Art Exhibitions

4 Ways to Embellish a Small Space with Small Art

Many of us city dwellers sacrifice a lot to be in the centre of it all - including wall space. Yet, despite our lack of areas for display, you can still build a meaningful and enjoyable art collection that will feel at home in yours. Scale back, think small, and build that diverse collection you’ve always wanted.

By Lori Zimmer | 10 Apr 2017

Many of us city dwellers sacrifice a lot to be in the centre of it all - including wall space. Yet, despite our lack of areas for display, you can still build a meaningful and enjoyable art collection that will feel at home in yours. Scale back, think small, and build that diverse collection you’ve always wanted.

Left: Image courtesy of Turner and Pocock

Right: Image courtesy of Shanade McAllister-Fisher

1 Bulk up with a grouping

Just because you have less wall space, doesn’t mean you have to choose just one or two key pieces to exhibit in your home. Instead, think small! Groupings can look great with four or five medium sized pieces, or even with up to twenty varying sized art works. The key to making any grouping look great is balance.

2 Pick a centrepiece

For particularly small apartments, many choose an ornate mirror to be the center focus piece, as it can widen the viewing area, reflect light, and of course is functional! This is also a great place to feature a larger work in your collection. Use this piece as the “lead” piece for picking other artworks.

Sediment, £300

Shop Nick Miners' Works >>

3 Choose a Theme

In order to create a cohesive flow to your grouping, choose a loose theme. This is not as limiting as it sounds! Think about geometry, tone, color, medium. Do you want your grouping to be bold and enigmatic? Romantic? Abstract, or serene? Keep these in mind while you curate your own grouping.

Sediment, £300

Shop Nick Miners' Works >>

4 Size Matters

All of the pieces in your grouping don’t have to be the same size, in fact the best groupings alternate between extra small and medium pieces. The key here is balance. The best way to create a harmonious grouping is to first lay it out on the floor in front of the wall you will be mounting on. Using your center piece as a focus, arrange each side to reflect the other, and don’t forget the measuring tape. This doesn’t mean you have to mirror each side of the configuration, just be aware of the dialogue that each piece will create with the other.

A commissioned piece by artist Mat Cahill

Shop his works >>

Get the Look

I've scoured the Rise Art gallery, curating a selection of works in an array of sizes that I think would create a stunning salon-style grouping, no matter how small your space.

Feature a Centrepiece