Good interior design is balanced but how exactly do you achieve that balance? Is it a good idea to hang something on every wall? If so, how big and how many should the pieces be? These are common questions people lacking professional experience in home décor ask.
The most important thing you need to remember is that guidelines do exist but some of the most spectacular interior designs are created whenever rules get broken. In order to make such an approach work, however, the choices need to be intentional.
So, do you really need to hang something on every single wall? Let’s discuss some of the most important specifics.
Do You Need to Have Something on Every Wall?
No, you don’t need to feature décor pieces on every single wall. In fact, doing so can easily result in visual clutter. If you have too many pieces that all look interesting, they’ll eventually end up fighting for attention instead of complimenting each other.
Layering applies to all aspects of interior design, including the selection of wall décor.
You need “pockets” of engaging pieces, as well as blank spaces that let the room breathe. By adding such layers, you’re encouraging the eye to wonder, explore and discover something new every single time.
For many people, coming up with a cohesive and comprehensive concept before beginning to decorate is going to be difficult. That’s why various homeowners start implementing an idea and they tweak it on the go. If you need to see wall décor to better understand how balance works, do hang items. Eventually, you’ll make the edits needed to achieve balance (especially if you have an eye for detail).
Consider Other Pieces of Home Décor
Wall décor doesn’t work in isolation. In fact, it has to be coordinated with other interior design elements to opt for the best placement.
Try to have purpose when hanging wall décor.
The space above the sofa, for example, is perfect for the placement of art. The sofa is usually horizontal and monochromatic. Adding something colourful and bright above elongates the wall and adds some depth to the home décor.
Elements like bookcases and tall standing lamps can be counted towards wall décor. That’s why you need to be careful about the placement of artistic elements close to such furniture pieces or parts of the interior design.
As a general rule, examine the shapes and patterns created by the furniture in your home. Good wall décor flows well with other pieces, whether angular, curvaceous or more irregular in appearance.
Think about the Kind of Wall You’re Decorating
Features of the wall itself also matter when you’re hanging décor.
A wall that’s interrupted by a large window, for example, doesn’t really need to have a massive piece of hanging art. If you have a large blank wall, make good use of it. It’s the perfect spot for the creation of an entire picture gallery. Alternatively, hang one massive piece – all eyes are going to be on it!
A wall adjacent to a window or a door is typically another excellent choice – it gives you the canvas large enough to make a statement. At the same time, you’ll benefit from the natural illumination to highlight some of the most outstanding pieces in your home.
If you have a window positioned centrally on a wall, you can hang to symmetrical or identical pieces on each side of it. An area above a door, if large enough, can provide some interesting opportunities. A horizontal piece placed right above the door will draw attention toward a space otherwise left underutilised.
Room Purpose and Hanging Art
Finally, consider the purpose of the room when deciding what you’re going to hang.
In the bedroom, you need a serene and peaceful rather than stimulating environment. That’s why placing a beautiful piece of art or another favourite item above the bed is going to be the best choice. You’ll get a point of visual interest without making the décor in the room too busy.
The living room usually has a couple of large furniture pieces. Once these are arranged, you can stand back and determine how much space you’re left with. The area above the sofa, as already mentioned, is one good option for hanging décor.
If you don’t have a lot of space but you feature shelves or a bookcase in the living room, these can be used to hold a few pictures, family heirlooms or other decorative pieces.
The dining area can benefit from an accent wall across the table. It will be the perfect point of visual interest and a conversation starter during a shared meal or when hosting guests.
Hopefully, these pointers give you a good idea about everything you can do to personalise your space.
Every home can shine with a couple of wall décor pieces, especially if these are placed strategically. Contact Home Guide and we’ll guide you through both the selection and the placement of interior design elements. We’ll choose the solutions that match your personality/style and we’ll also base the decisions on our extensive experience to give you a polished outcome.
