How to Style and Display Fine Art Prints in Your Home Like a Pro
Fine art prints add personality, warmth, and beauty to any space, allowing you to transform your home with meaningful artwork. But beyond choosing the perfect print, knowing how to style and display it is essential to achieving a cohesive, visually appealing look. In this post, we’ll explore expert tips on framing, placement, and color coordination so you can display your fine art prints with confidence and style.
1. Choose the Right Size and Placement for Your Space
When it comes to displaying fine art prints, scale is key. A print that’s too small may look lost on a large wall, while an oversized piece can overwhelm a smaller space.
Size Guidelines: As a general rule, choose a print that takes up two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall space above a piece of furniture. For example, if you’re hanging a print above a sofa, measure the width of the sofa and select a print size that fits proportionally.
Placement Tip: Hang the print at eye level, typically around 145-155 cm from the floor to the center of the artwork. This ensures that it’s easily viewable and accessible, creating a balanced look in the room.
Example: In a living room, a large print of a scenic landscape from the Sunshine Coast can serve as a focal point above the sofa, drawing the eye and anchoring the room’s design.
2. Select a Frame that Complements the Artwork and Decor
Framing is an essential part of the presentation, as it protects the print and enhances its aesthetic appeal. Choose a frame that complements both the artwork and your room’s decor style.
Wood Frames for Warmth: Wooden frames, particularly in natural, oak, or walnut tones, add warmth to the artwork. These frames are ideal for nature and landscape prints, adding a rustic or organic feel to your space.
Metallic Frames for Modern Touch: Black, silver, or gold metallic frames add a sleek, modern edge and are perfect for contemporary or minimalist decor styles.
Floating Frames for Depth: A floating frame adds dimension by allowing space between the print and the frame edges, making the artwork appear as if it’s floating. This works especially well for large-format prints and adds a professional gallery feel to your display.
3. Create a Gallery Wall for a Dynamic Display
If you have several fine art prints, consider creating a gallery wall for a visually engaging display. A gallery wall allows you to showcase multiple pieces while adding character and depth to your space.
Consistency is Key: For a cohesive look, use frames in a similar color or style, even if the prints vary in size. Alternatively, mix different frame styles for an eclectic look, as long as there’s a common theme, such as similar color palettes or subject matter.
Plan Your Layout: Arrange your prints on the floor before hanging them to experiment with different layouts. This helps you visualize the final look and makes it easier to adjust placement without committing to nails in the wall.
Tip: Start with the largest piece at the center and build outward with smaller prints. This approach anchors the display and creates a balanced composition.
4. Coordinate Colors for Harmony and Impact
Color coordination is essential for creating harmony between your fine art prints and the room. By echoing or complementing colors from the artwork in your decor, you can create a cohesive and polished look.
Echo Colors in the Room: Choose artwork with colors that match or complement your room’s palette. For example, if your room features coastal blues and greens, a beach landscape print can enhance the natural tones and unify the space.
Use Accent Colors: Consider choosing one dominant color in the print and using it as an accent color in the room through decor items, such as cushions, throws, or rugs. This can help draw attention to the artwork and make it feel integrated with the room.
Example: In a neutral room, a print of a golden sunset from the Sunshine Coast can introduce warm tones that add vibrancy without overwhelming the existing decor.
5. Layer Prints with Other Decor for a Casual, Lived-In Look
For a more relaxed and casual approach, try layering your fine art prints with other decor. This technique works well on shelves, mantels, and side tables, where you can lean the artwork against the wall rather than hanging it.
Mix with Decor Elements: Pair your fine art print with complementary decor items, such as candles, vases, or small sculptures. This layered look adds depth and creates a cozy, curated feel.
Vary Heights for Visual Interest: Layer prints of different heights and sizes to create a sense of dimension. This approach is perfect for displaying multiple smaller prints, allowing you to change the arrangement without much effort.
Example: On a bookshelf, layer a framed print of a mountain landscape with a small stack of books, a ceramic vase, and a potted plant for a balanced, stylish arrangement.
6. Use Lighting to Highlight Your Artwork
Good lighting can make a significant difference in how your fine art prints are perceived. Properly lit artwork stands out, allowing the details and colors to shine.
Natural Light: If your print is near a window, natural light can beautifully illuminate the colors and textures of the artwork. Just ensure it’s not exposed to direct sunlight, which can cause fading over time.
Accent Lighting: For larger prints or gallery walls, consider installing track lighting or picture lights to highlight the artwork. These lights add warmth and make your prints the focal point, especially in the evening.
Tip for Controlled Lighting: LED picture lights are an energy-efficient option that won’t generate heat, preserving the quality of your prints while keeping them well-lit.
Engage Your Audience with Display Ideas
If you’re sharing your fine art prints or selling them, helping customers visualize how they might display the artwork can enhance engagement and inspire ideas.
Share Styling Tips: Use social media or your website to share examples of how to style prints in different rooms, such as living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. This can give potential customers ideas on how to integrate artwork into their own spaces.
Feature Customer Testimonials: If you have customers who’ve styled your prints in their homes, share these photos (with permission) as testimonials. Real-life examples provide social proof and help other customers see the impact of your artwork.
Example: A customer shared a photo of their Sunshine Coast print styled above their mantel with coordinating decor items. Showcasing this on your website can inspire others to consider similar styling techniques.
Conclusion
Displaying fine art prints is an art in itself. By selecting the right size, frame, placement, and color coordination, you can create a visually stunning display that enhances your decor and adds character to your home. Whether you’re creating a gallery wall, using accent lighting, or layering prints with other decor items, these tips will help you showcase your prints with style. So choose the prints that speak to you, get creative with styling, and transform your space with beautiful artwork that reflects your personality.
