Abstract art is a fantastic choice if you’re looking to add a bright accent or a centerpiece to an interior. Well-chosen composition will draw attention and create movement and depth to the space. For instance, abstract wall paintings are used for this very purpose. They look wonderful in both large and small rooms of various purpose (kitchen, living room, bedroom, or hallway).
What kinds of abstract paintings are out there
There are three main groups.
- Expressionism. Bold lines and mystical landscapes that do not represent the real world at all. Most commonly, these paintings depict the inner world and experiences of the artist. Abstract expressionism is considered to be the “successor” of this style, appearing for the first time in mid-20th century. Its distinctive feature is powerful, dense, and colorful stokes of different hues.
- Cubism and Fauvism convey the world under a distorted angle through fragmented and geometric forms. The main difference lies in the complete absence of three-dimensional objects.
- Neoplasticism in art is the philosophy of the world around you, tightly intertwined with religious ideas of Theosophy. Straight lines, rectangular shapes, and spaces of red, yellow, and blue colors are depicted on a white or black background.
Cubism and Fauvism convey the world under a distorted angle through fragmented and geometric forms. The main difference lies in the complete absence of three-dimensional objects.
Choice of color scheme
The choice depends on your task.
- Make a contrast.
An abstract painting can become a delightful cherry on top of the cake in any room. Black and white painting is an all-rounder option. If you’re looking to add more energy and liveliness to the room, focus on the compositions made with chaotic strokes of varying color. Straight and graceful lines have their place as well. For instance, they would create a romantic atmosphere in the bedroom.
- Make the interior complete without crossing the boundaries of brevity.
Abstract art is not always about poshness and dazzling that strikes the eye. There are paintings that highlight other room decor in a subtle and beautiful way. To do that, you can select a piece that fits with the colors already present in the room, for instance, with the shade of furniture or bedding.
Choice of style
The style choice most often depends on the room purpose.
For instance, when it comes to bedroom, it’s a place where you want to feel secure and relaxed after a long and tiring day. That is why it’s best to select a painting that would enrich the atmosphere of relaxation, and not the one that would drastically stand out. The accent should be on soft shades and elegant lines, forms, and strokes.
Contrasting to that, you can add juicy colors and various forms in the kitchen. The kitchen is the place where we let our creative genius go wild during cooking, and that is also the place where, to our eye, a great number of various objects is located (spices, fruit, vegetables, etc).
Balance in the interior
There’s absolutely nothing wrong in placing a number of small photographs or portraits around an abstract painting. These pieces will add sophistication and look like a complete composition. However, do not forget about the interior of the room as a whole. Should you use too much decor, the room will overwhelm your senses, and the objects in the room will compete for your attention. To preserve balance, designers recommend using only one wall in the room to create a composition like this one. It’s best not to overburden the rest of the space with unnecessary details.
Size selection
“The size matters.” This catchphrase applies to art just as well. For instance, a painting of the wrong size might shrink the room’s space visually. To avoid this from happening, you should follow this simple recommendation from top interior designers: It’s best to use a wide painting for a wide room (landscape orientation), and a narrow painting for a narrow room (portrait orientation).
The common rule applicable to rooms of any size is that the art piece should cover around 65–70% of the wall space.
The size choice of an abstract painting also depends on the interior objects:
- Above the couch. The width of canvas should be within 70–80% of the width of the furniture piece.
- Above the mantelpiece. The paintings that are of the same width as the mantelpiece itself look the best.
How to understand abstract paintings
You don’t have to be an expert to understand abstract art. All you need to do is take note of your own feelings. What do you feel after spending a few minutes looking at the art piece? What kind of emotion does it invoke in you—irritation, serenity, or a burst of positive, creative energy? The feelings you experience within first few minutes of contact with the painting is exactly what you will bring to your home and experience every day. Use that as your guide and act with confidence. If you have doubts, it’s best to move on. Perhaps, the next piece will be exactly what you’re looking for.
