Abstract art uses simplified or abstracted shapes, forms, lines and colors to depict a more complex object or idea.
Up until the middle of the 19th century art was mostly about using perspective, colors, shapes and line to try and mimic the real world and create an illusion of reality.
Abstract art is essentially the opposite, Instead of trying to mimc the visual reality, Abstract paintings tries to convey the same object or scene by showing the most basic form, shapes and colors.
Essentialy, Abstract art appeals to our most basic and fundamental understanding of the world and that is what makes it so powerful and so suitable to modernly designed spaces.
How to choose the right abstract art for your home, office or any other space?
I’ve worked with many interior designers, decor advisors and clients over the years and in this post i’ve decided to round up the best tips and guidelines that will help you choose the perfect Abstract Painting for your needs.
Consider the room the piece will be placed in
Art has a tremendous effect on the vibe and feeling a space generates. It’s very important the art will be consistent with the general vibe you want the space to generate.
For instance, Let’s assume you want the Abstract art to go in the kitchen.
A kitchen is one of the most creative spaces in a home, Although most people don’t even consider featuring any art in the kitchen i strongly suggest you consider it.
From a purely visual perspective – the kitchen is full of colorful objects (Vegetables, Fruits, Spices) and so i would recommend choosing an Abstract piece that’s on its own very colorful and vibrant.
Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, It will also induce a creative vibe in the space and that’s exactly what you want to feel while your cooking.
For fun rooms or rooms you want to be creative in consider one of my Paintings With A Twist , For a living room or study you may want to take a look at my Black Abstract Paintings
Abstract art in the kitchen – Crow, by Ron Deri
As another example, let’s assume you want the abstract art to go in the bedroom.
The bed room is a sanctuary, It’s the place you feel most safe and relaxed, That’s one of the reasons that bedrooms walls are one of the best walls to feature art.
For a bedroom i would recommend you choose an abstract painting that feels like a part of the room but does not immediately grabs your attention.
That means soft tones that compliment the furniture, soft lines, shapes and strokes.
Abstract art in the bedroom – The Big Crater, by Ron Deri
The artworks frame should also be taken into consideration, i would recommend a thin, neutral colored frame.
If you intended to frame the piece, Make sure you take the frame size into consideration.
How to choose the right subject, colors and shapes?
Take a moment to look upon the art piece and try to listen the your feelings while you look at the painting.
What internal dialog does painting start within you? How does the color make you feel? Relaxed? Annoyed?
The feelings you have while looking at the painting for the first time are the same feelings the piece will bring to your home or office.
Choose a painting the makes you feel what you would want to feel every day when you pass near it.
Abstract art is often colorful, i would recommend you first figure out where the painting would go in your space and then you can try to find a painting whose color and tones compliments the room it would be in.
For example: For a living room you may want to browse my Gold Paintings , For a bed room i suggest you take a look at my Pieces Abstract Collection where each paintings consists of 2 or more pieces
Abstract art – New York and Disturbia, by Ron Deri
As far as shapes and strokes go – bold shapes and strokes usually work better in room that you’re more active in: Kitchen, Study, Office and so on.
Softer shapes and gentle strokes tend to go better in more private rooms at which you feel more relaxed: Bed rooms, Living room and so on.
Choose the right painting size for your wall
Paintings need breathing space to be appreciated.
An Improperly sized painting can either overwhelm a room or allow the room to overwhelm the painting, Neither of which is aesthetically pleasing.
Make sure you take the time to select the right size of painting for your space.
Choose a size that is in proportion to your wall space.
For a narrow space you’ll want a vertical painting (Also referred to as “Portrait Orientation”).
For a wide space choose a wider painting (Also referred to as “Landscape Orientation”).
You should start by measuring the length and width of the wall space where you would want to hang the painting.
If its going over a bed, a couch or another piece of furniture only measure the open wall space from the top of the furniture to the top of the wall (Rather than floor to ceiling).
Abstract art wall size
The general rule is to choose a painting size that will be cover about 65% to 70% of the available wall space.
For example, If your available wall width space is 140″ you should pick painting that is 91″ to 98″ in width.
For paintings that go over furniture – the painting should be between 75% to 80% the width of the underlying furniture.
Paintings that go over a fireplace tend to look best when the width of the painting matches the width of the fireplace opening – no matter what the size of the mantle is.
Abstract art over a fireplace – Sweet Dreams, by Ron Deri
To make sure the dimensions of the painting is to your liking you may want to outline the dimensions of the painting on the wall using painters tape (or duct tape).
Cant find the right painting? Get a custom painting made to suit your needs
Some artist take custom orders so if you find an artist whose art you like but you just cant find the right piece in his or hers gallery – Try to reach out to the artist, they may just be thrilled to create a unique piece that will be perfect for your space.
Summary
I sincerely hope these tips about how to choose the right abstract for your space were helpful.
I kindly invite you to browse my abstract art gallery or get in touch with me about making a custom order.
