5 Key Tips for Selecting Art to Elevate Your Living & Dining Areas

Art Lovers | 30 September 2024

Written by Krista Worthington

Choosing the right artwork for your living or dining space can elevate the entire aesthetic of your home. Whether you’re designing a cozy nook or a spacious entertaining area, the artwork you choose reflects your style and enhances the ambiance.

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Dusk’s Serene Embrace by TANIA CHANTER | 180 x 120cm, Acrylic on canvas

Here are five tips to help you select the perfect pieces:

1. Consider the Mood You Want to Create

The mood of a room is greatly influenced by the artwork you display. Do you want your living area to feel calm and serene, or vibrant and energetic? For a tranquil setting, opt for soft landscapes, abstract art with muted tones, or calming seascapes. If you’re looking to energize the space, choose bold, colourful pieces that make a statement. Figurative artworks can add a dynamic and personal touch, often bringing depth and emotion into the room.

Storm is Brewing by THEO PAPATHOMAS | 182 x 103cm, Acrylic on canvas

2. Balance Proportions

Size matters when selecting art for your living or dining area. A small artwork may get lost on a large, expansive wall, while an oversized piece can overwhelm the space. As a rule of thumb, aim for art that is around two-thirds to three-quarters the width of your furniture. In the dining room, artwork should sit at eye level when guests are seated, creating a balanced and welcoming focal point.

Tracey Taylor Hi Cows Final 756×1024 (1)

Hi Cows by TRACEY TAYLOR | 61 x 81cm, Acrylic on canvas

3. Choose Colours that Complement Your Palette

When picking artwork, consider the existing colour palette of your space. While your art doesn’t need to match the room exactly, it should complement the dominant colours. If your room is neutral, a vibrant piece of art can add a pop of colour and become a striking feature. Alternatively, if your room is already full of colour, you may want to choose more subtle, understated artwork to balance the look.

Copper Lining by CHERYL HARRISON | 174 x 144cm, Acrylic on canvas

4. Invest in a Series or Gallery Wall

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider curating a gallery wall or investing in a series of artworks. This is an excellent way to tell a story and give your room a curated, collected feel. Mix different sizes and styles – combine figurative pieces, abstract art, and even photography. Ensure the artworks share a common thread, whether it’s through colour, theme, or style, to maintain cohesion in the space.

Putting Green Triptych by JOANNA WOLTHUIZEN | 260 x 125cm, Acrylic on 3 canvases

5. Opt for Art that Reflects Your Personality

At the end of the day, your home is a reflection of you, and so is the artwork you choose. Whether you lean toward contemporary abstracts, coastal landscapes, or modern figurative pieces, let your personal taste guide you. Select artworks that resonate with you emotionally, as these pieces are the ones you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Shared Bloom by ANAHITA AMOUZEGAR | 105 x 105cm, Oil & acrylic on canvas

At Art Lovers Australia, we’ve made it easy to find artwork that suits every space and style. As art suppliers to the popular Australian television series The Block, our artists have helped transform homes into design masterpieces. Whether you’re looking for the perfect piece to complete your living or dining area or wanting to discover new emerging artists, our collection offers something for every art lover.