Looking for a unique decor theme for your home interiors? We get it. At times, the classification between traditional and modern is too rigid and does not allow enough room for creativity. So if an unconventional theme with plenty of creative potential is what you are looking for, art history is just the thing for you. This unique and super classy theme is a treat for eyes if incorporated tastefully. In this article, we will familiarise you with some aspects of art history that would make for a spectacular home decor theme and how to utilise them to their full potential.
See also: What is art decor style?
Gallery walls
While talking of fine art, the first thing that comes to our mind is grand exhibits in museums and galleries. Bring home some of the grandeur by turning an accent wall into a gallery that displays high-quality framed prints of iconic artworks like Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” or Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” The frames can feature different styles for a visually engaging display, ranging from ornate golden to sleek black. You can either arrange the frames in a salon-style grid or go for a more organic, asymmetrical layout.
Here’s a pro tip: for added impact, consider creating clusters based on specific art movements or periods. For example, you can dedicate one section for Impressionist art featuring works by Monet, Renois and Dega while another section can be solely for the Renaissance period, showcasing works of da Vinci, Michelangelo and more.
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Art-inspired furniture
Transform a simple piece of furniture into a spectacular statement piece by painting it with patterns or motifs that are known to be the USPs of renowned artists. Swirling patterns reminiscent of van Gogh’s brushstrokes might look good on a side table or a dresser can take inspiration from Picasso’s Cubism and be adorned with geometric patterns.
Further, create unique home decor pieces using vintage or antique frames. Insert a reflective glass panel into an old, ornate frame to achieve an ornamental mirror oozing of grandeur and opulence. You can also use such frames as wall-mounted shelves to display smaller art objects or books.
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Wallpapers and textiles
A wallpaper mural accent wall featuring full-scale reproduction of artworks or thematic patterns is sure to grab eyeballs and stir conversation among art lovers. A classic go-to choice for such a mural is Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” as it brings forth a sense of drama. Alternatively, you can opt for wallpapers inspired from different art movements, such as Art Nouveau florals or Baroque scrolls.
For soft furnishings, go for textiles with art historical references. Designs imitating intricate or bold patterns inspired from famous artists are ideal for curtains and throw pillows. For some inspiration on this, you can look up the works of William Morris or Piet Mondrian.
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Sculptural elements
Small-scale sculptures that echo famous artworks are the perfect statement pieces for your living room. Think mini busts of classical figures or abstract miniatures of modern art that can be easily placed anywhere without occupying much space. Display them on shelves, side tables or as a part of a larger vignette in a room of your choice.
For a more niche and personalised touch, you can incorporate replicas of classical sculptures like the Apollo Belvedere or Michelangelo’s David. Place them on pedestals or display them as centrepieces for a historical touch of elegance.
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Art-inspired colour schemes
Design the colour scheme of your room based on the palette of a specific artist or painting. For instance, if you fancy Monet’s “Water Lilies,” the colour palette inspired by it should include soft blues, greens and pinks curated in your decor in a cohesive manner. Similarly, a colour palette inspired from Caravaggio’s works would use rich, deep hues for a dramatic and moody ambiance.
Consider painting one wall of the room in a colour that complements or is reminiscent of a famous artwork. A vibrant orange wall might remind you of van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” or a deep blue from “Starry Night” can serve as a stunning focal point in the room.
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Art books and artefacts
Select books on art history, preferably with visually striking jackets or cover designs, and display or arrange them tastefully on coffee tables, bookshelves or side tables. Go for books with beautiful reproductions and informative text about different art movements, artists, periods and fascinating trivia for an enriching experience for your guests.
Replicas of historical artefacts, such as ancient Greek vases, Renaissance prints and Renaissance-styles maps can be interesting additions to your decor arsenal. Not only do they add a historical touch to the space, but also facilitate intellectual conversations.
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Custom art pieces
For a more personalised touch, you can consider collaborating with contemporary artists to create custom pieces that draw inspiration from historical styles. Some options for this include an abstract work inspired by Cubism, or a modern reinterpretation of a classic portrait. Go for art pieces that combine traditional techniques with a modern twist. A historical painting style executed using contemporary elements or materials is an option you can consider.
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Lighting
Lamps with bases or shades designed to echo famous artworks can be a great functional addition to your space. A lamp with a base shaped like a Greek column or a shade featuring abstract patterns inspired by a famous artist such as Kandinsky are some options for you to consider. Highlight specific artworks or gallery walls using adjustable spotlights. Not only can this significantly enhance the visual impact of your collection, but also result in a museum-like ambiance.
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Artistic rugs and carpets
Looking for a way to add an artistic touch to your floor? Why not go for rugs inspired by historical art styles? If you desire something intricate and detailed, we recommend a Persian rug, while for a more minimal artistic flair, there are rugs featuring modern geometric designs reminiscent of the Art Deco era.
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Unique displays
Display a curated selection of small art pieces, sculptures or framed artworks on floating shelves installed at varying heights for a dynamic effect. This allows for a versatile display that is both flexible and changeable.
Additionally, you can create an art installation by grouping multiple small frames and objects in a creative arrangement. Arrange a series of miniatures in a mosaic-like pattern or use frames of various sizes to create a dynamic focal point to make the most out of this idea.
FAQs
How can I incorporate an art history-themed decor without overwhelming the space?
Select a few key pieces or elements, feature a well-curated selection with a single focal point, use subtle colours and balance the artistic elements with neutral decor to avoid overwhelming the space.
What are some affordable options to decorate with art history themes?
High-quality reproductions or prints, DIY projects on fabric inspired by art history movements and thrift finds like frames, art books or vintage items are some affordable options.
Can I mix different art periods and styles in a single room?
While you can mix styles and periods for an eclectic space, make sure to maintain cohesion by having a unifying element like a colour scheme and balancing the decor with neutral elements.
What types of frames are best for displaying art history prints?
Ornate, gilded frames are ideal for classical arts. For contemporary pieces, consider sleek, minimalist or floating frames while an eclectic mix of frames for your gallery wall can give a dynamic feel.
How do I choose the right size for art prints and frames?
The size of prints and frames should be proportionate to the wall space and the furniture around for a balanced look and be spaced adequately to avoid cluttering.
How can I incorporate art history themes into smaller apartments?
For small spaces, focus on accent pieces like art-themes accessories, utilise vertical space by displaying art on wall-mounted shelves and choose items that serve dual purposes, such as artistic furniture or storage boxes.
How to ensure a cohesive look with art history decor in different rooms?
Use a consistent colour palette, incorporate elements that echo the theme in each room and prioritise transitional pieces that maintain the cohesion across different rooms.
Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com
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Riddhi Chatterji is currently pursuing a master’s degree in English literature from University of Delhi. Her meticulous attention to detail and the desire to make a learning experience out of every opportunity has allowed her to work with different forms of textual content for digital platforms, ranging from social media to news desks. When not working or studying , you can find her with her head buried in a book, discovering new music and movies, or out and about exploring the city on the metro.
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