Where Should Art Be Placed in a Living Room?

Artwork plays an important role in shaping the feeling of a living room. The right piece can anchor furniture, add warmth and texture, and become the focal point that brings the entire space together.

But one of the most common questions people ask when styling their home is where artwork should actually be placed in a living room.

Interior designers often follow a few simple principles to create balance and visual flow.

Studio Elwood “Crimson Rust Ombre” — contemporary abstract artwork in layered terracotta, blush and sand tones, framed in oak and styled above a modern sofa with warm earthy accents and minimalist décor.

Above the Sofa

One of the most natural places for artwork in a living room is above the sofa.

Because the sofa is often the largest piece of furniture in the room, it creates the perfect foundation for a statement artwork.

A good rule is for the artwork to be around two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the sofa. This keeps the proportions balanced and allows the artwork to feel connected to the furniture rather than floating on the wall.

Large artworks work particularly well in this position because they create a strong focal point without cluttering the wall with multiple smaller pieces.

Above a Console or Sideboard

Another beautiful place to display artwork is above a console table or sideboard.

This arrangement works well in open-plan living spaces or along secondary walls. Artwork in this position can be either hung on the wall, or leaned casually against the wall for a relaxed, layered look. Styling a console with artwork, a lamp or ceramics can create a curated corner within the room.

The Arch - Giclee print

Above the Fireplace

Fireplaces naturally draw attention, making them a perfect place for artwork.

A large painting above a fireplace can soften architectural lines and introduce colour and texture into the space. Many homeowners choose one statement artwork here rather than multiple pieces. Artwork can also be leaned on the mantel for a relaxed, gallery-style look.

Large Empty Walls

Large living room walls often look best with one extra large artwork rather than several smaller pieces.

A single oversized painting allows the wall to feel calm and intentional while still making a strong design statement.

Interior designers often recommend artwork that fills around 60–75% of the wall width so the piece feels balanced within the space.

Extra large artworks can work particularly well:

  • behind a sofa
  • on the main living room wall
  • in open-plan spaces with high ceilings

Portrait or Landscape? Choosing the Right Orientation

Many of our artworks are painted from above, allowing the composition to be considered from every angle. This creates a natural balance within the work and offers flexibility in how each piece is displayed.

A horizontal (landscape) orientation works well above furniture such as sofas and beds, helping to anchor wider spaces. A vertical (portrait) orientation can draw the eye upward, making it ideal for narrower walls, hallways or between architectural elements.

This flexibility allows the artwork to respond to the proportions of the room, rather than being limited to a single orientation.

Many of our collectors choose to pair artworks as a diptych to achieve greater scale and impact.

Consider How the Room Is Used

When deciding where to place artwork, it’s also helpful to think about how people move through the room.

Avoid placing artwork where it might be frequently bumped or knocked in high-traffic walkways. In seating areas, make sure artwork is hung high enough so it won’t be touched when someone sits down.

A well-placed artwork should feel comfortable in the space while still drawing the eye.

Let the Artwork Anchor the Room

A thoughtfully placed artwork can completely transform a living room. Rather than filling walls randomly, try to think of the artwork as the visual anchor of the space.

Once the artwork is in place, furniture, lighting and décor naturally begin to work around it.

Large artworks are particularly powerful because they bring scale, texture and personality into a room with a single statement piece.

Discover Art to Live With

If you are styling a living room wall and looking for a statement piece, explore the Studio Elwood collections.

Created by Australian artist and Creative Director Tory Burke, each artwork is designed to bring scale, texture and character into contemporary interiors.

Explore:

— Tory Burke, Creative Director, Studio Elwood

Choosing the right artwork for your wall can make a huge difference to how a room feels.

Visit our Art is Life guide, where artist and Creative Director Tory Burke shares practical insights on choosing artwork, placing art in living rooms and styling large walls.

Explore Guide >>