How to Choose and Arrange Wall Art in Large Spaces

VIEWING DISTANCE – Consider viewing distance when choosing and arranging wall art in large, oversized spaces.

When deciding how to decorate a wall there are several considerations. Viewing distance is one of the most important. Artwork viewing distance becomes a priority in large rooms. Remembering that the the eye is drawn to distinctive wall art will help you decorate walls in large rooms. Color contrast, dark/light contrast and object size/shape make wall art easier to see. Knowing that artwork images become more distinct with size and the contrast of light and dark, try comparing advertising boards on the interstate. When driving down a highway, notice which advertising boards catch your eye.

Decorating your walls is like creating an advertising board. Bold, contrasting images are more easily seen from a distance. An advertising board with a few large words is more effective than one with many small words. One bold image on the board catches the driver’s eye where many small images confuse the eye and it is often difficult to bring them into focus.

In the picture to the left, the medium size artwork is grouped to cover approximately a 6′ x 4′ area. The colors in the unframed art are vivid with distinct contrasts in dark and light. The reproductions are grouped in one large 6′ x 4′ rectangle. This medium size wall art grouping works in a large space for all the previous reasons.
LEFT IMAGE When looking at the picture to the left, the eye is first drawn to the light background in the wall art, but with no more interest there, the eye moves immediately to the planters on the bar and the contrast between walls and cabinetry. The small artwork is beige, brown and dark green in color and the frames are narrow and lack textural contrast.

Lack of contrast and size results in a loss of interest in the wall art.
RIGHT IMAGE On the right, the eye goes first to the large white urn in the wall art and then to the red vase. The eye moves immediately to the red canisters on the bar and then down to the reflection on the planter. With that information processed the eye moves to other details such as noting that the artwork frame is wide and textured.

The contrast of light and dark creates texture in the frame. The eye easily distinguishes that it is looking at artwork of three large urns of different size, shape and color. This eye to brain process occurs at a significant distance
Decorating Tall Walls in Rooms with High Ceilings
How to Decorate Large Walls
TALL FURNITURE AND LARGE WALL DECOR

As ceilings go up, decorating wall space becomes a major design challenge. Rooms with tall ceilings feel more spacious and find great appreciation as indicated by homeowner preferences. Below is a room with outstanding architectural details, fabulous wall color finishes and very tall walls. The wall height is the major decorating consideration.

In the BEFORE picture, accessories are small and the wood hutch behind the sofa is dwarfed by the tall walls in the room. The focal point of the room is the charcoal sofa and the fireplace appears insignificant.

Changes made in the redesign include a tall wood hutch with an iron topper above. The dark wood color of the hutch is a striking contrast to the wood beam ceiling and balances the dark color of the sofa, the coffee table and the fireplace screen. The ornamental iron in the hutch, as well as the topper above, compliment the table and screen. The space above the fireplace is ideal for wall art, bold in imagery and contrast. The dramatic black and white artwork is a perfect contrast to the soft wall color. The addition of organic accents brings a splash of natural green to the room.
DECORATING ROOMS WITH HIGH CEILINGS

In a different approach, two golden chairs combine with the charcoal sofa to create a cozy haven for sharing wine and great conversation. Wall space is complimented by an architectural theme wall tapestry above the fireplace and an iron topper above the garden doors. Finishing touches include Mediterranean style vases in the mantel niche and a large organic basket for organizing books and magazines.

Find decorating accessories and rustic wood furniture ideal for rooms with tall walls and high ceilings.
Choosing Wall Art for Smaller Spaces

Distance from wall to wall is less in the dining room, the foyer, the bathroom, in dressing areas and in small bedrooms than the distance in large gathering rooms. Smaller wall art works in smaller spaces because the viewer is close to the art from all points in the room. Applying the design skill of creating impact with contrast, enables small wall art to grab the viewer’s interest.

In the picture to the right, there is no bright, vibrant color. The color scheme is monochromatic, but the designer creates definitive contrast and abundant texture on this foyer wall. The frames are wide and textural. The dark frame color is in contrast to the predominant white in the art. The iron side panels are dark and the iron texture and vertical lines compliment the ironwork depicted in the art. The iron panels, like the frames, call attention to the wall art by balancing and framing the wall art display area.
Wall Art Selection
When choosing wall art, the savvy homeowner is not limited to subjects traditionally chosen for specific rooms. In the old world bath pictured here, marine life subjects like fish and sea shells are not an option. The designer enhances the old world look with dark framed architectural artwork. The architectural subject is complimentary to the old world design mirror and the dark frame to the dark wood in the doors and crown moulding. The chest, urn and iron towel basket enhance the old world Mediterranean design theme
Wall Art Styles

Wall art is not limited to the mediums of oil and water color on canvas.

Mediums available to homeowners is limited only by the imagination.

Art techniques and art mediums were first explored when tribal art was created to express historical saga and cultural beliefs. For centuries artists have passed their messages to the world by expressing their thoughts using a variety of mediums.

In a well-designed room it is common to find framed canvas, scrolled iron and shelves displaying sculpture. All three represent a variety of textures and varying wall decor shapes and sizes that make a room more interesting.

Consider clay, leather, fabric, wood and iron when searching for unique wall art.

Choose from artwork, iron wall sculpture, ornate mirrors, woven wall tapestry and decorative candle sconces. Foyer Artwork