10 Best Wall Art for the Living Room UK 2024 | Abstract, Impressionist Works and More
Oscar Wilde famously stated that "All art is quite useless" – this may simply have been an example of his controversial wit, but we beg to differ! Art can be used to invoke mood, provoke conversation and complement the décor and colour scheme of a room. It's also a great opportunity to express your passions and a deeper part of yourself.
Choosing the right piece to display on your wall can be tricky, however; art comes in all shapes, sizes and colours, from unique modern prints to large, traditional paintings. In this article, we'll go over everything you need to look out for before we showcase ten of the best pieces currently available to order online from eBay, John Lewis and Argos.
Quick List - Top Wall Art for the Living Room
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
- How to Choose Wall Art for the Living Room in the UK
- Consider Both Wall Space and the Impact You Want the Piece to Have When Choosing a Shape and Size1
- Give the Right Impression by Picking Your Preferred Art Style2
- Set the Right Mood by Picking the Perfect Colours3
- Frame It in the Right Way: Consider Thickness and Colour4
How to Choose Wall Art for the Living Room in the UK
Key Points to Consider
- Consider Your Available Wall Space for a Piece That Has the Right Impact
- Pick Your Preferred Art Style for a Piece You Love to Look At
- Choose Colours That Set the Desired Mood
- Consider Thickness and Colour to Frame Your Piece in the Right Way
Consider Both Wall Space and the Impact You Want the Piece to Have When Choosing a Shape and Size
The first thing you need to consider before you even start looking at potential art pieces is your available wall space, as this is the place – the canvas, if you will – upon which your art will hang. Naturally, if you've got limited space, you'll need to make sure you check the dimensions.
But, depending on the intended location, you may also need to look out for art of a certain shape. Unless you're venturing into the really abstract, wall art comes as either a square or a rectangle. A landscape-positioned rectangular piece, for example, may be perfect if you've got wall space that is wide but not very high, while one in portrait format will fit more narrow spaces.
If space isn't a problem, then shape and size is really a matter of personal preference. Naturally, larger pieces are more likely to attract attention, so if you're looking for something striking, a big piece may be what you're after! If you want something more subtle, however, it may be better to go smaller.
Walls need a splash of paint? Take a look at the Best Interior Paints.
Give the Right Impression by Picking Your Preferred Art Style
Pick Realism to Set a Relaxing Scene or Honour a Favourite Place or Landscape
Realism, or realistic art pieces, are exactly what they sound like – pictures or paintings that depict their subject in a realistic, almost photographic way. Although it wasn't part of the Realism movement that emerged in the 19th century, a famous example of a realistic painting might be something like the Mona Lisa.
When it comes to living room art, consider realistic pieces that depict places, such as countryside or coastal scenes, as these are great for evoking memories and setting a relaxing mood. You could even look for a depiction of a place or scene you've visited before.
Perfect for Modern Décor, Abstract Artwork Evokes Emotion Through Colour and Shape
For some people, painting is not about accurate depictions – that job is best left to photographs! It's more about expressing what cannot be expressed through any other art form. Rather than people or places, abstract artwork uses shape and colour to evoke thoughts and moods that are often difficult to put into words.
Abstract artworks vary enormously – one piece might use bright squares while another might consist of only white space and black lines. But that doesn't mean abstract artwork is for everyone, and those who like their artwork to depict something concrete may find themselves losing patience.
If you're someone that enjoys artwork that is striking or thought-provoking, however, a piece of abstract wall art for the living room might be for you.
Try an Impressionist Piece for a Unique Take on the Familiar
Impressionism sits somewhere between Realism and abstract art, often depicting real people and places but in a unique manner that offers more of an 'impression' of a scene than an accurate representation.
Impressionist paintings typically use brushstrokes in an intriguing way, and Impressionist painters will often emphasise elements of a scene that stand out them, particularly light and the way it dances across the water.
Impressionist artwork is incredibly popular, mainly due to its ability to enhance some of the elusive qualities, and thereby bring a little magic to, familiar scenes. If you're someone that appreciates art that depicts recognisable scenes but with an extra bit of sparkle, a piece of impressionistic wall art may be for you.
Set the Right Mood by Picking the Perfect Colours
When it comes to choosing a piece of art for the home, colour is perhaps the most important factor. Just as the colour you choose to paint your walls can affect the 'feel' of your living room, so too can the colours used in your chosen piece of art.
Everybody knows that colours have different temperatures – reds and oranges are warmer than blues, for example – but did you know that different colours can also evoke different moods? Many people find that yellow has a cheering effect, for example, while green is often seen as calming.
Of course, this is all subjective! Just ensure that you consider your emotional reaction to a colour scheme that you're likely to be seeing every day. You should also bear the décor in mind, as you don't want the colour of your chosen wall art to clash horribly with it. Complimentary or contrasting colours are always a safe bet.
Want to increase the light and sense of space in your living room? Have a look at the Best Wall Mirrors.
Frame It in the Right Way: Consider Thickness and Colour
You've found your favourite art style and it's in the perfect colour scheme, so now you need to find the right frame. The first thing to check is whether your desired wall art comes with a frame included. If it doesn't, or you don't like the one that it comes with, you'll need to get shopping for one.
The next thing to check is colour, and to ensure that the frame utilises a colour that complements the rest of your décor. Because frames usually come in fairly neutral colours such as brown, black and white, this task isn't usually too difficult.
Different frames also have different thicknesses, however, and one may stick out further from the wall than another. There are also magnetic poster hangers, which position strips of wood at the bottom of the print. If the frame is included, it'll usually be part of the photo, meaning you should be able to get a good idea of how it'll look hanging in your home.
10 Best Wall Art for the Living Room in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pablo Picasso Head, 1946 | | Delicate Work Picasso That Will Suit Any Space | |
2 | Jacky Al-Samarraie Landscape With Horse | | Bring the Great British Countryside Into Your Home | |
3 | Emilie Georgia Pollen Framed Canvas | | Brighten Your Walls With an Explosion Of Colour | |
4 | Emma Cownie Drifting Clouds | | A Beautiful Coastal Scene to Evoke a Sense of Calm | |
5 | Linda Wood Tropical Leaves | | Hang Them Your Own Way With This Trendy Tropical Collection | |
6 | ibride Chatterton Limited Edition Framed Print | | Reveal Your Quirky Side With This Unique Conversation Piece | |
7 | Reign & Hail Music Lyrics | | An Abstract Presentation of Your Passion for Music | |
8 | Habitat Uzual Sunday Tokyo Wall Art | | A Modern Blend of Cityscape and Natural Imagery | |
9 | Vision Studio Vintage Architecture | | Vintage Prints That Perfectly Complement Wooden Furniture and Warm Colours | |
10 | Mike Schick Catalina Gold | | An Abstract Piece to Complement Yellow-Toned Colour Schemes |
Delicate Work Picasso That Will Suit Any Space
Art is not all about vivid colours and peculiar shapes. This sketch-style piece, by world-famous artist, Pablo Picasso, instead attracts attention through its simple, line-based intricacy.
It's perfect for those that wish to exhibit their passion for art with a refined piece that looks great in any living space. It's alluring while remaining subtle, and that's why this piece is our number one pick.
Bring the Great British Countryside Into Your Home
The therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature are becoming more and more apparent, but not everybody has ready access to the natural world. This calm, pastoral scene is the next best thing.
Housed in a wide frame, it offers a simple, calming, stencil-style image of the countryside as it might appear if you were actually there. It's not for those who like their art with a little bit more kineticism, but it's ideal for those looking for a little serenity in their day-to-day life.
Brighten Your Walls With an Explosion Of Colour
For many people, art's primary appeal is in its ability to evoke feelings that can be difficult to put into words. It's a feeling that abstract art is particularly good at achieving, and this piece is abstract art at its finest.
Some people may dismiss the idea as pretentious, but there's no denying that this piece uses shape, space and colour – interrupted by an irregular pattern of flecks and smudges – to great effect. A truly impressive piece.
A Beautiful Coastal Scene to Evoke a Sense of Calm
For those not blessed with their own sea view, this lovely Impressionist painting, with its boosted natural colours and depiction of dappled lights dancing across the crashing waves, will bring them that little bit closer to being so.
Not for fans of abstract art, this print is instead made for those who want a wonderful depiction of a scene that they can drift away into. Many people use art to invoke a feeling – if your desired feeling upon walking into your living room is happiness and relaxation, this is the print for you.
Hang Them Your Own Way With This Trendy Tropical Collection
Tropical prints continue to hold strong as an essential part of many home décor trends. These prints feature a variety of greenery, with wooden frames that really round out the natural look. You can even experiment with how you position the six separate frames – cluster them together or spread them throughout the living room as you like.
They're obviously not a great choice for those who like their prints to feature a variety of bright, vivid colours, but for those who want to bring a bit of the natural world into their home by giving their living space an injection of greenery, they're the perfect prints.
ibrideChatterton Limited Edition Framed Print
Reveal Your Quirky Side With This Unique Conversation Piece
For many people, the purpose of art is to arrest the viewer and get them thinking. Nothing will catch your attention quite like a horse in 18th century attire! The ibride range is known for its intriguing pieces, and this large print is certainly charismatic.
It's not for the more reserved among us, but those that love expressing their quirky side will adore this print, which is absolutely guaranteed to attract comments every time! Especially because it's one of a run of only 500 pieces.
An Abstract Presentation of Your Passion for Music
For music fans who want a unique take on the traditional music poster, these prints present the lyrics to famous songs in a distinctly abstract fashion – by gathering every letter of them in a glorious pile. This set of 4 features lyrics from songs by John Lennon, Queen, Prince and Elton John, but there are more available, plus you can buy them individually if you prefer.
Mega fans that like to advertise their passion for their favourite artist may feel a little deterred by the lack of any photographs, but for those looking to combine their love of art and music, this is your answer.
A Modern Blend of Cityscape and Natural Imagery
This bold, modernist print is made for those that like bright designs that catch the eye without looking too pretentious. Its imagery – which features the city of Tokyo with Mount Fuji in the background – also offers a unique blend of cityscape and natural imagery.
Its minimalist design means it looks great in modern living rooms, and because it comes unframed, you have a variety of framing options to choose from – get it framed or go ultra-modern and use a magnetic clip frame.
Vintage Prints That Perfectly Complement Wooden Furniture and Warm Colours
These architecture prints of famous buildings, including St. Paul's Cathedral and The Royal Albert Hall, come in an antique style whose warm browns will perfectly complement a home that utilises vintage décor or warmer tones.
Their lack of vivid colours means these prints don't exactly stand out, but if you've got the right kind of furniture, they'll blend in with the rest of the room seamlessly. Of course, they're also perfect for fans of architecture!
An Abstract Piece to Complement Yellow-Toned Colour Schemes
This intriguing abstract piece is hand-painted, meaning every single print is unique, and its use of bold acrylic paints ensures that each of the individual colours contrast nicely against each other. At over a metre tall, it's also quite sizeable, meaning it'll never go unnoticed.
Some people may find the lack of any concrete subject a little uninspiring, but it's perfect for fans of more abstract pieces who wish to use colour and shape to evoke a specific mood. It's ideal for rooms with existing yellow and grey tones.
Top 5 Wall Art for the Living Room
No. 1: Pablo Picasso｜Head, 1946
No. 2: Jacky Al-Samarraie｜Landscape With Horse
No. 3: Emilie Georgia｜Pollen Framed Canvas
No. 4: Emma Cownie｜Drifting Clouds
No. 5: Linda Wood｜Tropical Leaves
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Search by category
Automotive
Agricultural vehicle parts & equipment, Car & motorbike care, Car & vehicle electronicsBaby Products
Activity & entertainment, Car seats & accessories, Carriers & accessoriesBeauty
Bath & body, Fragrances, Hair careBooks
Antiquarian, rare & collectable, Arts & photography, Biographies & memoirsBusiness, Industry & Science
3D printing & scanning, Abrasive & finishing products, Agricultural equipment & suppliesComputers & Accessories
Accessories, Barebone PCs, Components & replacement partsDIY, Garden & Tools
Building supplies, Construction machinery, ElectricalElectronics & Photo
Accessories, Camera & photo, Car & vehicle electronicsFashion
Baby, Boys, GirlsGrocery
Baby foods, Bakery, Beer, wine & spiritsHealth & Personal Care
Baby & child care, Dental care, Diet & nutritionHome & Kitchen
Arts & crafts, Artwork, BathroomLarge Appliances
Beer & wine storage & dispensers, Compact kitchens, Dishwashers & dish dryersMusical Instruments & DJ
Bass guitars & gear, DJ & VJ equipment, Drums & percussionPC & Video Games
Currency & subscription cards, Handheld game systems, Legacy systemsPet Supplies
Birds, Cats, DogsSports & Outdoors
Accessories, Fitness, Hunting & fishingStationery & Office Products
Art & craft supplies, Calendars, planners & personal organisers, Envelopes & mailing suppliesToys & Games
Arts & crafts, Baby & toddler toys, Building & construction toys