Wall art is the perfect finishing touch to any home. From gallery walls to statement pieces, and abstract prints to vintage posters, well-chosen artwork takes your room to the next level. But there’s a lot to think about when it comes to buying the right piece for your space. Luckily, we’ve done the thinking for you.
Wall art styles
Geometric art is pattern-led and contemporary. Typically made up of bold shapes or lines.
Abstract art is non-objective or non-representational, with a focus on form and lines, plus colour, tones and texture.
Illustrations are drawings, often done by hand.
Botanical art is floral, and sometimes photographic.
Retro art refers to reproductions (or originals) of classic or vintage prints. Common options include old-school travel posters and magazine covers.
Photography refers to any subject captured photographically.
What are the different types of picture frame?
A lot of wall art comes pre-framed – meaning an expert has already picked the perfect size, colour and finish for you. But if your wall art is flying solo, a frame is a must. We’ve listed the most common frame types and materials below:
Wood frames: a lot of wood frames are solid oak, but depending on how dark or light you want your frame, you may want to consider another option. Wood is versatile and durable, with lots of finishes and mount options to choose from.
Aluminium frames: aluminium is a lightweight metal that can come in fashionable finishes like matte black and brass.
Decorative frames: decorative frames display your prints more playfully. Some of the most popular styles include floating frames, poster clip frames and large multi-aperture frames.
Choosing a frame
Choosing the right frame for your wall art is straightforward enough, as long as you do your research. Just answer these questions to nail down the key info:
What size is your wall art? Make sure you get the measurements right to achieve the perfect fit
Do you need a mount? If you do, you’ll need to pick a bigger frame to fit it in
Where is your frame going? Think about the style of your room – metallic frames look sleek in industrial rooms, while wooden styles work well in classic or retro spaces
Do my frames need to match? This one’s up to you. Matching your frames will give you a more put-together look. But artfully mismatched frames look good too, if a bohemian vibe is more your thing
How to hang wall art
Hanging art is easier than you might think, but before you take a hammer to your wall, make sure you’ve got your equipment list nailed:
– A one-nail picture hook holds 13.5kg or lighter
– A two-nail picture hook holds 22kg or lighter
– A three-nail picture hook holds 34-45kg
– Plus, you’ll need a hammer, spirit level and pencil
Where to hang your wall art
The middle of your picture should sit at 145cm from the floor for optimum aesthetic appeal. But if you’ve got low ceilings and want to create the illusion of height, hang it slightly higher to draw the eye upwards. Otherwise, here’s how to do it:
– Measure 145cm from the floor and mark with a pencil – this is where the middle of your painting should sit
– Measure the length of your painting and half it – this is A
– Turn the frame over and pull the picture wire to full tension – how it would be when hanging. Measure the distance from the wire at full tension to the top of the frame – this is B
– Add 145cm to A, then minus B – this is the distance from the ground that your nail should be placed, leaving the middle of your painting at 145cm when hung
How do I look after my wall art?
Wall art, prints and photographs can fade over time, especially if placed in direct sunlight. Avoid hanging them opposite windows if possible, and if they show signs of lightening, consider moving them to a shadier spot. Preserving acrylic paintings is trickier, requiring specific acrylic cleaner. We suggest speaking to a professional in this case.