Wall art serves as a powerful tool for transforming a space, with styles ranging from contemporary and abstract to vintage and botanical. The choice of material, such as canvas, metal, or wood, adds to the visual appeal and durability of the artwork. Additionally, selecting the appropriate size is essential for creating a harmonious balance within the room, ensuring that the art enhances the overall decor without overpowering it.
What styles of wall art are popular in the UK?
In the UK, popular wall art styles include contemporary, abstract, vintage, landscape, and botanical. Each style offers unique aesthetics and can significantly influence the ambiance of a space.
Contemporary wall art
Contemporary wall art reflects current trends and often features bold colors, innovative materials, and unique designs. This style can include mixed media, photography, and digital art, appealing to those who appreciate modern aesthetics.
When selecting contemporary pieces, consider how they complement your existing decor. Large statement pieces can serve as focal points, while smaller works can be grouped to create a gallery wall effect.
Abstract wall art
Abstract wall art emphasizes shapes, colors, and forms rather than realistic representations. This style allows for personal interpretation, making it a versatile choice for various interior designs.
To incorporate abstract art, think about the color palette of your room. Pieces with vibrant colors can energize a space, while softer tones can create a calming atmosphere. Aim for balance in size and placement to enhance visual appeal.
Vintage wall art
Vintage wall art typically features designs or themes from previous decades, often evoking nostalgia. This style can include posters, prints, or framed photographs that reflect historical trends.
When choosing vintage art, consider the era that resonates with you. Mixing vintage pieces with modern decor can create an eclectic look, but ensure that the colors and styles harmonize to avoid visual clutter.
Landscape wall art
Landscape wall art showcases natural scenery, from serene countryside views to dramatic seascapes. This style can bring a sense of tranquility and connection to nature into your home.
For landscape art, consider the scale of your wall. Large canvases can create a dramatic impact, while smaller pieces can be arranged in clusters. Choose images that resonate with your personal experiences or favorite destinations.
Botanical wall art
Botanical wall art features plant life, including illustrations, photographs, or paintings of flowers and foliage. This style is popular for its ability to bring a touch of nature indoors, enhancing the freshness of a space.
When selecting botanical art, consider using a variety of sizes and frames to create a cohesive look. Green tones can complement neutral decor, while colorful botanical prints can add vibrancy to a room.
What materials are commonly used for wall art?
Wall art can be made from a variety of materials, each offering unique aesthetics and durability. Common options include canvas, framed prints, metal, wood, and textiles, allowing for diverse styles and applications in home decor.
Canvas prints
Canvas prints are created by printing images onto canvas fabric, which is then stretched over a wooden frame. This material offers a textured look and is lightweight, making it easy to hang. Canvas art is often used for reproducing famous artworks or personal photographs, providing a gallery-like feel in any space.
When choosing canvas prints, consider the size of your wall and the scale of the artwork. Larger pieces can serve as focal points, while smaller prints can be grouped for a cohesive display.
Framed prints
Framed prints consist of images printed on paper and enclosed in a protective frame. This option enhances the visual appeal and adds a polished look to the artwork. Frames come in various styles, from modern to vintage, allowing for personalization to match your decor.
When selecting framed prints, pay attention to the frame material and color, as these elements can significantly influence the overall aesthetic. Ensure the frame complements the artwork and the surrounding decor.
Metal wall art
Metal wall art is crafted from materials like aluminum or steel, offering a contemporary and industrial look. This type of art can be cut into intricate designs or used for bold, abstract pieces. Metal art is durable and often suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Consider the finish of the metal, as options like brushed, polished, or powder-coated can affect the artwork’s appearance. Metal art can also reflect light, creating dynamic visual effects in your space.
Wooden wall art
Wooden wall art is made from various types of wood, providing a natural and rustic aesthetic. This material can be carved, painted, or left in its natural state, allowing for a range of styles from minimalist to elaborate. Wooden pieces can add warmth and texture to a room.
When choosing wooden art, consider the type of wood and its finish, as these factors can influence durability and appearance. Look for sustainable sources to ensure eco-friendliness.
Textile wall hangings
Textile wall hangings are crafted from fabrics such as cotton, wool, or linen, often incorporating techniques like weaving or embroidery. These pieces can add softness and warmth to a space, making them ideal for cozy interiors. Textile art can also introduce color and pattern without overwhelming the decor.
When selecting textile wall hangings, consider the texture and weight of the fabric, as well as how it will be displayed. Lightweight pieces can be hung with simple hooks, while heavier textiles may require more secure mounting options.
How to choose the right size of wall art?
Choosing the right size of wall art is crucial for achieving a balanced and aesthetically pleasing look in your space. The size should complement both the wall dimensions and the overall room proportions, ensuring that the artwork enhances rather than overwhelms the area.
Consider wall dimensions
Start by measuring the wall where you plan to hang the art. A common guideline is to select pieces that occupy about 50-75% of the wall space for optimal visual impact. For example, if your wall is 2 meters wide, aim for artwork that is around 1 to 1.5 meters wide.
Also, consider the height of the wall. Taller walls may benefit from larger pieces or a gallery arrangement to draw the eye upward. Avoid small art on expansive walls, as it can appear lost and diminish the overall effect.
Evaluate room proportions
Room proportions play a significant role in determining the appropriate size of wall art. In smaller rooms, choose compact pieces or a series of smaller artworks to create a cohesive look without overwhelming the space. Conversely, larger rooms can accommodate bigger, bolder pieces that can stand alone.
As a rule of thumb, if the room has high ceilings, consider larger art or vertical arrangements to fill the vertical space effectively. This can help create a sense of balance and harmony within the room.
Think about focal points
Identify the focal points in your room, such as a fireplace, a large piece of furniture, or a window. The wall art should complement these features rather than compete with them. For instance, if you have a large sofa, a substantial piece of art above it can create a striking visual anchor.
Additionally, consider the style and color of your focal points when selecting art size. Artwork that resonates with existing elements in the room will enhance the overall design and create a unified look.
What are the best places to buy wall art online in the UK?
The best places to buy wall art online in the UK include platforms that offer a variety of styles, materials, and sizes, catering to different tastes and budgets. Popular options feature original artworks, prints, and handmade pieces from artists around the world.
Artfinder
Artfinder is a marketplace dedicated to original art, connecting buyers directly with independent artists. You can find a diverse range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, and various mediums including paintings, photography, and sculpture.
When browsing Artfinder, consider filtering by size, price range, or color to find pieces that fit your space. The platform often has sales and promotions, making it a good option for discovering unique art at various price points.
Saatchi Art
Saatchi Art is an online gallery that features a wide selection of original artworks and prints from both established and emerging artists. The site offers free shipping on many items, which can be a significant advantage when purchasing larger pieces.
One of the key features of Saatchi Art is its curated collections, which help you discover art that matches specific themes or styles. Additionally, you can return any artwork within a certain period if it doesn’t meet your expectations, providing peace of mind with your purchase.
Etsy
Etsy is a well-known platform for handmade and vintage items, including wall art. It features a vast array of options, from prints to custom pieces, allowing you to support independent artists and find something truly unique.
When shopping on Etsy, pay attention to seller reviews and shipping policies, as these can vary widely. You can often communicate directly with artists for custom requests, making it a great place for personalized wall art that fits your style and space perfectly.
