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Wall art is the finishing touch for almost any room. Pictures for the wall are a great way to add a last dose of color, texture, or interest to a room. Deciding between paintings, drawings, photography, and wall sculpture can be difficult, however. Every piece will make a different statement — not to mention, a different-sized dent in your wallet. To help, we’re spotlighting the most common types of pictures for the wall. Discover which one most aligns with the impact you want to make and brings your vision to life!

Photography

For the most dramatic statement, designers will often direct you to photography. Sharp images and crystalline colors make photography a high-impact choice for any spot in your home. Photography can work with any style space, but it does more easily sync with modern and contemporary interiors. That’s not to say it can’t meld with more antiquated aesthetics; however, you’ll want to keep a tight edit on color.

Drawings 

Typically, you’ll want to reserve drawings for walls where you want to make less of an impact. Drawings’ thin lines give them a more delicate feel than paintings or photography, making them a great options for rooms where they can be observed up close as opposed to far away.  In general, bedrooms and bathrooms are both excellent places to display drawings. 

Paintings 

Paintings encompass a diverse range of options. Depending on whether you opt for an abstract or a realist still life, paintings can vary dramatically in style and aesthetic. That said, they generally showcase saturated color and bold designs, making them an attractive options for large-scale walls and walls that will be viewed from far away, such as over a sofa or credenza. Paintings can also be enhanced by elaborate framing options. Gold gilded frames, for instance, can strongly change the mood of a paintings. 

Wall sculpture 

For the most out-of-the-box option, consider a wall sculpture. Wall sculptures can come in a wide array of mediums. Some common options include plaster, metal, and fabric. If you’re not sure where to begin, consider Brutalist metal wall sculptures, which can be easily mixed with a wide range of interior design styles. These brass and bronze fixtures are typically abstract, but more figural designs also exist and can easily be sourced if you seek out designs by the popular mid 20th century brand Curtis Jere.

Lead photo design by studio CAK / Photo by Aimee Mazzenga

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September 29, 2022

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