How to Choose Abstract Art for Your Home: 10 Essential Tips
Selecting the perfect abstract art for your home can be both exciting and overwhelming. As someone passionate about artistic expression, I understand the questions that might be swirling in your mind.
Should it reflect your personality? Should it evoke calm, energy or inspiration? Should it complement your décor?
Personally, I believe that when considering how to choose abstract art, it shouldn’t be merely for decoration. If the piece doesn’t make a statement that resonates with you on a deeper level, perhaps reconsider your choice.
This guide will quickly help you navigate the world of abstract paintings with confidence, finding that perfect piece that brings beauty, emotion and character into your living space.
Let’s explore together how to choose your abstract art that will bring you joy for years to come.
Note: I’ve included a downloadable Abstract Art Buyer’s Checklist (PDF) to assist you when choosing abstract art for your home.
#1. Trust Your Emotional Response or Start With What Moves You
Art is fundamentally about emotional connection. When buying abstract art online or in person, don’t immediately worry about whether it matches your furniture.
Ask yourself:
- What emotions does this painting evoke in me?
- Do I feel peaceful, energised, intrigued or inspired?
- Can I imagine living with these feelings every day?
What abstract art says about you often comes down to this initial, gut-level reaction. If a piece gives you goosebumps, that’s a strong indication it belongs in your space.
#2. Consider the Room’s Atmosphere
Each space in your home has its own unique energy. Your art should enhance this atmosphere, not conflict with it.
- For bedrooms, consider soothing tones and flowing forms when choosing abstract paintings for home.
- Living rooms can showcase bold, dynamic pieces, modern abstract art for living room spaces can truly transform the environment.
- In workspaces, abstract wall art ideas might focus on pieces that either spark creativity or promote focus.
Many struggle with how to buy abstract paintings that complement their style. While there are no strict rules, consider the energy you want to experience when entering the room.
#3. The Power of Colour
Colour can transform everything. The right abstract painting with thoughtfully selected colours can complete a room’s visual harmony.
You might:
- Blend: Select colours that complement your space for a cohesive look.
- Contrast: Choose bold colours that create a striking focal point.
Abstract art colour theory teaches us that different hues carry emotional significance. Blues convey tranquillity, reds bring intensity, yellows radiate joy. Consider the mood you’re aiming to create when matching art with interior design.
#4. Consider Size and Proportions
For large walls, consider larger pieces. For intimate spaces, choose something more modest.
That said, abstract art often plays with scale in interesting ways. Sometimes a small piece can make a powerful statement when framed appropriately. Conversely, large works can completely transform a room’s character.
Helpful tip: When choosing abstract artwork size for room, use painter’s tape to outline the dimensions on your wall before purchasing. This visualisation technique helps you “see” the scale in reality.
#5. Explore Abstract Art’s Diverse Styles
Abstract art encompasses many different styles of abstract art:
- Geometric: clean lines and organized patterns.
- Gestural: expressive brushstrokes and emotional movement.
- Minimalist: simplicity with powerful negative space.
- Textural: layers, depth and tactile qualities.
Browse various styles to discover what resonates with your personal style. Your preferences might surprise you.
#6. Connect With the Artist’s Journey
Understanding the creator behind the artwork can deepen your connection to the piece.
When you hear the story behind a piece, what inspired it, what was happening in the artist’s life, it becomes more than just decoration. It becomes part of your narrative too.
So when you’re buying abstract art, don’t be shy. Reach out and ask questions. We artists love to talk about our work (seriously, we do).
Here’s more about Abstract Art is More Than Decoration.
#7. Recognise Quality Craftsmanship
When learning what to look for in abstract art, remember that “abstract” doesn’t mean “anything goes.” Quality remains paramount.
Look for:
- Premium materials.
- Thoughtful composition.
- Consistent texturing.
- Professional finishing (edges, backing, signature).
Excellent abstract art is intentional and deliberate, even when it appears spontaneous to the untrained eye. My paintings are never haphazard. There’s a story behind each painting.
My blog Storytelling Through Abstract Painting explains more about how I make my art.
I’ve also written How to Identify Quality Abstract Art: A Beginner’s Guide, which I’m sure you’ll find helpful in choosing abstract art for your home.
#8. Consider Framing Options
Your framing choice can dramatically alter an artwork’s impact.
Some pieces, especially modern canvas art, look best displayed without frames for a contemporary aesthetic. Others benefit from simple, clean framing that focuses attention on the artwork itself.
The goal when considering how to frame abstract paintings is to enhance the art without distracting from it. If you’re unsure, ask the artist (me included).
#9. Buy What You Love, Not Just What’s Trendy
While budgeting is important, avoid purchases based solely on trends.
You can find incredible original works, affordable prints and up-and-coming artists that won’t break the bank. And trust me, owing a piece that speaks to you is always worth more than something that’s just “on trend”.
#10. Support Living Artists (We appreciate it)
When buying abstract art directly from living artists, you’re supporting creative dreams and artistic expression.
You’re saying:
“I see your vision. I believe in your creativity. And I want your work in my world.”
That means everything to us.
Plus, you get something totally unique, a piece that’s more than decoration. It’s a conversation starter, a memory and a story you’ll carry with you.
Final Thoughts on How to Choose Abstract Art
Choosing abstract art isn’t about getting it “right”. It’s about finding what feels like you. All the above tips will help you how to choose abstract art.
The next time you’re considering an abstract painting, pause and reflect:
- Does this make me feel something?
- Can I see this in my space?
- Do I want to live with this energy every day?
If the answer is yes, you just found your piece.
Bonus Tip: Looking differs from truly seeing. Take your time when examining abstract art. This mindful approach makes a remarkable difference in your appreciation and selection process.
Have a look at my blog The Art of Slow Looking: The Hidden Beauty of Abstract Art for more inspiring details.
Ready to Explore More?
I’ve got a collection full of expressive, emotional abstract pieces and I’d love to help you find one that feels like home. Have a look at my Abstract Acrylic Paintings and Abstract Oil Paintings collections.
Any questions, just drop me an email.
Thank you for reading and remember, trust your instincts.
Art chooses us as much as we choose it.
Download the Free Abstract Art Buyer’s Checklist
I’ve created a simple Abstract Art Buyer’s Checklist to streamline your selection process. Save, print or screenshot this guide when choosing your next piece:
Download the Free Abstract Art Buyer’s Checklist (PDF). (No sign-up required, just download and go.)
What’s Your Abstract Art Style? Quiz
Still not sure what abstract art fits your space? Take our quick quiz and discover your perfect art style.
Take the Quiz: What Abstract Style Matches Your Space? Click here (It only takes less than 60 seconds and it’s fun).
No need to entre name or email address.
This quiz is just for fun and no personal data is collected, stored or shared.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I choose abstract art for my home?
Start with your feelings. Choose a piece that moves you emotionally, then consider the colours, size and how it fits with the mood of the room. Don’t stress about trends, go with what feels right to you.
- What size abstract painting should I buy?
It depends on your wall space. A large piece works well as a focal point in open areas, while smaller works are perfect for nooks or gallery walls. Tip: Use painter’s tape to visualize the size on your wall before buying.
- Should abstract art match my room’s colour scheme?
It doesn’t have to. Art can either complement your space or stand out as a bold contrast. Just make sure the mood of the piece aligns with how you want the room to feel.
- What styles of abstract art should I look into?
There are many: geometric, gestural, minimalist, textural and more. If you’re new to buying abstract art, explore a few styles and see which one speaks to your personality or design taste.
- Where can I buy original abstract paintings?
You can buy directly from artists (like me), online galleries or local art fairs. Buying from a living artist gives you a chance to connect with the story behind the piece and support creativity in real-time.
- How do I know if an abstract painting is good quality?
Look for signs of craftsmanship: solid canvas or paper, good materials, intentional composition and thoughtful finishing (edges, signature, backing). Great abstract art is often full of hidden structure beneath the surface.
- Can I commission a custom abstract painting?
Yes, absolutely. Many abstract artists offer commissions where you can request specific colours, sizes or vibes. It’s a great way to get a meaningful, one-of-a-kind piece tailored to your space.
- Is abstract art a good investment?
It can be, especially if you buy from emerging or mid-career artists. But the best investment is in how it makes you feel. Choose art that brings you joy every day.
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