Small artworks are beautifully collectable, versatile and often the first piece many art lovers bring into their collection. They’re also a fantastic solution for styling your home with art, not only because of their affordability, but also their versatility.
We’ve got all the tips, tricks and inspiration to make styling small artworks in your home easy. It’s amazing how an artwork is so often the small, finishing detail that pulls your style together and make any space feel like home.
1. Use Art to Style Shelving
Its no surprise that a small artwork is the perfect piece to style shelving around your home - this is a space that larger artworks simply wont fit! These functional areas are a beautiful place to add an element of elegance or a pop of personality. Layering is a key tip for making your interior design look professional, and this is an easy start; varying textures and allowing elements of your design to work together. Artworks can be rested on the shelf itself, or thoughtfully hung in the spaces between.
Tip
If your shelving already feels busy, break up the space with a soft, tonal piece that gives your eye somewhere to rest. Conversely, if simple and spacious is your motto, a more detailed piece with higher contrast will add a finishing touch. Due to their subject matter, still life artworks can be a perfect and cohesive fit.
2. Cluster Small Artworks Close to Large Furniture
Around tables, side-benches, and couches, a small artwork can often feel swallowed up, and too tiny to make an impact – but with a few tips and strategies, you can make this space shine just as strongly! The key is to hang the artwork closer to the item of furniture, usually in an off-centre position. Collate the artwork with existing pieces like lamps, indoor plants, and decor items to create balance.
Tip
Match the style of your artwork with the decor that surrounds it, whether you’ve got repeating patterns, colours or elements, it will fit beautifully into the space and you’ll creates an area you love.
3. Turn Small Walls into Focal Points
There’s always a few awkward walls or small spaces in your home, begging for a beautiful piece of art to make them shine. Perhaps its the space between the window and wall, the end of your hallway, or the area by a doorway. A small artwork is already the perfect fit for these walls, ready to make them shine!
Tip
Placing two or more artworks vertically can be a great way to make best use of this space. As these walls often don’t have much furniture around them, consider an artwork with a pop of colour or detail to become a focal point of interest.
4. Create a gallery hang with your collection of small art
Displaying a number of smaller pieces together is a beautiful way to show off your art collection. A gallery hang allows you to fill a larger area while keeping a balanced feel, and lets you play around and have fun with your favourite pieces! A gallery hang looks great anywhere you’d consider placing a larger artwork, but their versatility also makes them perfect for more awkward areas or spaces where you’re up close to the artwork. Stairwells and narrow hallways are perfect places to consider.
Tip
Mix and match different shapes and sizes, but hang artworks together that have a common theme, whether they share a colour palette, subject or style. A simple hack is to ensure all works are framed in the same style, as this will really link each piece in the collection together.
5. Utilise Smaller Artworks in kitchen and bathroom spaces
Kitchens and bathrooms are places we spend so much time in, and are often where we start and end the day. This makes them the perfect place to inspire ourselves with beautiful art. The greater presence of appliances, cupboards and steam or heat often limits the total available space, making this area of the home the perfect spot to enjoy smaller pieces.
Tip
Be considered when placing artworks in bathroom spaces, and favour areas that get the least steam and moisture exposure. Ensure you keep your bathroom ventilated when in use by opening a window or turning on a fan to help keep artworks in tip top condition.
6. Add a delicate touch to a nursery
A smaller artwork is perfect for a nursery space, and is a cute match for the smaller furniture and items in this space. A lighter, smaller artwork will stay safe on your walls, and create a softer, more intimate atmosphere in this special place. It's also easy to move and re-arrange as your child's room changes as they grow. A nursery artwork can be a beautiful way to celebrate a new chapter in your life, and will be a part of your child’s experience every day as they get older.
Tip
Choosing artworks with softer colours and textural elements will help create a warm and nurturing environment. Consider textile and collage works for that extra depth and detail.
Discover small artworks for your budget
Now that your inspired, its time to discover a beautiful original artwork to put these styling tips into practice. We've made it easy and budget friendly with this collection of amazing pieces, all under $500.
Shop all small art
Alternatively, shop our full collection of small sized artwork.
