Choice of art for interior design: A guide for interior designers

The art of the interior is a discipline that goes far beyond the mere arrangement of furniture. An important component of every well thought -out interior is the art that hangs on our walls, stands on our shelves or shines through our rooms.

Art has the unique ability to give both our living rooms as well as business premises and commercial objects personality, depth and an emotional dimension. Works of art have the potential to be the most convincing design element in every room, be it in residential buildings, apartments, offices or retail space.

But choosing the right works of art can be a challenge. In this guide, we will explain in detail and practical to you how professional interior designers make your choice of art for interiors. Both aesthetic and practical (and in commercial objects brand -relevant) aspects and share personal anecdotes as well as exciting facts from the world of interior design .

The search for suitable works of art for interior design projects

Regardless of the chosen aesthetics, paintings and photographs contribute significantly to the overall design and give the room a wealth of personality and charm.

Frequent challenges and problems

Unfortunately, works of art are often overlooked, underestimated or completely forgotten. The search for the ideal pieces for your walls can prove to be difficult and time -consuming, which is why many rooms are empty than originally planned.

Designers often have difficulty working directly with artists or put together art collections for their customers. Here partnerships with professional art consultants, renowned artists or aspiring talents and brands remedy the situation. We will tell you how to find such potential partners in the course of the article.

In addition, high -quality works of art can quickly become expensive, which means that when creating a design budget, they often retire behind furniture and seating. However, we would like to assure you that the selection of a work of art does not have to be tedious, stressful or disproportionately expensive.

With specialist knowledge and tips for the successful integration of art indoors

Interior designers use colors, textures, motifs and patterns to create different moods and styles. By integrating works of art, various elements are harmoniously combined in order to authentically express the personal taste of the customer and to integrate them into their everyday life.

With the expertise of our surveyed experts in design and a carefully compiled list of affordable online resources, you can enrich your home and any commercial property within a few weeks (instead of years) with impressive and beautiful works of art.

Here we present the most important tips from our interior designers to get, hang, style and place works of works of art on their premises.

How to select the right art - a guide for interior designers

01 Understand the style and requirements of your customers

The first step in the selection of the ideal works of art for your customer is to record his individual style and customer -specific requirements.

Do your customers tend to make clear forms and neutral color shades? Or do you prefer living patterns and intensive colors?

Although this may seem trivial, it can prove to be surprisingly challenging to define this precisely, especially if one wants to harmonize the needs and wishes of several customers in a house or space.

However, as soon as you have identified your preferences, you can start looking for works of art that integrate harmoniously into the living or commercial rooms of your customers.

02 Basic understanding of color psychology

The colors of a work of art can have a significant impact on the mood of a room. Here are some basic information on color psychology:

• Blue: Soothing and relaxing, ideal for bedrooms or offices.
• Red: energetic and stimulating, perfect for living room or creative studios.
• Green: refreshing and harmonious, suitable for every room, but especially for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Yellow: cheerful and invigorating, excellent for kitchens and entrance areas.

We wrote a detailed article here: color theory, color theory and styleuides in (fashion) design

It is important to look at the colors of the works of art in relation to the colors of the furniture and walls. A harmonious, but still exciting overall picture is created by the targeted use of contrasts and accents.

03 m it an existing color palette work

When choosing works of art and decor for existing premises, it is important to take into account the existing colors, textures and arrangements in the room. Art objects have the ability to supplement the architectural peculiarities of a building and the existing furniture in a harmonious or contrasting way.

This process begins on the walls and extends over the floor and ceiling to the furniture and lighting .

When introducing new works of art, it may be necessary to combine them with the existing collection. This offers the great opportunity to draw creative input from the existing and show how old and new elements can work together. It is crucial to ensure that parts, textures or colors that are too close together do not go under in the room.

In order to adequately take existing elements into account , it is highly advisable to take dimensions and take photos to plan where every object is to be placed. On this basis, floor surfaces, furniture arrangement and coloring can be planned.

04 Materials and technology: Use diversity and quality

Works of art are available in numerous techniques and materials - from traditional oil paintings to modern pressure graphics to sculptures and installations. Each of these techniques brings their own aesthetics and feel.

• Oil painting : classic and high quality, often with a rich texture and depth.
• Acrylic images : versatile and often bright, with a clear, modern look.
• Print graphics : from screen printing to Giclée printing, affordable and perfect for creating gallery stands.
• Sculptures : Three -dimensional works made of materials such as wood, metal or ceramic, which can give your space a special dynamic.

Expert tip: Invest in quality! Regardless of the technology and the material, the quality should always be in the foreground. Well -preserved and high -quality works of art are not only more durable, but often also increasing value.

05 Consideration of your spatial planning

When designing an interior, it is crucial to develop a well -founded understanding of the room layout and the arrangement of all objects in the home. In advance you should check how much art will be present, including the number of works, its dimensions and its placement.

Depending on the chosen room concept, numerous layout options are available, from the creation of a triptych with three coherent images to a striking one-off.

Do not hesitate to combine different standards or sizes of works of art. There are numerous templates that are helpful in order to order possible works of art, be it when aligning a number of edges or when grouping small paintings and photographs.

Remember, art should be considered ; Create space to step down and enjoy. With spatial planning, it is advantageous to think in groups and to consider how a collection of works of art can harmonize throughout the house or as a gallery wall and showcase.

06 Vote size and space

Another essential aspect in the selection of art is the question of where the artwork is to be placed. The size and shape of the work of art must be in relation to the room and the furniture. 

It is important that murals fit harmoniously with the size of the wall - a piece that is too large can look restless, while a work that is too small appears incomplete.

For example, if you want to place a work of art over a sofa, but do not have a suitable large format, you can alternatively consider gallery wall

Horizontal or square shaped works generally fit well over a bed or sofa, while vertical works of art are ideal for narrow, high walls, such as between windows or in a guest toilet.

Big rooms and great art

Large works of art come into their own in open or extensive rooms. They give the room unmistakability and can serve as a central design element. A significant advantage of large works of art is that they not only decorate the room, but also define.

Small rooms and gallery walls

Gallery stands an excellent choice in smaller rooms or if you want to create an intimate atmosphere. Here you can put together different sizes of works of art, photographs and prints into a harmonious composition. This enables you to tell a story and set personal accents.

Expert tip: First put the frames and works of art on the ground and arrange them there before you hang them on the wall. So you get a better impression of the final look.

07 Include mood, atmosphere and light

When it comes to the selection of art for interiors, the planned use plays a crucial role. From the beginning it is important to create an atmosphere and to consider the feeling of a visitor in the room.

Experience has shown that visitors to a room already instinctively react to the existing conditions such as light and mood. Your goal could be to create a certain mood in the room, for example calm or serenity. These aspects should be taken into account when placing each individual work of art.

In order to optimally use the light and create a certain atmosphere, it is advisable to consider color theory Living, dynamic or bright works of art may fit better in rooms in which movement and activity prevail. Art can either serve as a color accent or blend harmoniously with the existing mood.

08 Unexpected placements dare

Even if a fireplace or a shelter area above the bed remain timeless, you should not be afraid of asymmetry when it comes to ordering works of art. By highlighting less obvious places or placing art in unexpected corners, you can create a strong visual attraction and shape spaces in a refreshingly unconventional way.

In addition, the asymmetry of works of art can be compensated for by harmonious accents on both sides, such as with wall lights, table lamps or bedside tables (especially in a bedroom).

The only immovable rule in the arrangement of works of art that is repeatedly cited by professionals in the interior? Make sure that the works do not hang too high. All art objects should be at eye level or about 15 to 25 centimeters above a larger piece of furniture . This ensures that the artwork interacts harmoniously with the rest of the design.

09 layering - play with several layers

Instead of hanging on the walls, leave the hammer on the left and think about laying the collected works on a shelf, a fireplace, a desk or chest of drawers.

The combination of a Mirrors S with a smaller work of art is particularly appealing, as shown above. This simple trick makes your space look more effortless and more design -oriented.

Through the targeted placement of works of art on different levels, you create a dynamic and interesting room atmosphere that appeals to the viewer's eye and visually upgrades the room.

10 Blank Space - About the effect of free areas

Note that not every wall inevitably has to be decorated art or decoration A simple, unpaid wall undoubtedly exudes a certain calm and serenity, especially if the rest of the room is inviting and tastefully designed.

Learn to appreciate the negative space (negative space / blank space) and give it the opportunity to direct the light to the carefully selected works of art and pieces of furniture that you have selected.

What a space lacks in artistic elements can be compensated for in different textures and selected accents (lighting, structures, decoration, furniture , poster, carpets, ...) in space design. This is demonstrated by the following examples:

11 Mix & Match - Mix different passport -partouts and frames

The framework as well as the passe -partouts of works of art play a crucial role in the final aesthetics. For a harmonious overall picture, frames should be selected that match the design style.

Simple black or white frames look modern and contemporary, while golden, brushed brass or wooden frames give a traditional, nostalgic charm.

It is important that the frame supports and highlights the work of art instead of competing with it. Exaggerated frames should be avoided in minimalist works of art With a generous passe -partout works of art, there is an elegant, classic look, while large -scale pieces complement modern design.

Especially with a picture wall, it is advisable to combine different passportouts and frame styles in order to create a calm, more natural overall picture (see illustrations above).

Even unusual frame shapes such as the shadow joint frame, lush baroque frames or Shadow boxes are worth considering, since this can be used to create special effects.

12 Style - the security variant

If interior designers want to be on the safe side in the interior and "daring" experiments, then there are classic recommendations for a style of style for popular living styles. One could speak "Ton in Ton" in the fashion sector of "Style in Style"

a) Minimalist art for puristic rooms

The minimalist art is characterized by its simple elegance and the waiver of unnecessary ornamental council, which makes it perfect for puristic rooms. This style often relies on a reduced color palette and clear shapes that ideally fit into a minimalistic room concept.

It is advisable to pay attention to geometric shapes and neutral colors when choosing minimalist works of art. These works can give a puristic space an elegant note without overloading it. Large -format minimalist paintings or prints can act as impressive eye -catchers.

Make sure that too many strong colors or details could distract from the overall effect and impair the harmonious balance and the aesthetics of the room.

b) Modern art for contemporary living worlds

Modern art, characterized by innovation and joy of experimentation, fits seamlessly into contemporary living rooms. This style is characterized by abstract shapes , lively colors and unconventional materials that make it a dynamic enrichment for every modern space.

Do not hesitate to go unconventional ways when choosing modern works of art. A large -format abstract painting or a sculpture can give a modern room an outstanding element.

Note that modern art primarily embodies individual expression. It is therefore important to select works that match the personality and aesthetic preferences of your customer.

13  They become personally

Now it will be personal. The work of art you selected can certainly travel your personal preferences, your individual design taste, made and even your family history against mirrors .

Interior designers recommend staying away from clichéd works of art or widespread printing and instead looking for works that are of personal importance for customers.

The more significant and more individual the work of art, the better.

With regard to the overall style, you have the option of emphasizing the interior design of the house or moving in a completely new aesthetic direction. For example, a historical building structure (wooden floorboards, stucco, ...) with artistic decorations in combination with courageous, modern photography always gives a unique and fascinating ambience.

14 Budget: Art does not have to be expensive

A widespread misconception is that high -quality art always has to be expensive. Of course, some works by well -known artists are provided with high price tags, but there are many ways to find impressive art at affordable prices.

• Purchase of emerging artists: Visit art exhibitions and markets to discover works of aspiring artists.
• Art prints and editions: Limited Edition prints can be a cheap alternative to original works.
• Online galleries and platforms: Websites such as Saatchi Art or Etsy offer a wide range of works of art at different prices.

Another valuable instrument for budgeting is to determine a clear budget before purchasing and the targeted search within this framework. Do not be put off by high prices, but discover the variety and creativity that also exists in the affordable area.

15 psychological well -being in focus

How does the selection of works of art affect the psychological well -being of the residents? Art has a significant impact on mood and productivity. The decision for works that arouse positive feelings or promote creativity can increase the general well -being of the people who use space.

It's not just about visual attraction; It is crucial to create an environment that feeds both the mind and the soul. In the health sector, interior designers from AWning.com from San Francisco have replaced conventional prints by works inspired by nature and calming abstract works . The patients reported a sunken fear level, while the staff found a quieter atmosphere that supported the healing process.

16 creative approaches to choice of art in minimalist rooms

In minimalist environments, art can act both as an eye -catcher and as a subtle accent of overall aesthetics. A creative approach is to use the negative room so that the work of art has space to breathe and can make a statement without overwhelming the simplicity of the design.

Another approach is the selection of monochromatic or texture -rich works that create depth and interest and at the same time remain true to the minimalist principle. For a modern apartment with a minimalist style, the lead designer from awning.com recommends large -format monochrome paintings with complex textures.

Such pieces give puristic rooms an additional level of elegance and can thus grow to a topic of conversation among visitors, while at the same time they harmonize the clear lines of the interior.

17 targeted search and selection

If you now know your style, determine the space and set a budget, you can search for works of art. You should take your time and be patient.

Use the opportunity to look at works of art online or visit in galleries to develop a real feeling for the pieces. More and more online galleries are now offering the possibility of real-time visualizations in the real target rooms or virtual 3D rounds.

Expert tip: Trust your gut feeling. If a work of art appeals to her and does not let go of it, it is often a good indicator that it is the right piece for her.

Find and buy art to match the interior design - you will find it here

a. Consider cooperation with local artists

One possibility for designers to support their customers specifically in choosing suitable furniture, textiles and colors for their living rooms is to also consider the works of regional artists.

By dealing with the biography and the work of the artist, not only open up new creative dimensions, but also the opportunity to commission an individual work of art. By building up relationships with artists, designers can offer their customers tailor -made tricks and integrate a unique note into the interior design.

When choosing a work of art, it is important to take into account the style of the artist and ensure that it fits harmoniously into the overall concept of the interior design.

Of course, you have opportunities for the search for suitable artists from your region About us ere online gallery as well as on platforms such as Singulart , Ars Mundi , Saatchi Art , Etsy and Pinterest as well as on social media such as Instagram , Behance , Dribble , Deviantart or Tiktok .

It is advisable to invest time to look at different works and get to know the artist's personal style. In addition, complete interior designs or interior designs can be developed around a work of art. 

Works by local artists bring in an authentic narrative style and firmly anchor them in their geographical and cultural environment. The inclusion of creations based not only strengthens the community, but also enriches the design with unique stories and perspectives that mass -produced works of art cannot offer.

It is about establishing a dialogue between space and its surroundings and deepening the experience for the residents. For a boutique hotel in New Orleans, the lead designer of AWning.com-Elisa Hall selected works by local musicians and painters and thus braided the lively cultural diversity of the city into every room. From then on, the guests not only lingered in the hotel; They experienced a piece of the soul of New Orleans.

b. Outstanding online provider of art

Of course, the direct purchase of a work of art is always preferable compared to the evaluation of quality, canvas and color composition on a screen. Nevertheless, there are a variety of outstanding online offers , including digital platforms for vintage art and regional works of art.

Most providers of our selection offer worthwhile Affiliate Program ( Trade Programs / Interior Designer Club) especially for interior designers with rich discounts on the retail price and other advantages.

Below you will find the most renowned providers for interior designers for acquiring online extraordinary, expressive works of art:

Singular type

Singulart offers an impressive selection of works of art from all over the world that are specifically aimed at supporting interior designers in their work. With a versatile portfolio of paintings, sculptures and photographs, you can design rooms in a unique way and create an unmistakable ambience.

The provider is characterized by an extraordinary variety of styles and techniques that enrich both classic and modern interiors. Each work is carefully curated to ensure that it meets the highest aesthetic and artistic demands.

Worldwide shipping and free return within one year.

Ars Mundi

Ars Mundi has established himself as a leading online provider of works of art in Germany. With a carefully curated selection of exclusive works of art, Ars Mundi offers an inspiring source for all those who want to enrich their living and work rooms with high-quality art objects.

The Ars Mundi range includes a wide range of works of art that cover both modern and classic styles . From impressive paintings and sculptures to limited print graphics and photographic work - each piece is carefully selected

For those who want to be inspired when selecting the right works of art, Ars Mundi offers a comprehensive consulting service . Experienced art experts are ready to advise customers individually and to submit tailor -made suggestions. This service -oriented approach ensures that each work of art is perfectly tailored to the respective interior and enriches its aesthetics.

Artfully Walls

Artfully Walls offers a comprehensive selection of sizes, frames and styles in all price ranges and an excellent tool for wall design with which you can visualize any work of art. Shipping takes place from the USA or Great Britain.

Art finder

The carefully selected works of art by art finders range from modern paintings and sculptures to photography and mixed media art. Each piece in our collection was not only checked for its aesthetic quality, but also for the ability to tell a story and create emotional response.

Whether you are a lover of pop art fascinated by the techniques of pointillism or the finer nuances of abstract art-at Artfinder you will find works, personal preferences and unique tastes against mirrors n.

Art finder also provides specific recommendations and curated collections that can be seamlessly integrated into different living styles - be it minimalist design , industrial chic or the timeless charm of Art Deco .

The Artling

The Artling is another innovative platform for the discovery of works of art and design objects for your next project.

Especially designed for interior designers, architects and real estate developers, this platform revolutionizes the procurement process of art and design by giving them the opportunity to manage all of their projects in a central place.

Worldwide shipping.

Lulu & Georgia

Lulu & Georgia impresses with a collection of captivating photographs of remote places and profound, impressive paintings.

Unfortunately, the delivery area is limited to the USA. In the event of great interest, a direct request may be worthwhile to organize delivery to Europe yourself.

McGee & Co

McGee & Co has a diverse selection of fantastic landscapes, vintage-inspired portraits and modern abstractions.

Here, too, the delivery area is limited to the USA.

About us experts

As part of the research and as a professional guide, we have a number of established and experienced interior design professionals for this article. We would like to shortly appreciate this at this point.

Bre Hance, founder of InHance

Bre Hance is the founder and director of Inhance Design Build in Los Angeles. InHance Interiors focused on planning and building individually designed houses. From the first draft to the final execution, all requirements for design, construction and furnishings are fully looked after by a tried and tested process, which you "The Inhanced Way" .

You and your team offer sophisticated and appealing solutions for the implementation of dream houses in the city of the angels.

Your professional tip:

“Art represents one of the greatest challenges for buyers when it comes to finding suitable objects. It is extremely subjective, but we structure the process by designing interior designs with a wide range of options that our customers feel appealing or not appealing.

Our offers include colorful, abstract works, portraits, photographs, black and white prints, geometric shapes, neutral designs, monochrome pieces, pop art and much more. In this way, customers have the option of looking at a comprehensive selection of options, price areas and delivery times, and we can start limiting the concepts. ”

Elissa Hall, Lead Designer at AWning.com

As a senior designer at AWning.com and former design manager at Airbnb Plus, Elissa Hall from Portland (Oregon, USA) has curated art collections for years that transform both private and business interior into appealing, personalized rooms.

Her experience in looking after over 15 interior designers gave her unique insights into the selection of art, which is very well received by different customers and interiors.

Your professional tip:

"How can the integration of unconventional art media interior to transform?

By looking beyond conventional paintings and prints, there are opportunities for interaction and emotional ties that may not be able to convey static works of art. When designing the reception hall of a technology company, we installed an interactive digital wall that reacted to touch and movements and thus converted a simple waiting area into a captivating playground that embodied the company's innovation spirit. "

Jack Lorge, founder and chief designer from Rolli Shades

Jack Lorge , the founder and chief designer of Rolli Shades , has geared his career to combine creative design with timeless aspects to shape environments that are both appealing and practical. With a deep understanding of the way art shapes the interior of rooms, Jack has helped many customers to choose pieces that express their individual personality and enrich their living space.

Its work emphasizes a holistic design approach in which each element interacts harmoniously with each other in order to achieve coherent aesthetics.

His professional tips:

“The fusion of rustic and modern aspects in interior design has the potential to change a space significantly, especially if it is combined with works of art. The combination of traditional elements with contemporary art creates a dynamic ambience that harmoniously combines the past with the presence.

This approach is particularly suitable for areas that contain natural materials such as wood or stone, and emphasizes the work of art against a homogeneous background. Enrich cream-colored bouclé sofas with lively wall colors.

Bringing color into the walls can enhance the appearance of cream-colored bouclé sofas and opens up more creative design options. Works of art can act as a visual bridge if they are presented on bright, lively walls and bring the textures of the sofa into harmony with the color intensity. This arrangement not only attracts attention, but also creates a lively and inviting atmosphere.

When integrating art into the interior design, it is crucial to think about the dimensions of the artwork and how it fits into the room. Large paintings can act as central elements in extensive rooms, while smaller works can be arranged for an exciting gallery wall.

The choice of frames - whether simply or extravagant - also has a significant impact on how the work of art is perceived in the room. ”

Gurleen Kaur, painter and interior designer

Gurleen Kaur is a professional painter and interior designer from Melbourne (Australia), who specializes in the creative interior design of houses and offices. The art that people choose for their houses and offices is a core topic for the designer because it highlights the beauty of the rooms and at the same time causes human emotions.

Your professional tips:

“Culture should be the character of the respective place against mirrors n. In private institutions, objects with emotional value are particularly effective. The integration of art into an office environment must always harmonize with the image and identity of the company brand.

It is always about the color design of the work of art and its dimensions. Art can either fit very well with the colors in the room or act as striking, contrasting supplement. Larger sketches or paintings are ideal for open rooms because they attract attention due to their clarity; Therefore, smaller paintings, when arranged in groups, are ideal for living areas because they create an inviting atmosphere.

Works of art with texture are special because they give the room a dimension of depth and tension. Elaborate compositions and/or layered paintings or objects can transform a wall and breathe new life into a room.

At corporate locations, for example, it can make sense to exchange works of art regularly in order to give the environment a fresh appearance. If the space is permanent, seasonal works of art, a new topic or the cooperation between two artists can give the place a different look and feeling without fully changing furniture and decoration. ”

Good luck for your projects!

The art of choosing works for the interiors of its customers is a professional and personal and creative journey. It requires attention, patience and an open attitude towards new experiences.

Do not be guided exclusively by conventions or trends, but follow the individual preferences, preferences and personality of your customers. After all, the art should not only adorn their home or commercial premises, create a representation character, but also personality and stories against mirrors n.

Remember that art is a form of expression and a source of joy. Enjoy the process and let the walls speak!

Good luck and joy in discovering and selecting your perfect works of art!

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www. kunstplaza .de/