DECORATION IDEAS >> Tips & Tricks >> Wall Art for Traditional Living Rooms Can Fit or Break the Mold

Courtesy of Beth Woodson and Kristy Woodson Harvey

07 Jan. 2015 Filed by Crazy Fish

From beautiful oils to light-reflecting mirrors and everything in between, art is often what immediately draws the eye — the element that makes an impact at first glance. Even in a traditional and more formal living room, thinking outside the box and buying what you're drawn to is crucial when choosing art. 

Here are a few other things to consider when picking that perfect piece.

A beautiful oil painting can be just the thing to tie in all the colors in a traditional room. Make sure the room works around a piece you absolutely love, from a staid landscape to an abstract modern piece.

In The Wild     $112.00

A good rule of thumb: Hang artwork 58 to 60 inches from the floor. Those dimensions are generally eye level. For continuity, place every picture in the room at the same distance from the floor.

Aged      $136.00

In some rooms, a piece of artwork makes such a statement that the other elements in the room seem to be specifically centered around it. We love choosing that pivotal piece of art first, then the other elements in the room accordingly.

Sun Flowers    $136.00

For a fun spin on traditional decor, try incorporating a piece of art that seems out of the ordinary. A whimsical painting can add the perfect new dimension to a room.

The standard rule of thumb for incorporating mirrors is that the mirror should be roughly two-thirds the width of the piece of furniture over which it hangs. The distance from the floor to the top of the mirror should be no less than 6 feet.

When positioning a mirror, make sure to watch where the direct lighting from your fixtures shines. You don't want to blind your guests!

Sconces can be a beautiful, unique touch to spice up the traditional living room and add light where you need it. Just make sure that the sconces are hung 60 inches from the floor and at least 6 feet apart from each other.

Whatever the art, few things are as beautiful as an outdoor view. Adding French doors or windows brings in light and elegance.