6 Unexpected Places for Art in Your Home

Art draws us in, stirs the soul, and sparks conversation, yet it's usually the last detail we choose for a room. A painting may be left for the finishing touch, but it often ties a whole interior together into a harmonious whole, and hung somewhere unexpected, it adds a touch of intrigue. A child's imaginative drawings in the hallway or an immersive landscape in the kitchen can become the crowning touch of an entire interior.

Before you pick a spot for your next painting, consider these unexpected corners of the home where a work of art can truly shine:

(photo by Megan Buchanan, Houzz)

1. The Porch

Outdoor spaces seem like the last place for art, but if it's shielded from direct sun and rain, why not? A vivid toucan brings wonderful life to the porch shown above. Of course, you probably won't take your most valuable piece outside, but some paintings can happily hang outdoors, at least during the summer.

Tip. If you're hanging a painting in a room with a 2.4-metre ceiling, the centre of the painting should sit about 1.5 metres from the floor.

(photo by Modern Craft Construction, Houzz)

2. The Bathroom

Calm and indulgence should reign in the bathroom. A beautiful piece of art will only help you unwind further. Besides, while soaking in the tub and sipping wine, you'll have something lovely to rest your eyes on.

Tip. If you're hanging a painting in a humid room, protect it from steam and water with glass.

(photo by Mark Collett Design and Build, Houzz)

3. The Kitchen

Ideally, there's a window above your kitchen sink, but if you don't have that luxury, try printing a photo of a favourite spot onto glass cabinet doors instead. The same can be done with a wall panel between cabinets behind the sink.

(photo by David Dietrich, Houzz)

4. The Entryway

Here, drawings by the youngest family members can do more than personalise the space — they can also help keep things tidy, with each person hanging their belongings on a hook beneath their own drawing.

(photo by kellyt, Houzz)

5. The Closet / Dressing Room

Rooms where we get dressed and look ourselves over should feel luxurious, so leaving them without art is practically a crime. Framed luxury-brand shopping bags are a reminder that a little indulgence now and then never hurt anyone. In place of bags, scarves, silk kerchiefs, or covers from old fashion magazines work just as well.

Tip. If you're grouping several pictures or framed objects together, first trace their outlines on paper, cut out the resulting shapes, and tape them to the wall in the positions you're considering. You can keep rearranging them this way until you find the composition you want, all without a single mark on the wall.

(photo by Ed Ritger Photography, Houzz)

6. Small Spaces

When space is tight, you have to get creative and make use of every possible corner, but a small space is no less deserving of art. Your little work corner, paired with a piece of art, could become the coziest spot in the house — the one you never want to leave.

Tip. If you're hanging a painting above a piece of furniture, its width should be roughly 50–90% of the furniture's width. Around 75% is ideal. Less than 50% looks too small, while more than 90% will appear out of proportion.