How to Choose the Perfect Artwork for Your Home
Art has the power to transform a space, evoke emotion, and spark conversation. But choosing the right piece for your home can feel overwhelming—especially if you're unsure where to start.
Should it match your decor?
Should it be a bold statement?
What size should you get?
If you've ever asked yourself these questions, you're not alone! Let's break down how to choose artwork that truly enhances your space and brings you joy.
There’s something grounding about standing still and taking in a view that seems to go on forever. The Overlook captures a moment of stillness at the Balltown Overlook - where time slows, and the beauty of Iowa’s rolling land and riverscape shines.
Choose Art that Speaks to You
One of the biggest mistakes people make when selecting artwork is overthinking whether it will match their current home decor. While color coordination is important, the primary factor should be emotional connection. Art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about feeling. When you choose a piece, ask yourself:
What colors do I naturally gravitate toward?
Does this painting remind me of a special place or memory?
Does it bring a sense of peace, joy, or excitement?
When clients visit my studio, I can often see when a piece instantly resonates with them. Others need time to explore and connect. Whether you're drawn to skyscape paintings, mini original paintings, or a landscape print, trust your instincts and pick what you love!
Some skies stop you in your tracks. This one felt like a glimpse of the divine. Inspired by a magical sky near Dubuque, Iowa, Touch of Heaven captures the awe and peace found in fleeting moments of light.
Statement Pieces vs. Complementary Artwork
Many people wonder whether their artwork should blend into their home decor or stand out as a statement piece.
My advice? Art should always make an impact—whether it's a large-scale painting or a small, powerful piece.
Rather than hiding art in a corner, display it proudly!
A vibrant sunset painting can become a conversation starter in your living room, while a calming painting inspired by nature can add serenity to a bedroom. Art should enhance the space while reflecting your personality and passions.
A small, vibrant landscape painting on your end table can make a huge impact and spark conversations while doing wonders to breathe life into the space!
Two miniature skyscape paintings of the northern lights add vibrant energy and color to this cozy living room setting. Nestled on an end table between two white chairs and paired with a lush plant, these bold little pieces prove that even the smallest artwork can spark curiosity and conversation. Their rich colors and dramatic skies breathe life into the space without overwhelming it—perfect for anyone looking to bring a touch of wonder into everyday moments.
A calming yet vibrant sunrise painting becomes the focal point of this serene bedroom retreat. With a mix of soft and bright hues of orange, gold, and blue, the piece brings warmth and tranquility to the space while still standing out with its bold color and detail. It’s a perfect example of complementary artwork that enhances the mood of a room—inviting you to start and end each day with a sense of peace and beauty.
Size Matters: Finding the Right Fit
A common concern is choosing the right size artwork for a wall. Here are some general guidelines:
For a 6-foot wall, a 2-foot to 3-foot-wide piece will create a balanced look.
For a 10-foot or larger wall, a 4-foot to 5-foot-wide painting is ideal if you want one statement piece. Alternatively, you can create a gallery wall by pairing a large landscape print with smaller complementary prints or mini original paintings.
Oversized paintings work beautifully as focal points, while mini originals can be grouped together or placed strategically throughout a room for an intimate, curated feel.
This bright, bold skyscape painting serves as a striking focal point in a serene bedroom - proving just how impactful the right size artwork can be. Flanked by two strategically placed mini original skyscape paintings, the room feels thoughtfully curated and full of life. The large painting anchors the space with energy and movement, while the smaller pieces add subtle pops of color and charm, demonstrating how a mix of sizes can create a perfectly balanced and inviting atmosphere.
Original Paintings vs. Limited Edition Prints:
Which One is Right for You?
When selecting artwork, consider whether an original landscape painting or a limited edition print is the best fit for your needs. Here are a few things to think about:
Original paintings are the canvases that the artist painted on. They are vibrant, bold, beautiful, and make an excellent statement. You can see the brushstrokes, texture differences, and character. These are the most valuable paintings and need to be cared for more carefully. Learn more about original paintings here.
Limited edition prints are more budget-friendly, more durable, and allow for larger-scale art at a lower cost. The artwork looks as amazing as the original, and there are more size and surface options. Learn more about types of limited edition prints here.
Consider your lifestyle - if you're moving frequently, a large print may be more practical than a massive original painting that requires careful transport.
This painting captures a timeless piece of rural Iowa - a weathered yet well-loved barn standing tall beneath a dramatic, light-filled sky. Inspired by a real scene near Marengo, The Old, Rustic Barn balances the quiet strength of Midwestern farm life with the vibrant movement of the sky above.
Color Considerations: Blending Art into Your Space
While your artwork shouldn’t match your decor, it should feel cohesive with the space. A great trick is to pull accent colors from the painting into throw pillows, rugs, or decor items to create a seamless look.
For example, if you choose a sunset painting filled with deep oranges, purples, and blues, incorporating those tones into small design elements can make your space feel intentional and harmonious without being too “matchy-matchy.”
The Emotional Power of Art
A home should be a reflection of the people who live there.
One of the most meaningful aspects of art is its ability to connect us to memories, places, and emotions. Whether it's a skyscape painting that reminds you of peaceful mornings, a mini original painting that transports you to a starry night, or a Midwest-inspired artwork that reflects the beauty of open fields and vast skies, choosing artwork with sentimental value makes a space truly yours.
This skyscape painting becomes the perfect focal point in a thoughtfully styled room. Set against a rich wall, the artwork pops with vibrant color while feeling right at home alongside the light-toned furniture. Hints of yellow and soft blue in the throw pillows subtly echo the colors in the painting, creating a cohesive and inviting look. It’s a wonderful example of how artwork can bring warmth, harmony, and personality to a space without being overly coordinated—just intentionally beautiful.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, choosing the perfect artwork for your home is about what makes you happy. Trust your instincts, invest in pieces that speak to you, and don’t be afraid to let your art stand out! Whether it's an original landscape painting, a limited edition print of a sunrise, or a vibrant skyscape painting, your home should be filled with artwork that brings joy and inspiration every time you walk past it.
P.S. Are you looking for the perfect piece to complete your space? Explore my collection of paintings inspired by nature, and discover artwork that brings beauty and joy into your home!
