Artful Placement: A Guide to Styling Wall Art in Your Home
Let your walls tell your story. From mantles to shelves, here’s how to style your favorite artwork.
At Pure Salt, we believe that art is more than decor—it’s personal. It’s what brings character and soul into a space. Whether it’s a single statement piece or a carefully curated collection, wall art can ground a room, create focus, and reflect the stories you want your home to tell.
Guide to Artwork Styling
01 // Above a Console or Sideboard
This is a classic spot to showcase a favorite piece. Keep your furniture low and grounded to let the artwork shine. The art should offer balance and height—centered or off-center depending on the feel you want. Style the surface with stacked books, table lamps, vessels, or a bowl to add texture and volume beneath the artwork.
Designer Tip: Layer a tall lamp and a sculptural object opposite one another for visual balance.
02 // Over the Mantle
A timeless placement that allows your art to take center stage. Let the piece be the focal point, but don’t be afraid to style around it. Flank with sconce lighting, stagger candlesticks, or place a vase off-center to create natural asymmetry.
Designer Tip: Choose art that complements your firebox in scale and tone—nothing too small or too bold.
03 // In a Gallery Wall
For a layered, collected look, consider styling a gallery wall. Mix frame materials, art mediums, and scale to bring personality and dimension to the space. Layouts can be structured and gridded or relaxed and organic—choose what feels best for your space and your story.
Designer Tip: Lay your arrangement out on the floor before committing to nail holes, and don’t forget to mix in personal photos or found objects.
04 // Leaning on a Shelf or Console
Art doesn’t always have to be hung. Leaning framed pieces on shelves or atop consoles gives a casual, lived-in feeling. It also makes refreshing your styling easier—just swap and shift with the seasons or your mood.
Designer Tip: Layer smaller pieces in front of larger ones for depth, and mix in books or candles to complete the look.
Make It Yours
At the end of the day, the best art styling is the one that feels true to you. Whether it’s a found vintage piece or a framed moment from your travels, your art should speak to how you live—and elevate your every day.
