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How to Choose the Perfect Wall Art for Your Space


When it comes to selecting the right wall art for your New Zealand home, PrintNZ offers a wide range of options tailored to match every taste and space. Whether you’re revamping your living room, adding personality to your bedroom, or making your hallway stand out, wall art is an essential part of your interior design. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose wall art that complements your room’s layout, color scheme, and personal style. 

Understanding the Purpose of Wall Art in Each Room 

Before selecting artwork, it's important to understand how wall art can impact the ambiance of each room in your home. The function and aesthetic of your space should guide your decisions. 

Living Room vs Bedroom vs Hallway Needs 

  • Living Room: As the heart of your home, the living room can handle statement pieces that reflect your personal style. Think large canvas prints or abstract art that serves as a focal point. 

  • Bedroom: Opt for softer, calming pieces like landscapes or gentle abstracts. The bedroom should feel serene and peaceful. 

  • Hallway: In hallways, artwork should welcome and guide visitors. Consider smaller pieces or grouped artwork to create an inviting atmosphere. 

Functionality vs Aesthetic Balance 

Art isn't just decorative—it's functional too. When placed thoughtfully, wall art can improve the visual flow of a room, balancing out large furniture pieces or creating a more intimate atmosphere. 

Matching Art with Your Personal Style and Personality 

Your choice of wall art should reflect who you are. Whether your style is modern, vintage, boho, or eclectic, it’s essential to choose art that aligns with your personality. 

Modern, Vintage, Boho, Eclectic – What’s Your Style? 

  • Modern: For a clean, contemporary look, modern art focuses on minimalism, sharp lines, and geometric shapes. 

  • Vintage: Vintage art brings a nostalgic, timeless feel with classic frames and retro themes. 

  • Boho: Bohemian art often embraces free-spirited designs with bold colors and textures. 

  • Eclectic: If you love mixing different styles, eclectic art allows you to create a gallery wall with various frames and themes. 

How to Express Identity Through Visual Elements 

Art can serve as an extension of your personality. From travel photography to abstract works that resonate emotionally, choose pieces that tell your story and make your space uniquely yours. 

Choosing the Right Size and Placement 

Getting the right size and placement is key to creating a balanced look. Too large, and the art may overwhelm a room; too small, and it might feel lost on the wall. 

Proportion Tips (Small vs Large Spaces) 

  • Small Spaces: Opt for one large statement piece or a carefully curated gallery wall. Small rooms benefit from art that draws the eye up, creating the illusion of height. 

  • Large Spaces: Larger rooms can handle bigger, bolder artwork. Choose larger canvases that fill the space and make an impact. 

Eye-Level Hanging and Grouping Techniques 

Hang artwork at eye level (around 145-155 cm from the ground). For groupings, ensure the pieces flow together, whether symmetrically or in an asymmetrical layout for a dynamic, creative effect. 

Colour Harmony: Matching Art with Room Palettes 

The colors of your artwork should either complement or contrast with your room's existing palette. Thoughtful color choices will ensure the art enhances your space. 

Complementary vs Contrasting Colour Use 

  • Complementary Colors: Art that complements your room’s color scheme will feel harmonious. For example, pairing earth-toned art with neutral walls. 

  • Contrasting Colors: For a bold impact, choose contrasting art that pops against a more neutral room. Bright colors on white or beige walls can add drama. 

Using Art to Inject Colour Into Neutral Rooms 

Neutral spaces can benefit from the injection of color through artwork. Vibrant paintings or prints can create visual interest and provide a refreshing contrast to minimalistic interiors. 

Framing Options That Enhance Your Art 

The right frame can elevate your artwork and seamlessly blend it with your home decor. 

Timber, Metal, Floating, and Matted Frames 

  • Timber Frames: Bring warmth and texture to the piece, ideal for natural or rustic styles. 

  • Metal Frames: Sleek and modern, these frames work well for contemporary art. 

  • Floating Frames: These create a minimalistic, modern look by letting the artwork appear to “float” within the frame. 

  • Matted Frames: Adding a mat allows the artwork to breathe and appear more polished. 

Choosing Frame Colour and Depth 

The frame’s color should complement the art and the room. Black and white are timeless, but don’t shy away from experimenting with bolder tones, especially if they match the art's palette. 

Room-by-Room Art Selection Guide 

Selecting the right art for different spaces will help you enhance your home's overall atmosphere. 

Best Art Types for Kitchens, Bedrooms, and Bathrooms 

  • Kitchens: Look for art with bright, vibrant colors or food-related themes. Art here should be energetic and welcoming. 

  • Bedrooms: Opt for calming pieces, such as serene landscapes, abstracts, or neutral-toned artworks, to create a restful retreat. 

  • Bathrooms: Choose water-themed artwork, botanical prints, or minimalist pieces to tie into the serene, spa-like atmosphere of the bathroom. 

Tips for Hallways, Staircases, and Entryways 

Entryways and hallways should feel inviting. For narrow hallways, use elongated pieces or a series of smaller prints to add dimension and interest. Larger entryways can handle bold statement pieces. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Art 

Choosing the right art is a process, and avoiding common mistakes can help ensure you make the best choices. 

Ignoring Scale or Theme 

Ensure that your art fits the scale of the room. Large artwork in a small room can be overwhelming, while tiny pieces may get lost in a vast space. Also, maintain a cohesive theme throughout to avoid cluttered or mismatched decor. 

Overcrowding or Mismatched Groupings 

Avoid overcrowding your walls with too many pieces. When grouping art, aim for balance, ensuring each piece has room to breathe. 

Tips for Buying Art Online in NZ 

Buying art online can be a great way to find unique pieces, but there are a few things to keep in mind. 

Print Resolution and Canvas Quality 

When purchasing online, check the print resolution and canvas quality. High-quality prints ensure that the artwork looks sharp and vibrant in your space. 

Trusting Kiwi-Based Vendors and Shipping Expectations 

Buying from local vendors like PrintNZ ensures you support local artists and minimize shipping delays. Be sure to check the vendor’s shipping policies and estimated delivery times for smooth purchasing. 

For more on local trends in Kiwi home styling, check out Stuff.co.nz for expert tips and inspiration. 

Conclusion 

Choosing the right wall art can transform your New Zealand home into a personalized, beautiful space. Whether you’re looking for unique art to complement your existing decor or searching for custom pieces, PrintNZ offers high-quality, locally sourced options that suit every style and budget. To explore more on sustainable design, check out Resene’s Colour Trends for 2025’s top colors for your walls. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What’s the best size for wall art in a small room? 

A: For smaller spaces, opt for a large statement piece or a carefully arranged gallery wall. This draws attention and creates the illusion of more space. 

2. How can I match art with my room’s color scheme? 

A: Choose artwork that complements or contrasts with your room’s existing colors. Neutral rooms can be enlivened with vibrant art, while colorful rooms benefit from more neutral or subdued artwork. 

3. Should I invest in custom framing? 

A: Custom framing ensures the best fit for your artwork and enhances its overall aesthetic. It’s particularly useful for unusual sizes or when you want the frame to match your home’s decor. 

4. How do I hang art correctly? 

A: Art should be hung at eye level (145-155 cm from the floor). When grouping art, maintain equal spacing and a cohesive look to create balance. 

5. Can I mix different styles of art in one room? 

A: Yes! Mixing styles can create a dynamic look, but be sure to balance the elements. Keep a consistent theme or color palette for cohesiveness.