How to select art to decorate your spaces

The aim is for each piece to not only look good, but to feel in harmony with its surroundings. So, before you rush out and buy that piece that fascinates you, make sure it fits in with your furniture, walls and the general ambience of your home.

In our interior design studio, there was a case where we decorated a room that had an industrial style, the choice was clear: a series of black and white photographs of urban landscapes. The contrast of the monochromatic tones with the exposed brick and metal structures was a success. But don't worry if you are not sure how to choose. In this blog we will help you and give you some tips to guide you.

How to combine art with decoration

Now that you have an idea of the style you want to convey, it's time to think about how to combine different pieces of art. It may seem complicated, but it's all about creating a balanced composition.

One of the most common mistakes is to think that all works must be of the same type or size. Mixing sizes and styles is, in fact, what can give character to a space. Think about playing with large pieces that become the central focus and smaller pieces that complement without stealing the limelight. Gallery walls are a great way to achieve this balance. You can group several pieces in different frames, making sure to maintain a chromatic or thematic coherence.

Another important detail: the height at which you place the art. The pieces should be at eye level, especially if they are on a free wall. However, if they are placed on a piece of furniture, such as a sofa or a console table, ideally a distance of 15-20 centimetres should be left from the top edge of the piece of furniture.

In another project, we decorated a loft with a large exposed brick wall, opting for a combination of abstract paintings and framed photographs of different sizes. We placed the larger pieces in the centre and the smaller ones around them. The result was a striking wall that caught the eye without feeling cluttered.

Where to buy art to decorate

Finding the right place to buy art can make the difference between a bland décor and one you can be proud of. Nowadays, we have many options, from physical galleries to online shops. But where should we start looking?

If your budget is limited, an excellent option is to explore online platforms such as Etsy or Saatchi Art, where you can find works by emerging artists at affordable prices. In addition, many of these platforms allow you to customise pieces, which can add a unique touch to your home.

Another option is to go to local art markets or design fairs. This is where you can discover hidden gems and support local artists.

In our case, we work with several suppliers from whom we can get two types of art. First, unique pieces thanks to the artists who work for Art Contemporany, where we can find original pieces by each author, or ask them to create a unique piece for us by giving them the idea we want. Another supplier that we really like is Guardarte, which has several decoration options focused on paintings and figures.

Finally, if the goal is to invest in art, traditional galleries and auction houses are the way to go. However, if you opt for this route, remember that investing in art involves certain risks and it is essential that you take precautions, such as having specialised insurance to protect valuable pieces.

Art as an investment and its relationship to security

Although many people choose art purely for decorative reasons, we cannot ignore the fact that art is also a form of investment. Valuable pieces can increase in value over time, but it is crucial to make an informed choice and not be swayed by the emotions of the moment.

When deciding to invest in art, there are certain factors to consider: Does the artist have a track record of successful sales? Has the work been appraised by experts in the field? Is it a limited edition? And, of course, investing in security is essential. Be sure to protect your artwork from theft, fire or accidental damage. If the piece is of considerable value, specialist insurance is ideal.

We had a couple of clients who bought a sculpture by a well-known contemporary artist, and although they initially bought it for its beauty, they later discovered that its value had tripled in just five years. Of course, the first thing they did was to take out insurance and put the piece in a safe place.

Conclusion

How to select art to decorate your spaces is a process that requires both intuition and thought. It's not just about hanging a pretty painting on your wall; it's about choosing something that really speaks to you and your home. From considering the style of your décor, to learning how to combine pieces of different sizes, to knowing where to buy affordable art or investing in something valuable, there are many decisions to make. So don't be in a hurry. Explore, research and, above all, choose what makes you feel good. Art, in the end, is an extension of you and your space.

And remember: whether you buy art for decoration or as an investment, protecting it will always be key to making your decision a real win-win in every way.

Preguntas frecuentes sobre arte para decorar

¿Cómo elegir el arte adecuado para decorar un espacio?

Para seleccionar arte que armonice con la decoración, es importante considerar el estilo de la habitación, el tamaño de las piezas y su ubicación. Combina obras de distintos tamaños y estilos para crear un equilibrio visual.

¿Dónde comprar arte para decorar tu hogar?

Puedes encontrar arte en plataformas online como Etsy o Saatchi Art, y en mercados locales o ferias de diseño. También considera galerías tradicionales si buscas piezas más exclusivas.

¿Cómo influye el arte en la inversión y la seguridad?

El arte puede aumentar su valor con el tiempo, pero es importante investigar y proteger las piezas con seguros especializados para evitar riesgos como robos o daños.