Choosing art can be a difficult process. Not only are there millions of pieces out there for you to sift through, look at, dismiss and decide upon, you must also have a good understanding of what it is you are trying to accomplish when decorating with art. Below are five simple tips that can make selecting artwork easier and ultimately more enjoyable.

For My Flickr Friends by Laura Olson

1. Connect with it: Art is many things to many people, but when choosing how to decorate with it, it needs to be yours and yours alone. Whether the piece inspires you, calms you, excites you or just generally makes you happy, that is where you need to start.

2. Blend it: Not only should the artwork affect you internally and emotionally, it must help create a space that surrounds you externally. Whether it is furnishings, accessories or the people who occupy the space, the art you choose should be a reflection of that and be able to pull it all together.

Orion by GALACTIC SHIFT

3. Hang it: What good is wall art if is not on the wall? Here are a few tips for hanging your artwork:

• Bigger is often better by creating more of a statement.
• Go with small prints on narrow walls and large works for large surface areas.
• When hanging wall art over furniture, it should generally not be longer than the piece of furniture.
• Hang art so that the center point of the piece is at eye level for the average person.

Ask For Directions by Dan Jesperson

4. Mat it: A white or subtle cream mat brings the focus to the artwork itself. To create maximum impact with your prints, consider choosing a mat that contrasts your wall color: light mat with a dark wall and dark mat for wall painted with a light color.

5. Frame it: Usually, when selecting a custom frame, you want to avoid choosing a color that is too similar to the color of the mat you chose. Blending and selecting mat and frame colors that are evident within the painting itself can provide a cohesive and complete look.