Choosing artwork for your home is about more than filling an empty wall. First and foremost, the right painting should move you viscerally. Like a feeling deep in your gut that calls out to you. Not easily explainable but thoroughly enjoyable. Secondarily, It should transform a room, create a sense of atmosphere, and bring a personal connection to the spaces where we spend our lives.
Landscape paintings are particularly special because they bring the beauty and character of the natural world indoors. Whether you're drawn to expansive Western landscapes, vibrant colors, or more contemporary interpretations of nature, here are three things to consider when choosing the right painting for your home.
1. Consider the Size of Your Space
One of the most important decisions when choosing artwork is finding the right scale. A painting that is too small can feel disconnected from the room, while an oversized piece can overwhelm a space.
As a general rule, artwork hung above a couch/sofa, bed, or large piece of furniture should occupy roughly two-thirds of the furniture's width. For larger walls, consider using a single statement piece that creates a natural focal point.
Don't be afraid to go bigger. A large landscape painting can bring depth and character to an otherwise simple room. For what it’s worth, don’t be afraid to buy a giant print to pull this look off. A beautiful landscape printed on canvas and framed will live just like an original for a fraction of the cost.
2. Think About Color and Atmosphere
Color has a significant influence on how a room feels. When choosing a landscape painting, consider the existing colors in your space and the atmosphere you'd like to create.
Earth tones, muted greens, and warm neutrals can create a calming environment, but too much of this tends to make spaces feel drab or sad. More vibrant colors and contrasting compositions can introduce energy, movement, and visual interest but too much of this can create a space that never feels settled.
Balance in all things!
Your artwork doesn't necessarily need to match your furniture or wall color. Sometimes the most interesting spaces are created when artwork introduces an unexpected color or contrast. I’d encourage you to think of the art you buy as a chance to break out of the box of neutrals or subtlety. Let your furniture be the neutral anchors of your space. This will allow your walls to take on more vibrant colors and inspired pieces without everything clashing or feeling disjointed.
Choose something that draws your attention and makes you want to spend more time looking at it.
3. Find a Style That Feels Personal
Perhaps the most important consideration is choosing artwork that resonates with you.
Traditional landscapes often emphasize realism and recognizable places, while contemporary landscape paintings may explore color, abstraction, and unexpected perspectives.
Neither approach is better than the other. The best artwork is something that connects with you personally (visceral!) and continues to offer something new over time.
I believe artwork should do more than simply complement a room. It should invite curiosity, create conversation, inspire you, give you energy and offer a meaningful connection to the world beyond our walls.
Bring the Landscape Home
Choosing the right painting is ultimately about finding something that feels at home in your space and meaningful to you.
Whether you're looking for a quiet landscape to create a sense of calm or a vibrant statement piece that brings energy into a room, take your time exploring different sizes, colors, and styles.
The right painting won't just decorate your home. It will become part of the story of the space you inhabit.
Explore the current collection of original contemporary Western landscape paintings and art prints by me, Adam Anglin by clicking here!
