The 3-Step Method for Choosing Wall Art You’ll Never Regret (It's Joanna-Approved!)

Choosing the right artwork for your home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Magnolia offers a thoughtful approach to curating pieces that reflect your style, complement your space, and bring personal meaning to your rooms.

From a vintage painting discovered in a shop to a child’s colorful sketch, each piece tells a story and adds warmth to your home. With the right mix of style, scale, and placement, your walls can become a gallery of moments that speak to who you are, making your space not just beautiful, but distinctly yours.

Step One: Determine Your Style

Art is deeply personal, and there’s no right or wrong choice. Start by noticing what naturally draws your eye. Ask yourself, “What sparks joy?” Then follow that instinct. Popular styles include:

• Botanical pieces, which showcase plants with scientific precision
• Graphic art featuring bold patterns and line work
• Figurative art depicting a subject (like a human or recognizable object) in a clear way
• Still life art of inanimate subject matters
• Architectural sketches and diagrams
• Abstract works that focus on shape, form, and color
• Landscapes and realistic scenery
• Children’s art that adds a playful, whimsical touch

Finding the style that resonates with you helps ensure your collection feels authentic and enjoyable.

Step Two: Consider Your Space

Every room has its own function, and Magnolia says art should support, not overwhelm, a space. Measure the area you want to decorate and consider the story you want to tell. In a living room, a large tapestry can create a striking focal point, while a bedroom may benefit from softer, muted pieces that complement bedding and promote relaxation. Viewing each wall as part of the room’s narrative allows you to choose artwork that enhances the environment rather than competes with it.

Step Three: Scale Your Pieces

Art should feel connected to the furniture and layout of a room. Hang pieces at eye level and ensure there’s a harmonious relationship between wall art and the items below it. Large statement pieces, like a tapestry, often work best about six inches above furniture. When styling walls, consider three main layouts:

Tapestry: One large piece can anchor a space and make a bold statement. Textiles or vintage-style prints hung with rods are easy to install and visually impactful.

Grid: Three or more evenly sized pieces create a clean, satisfying arrangement. You can mix mediums or maintain uniformity, stacking vertically or horizontally depending on your vision.

Gallery Wall: A mixed-media gallery lets you layer small, medium, and large pieces, often centering around a focal work. This method works well for photographs, prints, mirrors, or small decorative objects, creating depth and personality.

Think Outside the Walls

Art doesn’t need to be confined to large wall surfaces. Consider placing framed prints on shelves, leaning them against books or daily essentials, or even inside cabinet doors with glass panels. Unexpected placements can create unique moments throughout your home.

Mixing and matching styles, abstract with figurative, oils with watercolors, sketches with photos, can create visual interest. Choosing pieces with complementary colors or accent tones from existing furniture or decor helps unify the room without overwhelming it.