How to Choose Art for Every Room

Choosing original art for your home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In fact, it can be one of the most enjoyable (and meaningful!) parts of decorating your space. Original artwork has a way of transforming a room - it tells your story in a unique way, adding energy, personality, and depth that a mass-produced print just can’t replicate.

Original artwork also tends to age beautifully over time, becoming a long-term part of your home’s identity. It’s personal, lasting, and can be handed down for generations. If you’re searching for original art for your home but aren’t sure where to start, this guide will help you choose art for every room, witch confidence and inspiration.

Creating a Cohesive Art Collection Throughout Your Home

You don’t have to choose matchy-matchy artwork for each room. Instead:

• Choose a shared color palette or tone

• Mix different subjects (florals + abstracts + landscapes) as long as they feel connected

• Combine sentimental pieces with newly purchased originals

• Think of your art collection as a reflection of your life, not a showroom

Cohesion comes from intention, not uniformity.

Entryway & Hallways: First Impressions Matter

Your entryway is the first welcome your guests receive and the first moment you see when you return home. This is the perfect place to set the overall tone of your home.

• A bold abstract

• A joyful floral

• A piece that ties together your home’s overall palette

Hallways are ideal for smaller pieces or a cohesive gallery of mini originals.

Living Room: Choosing Statement Art for the Heart of Your Home

Your living room is where people gather, relax, and spend the most time. When choosing art for your living room, think about scale first. A large-scale statement piece above the sofa can anchor the room and instantly add a high-end feel.

A few guidelines:

• Match the scale, not the sofa size. Aim for artwork that’s roughly two-thirds the width of your furniture.

• Use art as the focal point. A bold abstract, a calming landscape, or a vibrant floral can guide your entire color palette.

• Consider pairing pieces. Two complementary canvases or a trio of works can work well on longer walls.

Dining Room: Creating Atmosphere Through Art

Dining rooms come alive with the right artwork. Whether you host weekly gatherings or save the space for special occasions, the art you choose can completely shift the mood.

Try:

• Warmer colors for cozy, intimate dinners

• Light, airy palettes if your dining room doubles as a pass-through space

• Textural pieces to add interest without overwhelming the room

• Long horizontal walls are great for panoramic landscapes, diptychs or grouped collections.

Kitchen: Small Spaces With Big Personality

Your kitchen might be the busiest room in your home, but it’s also one of the most overlooked when it comes to art. Small originals tucked onto a shelf, styled near a coffee bar, or hung above a pantry door can instantly elevate the space.

Good options include:

• Small florals

• Mini abstracts

• Playful still lifes (think food)

• Pieces with cheerful or warm color palettes

Just avoid anything too delicate or valuable in high-traffic areas.

Bedroom: Art That Supports Rest and Reflection

Your bedroom should feel like a retreat, and your artwork can help create that sense of calm. Look for:

• Soft palettes

• Peaceful landscapes

• Abstracts with flowing movement

• Art that feels soothing rather than stimulating

Above the bed, select a horizontal piece or a pair of vertical canvases to balance the space.

Home Office: Art That Fuels Productivity and Creativity

Your home office is a personal space yet still may invite the occasional guest. Art in your workspace can subtly influence your mood and energy throughout the day. It's also an excellent reason to get conversations started with co-workers and clients. Original pieces of your alma mater or maybe a family portrait are excellent ways to invite questions and show-off your personality. Ultimately, think about how you want the room to feel:

• Calming? Choose soft neutrals and gentle brushwork

• Energizing? Go for bold color and dynamic movement.

• Creative? Abstracts and expressive pieces work beautifully.

Bonus tip: If you’re on Zoom often, create a small gallery wall behind you or add in smaller pieces to a bookshelf.  

Bathroom: Small but Mighty Opportunities for Art

Bathrooms might not seem like a natural spot for artwork, but don't neglect these spaces. Think about it, you've got a captive audience so what not have a little fun? Think eclectic and even take a risk. Go for:

• Lighthearted subjects

• Bright florals

• Smaller framed pieces

• Consider figures or nudes for the master bathroom

Tip: Make sure the artwork can handle moisture. Avoid unsealed charcoal or delicate paper pieces unless they are framed.

Tips for First-Time Art Buyers

If you’re just starting your art collection, here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Prioritize key rooms first. Start with spaces you use and love most.

2. Set a flexible budget. Original art is an investment—choose pieces that genuinely move you.

3. Buy from artists you connect with. When you buy directly from an artist, you not only get a beautiful piece, you support someone’s creative life.

4. Don’t get stuck in decision paralysis. If a piece keeps pulling you back, that’s your sign.

5. Think long-term. Choose art that will grow with you, not just match current trends.

For more points, check out my Art Collecting Quick Start Guide.  

Conclusion

Choosing original art for your home doesn’t have to feel intimidating. When you break it down room by room, the process becomes enjoyable—and deeply personal. Trust your instincts, explore different styles, and let your home become a space filled with beauty, meaning, and pieces that tell your story.