Ask the Expert – How to choose Wall Art
A frequently asked question when it comes to interior design is how do I choose wall art? It is an important task for many, as wall art can add the finishing touch to any room. It is a way to add personality, brightness and style whilst creating an area of interest.
Wall art can be a variety of concepts. These include canvasses, framed pictures, stickers, digital prints or a collation of images together. You can also look at hanging rugs, sculptures on floating shelves or hanging on the wall, lighting, illuminated pictures and signs, clocks and mirrors.
At Cousins, we understand that you may be undecided when it comes to choosing wall art. Our in-store experts can show you a range of options and advise you on how best to execute your project. We offer a selection of techniques and ideas for home furnishings to suit every style.
Mirrors and Clocks
Interior designer and accessories buyer at Cousins, Clare, has extensive experience in knowing how to select the best wall art for any home. By grouping items together such as mirrors, Clare explains that you can make a decorative statement.
“Remember ‘the rule of odds’ in design suggests that an odd number of objects is more aesthetically pleasing and interesting than an even number of objects”.
Mirrors can be used for both a practical and ornamental use. A group of three smaller mirrors or a single large mirror can lighten up a dark room or make a smaller room look bigger through the use of reflection.
“If you want to create an illusion of a bigger or lighter space, then a larger mirror will work better. Place a mirror on the wall opposite a window to really bounce the light around the room.”
Clare favours using a clock as a practical way to dress an empty wall. With so many different varieties available, clocks are a versatile option for any living space. Our jewel clocks or Arabic clocks are available in an array of colours. Why not group together more than one to create interest and bring a variety of colours together in your room?
Oversized wall clocks can fill an empty void on a wall and are attractive statement pieces, creating a focal point in your room. Have a look at our Limestone clock, Pickled Oak or oversized Skeleton Clock.
Many of our clocks such as the Bleach wooden clock (see image above), Arabic, skeleton clocks and many more come in various sizes too so regardless of wall space, we have clocks to fit all walls.
Clare said: "Despite living in a digital world, we still love the traditional workings of a clock.”
Pictures
Pictures are a form of wall art that allow you to project your personality and evoke interest. Wall pictures can be personal, focusing on something you like, a certain theme or a place you have visited. Classically framed pictures, such as Pathway, La Bella Vita or Venice can feel homely and be reminiscent of a place you love or have visited. Add a twist with our framed canvass pictures such as Hamish which is featured in the main image. Bad Hair Day and Brindle Stag are finished in warm comforting tones with rustic influences.
Managing Director and upholstery buyer for Cousins, John, recommends that a group of pictures from a collection will create a story or conversation. Our Parrot or Retro Car collections are perfect examples of this idea.
John said: “Abstract artwork can work well in your living space. Bright images look dramatic on dark walls, whilst lighter walls create a gallery style back drop”.
“This allows you to drop accent colours into your room with co-ordinating accessories. A hand finished metallic foil will grab attention as light reflects from them. Wall pictures can bring the colours of a room together in cohesion”.
Rugs
A unique idea with historic influences is to hang a tapestry style rug on a wall. Traditionally used to help generate heat and prevent drafts in large halls and castles, rugs can also be used in your home to assist with acoustics.
Clare confirms that a well chosen rug can co-ordinate your scheme whilst allowing a feeling of warmth. You can also reduce noise if you have hard flooring. Our Paloma and Taza rugs are the perfect style for a wall hanging option. Our sheepskins, cowhides, vintage style, traditional or kilim rugs look fabulous underfoot or hung upon your wall.
Wall Units and Shelves
Shelving has never been as diverse as it is now and creates an opportunity to dress an empty wall. Geometric shaped shelving, such as our Zircon and Hual wall units, provide an area of interest to your living space. A floating option, like the Carnelian shelf unit as featured above, looks fantastic when teamed with potted plants, sculptures and vases.
Clare notes that the Carbury ladder shelf offers an industrial or contemporary accent. The Bjorn unit is a reclaimed statement piece which is a practical storage solution as well as an attractive feature.
Lighting
Lighting can be used as wall art to create an ambience and atmosphere. Traditional or contemporary in style lighting is practical be can also create interest in a room. The Tami lighting, particularly when grouped, shows a decorative charm and as it is powered by batteries it can be used absolutely anywhere.
Clare said: “Wall lighting can be used to lighten a darker part of the room. A group or row of lights can create a dramatic format”.
“Pendant lights can hang in a row close to the wall or with more abstract wall lights available, the lights themselves can create illuminated artwork for your walls”.
With so many approaches to choosing your wall art, it can feel overwhelming. Luckily, Cousins have you covered. Our expert sales advisors are both in-store and online and can help you find the most suitable pieces for your home.
Shop our wall art today.
