Best Contemporary Wall Art Ideas

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If you’re in search of the ultimate modern décor, contemporary wall art is the way to go. Wall art can give your home a current upgrade without breaking the bank. Hanging a print in a contemporary style will elevate your space in the blink of an eye. When it comes to affordability and ease, wall art can’t be beat. From abstract brushstrokes to modern minimalism, there are tons of diverse options to suit your individual aesthetic. Modernism encapsulates a wide range of design styles, and we’re going to share our top picks for every interior. Follow our expert tips to give your home a professional touch.

Navigate to a specific section based on your interests:

Contemporary Wall Art Styles

The Best Rooms for Modern Wall Prints

Color Palettes for Contemporary Art

Contemporary Wall Décor: Sizes

Contemporary Canvas Art: Shapes

Interior Design Tips, Tricks, & Topics

Contemporary Wall Art Styles

Consider the modern “brush stroke” trend, curated by our art director, Tirzah Goodman. These pieces combine minimalism and abstract brush strokes to create a highly versatile piece. The beauty of these prints is that they can match practically any décor.

Contemporary Wall Art: Pro Tips

View an excerpt from our article on how to use abstract art in your space:

“Nothing enhances the look of a living area quite like abstract wall art. Abstract artwork represents freedom, and it complements a wide range of interiors. This ultra-creative style of art will add a trendy touch without taking over your home. It’s up to you to choose between a piece with bold colors, or muted neutrals. Ensure that your piece is large enough to act as the focal point of the room, and don’t hesitate to explore crazy, conceptual designs.”

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The Best Rooms for Modern Wall Prints

The beauty of modern art is that it can easily suit any room. From your bedroom to your living space, contemporary artwork is a great way to refresh your entire home. Consider hanging contemporary art in high-trafficked areas where guests tend to congregate. Your dining room is a great place to experiment with the modern art trend. Hang a large piece of artwork in the center of your dining space to create a dynamic focal point.

Contemporary Wall Art: Pro Tips

Our resident design expert Elimar Lobo Sáenz emphasizes the transformative effect of abstract art:

“You should always consider abstract or contemporary styles of artwork. Whether you want to create an equal balance of elegant and edgy, or your goal is to lean into the popular urban-glam trend, there’s something special about contemporary art. The visible mystery that lies behind an abstract painting is attention-grabbing and eye-catching.”

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Color Palettes for Contemporary Art

Wall art can tie together your current color scheme. Look for a piece of contemporary art that incorporates your preexisting colors. The simplicity of modern art will balance the multi-colored appearance. For an alternative that is equally modern, let your furniture serve as the pop of color and keep your artwork neutral.

Gray Wall Art

Gray is the ultimate contemporary color. Check out this passage from our expert article on how to decorate with gray in a modern space:

“The ultimate use of grey is the understated, modern look. Make grey look effortlessly luxurious by choosing cool grey tones with lustrous finishes. Embrace concrete flooring and metallic accents. Incorporate a touch of industrial-chic, and experiment with silver-toned greys. Paint your walls a deep grey for a truly contemporary look.”

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Contemporary Wall Décor: Sizes

When choosing the right print for your space, it’s imperative to select the right size. Read through our guide below on how to choose the right canvas dimensions for your wall:

Your wall art should take about 60% to 75% of the available empty wall space, the portion not covered by moldings or furniture. Measure the height and width of the wall. Now, multiply the measurements by both 0.6 and 0.75. As a result, you will get the range of canvas print sizes to suit the space.

Wall art that you want to hang over furniture, such as a fireplace, a bed or a couch, should be between 2/3 and 3/4 of the furniture's width. To measure the ideal art size above your furniture, consider this example: If your couch is 6 feet wide, multiply it by 0.66 and 0.75. You need a canvas between 3.96 feet and 4.5 feet wide to fit impressively above the couch.

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Contemporary Canvas Art: Shapes

Once you’ve selected the size of your print, decide which shape and layout best suits your space:

The classic canvas: 1-Piece Canvas

The trendy two-piece: 2-Piece Split Canvas

The modern multi-panel: 3 to 5-Piece Multi-Panel Canvas

The funky hexagon: 7-Piece Hexagonal Canvas

Contemporary Framed Art

You also have to determine whether you want a framed or unframed print. Consider these tips below:

“Unframed canvas is artwork that is not set into any frame. Because of frameless borders, these artworks can adapt to any style. Unframed canvas prints are loved for their sleek and modern look. The minimalist look blends well with contemporary furniture and virtually all interior styles.

Framed artwork looks complete and polished. Because of the small gap between the canvas and the frame, the canvas print seems to be floating inside the frame, giving your artwork a truly unique look. One of the best benefits of framed artwork is that it looks very light and unbulky, which results in a clean appearance.”

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Interior Design Tips, Tricks, & Topics

Contemporary artwork is a great way to change up your décor. Wow your guests with a splash of modernism from the moment they enter your space. For more interior design advice, head over to our inspiration blog where we walk you through decorating every room. We’ve consulted with the top design experts to bring you the hottest trends for 2023 and beyond.