Rug source and similar rugs / Leather Couch / Linen Settee
Have you ever wondered what to hang and where when decorating your walls? I’ve had several reader questions about wall decor recently, so I wanted to share a few practical tips to help you decide which walls need art and which ones should stay blank.
Reader question:
Hi! I love your blog and your design style! I have a question about how you decide to decorate the walls in your home. How do you decide which walls need something and which ones to leave blank? Your rooms seem to have the perfect balance. Is there a trick?
Thanks! – Tricia
Answer:
How much art feels right is subjective. Some people prefer a very minimal look, while others like more visual interest. Each home has its own needs based on layout, furniture, lighting and personal taste. The guidelines below are practical principles I use to create balanced, comfortable spaces. Use them as a starting point and adjust to suit your home and style.
10 Guidelines for Decorating Walls
1. Vary the number of items on each wall. If you create a large grid of six frames or a busy gallery wall on one wall, balance that by keeping a nearby wall simpler—with one or two pieces instead of matching the same amount everywhere.
2. Mix types and shapes. Combining framed art, mirrors, woven baskets, canvases, clocks or found objects gives the room more visual interest and texture. A variety of shapes keeps the eye moving and avoids monotony.
3. Pay attention to scale. Large pieces or thoughtfully grouped art make a stronger impact than a small frame that disappears across the room. Choose sizes that feel proportional to the furniture and the wall.
Crane Art
4. Limit word-driven pieces. I try not to cover a room with multiple pieces that contain large letters or quotes. One worded piece can be special; too many can feel chaotic and distracting.
5. Aim for cohesion. Consider color palettes, mood, textures, scale and wood tones across the room. When elements harmonize, the overall look feels intentional and calm. Swap or tweak items that clash to create a unified feel.
6. Use mirrors thoughtfully. One large mirror can serve as a statement; additional mirrors should be smaller, varied in shape, or grouped so they complement rather than compete with the main mirror.
7. Keep midpoints consistent. Hang groupings so their visual midpoints sit at a similar height around the room. I usually position that midpoint slightly lower than my eye level. Consistent placement helps everything feel balanced. Small pieces of poster putty can keep frames straight.
Wall Art // Rug // More Hallway Details
8. Leave breathing room. Allow blank wall space between vignettes so the eye can rest. Factors like wall color, architectural style, furniture density, window and door placements, and ceiling height influence how much wall art or negative space you need.
9. Consider multiple viewpoints but don’t obsess. Try to hang art so it looks pleasing from the main angles where you’ll see it, but accept that a piece might read differently from other vantage points. Small imperfections can make a room feel lived-in and welcoming.
10. Step back and reassess the whole room. After hanging art, view the space as a whole. If it feels busy or chaotic, simplify by removing or rearranging a few pieces. As seasons change or furniture is moved, revisit the walls to maintain balance and comfort.
Tip: Take a Photo!
An easy way to evaluate balance is to step back and photograph the entire room. We often focus on individual vignettes and miss how the room reads when viewed as a whole. A photo helps you see proportions, repetition and spacing more objectively and can reveal what to change.
If the photo feels balanced to you, you’re probably on the right track.
More Helpful Posts:
How to Choose Art for Your Home + Favorite Art Sources
Where to Find Coastal / Sailboat / Seascape Artwork: Favorite Sources
You’ll find many more decorating principles, practical tips, and easy how-to’s in my full-color book The Inspired Room, plus titles that answer common decorating questions and offer simple decorating ideas.
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See more reader questions I’ve answered on The Inspired Room.
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