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kari_bush46

Size paintings for living room?

last year

Hello, I have Xmas decor up but looking for art ideas for each side of my fireplace.
If I go with abstract paintings, what size would work? Should they be big enough to fill most of the space? Any suggestions as to what would look good? I am not a designer so struggling here. This room is not big so not looking to add shelves or other furniture. Thanks!

Comments (22)

  • last year

    That is beautiful but I love my mirror over the fireplace since the colors help blend the off white molding, which I cannot change. Was really hoping to keep the mirror.

  • PRO
    last year

    A agree with elcieg, the wall would look more balanced with her suggestions.

  • last year

    I may disagree with @elcieg and @lisevd. In the inspiration picture above, which is beautiful, the walls look like 9 or 10 feet high, where your wall height may be only 8 feet.

    What is your wall height?

  • last year

    I'd do one of these. I think you'll want a floor lamp in that one corner once the Christmas tree is gone, but anyway...




  • last year

    That is more what I was thinking and found another pic online. Kinda like your idea with the 3 pics. Appreciate everyone’s help!

  • PRO
    last year
    last modified: last year

    Perhaps the example given by elcieg did have higher ceilings but the idea is to balance the wall. Here are a few other similar examples with lower ceilings:


  • last year

    Maybe two narrow console tables with art above may work for you. Once you have the consoles in place, use painters tape to figure out the size that would look best over the consoles.Try looking at Great Big Canvas for art.

  • last year

    Yes, my ceilings are 8ft and was hoping not to have to buy more furniture since the room is not large. However, I understand what you mean my balancing so may consider the consoles.

  • PRO
    last year

    The middle picture in my examples had clear console table and it does the trick without looking heavy.

    And a simple console would also work, perhaps one in the style of the wood furniture you have in the room which we cannot see.

  • PRO
    last year

    I need to see the whole space please .

  • last year

    While you look for the desired art, consoles buy two non-matching 24” wreaths - eucalyptus or boxwood, but not Christmas, to hang in the space. I did this to replace my tulip-themed large canvasses that just weren’t cohesive with the minimal Christmas decor. Since they aren’t very expensive or hard to store I can use in other rooms or save until next Holiday season. I often use wreaths inside as alternatives to other wall art because I like the depth they provide.

  • last year

    Also, maybe if your chairs were pulled closer to the fireplace the space on either side of fireplace would look less empty.

  • last year

    Love the wreaths idea! I have taken many shots and may now consider a console behind the sofa. Also, need something on hallway wall. Help!😩 I want to finish this room but cannot afford a professional designer. It is the little things that have kept me from finishing for two years!

  • last year

    Last one into kitchen.

  • last year

    Beautiful home. I can’t see the picture in the foyer, anyway, try to look for art that somewhat relates to it. Maybe that will help in picking art out.

  • PRO
    last year

    I have no idea about the space without pics of the whole room I have no clue why the chairs do not face the FP and as for art it does not need to "go with " any other art . The mirro ri all wrong they only work when what they reflect is worth seeing twicw and for sure not in this case . I think spmae taller decor on the mantel and nothing hung there becuase it is too high to hang a mirror or art . As for the sides of thre FP I need to see the whole room

  • last year

    Hello, thank you for your input and your mirror suggestion makes sense. I posted 5 additional pics of the room. Is that not enough?

  • last year

    Heavens yes, you have provided enough pics of your lovely space and you are so close to it being done.


    Sorry, but I don't love your mirror above the fireplace. The size of it looks really off there for some reason. But I understand why you love the color so use it on the same wall in this way:


    Place your round mirror to the right of the fireplace at head height. Get a very slender console for below it that compliments but doesn't match the materials and feel of your coffee table. Place a large somewhat tall floor plant to the left of the fireplace to balance it out. Get artwork for above the fireplace.


    This asymmetrical approach is more modern and appropriate with the slightly eclectic vibe going on here with a formal fireplace and formal entryway but more transitional furniture.

  • last year

    Wow, interesting! I like the creativity and will strongly consider. Thank you!

  • PRO
    last year

    Thanks I see them now . I have to agree maybe shifting all the furniture toward the FP would eliminate the need for much at all other than some nice art. The chairs seem to be in a strange place try moving them back more to the side of the FP or put the sofa in the window the 2 chairs facing the soga and then 2 matching cabinets on eitehr side of the FP with art above . Please no matching hotel type art but choose 2 you love I prefer originals but Art.com has grat pieces to choose from and often in differnt sizes too . The size of those cabinets should be as close as possible to size of those spaces then figure out the size of the art . I think that rearrangement wouppd aslo make th e space feel larger and also allow for some much better lighting .

  • last year

    Could it make sense to put one art piece on each side and a rectangle ottoman under each for extra seating when needed?🤔