How to Style Your Artwork

The very first decision when styling artwork is choosing where it will be displayed. Traditionally, a bright, well-lit space is recommended to best showcase artwork. However, a dark paint colour can make a striking background for the right piece. Spotlighting art is an effective way to create a dramatic focal point, especially in a darker room. You should also consider the negative space that surrounds the artwork, creating ‘breathing room’ around statement pieces to make the room feel balanced and harmonious.

Typically, art is hung on a wall at head height to ensure most people can view it with ease. A more unique way to style art in the home is ‘mantlescaping’, where art and other decorative accessories are styled together around a fireplace to give a curated, luxury feel. Mantlescaping is a timeless look and a great choice for people who like to rearrange their spaces often. Smaller, intricately detailed artworks – especially those with sculptural or textured elements - lend themselves to being styled on a mantle, easel or bookshelf, giving the viewer time to consider them properly. Smaller pieces of art are ideal for styling with other artworks or home accessories too.

Featured art: 'Heart Beat'. A handmade studio edition 3D wall sculpture by popular contemporary artist Nic Joly.

Although they have been created as a body of work, a set of artworks does not necessarily need to be styled together. A journey can be created through the home by spreading the collection across different rooms. If a whole set is not compatible with the design vision, or simply does not fit in the space, styling just two or three pieces from a collection can be equally impactful. Two pieces together will create a pleasant sense of balance in the room, while still expressing the essence of the whole collection. Three pieces could be styled horizontally, or even vertically – perhaps to fill a tall space in a stairway.

With his consistent use of vibrant colours, detailing and abstract shapes, Billy Connolly’s artwork can be styled seamlessly as a set around the home. His brand-new collection, Born on a Rainy Day – Early Drawings, is a set of five artworks that add a sense of life and playfulness to any space, developing a deeper meaning with individual consideration.

Featured Art (L-R): 'Silence In The Undergrowth Is Key' and 'Wheeeee!'. Hand-signed Double Hit Flatbed Giclée limited editions by Billy Connolly.

Art collections often reflect the taste, humour, and personal style of their owners. Most artists have a distinctive style that runs through all of their work, making each of their individual pieces easily compatible with another. Selecting artworks by the same artist, but from different collections, is a simple way to achieve a cohesive look while still expressing individuality.

Several areas of the home are often neglected when choosing artwork, primarily home offices and kitchens. Well-styled artwork in one of these spaces will create an element of surprise, making the design of the space feel expertly curated. Consider pairing food-themed artworks in the kitchen, or drink-inspired pieces in a bar. Alternatively, a landscape or ocean scene could have a calming effect in a home office.

Featured Art (L-R): 'Too Hot To Handle' and 'Bar Arsed Cheek'. A Hand Varnished Giclée on Canvas Limited Edition Artworks by Peter Smith.

Interior designers often employ texture and sculpture to add interest and create a modern feel within a room. To incorporate this concept in your own home, why not introduce some dimension by combining limited edition prints with sculpture?

Styling the work of artists who use different mediums together allows you to build a collection of art you love rather than just pieces that match. Isolating a theme in a sculpture can provide inspiration of concepts to draw on when selecting complementary artworks. When styling sculpture alongside other artworks, it is important to create negative space, allowing each piece to be properly considered. Mixing mediums creates a very striking look and is an effective method to style an eclectic selection of artwork.

Featured Art (L-R): 'Heavy Is The Head That Wears The Crown (Iron)' and 'Fallen Angel'. A hand-signed limited edition artworks by Dan Lane.

The only ‘right’ way to display art is what suits you and your home, so take the time to find your unique style and experiment with an array of techniques. Our expert Art Consultants are always on hand to help you find the perfect set or ideal finishing touch for your space. Find your nearest gallery or talk to an Art Consultant online to find out more.

Featured Art: 'Mountain Road (Triptych)'. A hand-signed silkscreen triptych limited-edition by cultural icon Bob Dylan.