One of the most popular ways to decorate a room is with framed art (pictures). Do not purchase decorative art as though it were an investment. It's not intended to contribute to art history, or greatly increase in value. It's meant to reflect your style and be something that you enjoy looking at.
Decorative art may include original paintings in oil, acrylic or watercolor. Reproductions of fine art are both affordable and available. With today's technology, they look amazingly like the original. Posters, with their bold graphic design, are a great way to add a new look. Black and white photography makes a striking display when framed simply and hung in groups. Just about anything that you would want to hang on your wall can be framed, including family photos, children's artwork, souvenirs, etc. The important thing is that it means something to you and is pleasing to your eye.
Where to find art - anywhere from art galleries to garage sales. Department stores, furniture stores, antique and thrift shops are great places to look for decorative art. For the online shopper - there are tons of websites featuring art décor of all kinds. How and where to display your artwork is pretty much up to you, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind. A barnyard scene in a formal living room might be out of place, nor should you hang your wedding picture in the bathroom. Pictures of fruit and vegetables naturally look best in the kitchen or dining room. Flowers, however, will look appropriate in just about any room. When hanging art over a piece of furniture, the art should not be wider than the furniture below it. If it is much narrower, add some smaller pieces to fill up the space. Check out some home décor periodicals for ideas. Furniture stores that display furniture and accessories in a room setting will also give you some clues for decorating your own home.
If you're repainting a room, and have a favorite art piece that you want to display, consider picking a color from the picture for the walls. If you're hanging art on a busy background, such a wallpaper, choose a frame that contrasts to the wall. Also, consider the theme, if you have roses in your wallpaper, a picture of roses might get lost. You don't have to hang your framed art on the wall. Using an easel is an attractive way to display decorative art and it can be moved around to suit you. A group of small photos displayed on a coffee table or the mantle is charming. Simply propped up on a shelf or bookcase amongst other accents works too. A large piece set on the floor and leaning against the wall is also striking but may not be practical with small children or pets in the house. It's your home and your art, if it makes you happy, then you must have it right!
