Large-format XXL paintings/wall art decor: transform your living room with these decorating ideas
If you don’t know how to decorate your living room, or if you want to create a stunning effect without completely renovating it, then this guide is your go-to guide to decorating your living room with large-scale wall art.
What types of large-format wall art decor are there?
XXL Paintings
XXL paintings are oversized works of art designed to create a significant visual impact in a room. With more and more homeowners and interior designers adopting the ‘big or nothing’ mentality, XXL paintings have grown in popularity. These imposing pieces can transform the energy and aesthetic of a room, offering a contemporary and bold design choice.
Wall Gallery
A wall gallery is a curated presentation of artworks, photographs or souvenirs arranged in a coherent manner on a wall. Unlike single large works of art, a wall gallery consists of several smaller elements that together create a greater visual impact. It is a versatile design option that suits different styles and rooms.
Multi-part picture sets
Multi-panel picture sets, also called diptychs, triptychs or polyptychs depending on the number of panels, is a type of wall art that uses two or more separate pieces to complete a single work of art. This innovative form of art can add dimension to your living room wall and is an excellent option if you are considering large-scale wall art décor. The panels are usually hung close together to create the illusion of continuity, although they can also be separated by some distance to create more drama and curiosity.
Wallpapers
Wallpaper has made a comeback in interior design and offers countless possibilities for designing your living room. Opt for wallpaper designs that complement your overall interior theme. Whether you opt for a bold, patterned wallpaper as an accent wall or a subtle, textured wallpaper for all walls, wallpaper can add depth and dimension to your space. You can even find wallpaper designs that mimic the look of art, giving you the best of both worlds.
Why opt for large-format wall art decor?
The appeal of large-scale wall art décor lies in its size, which can bring a room to life, add depth and serve as an eye-catching focal point. Such wall art decorations can define the atmosphere of a room and even influence your mood.
What to consider before choosing large-format wall art decor
Plan your space
XXL paintings, multi-panel paintings and even a wall gallery will take up a lot of space in your living room. Therefore, it is important to plan your space and take measurements to ensure that your large-scale wall art décor will fit comfortably on your chosen wall. Use tape or cut-out paper templates to visualize how the art decor will affect the room.
Choosing the right art decor
The choice of art decor can make or break the room. Therefore, you need to consider the following factors:
- Color – Your choice of art decor should harmonize with or complement the room’s color scheme.
- Theme – Your choice of art décor should reflect your personality and convey the mood you want to convey.
- Theme and style – Your choice of art decor should be seamlessly integrated into your existing living room decor.
Installation and Maintenance
XXL Paintings
- Measure your wall – Before you buy your picture, measure the available wall space and make sure that the picture matches the existing furniture and other furnishings.
- Visible Height – The rule of thumb for hanging artwork is that the center of the picture should be at eye level. However, you may need to make adjustments depending on the room layout and furniture.
- Secure Installation – Due to their size and potential weight, XXL pictures must be hung securely. Use sturdy hooks and, if possible, anchor the artwork to wall studs.
- Cleaning – Dust the painting regularly with a soft brush. For more thorough cleaning, you should consult a specialist so as not to damage the artwork.
- Environment – To prolong the life of the painting, it should be protected from direct sunlight and moisture.
Wall Gallery
Here is a step-by-step guide to assembling, installing and maintaining your own wall gallery:
- Create a design – Before you hammer nails into the wall, draw your gallery on the floor. This allows you to play with the arrangement and spacing.
- Use templates – Cut out paper templates for each frame and stick them to the wall to get an idea of how it will look. This way you avoid unnecessary holes in the wall and can easily adjust the placement.
- Start in the middle – When you begin hanging, start in the middle and work your way outwards. This keeps the gallery balanced.
- Keep it straight – Use a spirit level to ensure that each frame hangs straight. Even a slightly crooked frame can disrupt the entire gallery.
- Maintenance and Care – Wall galleries are dynamic. You can easily add new works to them or replace artworks for a fresh look.
Multi-part Picture Sets
Here are some tips for integrating multi-piece art into your living room:
- Measure your space – As with all large works of art, it is important that you measure your wall carefully. The size and number of panels should be proportional to the wall.
- Coordinating colors – Make sure the colors of the artwork match your existing color scheme. Artwork that doesn’t match your decor can create visual chaos.
- Consistency – If you are considering more than one multi-piece artwork, try to maintain some consistency, whether in terms of art style, framing or theme, to create a harmonious look.
- Alignment – Correct alignment is crucial when hanging multi-part works of art. Even a slight misalignment can disrupt the visual flow of the artwork. It is often helpful to use a spirit level to ensure that each panel hangs straight.
- Spacing – Pay attention to the spacing between the panels. Too much spacing can disrupt the continuity of the artwork. Too little distance can lead to a narrow impression.
Wallpapers
Wallpapering with self-adhesive wallpaper is as easy as one, two, three. Here you will find step-by-step instructions for wallpapering your living room wall.
- Prepare your wall – Start with a clean, dry and smooth wall surface. Remove any dirt, dust or unevenness. Repair any cracks or holes with filler and sand the wall if necessary.
- Measure and cut the wallpaper – Measure the height of your wall and add a few centimeters at the top and bottom for cutting. Most self-adhesive wallpaper rolls are available in standard widths. Roll out the wallpaper on a clean, flat surface and cut the wallpaper strips according to your measurements. Measure accurately, especially if the wallpaper has a pattern that needs to fit.
- Plan the layout – Determine the starting point for your wallpaper. It’s usually best to start in a corner or along a straight edge. Use a spirit level and pencil to mark a vertical line that is plumb (perfectly vertical).
- Peel off the backing material – Carefully peel a few centimeters of the backing paper from the top of the wallpaper strip so that the adhesive side is visible. Make sure that you do not touch the adhesive surface with your fingers.
- Apply the top section – Align the top edge of the wallpaper strip with your guide line or the ceiling. Make sure it is straight and level. Slowly press the exposed part of the wallpaper against the wall, smoothing it out as you do so. Use a smoothing tool to remove air bubbles and ensure good adhesion.
- Cut off excess wallpaper – Once a strip is fully applied, cut off the excess at the top and bottom of the wall with a box cutter or wallpaper cutter. Use a straight edge as an aid for precise cuts.
- Finish the application – Once all the panels have been applied, go over the entire wall with the smoothing tool to ensure that the wallpaper is securely adhered and has no air bubbles or creases.
Styling around your large-format wall art decor
Once your wall art décor is in place, you can now arrange the room to enhance its impact. Consider adding the following elements:
- The light. Remember to add soft lighting to your wall decoration to emphasize its features and enhance its effect.
- Complementary decorative elements. You can furnish your living room with cushions or rugs that reflect the colors of the painting. This also gives the room a cozy atmosphere.
- Minimalist furniture. By adding minimalist furniture, the large mural can be made the center of attention.
Transforming your living room with these large wall decors is a rewarding project that can redefine your living space. If you opt for large XXL paintings for your wall, they don’t have to be expensive. The Kunstloft Shop has large acrylic paintings on offer that are inexpensive but have the same appeal as XXL paintings and will enhance your living room. Above all, the key to success is careful planning and thoughtful selection to ensure that your new living room decoration not only fits but also enhances your space.
Large acrylic paintings from Kunstloft
Photo credits: @Kunstloft @Jonathan Borba – Pexels.com @Rajesh Kumar Verma – Pexels.com @Curtis Adams – Pexels.com @Vincent Rivaud – Pexels.com @Sự Minh – Pexels.com @Christopher Moon – Pexels.com @Max Rahubovskiy – Pexels.com @Ushindi Namegabe-Pexels.com