Art has the power to transform a room, infusing personality, colour, and a sense of culture into your home. While a single large piece of artwork can make a bold statement, incorporating smaller and medium-sized artworks alongside it creates depth, balance, and visual interest. The art of layering is all about finding the right harmony between sizes, colours, and placement, allowing each piece to shine while complementing the larger statement artwork.
If you’ve ever wondered how to create an art display that feels cohesive and stylish, here’s how to expertly style smaller artworks around a larger statement piece.
1. Start with a Strong Focal Point
Before layering, choose a statement artwork that will serve as the focal point of the space. This could be a large abstract painting, a striking portrait, or a vintage map—anything that draws the eye and sets the tone for the room. Once you’ve selected your key piece, the smaller artworks should complement it, either by echoing colours, themes, or styles.
Tip: The larger piece should be the highest point of the arrangement, creating a sense of balance while the smaller pieces add texture and visual depth around it.
2. Vary the Size and Scale
When layering smaller pieces around a large statement artwork, it’s important to vary their sizes. Small art prints or photographs can sit neatly beside a larger painting or above it, while medium-sized pieces can be arranged to the left or right to create balance. Avoid overwhelming the larger piece by keeping the smaller artworks proportional and ensuring they don’t compete for attention.
Try this: Position one or two smaller pieces slightly off-centre above the larger artwork for an asymmetrical but balanced effect. The eye naturally gravitates to an off-centre arrangement, creating an engaging and dynamic display.
3. Create a Visual Flow with Colours and Themes
One of the most effective ways to layer art is by creating a colour or thematic flow between the larger piece and the smaller ones. A bold statement piece in deep blues or earthy tones, for example, can be complemented by smaller artworks that use subtle shades of the same colours, or by artworks that explore the same themes, such as nature or abstract forms.
Tip: If your larger piece has a predominant colour palette, choose smaller artworks that feature complementary colours to create harmony. This creates a cohesive look while allowing each piece to stand out in its own right.
4. Mix Frame Styles for Added Interest
One of the joys of layering art is the ability to mix different frame styles to create a sense of collected, curated charm. Pair a sleek black frame around your larger statement piece with vintage gold frames for smaller artworks. Alternatively, opt for a uniform frame style if you want a more cohesive look.
Tip: Frames can either blend seamlessly with the wall colour for a subtle effect or contrast with the artwork to create a visual statement of their own. For a more relaxed, eclectic vibe, feel free to mix materials, like wood and metal, or incorporate floating frames for a modern touch.
5. Play with Placement: Gallery Wall or Staggered Arrangement?
The way you place your smaller artworks around the larger piece can dramatically change the overall feel of the display. A gallery wall—where several pieces are evenly spaced around the focal artwork—creates a dynamic and curated effect. Alternatively, staggered placements, where smaller pieces are slightly off-centre or even tilted, create a more relaxed, organic feel.
Try this: If your larger statement piece is centrally placed above a sofa or mantle, stagger the smaller pieces along the sides to create a flowing visual movement that feels natural and inviting.
6. Keep the Scale of Your Space in Mind
Layering small and medium artworks around a large piece works best when you consider the scale of the room. In a smaller room, you may want to limit the number of smaller pieces to avoid overwhelming the space. In larger rooms, you can afford to add more works, creating a more dramatic and expansive display.
Top tip: In smaller spaces, keep the smaller artworks in close proximity to the larger piece to ensure the arrangement doesn’t feel too fragmented. In larger spaces, you have more freedom to experiment with distance and placement for a more expansive arrangement.
Final Thoughts
Layering small and medium-sized artworks around a larger statement piece is an art form in itself. By playing with size, colour, and placement, you can create a gallery wall that feels both balanced and visually stimulating. Whether you’re curating a carefully considered display or arranging artwork with an eclectic touch, the goal is to create a space that reflects your unique style and adds character to your home.
So, next time you find that perfect oversized artwork, don’t forget to consider the power of layering. With the right approach, your art collection can become a stunning, cohesive feature of your home.
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