Paintings for the living room (how to choose and place): the best application ideas and tips for wall decor

Examples and recommendations for choosing a modern painting for the living room

The interior of the reception room can be anything, so choosing paintings for its improvement should be the last thing. It is important to follow several recommendations:

  • We focus on color. It is desirable that the image matches the shade of the interior palette. You can use combinations such as yellow and mustard, turquoise and blue, brown (wooden) and tangerine. The picture frame should not blend in with the color of the wall decoration. If there are no objects in the room that accentuate attention, then it is allowed to hang or place a contrasting landscape, portrait, or historical composition.
  • Room size. The wider the space, the larger the picture on the wall should be. It is advisable to hang such large-scale decor on an empty wall that has no interior additions. Landscape-themed paintings are suitable for this method. In case the room has a low ceiling, then to visually increase it you can use modular vertical canvases on the walls.
  • Combination with the interior. Choose paintings only after the overall design of the room is ready. For example, models with antique figured frames will look out of place in a modern stylistic solution. For classicism, such options are ideal.
  • The subject of the image in the painting. The plot should be pleasant and welcoming. Fan art is welcomed, as well as images of places that the owner of the house plans to visit. Don't ignore motivational drawings and quotes. Be sure to consider your own preferences. First of all, the owner should like the image.

Pay attention to the availability of free space on the wall; be sure to have equal spaces of free space on both sides of the hung paintings. This will help center the canvas and make it attractive.


Tacky painting design in the interior of a guest room Source market.sakh.com


A beautiful canvas in the theme of nature in the living room behind the sofa Source ys-art.pictures


Interesting harmony of painting with furniture in the living room Source yandex.ru

Selection of paintings according to Feng Shui

The knowledge about vital energy accumulated by Chinese sages over many centuries gave us the exotic science of Feng Shui, which directs the energy flows of the home in the right direction. Paintings in the interior can be placed according to the basic tenets of Feng Shui:

  • When choosing a painting for the living room, you need to listen to your own inner voice; if the image evokes a feeling of rejection, its presence in the interior will cause a constant lack of vitality;
  • Avoid military themes, blood, images of conflicts - this brings discord into the family structure;
  • Do not hang portraits of the dead - such paintings carry the energy of death;
  • According to Feng Shui, the best choice for the living room is neutral natural themes and flower bouquets.

In addition, the direction of the world matters. The main weapon of a specialist in the correct placement of interior items from an energy point of view is a compass. For example, the northern part of the apartment is a “water” zone; it is better to place paintings with water landscapes in it; the south is decorated with images of flames. Wood, metal - western, eastern side, these zones can attract money, so it is better to place paintings depicting carps and money trees here.

How to choose a color so that the painting looks organic in the living room

The shade of the canvas directly depends on several factors: the size of the room, the parameters of the canvas and the placement method. Let's look at each of these factors.


The geometric pattern in the living room complements the features of the carpet Source znatprovse.ru


Oversized painting with a frame in a spacious living room Source yandex.ua

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in interior redevelopment.

Room size

The overall area allows the use of paintings with bright and contrasting colors. Tone-on-tone options are also welcome. Thus, the canvas becomes part of the wall, creating the impression of a completed interior.


Modular canvases for the living room in beige Source yandex.kz


Bright abstraction in the rich design of the living room Source lana7317.jimdofree.com

The harmony of beige, coffee, mustard, gray, ash and pistachio is characteristic of such interior trends as classic, modern, and Provence. A bright canvas with chaotic flashing colored patterns will fit perfectly into a bright living room.


A large painting in a black thin frame for a living room with a light design Source stroikairemont.com

Painting size and color ratio

If a large painting is to be hung in the room, it should have a different color palette. Typically, shades of pink, brown, tangerine, turquoise and others are welcome on a light background: ash, light gray, cream color of the wall decoration.


Painting for the living room in pale brown or coffee color Source 1stdibs.com

Modular vertical canvases that supposedly fit into a puzzle and form a pattern look elegant. When using these options for decorating the living room, the shades should be natural: yellow, light green, brown, lilac. Such an abundance of shades is appropriate only if the picture consists of four or more parts.


Modular painting on the wall in the living room with a bright pattern Source modulnye-kartiny-magazin.ru


Decorating two walls with paintings in the living room Source blog.postel-deluxe.ru

Kinds

The paintings differ not only in subject and color scheme, but also in type. Let's look at the most popular types of paintings, and also talk about ways to place them.

Modular images

Such paintings consist of several parts that are interconnected. The number of modules can be any. Most often there are paintings consisting of 3-5 elements. Canvases in modular works are not framed: this allows you to create a feeling of the integrity of the picture and its smooth flow.

Modular paintings allow you to visually expand the space, which is why they are often recommended for small rooms or offices.

Posters

This is a poster made on paper. Very often, posters depict musical performers, famous groups or artists. The poster can be without a frame or enclosed in a frame and covered with glass on top.

Posters are suitable for any room. However, they look best on plain walls.

Volumetric

Three-dimensional or 3D paintings are distinguished by a high degree of realism. The image is applied in several layers, which allows you to achieve the desired effect. Such paintings are well suited to modern interiors, but completely inappropriate in classic ones.

Since a three-dimensional painting in itself is a bright element of decor, it is best to place it on a plain wall.

Copies of famous paintings

A high-quality copy is practically no different from the original. In addition, such canvases have a reasonable price. Copies can be framed or sold without it (you can choose the appropriate option yourself).

Copies of famous paintings go best with classic interiors.

Method of placing paintings on the wall

There are several interesting variations with which you can place paintings in the living room. Each of them will help you create a beautiful gallery even from a small number of compositions:

  • The paintings should be easy to view, so they should be placed at the level where the first glance falls when standing. Having outlined this visual line, mark 2-3 cm upward from the bottom edge of the canvas. This part should be in the marked place.
  • Don't forget about the width of the picture frame. In general, the entire composition should be 75-80% of the width of the furniture (a sofa, table, armchair and other furniture installed nearby).
  • Strict symmetry. This factor is taken into account if one or more images of the same shape are located on the wall. Here you can place two large vertical paintings in the center, and hang small rectangular images on both sides.
  • If all your paintings are the same size, they can be arranged in one, two or three rows. It all depends on the width of the frame. To make the gallery look beautiful, equal distances are set aside on each side. Black and white photographs look most impressive.
  • We are forming a center. To focus attention on the composition, they try to choose a central object. This could be a painting with a bright palette of canvas or one with a larger frame. First, a vertical model is placed, and then several small images are hung on one side. It will turn out very interesting, even if the frames have different shades.
  • If there is a round object, then it is placed on top, in the center or to the side of relatively small rectangular frames. In this case, the use of medium-sized and small paintings is encouraged. A large wall area can be used for this purpose.
  • Non-standard location. They practice interesting compositions with changing forms. If previously they tried to make the mini-gallery symmetrical, today they are trying to diversify the composition with the help of a design in the form of a heart, a polygon, and a chaotic arrangement of frames at some distance from each other is also welcomed.
  • Installation on shelves. If there are several narrow, ownerless shelves on the wall, then they can be used as a stand for pictures. It is possible to place large and small images on one stand. Some options are simply hung on the wall at the same level as the shelves.
  • Decorating the wall near the stairs. Many houses have a staircase leading down to the living room. The wall of the span is often decorated with paintings or photographs. For this purpose, small-sized options arranged in a chaotic manner or in the form of steps are more suitable.

When placing paintings in the living room, you can use various combinations as a basis, complement them, and remove unnecessary things. Often, owners organize entire galleries of many paintings, designing them in different shapes: rectangle, circle.


Placing paintings in the living room in random order Source foto-cosmopolit.kiev.ua


Full-height paintings on an empty living room wall Source yandex.ru


Wall decoration with paintings in the living room next to auxiliary lighting near the sofa Source interieridizain.ru


Fashionable and stylish modern painting for the living room Source youtube.com

How to make a choice: popular execution techniques

It is rational to choose paintings for the hall for a certain design style, depending on the technique of their implementation.

  • Oil paintings will look appropriate in a classic style, especially if they are framed in an elegant baguette.
  • Abstract-themed works, created using oil paints and a palette knife, can become a harmonious addition to a modern interior.

  • If you want to decorate a room in your apartment with a gallery of small paintings or want to decorate areas in a modest-sized room, light watercolor painting would be an excellent option. These can be beautiful flowers or landscapes that will successfully take their place in an interior decorated in a Mediterranean style, as well as country, Provence, and shabby chic.
  • The answer to the question “what paintings should I hang above the sofa?” may be the use of works made with acrylic paint. They will complement retro interiors or rooms decorated in pop art style.
  • Posters are a popular option that is optimal for use in a Scandinavian-style apartment or in an interior in high-tech, loft and minimalist styles.

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  • Massive graphics can become an accent element of eclectic interiors. Such a painting will look especially good under glass in a thin frame.
  • An alternative option for oil paintings or posters would be photographs. They can be stylized as paintings, because if these are not just portraits from another photo shoot, the distinctive feature of such images will certainly be their artistic value.
  • Decorative attributes made using printing techniques on canvas cannot be categorized as paintings or posters. They are not able to convey all the sophistication of the original work (the sophistication of the artist’s strokes, the depth of color). However, thanks to such images, you can hang famous reproductions in your apartment. This is an affordable decor option that allows you to decorate artistic photos in the form of paintings.

Fashionable paintings for the interior. What's trending?

The presence of paintings in the house always symbolizes nobility and a touch of aristocracy. But it is important not only to purchase images in attractive frames, but also to take into account their harmony with the modern interior. In this case, they focus on options that design experts consider fashionable.


Bright modular paintings are a trend for living rooms Source 9692.ru


Unusual painting in fashion for the living room Source artm.pro


Popular works of real artists for the living room Source thesecretlifeofswimmers.com

These options include original paintings by contemporary artists, as well as copies of images of famous writers, the originals of which are in museums. Posters and modular canvases with interesting abstractions deserve great attention.


Landscapes are trending for new living room interiors Source artvdom.ru

If you need a painting that will fit originally into the overall concept of the interior, it is necessary that it has maximum compliance with the chosen style: classic, modern, modern.

Posters are very much appreciated in modern apartments. They should be chosen strictly rectangular in shape. As for modular models, they should have exactly the same theme in which the room is being furnished: often it is art deco, modern, country.


Picturesque paintings in the modern living room interior Source tr.pinterest.com


Painting on the entire wall in the living room Source decorateme.com


Fashionable painting for the living room in the style of the chosen interior Source velvet.by

Selecting a topic

The painting can become a direct reflection of the interests and views of the owner. Also, the canvas should be in harmony with the surrounding space.

Urban motives

Canvases depicting urban motifs go well with modern trends in interior design. These can be images of busy streets, quiet parks and squares, secluded temples and old houses. Thanks to the huge variety of plots, everyone can choose the ideal option for themselves.

Where to hang it?

  • Living room
  • Hallway
  • Bedroom

Animalism

Images of animals are no less popular than urban motifs. Just like the previous option, they are suitable for any direction in the interior. The paintings can depict dogs, cats, horses, etc. The canvas can be realistic or exaggerated.

Where to hang it?

  • Living room
  • Hallway
  • Cabinet
  • Children's

Landscapes

Images of nature are calming and have a beneficial effect on the mental state and nervous system. Landscapes look best on large canvases. A painting with natural motifs is universal: depending on the subject, it can be placed in any part of the house.

Where to tell the story?

  • Living room
  • Hallway
  • Bedroom
  • Cabinet
  • Kitchen
  • Children's

Abstractions

Quite unique and unusual paintings. The canvas is based on a clear pattern consisting of lines, geometric shapes, drawings, etc. This is a great option for self-expression. Such paintings have proven themselves excellent in modern interiors.

Where to tell the story?

  • Hallway
  • Cabinet
  • Bedroom
  • Kitchen
  • Living room

Portraits

Quite rarely found in modern interiors. Typically, portraits depict close relatives or famous personalities. Portraits look good in both modern and classic interiors.

Where to hang it?

  • Living room
  • Cabinet

Still lifes

This is an image of inanimate objects: compositions with food, dishes, flowers, etc. When choosing a still life, pay attention to the quality of the image - it should be as natural and realistic as possible. Such images are ideal for the kitchen and dining room.

Examples of paintings that are in fashion

For a modern style of decorating a living room, painting with a touch of impressionism is perfect. Paintings in this style are considered more expressive and dynamic. Copies of works by Van Gogh and other famous painters are often used. The presence of such paintings on the living room wall will make the interior expanded, rich, unique, and most importantly, competent.


Multi-colored painting in a square frame for the living room Source mirdizajna.ru


Fashionable painting for a spacious living room Source dekormyhome.ru


Beautiful fashionable painting for the living room with bright colors Source kvartblog.ru

On a note! Please note that color harmony in paintings and living room interiors is extremely important. Otherwise, the decor will look like an awkward spot on the wall of a furnished room.


Graphic fashionable portrait for the living room Source dekormyhome.ru


Decorating a wall with a painting according to the color of the living room Source decoretto.ru

Types and methods of creating reproductions

There are three ways to obtain reproductions for the interior:

  • Order from an artist who will hand-write a copy of any painting. The disadvantage of this option is obvious: even the most talented master will not be able to create a perfect copy. Plus: suitable for those who adore “live” art.
  • Printing on natural canvas. Minus: upon close examination, no paint strokes are visible, which immediately indicates a copy. Pros: much cheaper than “live” reproductions, and created many times faster. The copy is 100% identical to the original, because it is based on professional digital photography of the work. In addition, the print is more durable, it does not fade in the sun and is not afraid of moisture.
  • Printing with drawing. It combines the advantages of the two previous methods: the artist applies paint on top of the printed image, making the picture more voluminous. Therefore, a plus: 100% similarity to the original and the touch of an artist’s brush. Minus: you need to protect paints from water and direct sunlight (just like the original painting), although the presence of varnish reduces any problems to zero.

What can you combine paintings with in the living room?

The painting is most often not the only decor in the living room interior. Therefore, it is important to be able to correctly combine it with other objects. Usually accompanying items are photo wallpapers, themed accessories and decorations, photographs and framed black and white photographs.


Modular modern painting for decorating a living room in a modern style and minimalism Source roomester.ru


Arrangement of paintings in the living room on both walls Source art-holst.com.ua

For living rooms combined with a kitchen, paintings can be used as zoning objects. To do this, they are hung on adjacent walls of two rooms. A sofa, ottoman or a beautiful shelf is often placed nearby. You can also display photographs in small frames on it.


Painting for the living room with an unusual pattern Source happymodern.ru

It is often practiced to combine the shade of the canvas with a rug or carpet. Other themes are also welcome, but it is important that they be in harmony with the interior (match the style, repeat the features of the furniture details).

If the living room does not have a luxurious renovation, then it is easy to diversify it with artistic canvases of famous painters. The ideal solution is to choose compositions with an old pattern: oil, acrylic portraits or landscapes.

How else can you arrange paintings in a small room?

If the room for receiving guests has a small area, then the placement here should be made competent and not provocative. You can use the following placement methods:

  • Composing compositions like in a gallery. All paintings are arranged in one line parallel to the floor and ceiling. For this purpose, it is worth using images that are the same in shape and size.
  • Grouping in the corner. If one of the walls in the living room has a free and inconspicuous corner, then you can arrange it as a background for multiple placement of photographs.
  • Large-scale hanging. This option is suitable for designs in which a light shade of the walls predominates. The entire wall is used for placing framed paintings. Large models are located in the central part, and options with smaller parameters are located on the sides.
  • From floor to ceiling. An interesting option for hanging pictures in a living room with low ceilings. This effect will help visually increase the height of the room. The gallery can be located between two windows or along the perimeter of the columns (if any).

Try to choose the right strategy for placing paintings in the living room. Otherwise, the whole composition may turn out to be ridiculous.

Images of animals and plants

The easiest choice for a picture is animals and plants. Such paintings broadcast into the living room above the sofa. They are placed in pairs on the walls or placed on the table instead of photographs. There can be many places to place paintings, the main thing is that they fit into the overall design.

Animal images are suitable for rooms that have wool or fur. It is also preferable to use warm shades and voluminous materials.

Plants always symbolize tenderness and lightness. They are suitable for bright rooms, made in natural colors and using natural furniture. In this case, it is better to give preference to wicker materials.

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