

If you’re unsure where to begin, our Harmonious Hues collection features artworks in beautifully aligned tones to help you find the perfect fit.

2. Consider Size, Proportion, and Layering for Your Framed Wall Art

Choosing the right size for your framed wall art can make all the difference. One of the most common mistakes people make when choosing framed wall art is going too small. When artwork is undersized, it can feel lost in the space or disconnected from the furniture below it. As a guide, aim for your artwork (or grouping) to cover around two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the furniture below it, such as a sofa or sideboard.

Larger pieces work well to anchor a space, but layering smaller artworks can be just as effective. Mixing sizes, formats, and frames adds movement and character, helping the wall feel curated rather than flat. Whether it’s a bold canvas paired with smaller fine art prints or an arrangement of different textures, a layered wall brings depth without overwhelming the space. Height matters too. Keeping your artwork about 6 to 8 inches above furniture helps it stay visually connected to the room.

3. Ensure the Mood You Want to Create Matches Your Wall Art

Think about how you want your living room to feel. Is it a calming space for reading and unwinding? A social area for entertaining guests? Or perhaps a bit of both? The mood of the framed wall art can affect how the room is used. People respond instinctively to tone, so if your living room feels “off,” the artwork could be what’s missing.

Soft, flowing pieces, such as this scene of the Zanzibar coast captured by Qarim Zam, evoke a sense of calm and quiet movement, perfect for creating a relaxed, grounded atmosphere in your living room. Bold shapes and expressive brushwork, such as this vivid contemporary African wall art by Helen Zeray, energise the space.

4. Work with Space and Light

Before deciding where to hang your framed wall art, study the room's architecture. Features like fireplaces, windows, built-in shelves, and ceiling height can help guide placement naturally. Large canvases look striking above sofas or mantels, creating strong focal points. Vertical pieces work well in narrower spaces or alongside tall plants and lighting features, balancing the room’s proportions.

Lighting also plays an important role. Natural light can soften colours and highlight textures. If your space is darker, adding picture lights or discreet spotlights can help artwork stand out without overwhelming it. Wherever you place your pieces, aim for light that flatters the work and creates a flowing feeling throughout the room.

5. Go With the Art That Reflects Your Personal Style

Rather than chasing trends, focus on artwork that feels personal. Ask yourself: Does this piece say something about me? Does it reflect the atmosphere I want to live in every day? You don’t have to be an expert to choose well. If a piece captures your attention, stirs something in you, or simply makes you feel at ease, trust that instinct. Whether you're drawn to the clean simplicity of minimalism or the bold energy of African abstract art, the right framed wall art should feel like a natural extension of your home and match your overall interior style.

Find the Best Framed Wall Art for Your Home

Choosing framed wall art for your home is a personal journey. Trust your instincts, think carefully about colour, size, and space, but ultimately select pieces that truly resonate with you. Ready to create a living room that feels layered, intentional, and unmistakably yours? Explore Artamine’s curated collections of authentic African artworks that transform your living room into a space that feels thoughtful, expressive and uniquely yours.

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