Abstract art can convey a range of feelings, whether it fades into the background or dominates a space with bold color and form. So whether your style is traditional, modern, rustic, or somewhere in between, there's a way to incorporate abstract paintings into your décor in a lovely way. Don't know where to start? Read on for a couple of our favorite ways.
1. Create a Colorful Focal Point
When a setting begs for a vibrant, big piece, abstract art is a great option. The open-ended subject matter will not overpower the narrative of a room. Still, the eye-catching composition—whether geometric, fluid, or painterly—will aid in the creation of movement and depth. Colorful abstractions stand out on white walls, but they also look great against brightly colored backdrops.
2. Think of Art Pieces in Twos
A good way of making practically any abstract work feel at ease? Give it a companion. A pair of abstract paintings will feel intentional and balanced, whether hanging side by side, stacked vertically, or exhibited flanking a doorway or a piece of furniture. The key is to keep the artworks' size and framing similar, even if the colors and forms of the compositions differ.
3. Opt for Complementary Colors
It isn't always necessary for abstract art to shout for attention. Stick to hues that already exist in the room for artwork that discreetly (and brilliantly) sets off the rest of the decor. You may go with an abstract painting with a ground color that matches your walls, or you could go with art that matches the color of your sofa upholstery or bedding. In either case, the artwork's edginess will keep the aesthetic from feeling too matchy-matchy.
4. Give it a Gallery Feel
Don't be afraid to mix and match abstract artworks with other genres, such as conventional landscapes, portraiture, and figurative prints, in a new or existing gallery wall. A few good tips: For cohesion, stick to a limited color palette; keep framing colors and materials comparable, and use various sizes and shapes. In terms of placement, gallery walls work well in large and small spaces—they're equally adept at filling a large stretch of wall as they make a small powder room feel grand.
5. Contrast Contemporary and Traditional
Nothing complements abstract art's avant-garde beauty like its decorative counterpart. Intricate carvings and gilded embellishments; classic mahogany furniture and silver serveware; crystal-encrusted lighting and porcelain accessories: These pieces are ideal foils for bold geometric designs and ethereal abstract paintings. Place a contemporary piece within an antique frame for an even more startling contrast.
6. Embrace Color-Blocking
Consider a color field abstract piece when a room needs a dose of serious color without a lot of clutter. Whether flat and uniform or rich with painterly depth, color field paintings have an effect that belies their simplicity. These pieces also look well in multiples to create a color-block effect.
Bonus: Make a Statement with Black and White
Black-and-white abstract wall art will almost surely do the trick when you want to make a statement without adding any extra color to a space. Consider the type of vibe you want to create in the space when choosing a piece: a monolithic structure might seem sturdy and grounded; a chaotic splatter adds lively energy; a beautiful line drawing adds romance and intrigue.