Everything You Need to Know About Decorating with Abstract Art

The early 20th century brought an exciting shift in how we think about art at home. It all started with the Bauhaus movement in 1919 Germany. These creative pioneers had a fresh idea: why not make art a natural part of everyday life?

Fast forward to the 1940s and 50s, when things got really interesting. Artists like Jackson Pollock and Wassily Kandinsky shook up the art world with Abstract Expressionism. Their bold approach changed how people viewed art in their homes — suddenly, those living room walls became a canvas for something completely different! Think splashes of color, dynamic forms, and artwork that made people stop and turn.

And today? The impact of these movements and artists continues to inspire how we personalize our homes. Abstract art's enduring relevance makes it a natural choice for modern interiors.

Abstract pieces continue to take center stage in today's homes for several practical and aesthetic reasons:

• They're conversation starters. Abstract works create visual interest while maintaining design flexibility. They work equally well as a subtle accent or bold statement piece.
• They're versatile. Abstract art adapts to different interior styles, from modern minimalist to eclectic spaces.
• They amp up the mood. Whether you’re looking to inject your space with fresh energy or create a calming oasis, abstract pieces use color and composition to enhance a room's atmosphere.
• They stay fresh for all ages. Abstract art never gets old. The same piece can feel fresh and exciting year after year because you'll always notice something new.

Whether you're looking to make a statement or add subtle sophistication to your space, Minted's collection of abstract prints makes it easy to find the piece that speaks to you.

The size of your chosen piece can completely change the vibe of your room. A large piece can serve as a focal point in your living room, while a collection of smaller prints might better suit a hallway or create an engaging gallery wall.

When it comes to placement, think "eye-catching" — literally! Hanging your art at eye level (about 57 inches from the floor) creates an instant connection between you and the piece. And if you're jazzing up the space above your sofa? Leave about 6 inches of breathing room to keep things looking polished.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all rule here. Your space is uniquely yours, and your art should reflect that. That's why, at Minted, we offer various sizes and custom options to help you find artwork that fits your space perfectly.

Pro Tip: Grab some painter's tape and map out potential sizes on your wall. It's a fun way to visualize how different dimensions might look before you commit.

The colors featured in your abstract art can set the entire mood of a room. The right palette can either complement your existing decor or create intentional contrast. Warm colors like reds and oranges can energize a room, while cooler tones like blues and greens can create a more calming atmosphere.

Here's a little insider wisdom for you — choose artwork with a focused color palette. This thoughtful approach creates visual impact while harmonizing with your current decor. For example, Minted's "Waves From Above" print uses fluid forms and soft hues to add serenity to bathroom spaces.

Want to become more confident with color? Check out Minted's guide to color theory.

When selecting abstract art for your home, go with your gut. Abstract art can evoke different emotions and interpretations for each viewer, making it a uniquely personal choice for your space.

Not sure what speaks to you? Abstract art comes in many styles, from bold geometric patterns to soft organic forms. Whether you're drawn to the dynamic energy of Abstract Expressionism or the simplicity of Minimalism, understanding different styles can help you identify what resonates with you. Our guide to art collecting can help you explore these various approaches.

The right piece of abstract art does more than fill a wall—it adds personality to your space and can become a natural focal point for conversation. Mix it up, try something unexpected, and most importantly, have fun with it. After all, discovering what you love is half the adventure.

One of the best ways to choose art for a particular space is to consider what you’re hoping to achieve beyond simply filling a blank wall. Maybe you’re hoping to bring color into a neutral space, want to give your existing color palette a more cohesive feel, or even subtly set the tone for the emotions you’d like to feel in a particular room. Once you’re clear on that, you can shop for abstract art with more focused eyes — and choose pieces with greater confidence.

Here are a few tips for how to choose art thoughtfully:

• Consider the room's purpose: Choose artwork that suits the energy of each space. More dynamic pieces work well in social areas, while calmer works can enhance relaxation in bedrooms.
• Mix different styles: Abstract art can complement various decor styles. A contemporary piece can work surprisingly well with traditional furniture.
• Work with scale: Large pieces can define open spaces, while smaller artworks can add interest to intimate areas. Consider texture: Combining different mediums like prints, paintings, and sculptures can add depth to your space.

Digital art is bringing a whole new twist to abstract pieces. Artists are using cutting-edge technology to build works that combine creative vision with pixel-perfect precision — and the results are amazing for modern homes.

Digital art pieces can adapt to various design preferences. For example, Minted's partnership with Samsung's The Frame lets you display a rotating selection of artwork by independent artists on your TV screen, allowing you to switch up the vibe of your space whenever you feel like it.