unframed wall art wide acrylic print above sofa in contemporary living room

Art Buying and Decorating Tips: How to Choose Wall Art

Every piece of wall art needs a home—and choosing the right wall art is about more than just finding something you like. The relationship between wall art and interior space plays a major role in how a room feels. When wall art and décor work together, they create balance, harmony, and visual richness.

Many collectors begin by choosing wall art they love and connect with emotionally, then adjust their interior design to support it. That approach works beautifully. Sometimes, all it takes is a small décor update—such as pillows, paint accents, or textures—to let the wall art become the focal point of the room.

If you’re buying wall art or art prints for your home, understanding your options will help you choose confidently and invest in pieces you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Canvas Wall Art "Honeybunch" - Abstract Floral

Understanding Contemporary and Abstract Wall Art

When choosing wall art for your home, it helps to understand the style you’re drawn to. Contemporary wall art and abstract wall art are especially popular in modern interiors because they focus on mood, movement, and expression rather than literal imagery. Abstract wall art, in particular, allows for personal interpretation, making it easy to connect emotionally while fitting into a wide range of décor styles.

If you’ve ever wondered how contemporary art differs from modern or abstract art—or which style best suits your space—it’s worth exploring the nuances. Understanding these distinctions can help you choose wall art that aligns with both your design aesthetic and your lifestyle. This guide on contemporary art, modern art, and abstract art—what’s the difference breaks it down and can help you choose artwork that aligns with both your style and your space.

wall art for living room hung above sofa — Wall Art “Sea Gold" - Unframed Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Choosing the Right Wall Art Print Medium

Selecting the right wall art medium can dramatically affect how artwork looks and feels in your space. Each print option offers a distinct aesthetic and practical benefit.

Metal Wall Art Prints
Metal wall art prints are a favorite for modern interiors. Known for sharp image clarity and luminous color, they create a bold, contemporary statement. Printed directly onto aluminum with a glossy finish, metal wall art floats slightly off the wall for a sleek, gallery-style presentation—ideal for minimalist, industrial, or modern spaces.

Canvas Wall Art Prints
Canvas wall art is one of the most popular choices for large abstract wall art. Canvas offers a timeless, painterly feel and holds up beautifully over time. The subtle texture adds warmth and depth, while gallery-wrapped edges provide a clean, frameless look that works especially well in contemporary interiors and living rooms.

Acrylic Wall Art Prints
Acrylic wall art has a glossy, glass-like appearance with striking depth and saturation. This modern wall art option is highly durable and performs well in humid environments, making it a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms, or coastal-inspired spaces. The glass effect also pairs well with subject matter related to water, lights, and anything that is reflective.

Fine Art Paper Wall Art
For those who prefer framed wall art, fine art paper prints offer exceptional quality and longevity. Papers like Hahnemühle Photo Rag produce rich color with a soft, refined surface, making them ideal for collectors seeking museum-quality wall art.

Coordinating Wall Art With Your Interior Design

The wall art you choose may influence how you decorate your space—or vice versa. Start by observing the main colors already present in the room. If those tones appear in the wall art, even subtly, the space will feel more cohesive.

You can enhance this connection by repeating colors from the wall art in small décor accents such as pillows, throws, or decorative objects. A neutral living room, for example, can be completely transformed by a large, colorful abstract wall art piece paired with complementary accents.

Texture and form are equally important. Heavily textured wall art pairs beautifully with tactile materials like wood, stone, or woven fabrics, while organic or floral abstract wall art often complements spaces with plants and natural elements.

man adjusting large wall art and learning how to decorate

Choosing the Right Size and Orientation for Wall Art

One of the biggest advantages of buying wall art prints is flexibility in size. Before purchasing, measure your wall and use painter’s tape to outline where the artwork will hang—this helps visualize scale and balance.

Large wall art tends to have greater emotional and visual impact, especially in living rooms and bedrooms. Wide horizontal wall art works well above sofas and beds, while tall vertical pieces complement high ceilings or narrow walls. When hanging multiple artworks, aligning them along the same visual horizon creates a clean, cohesive look.

Large-scale contemporary and abstract wall art is especially effective when you want to make a strong design statement. Oversized canvas wall art anchors furniture, defines open spaces, and elevates modern interiors—particularly in living rooms. For inspiration, explore these big canvas wall art ideas for the living room to see how scale and abstraction work together beautifully.

framed wall art hanging on wall — Framed Wall Art “Potter Pond" - Contemporary Landscape

Considering Energy, Mood, and Emotion in Wall Art

Wall art isn’t just visual—it carries energy and emotion. Some wall art evokes calm and serenity, while other pieces feel bold, expressive, or dynamic. Consider how you want the room to feel and choose wall art that supports that intention.

Abstract wall art often references natural elements such as water, earth, light, or movement. A quiet space may benefit from energetic wall art, while a busy room might call for softer, more atmospheric tones. Color theory and feng shui principles can also offer guidance when choosing wall art that feels balanced and intentional.

modern three-piece triptych canvas wall art with even spacing on a living room wall — Modern Canvas Art "Romance" - Framed Three-Piece Triptych Set

Lighting Your Wall Art Properly

Lighting plays a crucial role in how wall art is experienced. Natural light brings out color and texture during the day, while accent lighting helps artwork stand out at night. Overhead picture lights, wall washers, or nearby floor lamps can turn a piece into a true focal point.

Be mindful of glare, especially with glossy mediums like metal or acrylic. Adjusting angles and light placement ensures the artwork remains vibrant without distracting reflections.

Proper placement is just as important as choosing the artwork itself—especially with large contemporary or abstract pieces. Hanging art at the right height and spacing ensures it feels intentional and balanced within the room. Whether you’re installing a single statement piece or a large canvas above furniture, understanding best practices can make all the difference. This guide on how to hang large modern wall art in a living room or bedroom walks through simple, professional tips to help your artwork look its best.

big vertical contemporary abstract wall art on side wall living room — Big Abstract Painting “Sapphire Dream" - Framed Canvas Wall Art

Final Thought

Choosing wall art is a personal and rewarding process. When you understand size, medium, color, and mood, you’re not just decorating—you’re shaping how a space feels and functions. Thoughtfully chosen wall art can transform a room and become something you connect with every day.

Art Buying Tips, Art Decoration Tips, Art Information

Dynamic Suprematism 1915 or 1916 by Kazimir Malevich

Understanding Abstract Art – What is Abstract Art?

What is Abstract Art?

Whether you love it or hate it, abstract art is a defining and revolutionary art form in the modern era. It fostered a sense of freedom and facilitated a collective shift in the way society approached creativity and self-expression. So what is abstract art you ask? Abstract art emerged in the early 1900s as a new and strange style within the modern art movement. It marked a significant departure from the traditional art forms that sought to represent the world as it appeared. Instead, painters and sculptors explored a new way of creating art that aimed to depart from reality and separate something from its original subject – thus giving birth to abstract art.

This may sound like a simple idea, but it was very controversial at the time. It was so shocking that many first refused to accept it as art at first, but reluctantly got convinced. Ever since its inception, there has been a continued interest in abstract art because of its profound ability to inspire our curiosity. For artist and viewer alike, there is something so very poetic in abstract art in that it is completely unique and open-ended, allowing for mixed interpretation and amazing variety of personal meaning for each person.

Why Was Abstract Art Created?

The 20th century brought about tremendous changes that had a profound impact on society and culture. By observing these changes it becomes apparent that abstract art was a natural expression of the times and the resulting effect that the machine age and technology had on society. Advancements in technology, such as the widespread use of electricity, the invention of the camera, the telephone, and radio, transformed the way people lived and perceived the world. Simultaneously, the machine age propelled progress in modes of transportation, offering unprecedented mobility via railroads, automobiles, boats, and planes. These new global advancements opened up a progressive era of prosperity all while the potential of dystopian World Wars loomed on the horizon.

“Abstract art has come into being as a necessary expression of the feelings and thoughts of our age; it has added new dimensions to creative painting.” ~ Leonard Brooks

The world changed a lot, and very quickly. Naturally, culture and art changed too. The rapid pace of progress during this era both exhilarated and unsettled individuals. On one hand, the world witnessed a new era of prosperity and endless possibilities. On the other hand, the looming threats of two devastating World Wars created a sense of uncertainty and anxiety. It was amidst these contrasting emotions and shifting societal norms that abstract art found its voice. Not only that but as society as a whole became less restrictive and more open, the very idea that art could be rebellious, individualistic, and imaginative was better able to be received among the critics and collectors.

Mark Rothko - Abstract Painting - "No. 21 (Red, Brown, Black, and Orange)" — Mark Rothko - Expressionism, Color Field Abstract Painting - "No. 21 (Red, Brown, Black, and Orange)"

Abstract Art Styles Exists On A Spectrum

Abstract art was first created with indifference and sometimes blatant rejection to how tradition defined art. It was born from an experiment and a need to explore in new creative ways. Thus, it only makes sense that abstraction is not restricted or confined by a concrete set of rules – it can vary on a spectrum from very slight to completely non-objective.

Wikipedia states: “Abstraction indicates a departure from reality in depiction of imagery in art. This departure from accurate representation can be slight, partial, or complete.”

“Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot physically see with his eyes… Abstract art enables the artist to perceive beyond the tangible, to extract the infinite out of the finite. It is the emancipation of the mind. It is an explosion into unknown areas.” ~ Arshile Gorky

It is a common misconception to think that all abstract art does not have a subject matter – that it is made up of shapes, color, and form that represent nothing of the real world. This type of art is known as non-representational art or non-objective art (developed by Wassily Kandinsky and Kazimir Malevich), and while it is clearly a type of abstract art, the non-objective art style does not define the entirety of abstract art. After all, the earliest known abstract art paintings were known to be done in the Cubism style. Developed by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braques, these artists reduced and fragmented a realistic subject into strange forms and basic geometric shapes. Often they would use a figure or portrait of an actual person that then goes through an abstraction process. So within the spectrum of abstract art are a range of creative styles that are representational or expressive of their natural surroundings. This includes themes or subjects that are related to abstract nature art, or abstracted objects, landscapes, figures, cityscapes, and much more.

Pablo Picasso - Abstract Painting - "Girl With Mandolin" -1910 — Pablo Picasso - Cubism Abstract Painting - "Girl With Mandolin" -1910

Over the years abstract art has evolved and been defined differently per the individual. For some artists such as Jackson Pollock, abstract art is the result of enjoying the action of painting with grand gestural movements that are in touch with the way the paint drips onto the canvas. Other artists who were influenced by Pollock, such as Jaison Cianelli, combined the idea of action painting with abstracting a subject such as a landscape.

“With abstract art I’m not trying to create a masterpiece, I’m trying to master peace.” ~ Jaison Cianelli

Today abstract art is still a popular style for creating art, and it’s not always painted with a brush and canvas. It’s important to remember photography or digital art can be abstract, as well as installation art and sculptures. Contemporary art today utilizes the abstraction process in any number of ways, with a wide range of styles that could be related to inner emotions, action painting, and abstracted subjects such as landscapes, water scenes, animals, famous figures, and more.

Bursting Sun Abstract Landscape Painting by Jaison Cianelli. — Jaison Cianelli - Expressionism Abstract Landscape Painting - "Bursting Sun" -2009

Abstract Artists Are Very Skilled In Their Own Way

Just about anyone can fill a canvas with paint, so in a way creating abstract artwork is easy right? Well, not exactly. The style and techniques of abstract art can vary from very simple to extremely hard, but distinguishing oneself in the art world by producing high-quality and unique abstract artworks is very hard. It’s also a common fallacy that abstract art is made by artists who can’t draw and have no academic training. Historically speaking, the original abstract artists were all trained in ancient traditions and could easily paint like classical artists, they just chose not to. Even today, many, if not all, professional abstract artists start out in realism creating compositions with a high degree of skill. There are also new unbelievable talents in the use of combining many other mediums besides paint. Abstract art is created with literally anything on hand with an array of technologies at the artist’s disposal. For example fabric, recycled waste, 3D printed items, written words, digital art, photographs, and natural material are all acceptable mediums in a visual abstract art piece.

“Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot physically see with his eyes… Abstract art enables the artist to perceive beyond the tangible, to extract the infinite out of the finite. It is the emancipation of the mind. It is an explosion into unknown areas.” ~ Arshile Gorky

Not always, but sometimes, abstract art can look like very simple works of art that anybody can accomplish. So we are often left with the question of what makes the art special. For example some say that even a child could create the large color field paintings by Mark Rothko. And while Rothko’s paintings continue to increase in incredible value today, you have to remember that these are historical pieces that mark a great period in art history. Rothko believed his fields of color were spiritual planes that could tap into our most basic human emotions. Whether you agree or not, pioneering a style of art that represents a new idea or theory is not easy and not many will ever succeed at it. Not only that but some of Rothko’s paintings are very large, so they are more of an experience much like Pollock’s work, where the size of the art creates a presence that has to be felt in person to be truly appreciated.

Jackson Pollock - Abstract Expressionism - Action Painting

Expressionism, Color Field Abstract Paintings By Mark Rothko - Museum Collection

Abstract Art Creates A Variety Of Feelings

Many people collect abstract art as decoration but also because they feel a connection to the overall emotions and energy that the art gives off. The best abstract artwork can literally change a living space and create a more beautiful atmosphere. The wonder of abstract art is that anyone can take what they see and interpret it however they want. And over time there is a very dynamic relationship with the art because of its open and free nature. This dynamic relationship gives life to the art and allows people to enjoy and receive it very differently, which is quite a unique characteristic.

“It [abstract art] should be enjoyed just as music is enjoyed after a while you may like it or you may not.” ~ Jackson Pollock

Abstract art is really a creative and evolving art style that resonated with new ideas both in the past and today. There are many varieties within it that can be appreciated in different ways since it is so free. It is also always changing with new technological advancements and ideas of expression. So from subject matter to how it is created, abstract art lives on a spectrum of interpretation of what it was and what it will be.

Modern Abstract Art - Abstract Painting - Large Tall Abstract Wall Art Art For Sale — Jaison Cianelli - Expressionism, Digital Mixed Media Abstract Art - "A Heart So Big"

Examples Of Abstract Art

Good abstract art can capture your imagination and take you on a viewing journey. Abstract art should ultimately evoke something inside you. Here are large abstract art canvas paintings that are sure to please the senses. These are contemporary abstract art pieces inspired by either landscapes, cityscapes, flowers, rocks, and other natural formations.

Large Abstract Painting Wall Art - Large Abstract Art For Sale — "Essence" Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Wall Art

Modern Abstract Art -Large Wall Art Canvas - Paintings For Sale - Abstract Wall Art Print — "Elegant Surprise" Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Wall Art

Abstract Landscape Painting For Sale - Large Abstract Canvas Art — "Abstract Landscape Sunny" Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Wall Art

Large Canvas Wall Art Abstract Painting For Sale — "Efflorescence" Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Wall Art

Large Abstract Painting - Oversized Big Wall Art Painting — "A Heart So Big" Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Wall Art

Large Abstract Flower Art Painting - Oversized Big Abstract Art For Sale — "Somebody's Smiling" Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Wall Art

Contemporary Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Cityscape Painting - Large Abstract Wall Art Art For Sale - Boston Harbor — "Boston Harbor Night Vibe" Abstract Art - Modern Abstract Wall Art

Art Information

heaven and earth large contemporary abstract landscape art for sale in living room

How To Hang Large Modern Wall Art For Living Room or Bedroom

Hanging large modern wall art can dramatically transform a living room or bedroom, but achieving a balanced, secure, and intentional look requires more than simply choosing a spot on the wall. Proper height, scale, spacing, and mounting hardware all play a role—especially when working with oversized or heavy artwork. From single statement pieces to multi-panel gallery sets, this guide covers how to hang large modern wall art so it feels visually connected, professionally installed, and built to last.

Choosing the Right Height for Large Modern Wall Art

One of the most common mistakes when hanging large wall art is placing it too high. As a general guideline, the center of the artwork should sit approximately 57–60 inches from the floor, which aligns with average eye level.

When hanging art above furniture such as a sofa, console, or bed, the bottom edge of the artwork should typically sit 6–10 inches above the furniture. This keeps the artwork visually grounded and connected to the space rather than floating awkwardly on the wall.

large canvas wall art hanging above a sofa in a modern living room — Modern Abstract Art "Passion" - Framed Canvas Wall Art Above Sofa

How Large Wall Art Should Relate to Furniture and Wall Size

Scale is essential when working with large modern wall art. As a rule of thumb, artwork should not be larger than the furniture. It can be equal to or a little less than the furniture depending on the look you are after. But it’s more common for the artwork tor span two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the furniture beneath it.

Artwork that is too small can feel lost on a large wall, while properly scaled pieces anchor the room and create a strong focal point. In rooms with high ceilings or expansive walls, oversized artwork often feels more intentional and balanced than multiple smaller pieces. Visit this article if you need to see more examples of large canvas wall art in the living room.

large modern canvas wall art hanging above a chairs in a contemporary living room — Large Modern Wall Art "A Heart So Big" - Side Wall in Open Concept Living Room

abstract wall art hung in the living room above modern sofa — Abstract Wall Art "Whimsical" - Framed Canvas Art in Living Room

Spacing Out a Modern 3-Piece Gallery Wall (Triptych Sets)

Modern three-piece gallery wall sets—often called triptychs—create movement and visual rhythm when spaced correctly. The key is consistency.

Recommended spacing for triptych artwork:

Leave 2–4 inches between each panel
Keep all panels aligned at the top or center
Treat the full set as one visual piece when determining height and scale

When hung too far apart, the pieces lose cohesion. Proper spacing allows the artwork to read as a unified composition while still maintaining individual impact.

Hanging Large Wall Art Above the Bed

Hanging artwork above a bed requires special consideration for both proportion and safety. Large modern wall art works best when centered horizontally over the bed and sized to complement the headboard.

Best practices for above-bed placement:

Artwork width should be at least half to two-thirds the width of the bed
Hang the artwork 8–10 inches above the headboard
Avoid pieces that are too small or placed too high

Because this area is directly above where people rest, secure mounting is especially important. Always use appropriate hardware and avoid lightweight hanging solutions.

large modern wall art centered above a bed in a minimalist bedroom — Modern Wall Art "Spring Mist" - Unframed Canvas Above Bed

large wall art centered above a bed in a contemporary bedroom — Modern Wall Art "Secret Garden" - Unframed Canvas in Bedroom

Wiring Large Canvas Art for Secure Hanging

Most large modern canvas artwork is designed to hang using picture wire attached to D-rings on the stretcher bars.

How to wire large canvas art correctly:

Install D-rings about one-third of the way down from the top on each side
Use heavy-duty picture wire rated above the artwork’s weight
Pull the wire taut enough to prevent sagging while allowing room for leveling

For especially large or wide pieces, using two hanging points instead of one provides better balance and long-term stability.

Many large canvas artworks are designed to be displayed without a traditional frame, allowing the artwork to extend cleanly to the sides of the canvas edges and create a more contemporary look. If you’re considering this style you should know that wiring the canvas framed or unframed is still the same. You can also explore 6 stunning example of unframed wall art to see how frameless artwork can enhance modern living rooms and bedrooms.

back of large canvas wall art showing picture wire and D-ring hanging hardware

Securely Mounting Large Modern Wall Art

For large or heavy modern wall art, proper mounting hardware is essential for both safety and long-term stability. Whenever possible, artwork should be anchored into a wall stud using a wood screw or lag screw, which provides the strongest support and minimizes movement over time. If a stud is not available due to placement, heavy-duty drywall solutions such as plastic or metal anchors or toggle bolts rated well above the artwork’s weight should be used—never lightweight nails or basic hooks. For oversized, wide, or panoramic pieces, using two anchor points spaced evenly helps distribute weight, keeps the artwork level, and reduces stress on the hanging wire, ensuring the piece remains secure and visually balanced.

adjusting newly hung modern wall art — Large Modern Wall Art "Somebody's Smiling"

Conclusion

Hanging large modern wall art successfully is a balance of thoughtful design and proper installation. When artwork is sized correctly, spaced intentionally, and securely mounted, it becomes a powerful focal point that elevates the entire room. Whether you’re displaying a statement canvas above a sofa, arranging a three-piece gallery wall, or anchoring artwork above a bed, following these guidelines ensures your art feels cohesive, confident, and beautifully integrated. With the right approach, large modern wall art doesn’t just fill a wall—it defines the space.

Modern Wall Art For Living Room - Large Canvas Painting — Modern Wall Art For Living Room - "Cosmic Consciousness"

Art Decoration Tips, Large Abstract Art

Modern Abstract Wall Art – New Abstract Art 2023

Some of the best modern abstract wall art is able to evoke emotions and capture your attention, all while being able to harmonize nicely with modern interior decor. These large contemporary abstract art pieces do just that. So if you get excited over large abstract wall art you’ve come to the right place. Here is a growing list of brand new modern abstract canvas art by Jaison Cianelli.