Choosing Paintings for Your Home
The Mehtas had just moved into a new flat in Whitefield. Fresh paint. Furniture in place. Still the rooms felt a little quiet. Over tea one Saturday they started discussing paintings. Not for investment tips or art criticism, just to understand how people usually think about size, type, placement, and light.
Feel of the room (what people usually consider)
They first spoke about mood. Many homeowners map the room’s purpose with the tone of artwork.
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Living rooms often host conversations, so people lean towards abstracts or landscapes that carry colour and openness.
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Dining areas frequently see still life or travel memories because these feel warm and unhurried.
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Bedrooms commonly feature soft abstracts, florals, or calm seascapes for a restful feel.
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Entry/foyer spaces sometimes display a single bold piece, including Indian folk and tribal art like Gond or Madhubani, which stands out nicely on neutral walls.
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Study zones are usually kept clean with typography or a black-and-white photograph to reduce distraction.
These are just patterns people follow. Homes vary, and personal taste carries the final say.
Types of paintings (and the moods people read into them)
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Abstract: Many viewers read mood from colour and form. Muted = calm, high contrast = energetic.
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Landscape/Seascape: Creates a sense of distance, which some find useful in compact rooms.
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Figurative/Portrait: Adds character and a narrative presence.
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Still life: Feels composed and timeless.
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Indian folk/tribal (Madhubani, Warli, Gond, Pattachitra, Kalamkari): Cultural warmth and rhythmic patterning.
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Calligraphy/Typographic art: Crisp and modern.
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Photography: Black-and-white reads as refined, colour feels lively.
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Mixed-media/Textured canvas: Adds tactile interest to plain walls.
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Quality prints/giclée: A common budget-friendly route; people look for archival inks and acid-free paper when longevity matters.
Sizing and placement (typical practices people follow)
To keep proportions comfortable, a few rules of thumb are widely used:
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Above a sofa or bed: artwork width at roughly ⅔ to ¾ of the furniture width.
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Above a console: around 50–75% of console width.
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Centre height: many households and galleries place the artwork centre at 145–150 cm from the floor for common eye level.
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Clearance above furniture: often 15–25 cm between furniture top and frame bottom.
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Gallery walls: gaps of 5–8 cm between frames are common for a neat grid.
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Diptych/Triptych: spacing of 5–7 cm between panels.
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Tall walls/Staircases: people frequently stack pieces vertically or follow the handrail line for a steady rhythm.
Large walls are often handled with one hero canvas or a tidy grid of medium frames, rather than many tiny pieces scattered around.
Coordinating colours (how people build harmony)
It’s common to pick two or three colours from the artwork and echo them in cushions, throws, or rugs. Warm-toned art tends to stand out on cooler walls, and cool-toned art often pops against warmer paints. Frame metals are frequently matched with door handles or lamp finishes for a joined-up look.
Framing and glazing (usual choices)
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Canvas is often shown in a floater frame or left unglazed for a modern feel.
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Works on paper/photographs typically get a 5–8 cm mat and UV-filtering glass or acrylic, with non-reflective glazing used in bright rooms.
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Wood frames add warmth, while slim metal frames read as minimal and contemporary.
Lighting (what galleries and homeowners commonly do)
Lighting influences colour and clarity, so people usually pick:
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LED fixtures (cool running, low UV) with CRI 90+ for accurate colour.
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Colour temperature varies by room tone:
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2700–3000 K in warm, wood-rich spaces
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3000–3500 K for a neutral modern feel
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~4000 K where a cooler or monochrome look is preferred
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Positioning often follows the 30-degree rule: the beam aimed at about 30° to the wall to minimise glare and shadows.
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Light levels around 150–300 lux on the artwork surface are common targets, with dimmers used to fine-tune through the day.
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Direct sunlight is usually avoided to protect colours and materials.
Popular fixture choices include picture lights for a classic look, adjustable track or recessed spots for flexibility, and wall washers for even gallery walls.
Hanging and fixing (practical norms)
Two hooks per frame are commonly used to keep pieces level. Heavier works usually get proper wall plugs or rail systems. In rented spaces people often lean art on consoles or use removable strips for lighter frames. On staircases many align frame centres along the handrail rise for a natural flow.
Originals, prints, and paperwork (how people approach it)
Some buyers choose one signature piece and support it with simpler works across rooms. Originals may come with a Certificate of Authenticity. For prints, archival giclée on acid-free media is a frequent preference when longevity matters. Budget planning is often done room by room.
Care and upkeep (simple routines people follow)
Dusting frames with a soft cloth, cleaning glazing with a microfibre cloth (spray on the cloth, not on the glass), and keeping humidity steady are common habits. Works on paper are usually kept away from kitchen steam and bathroom moisture. For high-value or damaged pieces, many consult a professional conservator.
This article is for general information. Homes and preferences differ, and art is personal. If you are exploring paintings for your space these common practices may help you read the options with more clarity and confidence.
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