People ask me: What wall color will go with my framed artwork?
Multi-colored Artwork
If you have naturescapes that are multi-colored, with blue, green and brown, or include flowers, whatever color you choose to paint the walls will pull out the corresponding color in the painting. I would add clothed figurative paintings to this too because they can have any color in the clothing or background. Any neutral greige, beige, gray, light blue, sage, subtle pink or cream works.
Don’t Match A Painting to Furniture
There is no reason to buy a painting to match furniture; it looks too safe and boring. Choose paintings you love and hang them according to the size of the wall or furniture they will live above, with the center of the painting at eye level for most occupants.
Unify Frame or Mat Colors
A good strategy is to unify all the frames in the room in one color, all gold, black or white. This links them visually. Likewise, using the same color mat will unify an arrangement of artwork.
Special Paintings
If you have a very special portrait or painting hang it on a wall that is about a foot wider than the frame or on the chimney piece. This adds a second frame and draws the eye to it.
Art Collections
These tips are for most people who have a few pieces of artwork throughout the house. If collecting artwork is your life’s work, then white walls are the backdrop to go with, the art gallery look, with key pieces lit well.
I hope this helps you create a harmonious room with interesting wall color and framed artwork by unifying frame or mat colors, complementing your furniture arrangement, and adding good lighting.
Pamela Fox is a color consultant serving Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in the San Francisco Bay Area. Contact me for help with your interior or exterior paint job. www/beforeyoupaint.net, 925-222-1145.