12 Reasons for Using Oversized Wall Art
We’ve all heard the phrase “ it’s not the size that counts, it’s what you do with it “.
But when it comes to art, sometimes bigger can be better.
Large artworks aren’t only the domain of collectors & Madison Avenue penthouses.
Whether you have a modest apartment or an average suburban home, displaying oversized wall art will bring an added dimension to your decor.
All the artworks used in this article can be purchased through Canvas Freaks.
You can read why I only promote certain companies here.
1. Make a Statement
Just like using caps lock on your keyboard, a big artwork will shout out to the world.
You can really express your feelings through the art you display.
It may be graffiti art, an abstract or any image that speaks to you.
Guests will get a pretty good idea of what you’re about when they see this huge statement piece on the wall.
But it doesn’t need to be confronting, it can be something like a nature scene or a painting with soft pastels & muted colours.
You’re able to set the tone by the choice of image & colour.
Depending on the size of your abode, the entrance could be the perfect spot for setting the mood before entering the house.
2. Make a Feature
Sometimes a room can be lacking a focal point or a feature to draw the eye’s attention.
Fireplaces are a good example of a feature, or it could be shelves adorned with ornaments & even a painted or wallpapered wall.
Painting & wallpapering can be messy & time consuming, so using a huge artwork is a great way to create a feature wall.
Choosing an artwork with warm & inviting colours, then arranging some comfy chairs, creates a lovely cosy area to sit, sip wine & have a chat.
3. Price
Contrary to what you may think, you don’t need a huge bank balance to buy huge art.
There are many art suppliers that offer oversized art for a few hundred dollars.
These pieces can be many feet in width or height, so you won’t need to take out a 2nd mortgage to own a large artwork.
Because you’re only buying one artwork, it may well work out cheaper than buying 3 or 4 to fill the same wall space.
4. Splash of Colour
What a great way to inject some colour into a space.
You may want a neutral or restrained colour palette, but would like to introduce an element of vibrancy.
A large colourful artwork will add life without an overload of colour.
A single large artwork can also compliment or mirror the colour of another accent piece such as a sofa for instance.
5. Cover an Ugly Wall
A big artwork can be practical as well as aesthetically pleasing.
If you have a wall that’s in need of repair or has seen better days, but you can’t be bothered with any DIY, cover it with art!
It may be a feature wall that’s painted a colour you don’t like, or the wallpaper is looking dated.
Hang a modern artwork to update the room & bring it into the 21st century.
6. Add Balance
A balanced room is when the decor, layout & size of furniture are all working in harmony.
A tricky thing to get right.
The artwork needs to work in harmony with the colours of your decor, but going large when it comes to art can help give the space composure.
When wall art is too small it simply looks lost & .. well .. a bit sad.
Matching the size of artwork to available wall space, furniture & other elements will give the room unity & symmetry.
Large artworks command the wall they’re hanging on & help to solidify all the other features in the room.
7. Reduce Noise
Especially in larger spaces with hard floors & minimal furniture, footsteps & conversation can bounce off surfaces as there’s nothing to absorb the noise.
No need for sticking egg cartons on the walls!
Okay, you’re not going to soundproof a room with art, but it does become a surface that will deaden some sound.
A large wall hanging will prevent noise from reflecting off a wall, as will a canvas print, but not to the same degree.
A handy DIY solution is to insert soundproofing foam behind the canvas.
8. Less is More
If you prefer the minimalist look, a large artwork is perfect.
With minimal furniture, the artwork can inject some personality without the clutter.
By having just the one artwork, the walls are less busy & the visual energy in the room is calmer.
9. On The Move
Owning just a few large artworks instead of accumulating many smaller pieces is ideal if you’re constantly moving house.
You may have a job that means relocating often, or if you’re a renter in between finding a long term home, packing up will be much easier.
When the time comes to move you won’t be spending half a day packing away pictures & other small wall art items.
Plus there won’t be as many holes in the wall to repair!
10. Be Casual
Not only if you’re renting, but if you don’t want to be messing about with nails & hooks, leaning large artworks is actually a thing.
It doesn’t mean you can’t be bothered hanging it on the wall!
Simply placing a fair sized artwork on the floor & leaning it against the wall can give a casual, bohemian elegance to your room.
But for it to work well, you need to show that it was a deliberate choice.
Place stacks of books either side ( Jack Kerouac’s On The Road & Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig should impress your friends! )
Also a vase or other ornaments will anchor it to the spot.
A mantelpiece is a perfect place as well any shelves that can accommodate a large artwork.
Layering is another technique for displaying art that simply means stacking them in front of each other.
Again, it sounds like a way to justify not being bothered!
But arranging smaller art pieces & other decorative ornaments around each other keeps it casual yet stylish.
11. Split the Difference
Using split panel prints is another way to cover an entire wall.
They are commonly available in 2, 3, 5 & 7 panels.
By using multiple panels to make one large wall art piece, they can be arranged in different ways & are good for those awkward places such as stairwells.
12. Room Size
Rooms can be long or wide, some small & others too big.
You’re probably already aware that interior designers will use light colours to open up a space & warmer colours to create intimacy.
You can use this principle when choosing a large artwork for your space.
Just because you may have a small room doesn’t mean you can’t live large!
Placing a big light coloured artwork on the wall will help to visually expand the room, especially if you have dark walls already.
If a room seems cavernous & uninviting, a big artwork with warm colours can create a sense of intimacy.
Final Thoughts
When carefully considered, larger artworks can have a real impact on a space.
If your budget allows, they can also be a good investment.
But even more affordable pieces will pay themselves off as you’ll have them for many years.
Do you own a large artwork you just love? If so, leave a comment, I’m keen to know.
Did you find this article helpful? I’m always thankful for shares.
