How to choose art for your living room. A gallery wall above a sofa.

How To Choose Wall Art For Your Living Room

Written by: Brian MacShane

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Published on

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Time to read 5 min

How To Choose Wall Art for Your Living Room

Your living room is the heart of your home—it’s where you relax, host guests, and spend time with family.


The right wall art can transform your living room space, making it feel stylish, inviting, and uniquely yours.


But with so many options, how do you choose? Whether you’re looking for a single statement piece or a curated gallery wall, this guide will help you select and style art that complements your home beautifully.


So continue reading to find out How To Choose Wall Art For Your Living Room


set of three coral art prints in living roon above a sofa - set of three art prints hanging in living room
This beautiful set of three coral art prints anchors the look of your living room and adds focus above the sofa.

Step 1: Identify the Focal Point of Your Living Room For Your Art


Before choosing prints, take a step back and look at your space. Where do your eyes naturally go when you walk into the room?


  • Above the Sofa – One of the most common (and impactful) spots for wall art. A single large print, a triptych, or a gallery wall can work well here.
  • Above the Fireplace – A natural focal point, ideal for an eye-catching statement print or a balanced gallery wall.
  • Around the TV – Instead of letting the TV dominate the space, use framed art prints to create a visually cohesive area.
  • On a Large, Empty Wall – If you have a big blank space, consider layering art with furniture like a sideboard, console, or shelving unit. Oversized artwork makes a strong statement, while a gallery-style arrangement adds personality. Adding decorative objects like lamps, vases, or bookshelves alongside art helps anchor the space.

💡 Pro Tip: When hanging art above a sofa, aim for the bottom edge of the frame to sit around 30cm above the back of the sofa (adjust slightly based on ceiling height). This helps create a balanced connection between the art and the furniture, making the space feel intentional and well-styled.

A set of three coastal art prints above sofa. a set of indigo coral and shell paintings are perfect living room art with a coastal feel.
Our best selling coastal art print set is perfect for above your sofa.

Step 2: Choose the Right Art Style & Mood for Your Living Room Space


Art sets the tone for your living room. Think about the mood you want to create. Below are some tones and the styles of art to pair it with:


🎨 Calm & Serene – Soft colours, seascapes, botanical prints, and abstract pieces with gentle brushstrokes and our favourite Coastal Art like above....

🎨 Bold & Energetic – Vibrant colours, geometric prints, large-scale abstract pieces, or typography prints.

🎨 Classic & Elegant – Vintage artwork, muted tones, black & white photography, or framed illustrations.

🎨 Personal & Meaningful – Custom maps, travel photography, or artwork that reminds you of special places.


💡 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, start with one hero piece that you love and build around it.

a set of two abstract prints above a grey sofa in living room
A set of two abstract art prints gives balance to the room and a focal point above the sofa.

Step 3: Pick the Right Size & Layout of Art for Your Living Room Wall


  •  One Large Statement Print

• Works best in minimalist or modern spaces.

• Ideal above a sofa, fireplace, or blank wall.


  • A Set of Two or Three Prints

• Creates a cohesive and balanced look.

• Best for above a sofa or bed.


  • A Gallery Wall

• A great way to mix different prints, frames, and styles.

• Perfect for large walls or adding personality to your space.


💡 Sizing Guide:

Above a sofa or fireplace: Artwork should be at least two-thirds the width of the furniture.

Hanging height: Keep the bottom of the artwork about 30cm above the sofa for a connected, intentional look.


👉 Need help visualizing? Our Gallery Wall Visualisation Service can create a mock-up just for you!

Info graphic showing How High Should You Hang Art Above a Sofa?  Hanging art at the right height is key to making your living room feel balanced and visually appealing. A common mistake is placing artwork too high, which can make it feel disconnected from the furniture below it.
How high should you hang your art above your sofa? Your art should look connected to the sofa below. 30cm above the sofa is a general guide.

Hanging art at the right height is key to making your living room feel balanced and visually appealing. A common mistake is placing artwork too high, which can make it feel disconnected from the furniture below it.


For the best placement, follow these general guidelines:


Keep the bottom of the artwork around 30cm (11-12 inches) above the back of the sofa. This ensures it feels visually connected to the space rather than floating too high.

how to hang a set of three art prints above a sofa in the living room
set of three colourful vintage flower art prints - a set of botanical prints above a sofa
A set of prints can add a pop of colour to your living room space.

Step 4: Consider the Colour Scheme of Your Living Room


You don’t have to match your artwork exactly to your decor, but consider:


  • Complementary Colours – Choose shades that work with your walls, furniture, and soft furnishings.
  • Contrasting Colours – A pop of colour can lift a neutral space or balance a bold interior.
  • Monochrome & Neutrals – If you want a timeless, sophisticated look, stick to muted or tonal shades.

💡 Pro Tip: Blue and green tones work beautifully in most living rooms and are naturally calming.


👉 Shop by Colour Here

a sailing art print in living room living room with white frame
A white frame adds a modern touch to this sailing art print in this light and airy living room. 

Step 5: Frame It Right - The right frames for your living room art


Frames can completely change the look of your artwork:


Black or White Frames – Modern and minimal.

Wooden Frames – Warm and organic.

Mixed Frames – Eclectic and relaxed.

No Frame (Canvas Prints) – Contemporary and sleek.


👉 All our prints come framed or unframed to suit your style.

a gallery wall of art prints in living room above a sofa with surf board above
A selection of prints on a theme gives a cohesive look.

Step 6: Hanging & Arranging Your Art in Your Living Room


📏 Height Matters: Hang artwork at eye level (around 145cm from the floor for standalone pieces).

🖼 For a gallery wall:

• Keep 5-10cm between each print for a balanced look.

• Lay out prints on the floor first before committing to nails.

🔨 Use Painter’s Tape: Test placement by marking outlines on the wall before hanging.


💡 Pro Tip: If you’re renting, Command Strips are a great damage-free option!

Final Thoughts: Bring Your Living Room to Life with Art


Choosing wall art for your living room should be fun and personal. Whether you go for a single large print, a classic set of prints, or a curated gallery wall, the key is to choose pieces that resonate with you.


🎨 Feeling overwhelmed? Let us help! Our Gallery Wall Visualisation Service can mock up your chosen prints in your space before you buy.


👉 Explore Our Living Room Art Collection & Find the Perfect Prints for Your Space.