How to Mix and Match Art Prints in Open Spaces
Dennis Velco
Fine Art Finger Painter - Explore originals, art prints, and functional art home decor
Decorating an open-concept home can be both exciting and a little intimidating. The large, flowing spaces give you freedom and flexibility, but they can also make it challenging to maintain a cohesive look, especially when it comes to art. Art prints are one of the most effective ways to add personality, color, and style to your home, but in open spaces, it’s crucial to balance different art styles to avoid visual clutter and create harmony.
This guide is here to help you master the art of mixing and matching prints in open spaces, covering everything from choosing colors and arranging pieces to defining zones and creating focal points. Let’s dive into how you can create a stylish, balanced, and uniquely personal art display in your open-concept home!
Understanding the Challenges of Open Spaces
Open spaces in homes have their perks—lots of natural light, a greater sense of flow, and an airy feel. But when it comes to decorating, these areas pose unique challenges. Unlike a closed-off room, an open-concept space requires a level of cohesiveness to avoid looking cluttered or chaotic. Art can be a fantastic way to add character to these spaces, but it requires careful planning to get the balance right.
Maintaining Cohesion Across Spaces Open spaces connect areas that may serve different purposes, like the living room, dining room, and kitchen. It’s important to think of the art in these zones as pieces of a larger puzzle. You want each area to have its own identity but also look like it’s part of a cohesive whole.
Defining Functional Zones Art prints can help separate different functions within an open space without using physical dividers. For example, a cluster of prints can signal a cozy living area, while a larger statement piece might define the dining area. Using art as a zoning tool allows you to create a sense of structure without interrupting the flow of the room.
Finding a Common Style or Theme Mixing different art styles is a great way to show off your personality, but in an open space, there’s a fine line between eclectic and overwhelming. A common theme, whether it’s a shared color palette, style, or subject, can bring everything together while allowing each piece to stand out.
Choosing a Color Palette for Art Prints
A cohesive color palette can go a long way in making your open space feel connected and thoughtfully designed. When you’re working with a variety of art styles, colors can serve as the common thread that ties everything together.
Selecting a Dominant Color Choose one or two dominant colors that can appear in most of your art prints. This doesn’t mean every piece has to be identical in color, but repeating colors throughout the space can give the room a sense of continuity. For example, if you love shades of blue, find art that incorporates varying tones, from navy to sky blue, across different prints.
Accent Colors Accent colors add depth and dimension to your space. These colors don’t need to appear in every print, but they can help add variety without straying from your main palette. If your dominant colors are blues and neutrals, for example, consider a few prints with hints of warm gold or coral as accents to create subtle pops of color.
Incorporating Room Colors Consider the colors of your furniture, rugs, and other decor when selecting art prints. If your open space features a neutral couch or a colorful rug, look for prints that complement those colors. Matching your art palette with the room’s decor can make the entire space feel cohesive and intentional.
Mixing Art Styles Cohesively
One of the most fun aspects of an open-concept space is the ability to experiment with different art styles. You might love abstract pieces, vintage photography, and botanical illustrations—but how do you mix them without creating visual chaos? Here are a few tips.
Balancing Different Styles If you have a mix of bold and subtle styles, balance is key. Too many bold pieces might overwhelm the space, while too many subtle pieces might lack impact. Try combining a large, bold print with smaller, quieter pieces to create a sense of flow and prevent any one style from overpowering the others.
Using Similar Frames or Mats Frames and mats can be fantastic tools for creating unity across different art styles. Choosing similar frames or mats gives the artwork a consistent structure, making the overall arrangement look more cohesive even if the styles of the prints are diverse. You could opt for simple black or white frames for a modern look, or mix natural wood frames with black ones for an eclectic but connected style.
Creating a Visual Hierarchy Create a visual hierarchy by using larger or more eye-catching pieces as focal points, and surround them with simpler prints. This helps to draw the eye naturally through the space and makes the display feel organized and intentional.
Arranging Art Prints to Define Zones
One of the best parts of decorating an open-concept home is using art to define distinct zones within the larger space. Arranging art prints strategically can help visually separate different areas without breaking up the flow.
Gallery Wall for One Area If you want to make a statement, consider a gallery wall in one specific area, like above the sofa in your living room. This concentrated display of art can help define the living area and make it feel more intimate. Use a mix of small and large prints to create a dynamic arrangement that draws attention.
Linear or Vertical Arrangements for Smaller Zones If you’re working with narrower walls or small spaces within the open concept, try a vertical arrangement or a single line of prints. These layouts are ideal for hallways or dining areas where you want a more streamlined look. Vertical stacks also add height, which can make the space feel taller and more open.
Mirroring and Balance Across Zones Mirroring colors or styles between zones can create a sense of continuity. For example, if you have a large abstract print in the living area, consider a smaller, complementary abstract piece in the dining area. This way, each zone has its own art style, but there’s a visual link that ties the space together.
Creating a Focal Point Without Overpowering
In an open-concept space, it’s easy for art to get lost or for certain pieces to dominate too much. By creating focal points thoughtfully, you can make sure that standout pieces enhance the room without overwhelming it.
Choosing Impactful Pieces Select one or two larger or bolder prints to serve as focal points in the space. These could be oversized prints, colorful pieces, or works with intricate details that naturally draw attention. Place them in areas where they’ll be visible from multiple angles, such as above a fireplace or in the center of the room.
Supporting Artwork Surround your focal pieces with subtler prints that complement rather than compete with them. For example, if you have a bold, colorful abstract piece as your focal point, pair it with softer or monochromatic prints around it. This creates a balanced look, allowing your focal pieces to shine.
Considering Sightlines In open spaces, sightlines—what’s visible from different spots in the room—are especially important. Place focal pieces where they can be appreciated from multiple areas, like a large print that can be seen from both the kitchen and living room. This approach helps integrate the art into the flow of the room, making it feel more cohesive.
Practical Tips for Hanging and Displaying Art in Open Spaces
Now that you’ve chosen your art prints and planned your layout, it’s time to hang them! Here are some practical tips to make sure your display looks polished and stays secure.
Consistent Hanging Height A consistent hanging height is key to a cohesive look. Generally, aim to hang art so the center is around 57–60 inches from the floor (eye level), but this may vary depending on the space and the height of your ceilings. In an open space, maintaining a consistent height for most pieces creates a clean line that ties the areas together.
Spacing and Alignment When hanging multiple prints, keep spacing and alignment in mind. Even spacing between prints (typically 2–3 inches) creates a balanced look and prevents the wall from feeling cluttered. Use a ruler or painter’s tape to plan out your spacing and make sure everything lines up.
Using Shelves or Ledges If you want a flexible display, consider using shelves or picture ledges. These allow you to arrange art without committing to specific nail placements, making it easy to switch out prints whenever you want a change. Ledges work especially well in open spaces since they can serve as a subtle divider between zones.
Conclusion
Creating a balanced, cohesive gallery of art prints in an open-concept space might seem challenging, but it’s an opportunity to showcase your style and add depth to your home. By thoughtfully choosing colors, arranging styles, and defining zones with art, you can make your open space feel both cohesive and full of personality.
Remember, the goal is to make the art feel integrated with the space, so don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust as you go. With these tips in hand, you’re ready to turn your open space into a beautifully curated gallery that reflects your unique taste. So, grab your favorite art prints, get creative, and enjoy the process of transforming your home!
Dennis Velco is a contemporary artist known for his innovative use of finger painting techniques, Velco has captivated audiences with his bold, expressive style. His work is characterized by its vibrant colors, intricate textures, and thought-provoking imagery. Check out his artwork originals, art prints, and functional art products such as pillows, window curtains, shower curtains, blankets, and a growing collection. Explore at https://DennisVelco.com.