The Dos and Don’ts of Wall Art (According to Someone with 0 Credentials)

Welcome to the highly unofficial, questionably qualified guide to wall art.

Do I have a degree in interior design? Nope. Did I spend a solid hour Googling “what makes good wall art” once? You bet. And honestly, that’s all you really need in life: confidence and a Wi-Fi connection.

So, if you’re ready to avoid some major decor disasters and maybe even impress your judgy friends, let’s dive into the world of wall art dos and don’ts.

DO: Pick Art You Actually Like

Groundbreaking advice, I know. But seriously, stop trying to be someone you’re not. If you’re not a “watercolor sunsets” kind of person, don’t hang one just because. Art is personal. It’s emotional. It should make you feel something. Like joy. Or irony. Or, “Wow, I’m so cultured now.”

DON’T: Buy Art Just to Fill a Space

We’ve all been there—panicking in a big-box store, clutching a generic canvas print of a random forest because “it’ll do.” But here’s the thing: it won’t. Your walls deserve better than “fine, whatever.” Don’t settle. Find art that tells a story, or at least makes people go, “Where did you find this?” instead of “Oh, is that from IKEA?”

DO: Experiment with Sizes

Go big. Go small. Play around with different dimensions until your walls feel balanced. Oversized prints can be a bold statement (and they make it look like you know what you’re doing). Smaller pieces? Perfect for gallery walls or for sneaking in a bit of character without overwhelming a space. Variety is the spice of life—and your walls.

DON’T: Go Too Matchy-Matchy

Matching your art to your furniture, your rug, and your pet’s fur is a crime against creativity. Art doesn’t have to “match.” It has to stand out. Clash a little. Make people uncomfortable but in, like, a good way.

DO: Consider a Gallery Wall

Nothing says “I’ve got my life together” like a carefully curated gallery wall. Mix prints, photographs, quirky finds—maybe even that awkward family portrait with your cousin blinking in the background. It’s art and a conversation starter.

DON’T: Hang Everything at Eye Level

“Eye level” is such a scam. Who decides what eye level even is? Tall people? The art police? Hang your pieces where they feel right—whether it’s above a bed, over a couch, or slightly higher so your cat can’t knock it down.

DO: Embrace Colour

Your wall art doesn’t need to blend into the background like a chameleon on Ambien. Bold colours add life to your space, especially if the rest of your decor leans neutral. Think pops of blue, pink, or yellow that demand attention without screaming, “I’m trying too hard!”

DON’T: Ignore Frames

Frames are like eyebrows for your art—they can make or break the whole look. A good frame elevates even the simplest print into something gallery-worthy. A bad frame? It’s giving “thrift store bin vibes.” No frame at all? Bold choice, but commit to the chaos.

DO: Rotate Your Art

Who says you have to stick with the same setup forever? Switch things up now and then. Rotating your art keeps your space fresh and makes you seem like one of those effortlessly cool people who totally isn’t winging it. (Even though you are.)

DON’T: Forget About Sustainability

Look, we’re all trying to be better humans here. Choosing made-to-order art is an easy win. It’s eco-friendly, doesn’t contribute to overproduction, and—shameless plug alert—makes you look like a thoughtful consumer when you shop at places like Sp1lled 1nk.

Final Thoughts from Your Credential-Less Guide

Wall art isn’t rocket science, but it is an art (see what I did there?). The secret is to have fun, break a few rules, and let your walls reflect your personality. Whether that means unsulting word art, dreamy landscapes, or an ironic abstract piece you found online at 3 a.m., make it yours.

Now go forth, decorate, and let your walls be the slightly chaotic masterpieces they were born to be. And if you need art, you know where to find me. (Hint: it rhymes with Sp1lled 1nk)