Best Minimalist Wall Art Ideas

The popularity of minimalism has never wavered. While some contemporary trends come and go, a minimalist interior always radiates modernism. Minimalism is about focusing on the details that really matter, and creating a sleek and serene atmosphere. Avoid clutter and unnecessary decor, and put the emphasis on stunning statement pieces. Wall art is a great way to add a hint of style while still keeping a minimalist aesthetic. We offer a curated collection of minimalist artwork with a wide array of eye-catching options. Follow our expert design tips to decide on the best wall art for your unique space. 

Minimalist Wall Decor: Top 2023 Trends

2023 introduces the idea that you don’t have to forgo color to achieve a minimalist space. While we’ll cover white-based decor later on, it’s also important to pre-plan your accent colors. Prioritize your colored decor and be selective about your statement pieces. Mix warm and cool tones for a well-balanced space. Feel free to blend pastels with more vibrant shades as long as your mix of tones appears intentional. Organic details and natural elements will bring your space back down to earth, and allow you more freedom for surreal accessories and hues. Live greenery and fresh flowers are a great way to brighten your space while staying true to the minimalist aesthetic.  

Minimalist Abstract Wall Art

Abstract artwork is effortlessly contemporary. While there are endless forms of abstract art to choose from, focus on artwork with clean lines and simple shapes. Curated by Tirzah Goodman, our minimalist architecture collection is ideal for interiors in 2023. Combine an eclectic appearance with a super chic look. This catalog of wall art is all about bringing the beauty of exterior design inside your home. Minimalism and modernism go hand in hand, so consider a multi-panel print for an extra-contemporary twist. An optical illusion is the perfect way to add creativity in the form of a striking statement piece. Consider a trendy periwinkle, pink, or sky blue as the base of your print. Pro tip: Minimalist blue wall art can add a calming effect to your living space.

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Modern Minimalist Wall Art Styles

The first step is deciding whether you want a piece of minimalist typography, or a more abstract design. Word wall art is a great option for minimalists who want to make a statement. Our “Definition Wall Art” collection is full of simple prints with inspiring words and phrases.

Minimalist Wall Art: Pro Tips

Handpicked by our art director, Tirzah Goodman, our “Single Line Art” collection is minimalist perfection. If you need convincing on why these prints are ideal for modern interiors, check out this excerpt from our article on how to use line drawings as wall art:

“Just because you want to achieve peak minimalism, doesn’t mean wall art is off the table! Line art is the perfect alternative to busy paintings, even if you consider yourself the strictest minimalist. If you’re obsessed with sleek, Nordic interiors, minimalist line paintings are the perfect way to complement this timeless theme. Accessorize with shades like black, gray, and white to copy the look of a modern art gallery. If you want a subtle pop of color, go with green houseplants and indoor flora.”

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Living Room Minimalist Wall Art

Your living room is the perfect space to experiment with minimalist decor. This is because a minimalist theme will appeal to a wide range of guests. You want your living room to be a communal space with a splash of personality. A piece of minimalist wall art creates the perfect balance between a personal and palatable interior.  

Minimalist Wall Art: Pro Tips

ElephantStock's interior design expert Elimar Lobo Sáenz shares her tips for a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired living space:

“Over the past year and half, our daily life has had a major indoor shift. This transition sparked a revitalization of Scandinavian design. Nordic interiors value coziness and a harmonious flow above all else. That’s why Scandinavian style is skyrocketing, including light-colored wood and pops of color to brighten the space.”

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White Minimalist Art Ideas

When you think of a minimalist color palette, white is always the dominating shade. This is because lighter shades tend to radiate a clean look. Start with a light, neutral base and add pops of color as you see fit.

Minimalist Wall Art: Pro Tips

You can’t go wrong with black and white. Follow these tips from our guide on how to combine black and white decor in a timeless way:

“From checkerboard floors to greyscale photographs, black and white can easily be incorporated into a retro of modern interior. The trick to achieving a totally timeless look is using furniture and images in a variety of shapes and sizes. This dynamic appearance will offset the lack of bold colors. Black and white already looks sophisticated, so you want to balance the refinement with more lighthearted decor. Experiment with pop-art style prints, and don’t be afraid to add some playful splashes of color.”

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Large Minimalist Wall Art Sizes

Because minimalist wall art looks simple, you can go big with your canvas without worrying about your space looking chaotic. Our Ultimate Wall Art Size Guide is full of suggestions for foolproof canvas dimensions:

“Wall art that you want to hang above a major piece of furniture, such a couch in your living room, should be somewhere between 2/3 and 3/4 of the furniture's width. To measure the perfect wall art size for this purpose, consider this example: If your couch is 6 feet wide, multiply it by 0.66 and 0.75. You would need a canvas between 3.96 feet and 4.5 feet wide to fit nicely above the couch.

If your ultimate goal is to create a striking focal point, go with these dimensions: 66"X33" This height and width is the ideal option for the base of an oversized gallery wall, or the overall dimensions of a multi-panel piece. Add an eye-catching print to any room in your home that has a large, empty wall. Just make sure to measure the space before installing your canvas, as this size can look overwhelming in a smaller space.

If you’re in search of something super dramatic for an empty wall, go with the dimensions 68"X45"! If you want to cover the entire wall above a piece of furniture, this is the perfect selection for your space. This oversized canvas will instantly grab your guests’ attention.”

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Minimalist Wall Art Shapes

Finally, choose a canvas shape that will work with your current decor. Minimalist style encompasses a variety of styles, so it’s important to choose the best layout for your home:

A simple, classic look: The Single-Panel Rectangle or Single-Panel Square

Minimalist art for narrow spaces: The Single-Panel Vertical Canvas or the Single-Panel Panoramic Canvas

A more modern take: The Triptych Tri-Panel Canvas or the Symmetrical Five-Panel Canvas

A trendy appearance: The Split Two-Piece Canvas or the Four-Panel “Wave” Canvas

A fun and funky shape: The 7-Piece Hexagonal Canvas Set

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Zen Minimalist Wall Ideas

If you’re looking to add some tranquility and calm to your minimalist interior, consider incorporating zen-inspired wall art. Search for prints that feature stacked stones, water, and nature scenes. These types of images can create a serene atmosphere and bring a sense of balance to your space. The simplicity and natural elements of these prints can complement the clean lines and neutral color palette of a minimalist interior. Stacked stone prints, for example, can convey a sense of balance and stability, while water prints can create a peaceful and calming ambiance. Nature prints, such as forests or mountains, can also bring a sense of grounding and connection to the outdoors. These types of prints can be hung individually or in a group, depending on the size of your space and the effect you want to create. Add a touch of zen to your minimalist interior with some tranquil wall art. It’s easy to create a space that’s both stylish and peaceful!

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More Wall Art Tips & Topics

If you’re looking for articles on a specific version of minimalism, check out our inspiration blog. We have articles on everything from the best Scandinavian color palettes, to more minimalist wall art ideas. Turn your home into a modern masterpiece with the easy addition of artwork.

See our top picks for minimalist wall art >>