You've heard of feature walls. What if the thing that draws attention isn't a wallpaper or a contrasting paint colour, but a work of art?
Making a piece of art the focal point of a room takes commitment. You have to love it, and love the frame almost as much. But if you have something you're proud of, it's a great starting point for the rest of your decor.
Go big
The obvious way to give art impact is size. A piece that takes up half a wall, or a whole one, can't be ignored. It might sit above the mantelpiece or stand alone. A sprawling landscape or an impressive abstract easily becomes the centre of attention.
Large art needs a large frame, and if you're framing or reframing something on that scale a custom frame is the best option.
Choose a frame that catches the eye
If larger-than-life isn't for you, the right frame can do the work, however small and understated the artwork.
- Plain and contrasting. A solid black or white frame that contrasts with the wall draws the eye to what's inside, whether that's a black-and-white photo or a brightly coloured painting.
- Ornate. An intricately detailed frame has a huge impact, whether it's antique or vintage metal or something more modern.
- A different shape. Ovals, circles and other shapes stand out against a rectangular wall because they don't fit neatly into its straight lines.
Make the wall do the work
You can also use the space around the artwork. Hang it on a wall painted in a contrasting colour to the rest of the room, or papered in a distinctive pattern.
The wall doesn't have to be drastically different. Wall stickers, decals or stencils will lift a plain wall and can extend the artwork out of its frame into the space around it. So can anything else you hang there, from lights to other works of art.
Making one framed piece the focal point of a room is a bold move. If you love it enough to show it off, showcase it.