How to Choose
Modern Wall Art

Start by identifying your interior design style. Minimalist spaces work beautifully with black-and-white geometric prints or simple abstract compositions. Warm, earthy interiors pair well with nature-inspired or cultural artwork. Modern, industrial spaces can handle bold, high-contrast pieces.

At OneOneSix Artwork, our Rwandan-inspired pieces work across many interior styles — the geometric precision of Imigongo-derived prints suits minimalist homes, while colorful cultural pieces add warmth to more traditional spaces.

Art should either complement or intentionally contrast with your room's color palette. A complementary piece picks up colors already present in your furniture or walls — creating harmony. A contrasting piece deliberately stands out — creating a striking focal point.

For neutral rooms (whites, greys, beiges), almost any artwork works. For already-colorful rooms, consider black-and-white or monochromatic pieces to add visual balance. Never place a piece that introduces a color you haven't already used somewhere else in the room — unless you intend it as a deliberate accent.

Size is arguably the most common mistake people make when buying wall art. Large walls need large artwork — a small piece on a big wall looks lost and creates visual imbalance. Small, intimate spaces work better with smaller, more delicate pieces.

A useful rule: the artwork should occupy approximately 60–75% of the wall width it will hang on (accounting for any furniture below it). For a sofa, art should be roughly ⅔ the sofa's width. Always measure before purchasing.

The standard rule is to hang artwork so its center is at eye level — approximately 145–150cm (57–60 inches) from the floor. This is where the eye naturally rests when standing.

When hanging above furniture (a sofa, desk, or bed), leave 15–25cm (6–10 inches) of gap between the top of the furniture and the bottom of the frame. This connects the piece to the furniture below while maintaining breathing room. For gallery walls, work outward from the center piece.

Beyond aesthetics, the most powerful art is art that means something to you. A piece rooted in cultural heritage — like Rwandan Imigongo-inspired digital art — carries a story that purely decorative pieces cannot replicate. Every time you or a guest looks at it, there's something to discover, discuss, or reflect upon.

Consider what stories, cultures, or values you want your home to express. Art is one of the most powerful ways to communicate identity — both to yourself and to your visitors.

Lighting dramatically affects how artwork looks. Natural light is ideal but changes throughout the day — morning light is warmer, afternoon light cooler. Warm artificial lighting (2700–3000K) brings out earthy tones and creates a cozy atmosphere. Cool white lighting (4000K+) is better for crisp, high-contrast black-and-white pieces.

If possible, use a dedicated picture light or adjustable spot to illuminate your artwork and prevent glare from windows.