Abstract art for walls: The benefits explained

Abstract art has always been a popular choice for art enthusiasts and interior decorators alike. But, when it comes to decorating the walls in your home or office, why should you choose abstract art over other styles? Here are a few reasons we find compelling.

Versatility

First and foremost, abstract art is incredibly versatile. Unlike other styles like realism, which aim to capture reality as closely as possible, abstract art is open to interpretation. This means that it can be used to complement a wide range of interior design styles, from bohemian and eclectic to minimalist and modern. Whether you’re looking to create a bold statement or add some subtle texture to your walls, abstract art can do the job effortlessly.

Ambience

Another advantage of abstract art for walls is its ability to evoke emotion. Because abstract art is not tied to any realistic representation, it can convey a mood or feeling through colour, texture, and composition alone. In fact, some abstract artists create works specifically to evoke certain moods or emotions. This makes abstract art an excellent choice for defining ambiance in a room, whether you want to inspire calm, excitement, or contemplation.

Furthermore, abstract art is unique in its ability to create conversation. Unlike representational art, which may have a clear subject matter or message, abstract art invites viewers to form their own interpretations. This means that placing an abstract work on your wall can spark conversations and debates among your friends and family. It can also showcase your personality and taste as an individual.

Colour

Finally, abstract art is an excellent way to bring colour and energy into a room. Abstract works often feature vivid hues and dynamic patterns that can draw the eye and inject life into any space. Whether you want to brighten up a dull corner or add some interest to an overly-neutral wall, abstract art may be just what you need.

For all these reasons, abstract art is an ideal choice for making any home more interesting and stylish. Whether you want to evoke emotion, inject some colour or start a conversation, hanging abstract art on walls is a simple and reliable solution.

Abstract art for walls of any colour

Different coloured walls can be nicely complemented by various types of abstract art. For example, a light coloured wall such as white or cream can benefit from a bright and cheerful abstract that will stand out easily against the clean backdrop. On the other hand, darker walls like blues, greys and blacks can be enhanced with bolder and more vibrant abstract works for a dramatic effect. Neutral walls such as browns and beiges are great for subtle monochromatic abstract art, which will add texture without being overly distracting. Dull office walls in pale and desaturated neutral tones can be completely transformed by a few matching pieces of colourful art.

Try some of these inspiring art and wall colour combinations:

• White walls with bright red, yellow or orange abstract art for a cheerful vibe.
• Grey walls with deep blues and greens for a calming atmosphere.
• Black walls with vivid neons for an edgy look.
• Beige walls with pastel hues to create a dreamy ambience.
• Brown walls with earthy tones to bring nature into the home.

One of the beauties of abstract art is its versatility and finding an abstract piece to suit a particular wall colour is never difficult. In most cases there is no wrong colour combination and it largely comes down to your taste and the mood you are trying to convey.

When is abstract art not the best wall decor option?

Although abstract art is an excellent choice for adding colour and texture to any wall, there are some occasions where it may not be the best option. For example, if you’re looking to create a certain atmosphere in a room or emphasise a particular style of décor, abstract art might not be the most suitable choice. If your goal is to evoke feelings of nostalgia or capture the beauty of nature in its truest form, then realistic artwork such as landscapes or still life paintings may be more appropriate. Similarly, if you want to showcase specific objects or items with fine details that would be lost in an abstract work, representational pieces could provide better results. Finally, if you’re trying to make a statement about something political or highlighting a specific social issue, photography or more figurative works might fit better than abstract art for your walls.

Working with textured walls

Choosing abstract art prints for textured walls is a great way to add colour and texture to any room. Abstract art can be used to complement the existing wall textures, creating an eye-catching effect that will draw attention and spark conversations. From subtle monochromatic pieces that blend in with the background, to vibrant hues and dynamic patterns that stand out against a rough surface, there are plenty of options when it comes to selecting artwork for textured walls.

While the options are literally endless, here are some example combination you might like to try:

• Monochromatic abstract art for smooth walls
• Bright and vivid abstract works for rough textured walls
• Subtle pastel hues for a textured wall with a matte finish
• Dynamic, bold colours and patterns on a heavily textured wall
• Earthy tones to bring out the natural grain of wood panelled walls
• Neon prints to emphasise the ridges of brick or stone walls