Selecting Artwork for your Home
I have only one unbreakable rule for artwork in your home and it is this:
Choose at a heart level.
I’ve spent my entire career in the art world. I’ve visited the homes of some of the top collectors in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Trust me when I say that I have witnessed someone walk right by that painting or photograph that they paid $50,000+ dollars for, stand in front of a beautiful portrait of their family, and tell me that this image, this artwork of their family is worth more than all the money in the world.
One of the most common questions I get from my clients is how to choose the size and scale of their artwork.
Bigger is usually better
Choosing art that’s too small is a common mistake. For example, the art above a couch should be approximately 2/3 the width of the sofa or larger. The same goes for over a bed or a desk. If you prefer several small pieces, you’ll want to select pieces that can work together as a single, cohesive display. In this case, think of the overall display as one unit and follow the same guidelines.
Don’t get too sucked into rules
Remember that you’re going to be looking at this art every day for many, many years. You’ll bring it with you when you move, you might even miss your artwork when you go on vacation.
Your artwork is all about you
Having an emotional connection to the artwork in your home is EVERYTHING. Choose pieces that give you joy and remind you of what you love the most about your home and your family.
