Abstract art is the most versatile category of wall art for living rooms, and also the most misunderstood.

Many people who are drawn to abstract art hold themselves back from buying it because they are not sure they will understand it, or that they will choose correctly, or that it will work in their particular space. These worries are both understandable and almost entirely unfounded. For a full explainer on what abstract art actually is, read my post on what abstract art means.

Why abstract art works so well in living rooms

Abstract art works in living rooms because it does not depict anything specific. It works instead with colour, form, texture and movement to create a visual experience that is about feeling rather than representation. It relates to the room emotionally rather than literally, providing a feeling without competing with the actual objects and furniture in the space.

Abstract paintings also tend to age better in domestic settings. A figurative painting you love now may feel very specific in ten years. An abstract painting that speaks to something in you tends to deepen over time. This is especially true of alcohol ink art, which keeps revealing itself in different light conditions.

Colour and feeling: the most important decision

The first decision in choosing abstract art for a living room is not style or size. It is feeling. What do you want your living room to feel like when you walk in at the end of the day?

For a full exploration of this, read my post on what your home says about how you want to feel.

If calm is what you need, look for soft blues, greens and warm neutrals. If warm is the answer, look for deep forest greens, gold and earthy ambers. For specific guidance by colour, I have posts on green wall art, blue and green wall art, and purple wall art.

Scale: bigger than you think

The most common sizing mistake in living rooms is going too small. For a full guide to getting the size right in every room, read my room by room sizing guide.

For a standard living room wall, consider paintings of at least 60cm in the shorter dimension. For the wall above a sofa, read my post on the best wall art for above a sofa for specific measurements.

Choosing abstract art you will love for years

The single most reliable guide to choosing the right abstract painting for your living room is your own response to it. Not does it go with the room. What does it do to you when you look at it?

The painting that produces a genuine response will earn its place on your wall every single day. Read more about how to choose wall art you won't get bored of.

And once you have chosen and hung it, read my guide on how to hang a painting to make sure it goes up perfectly.

My collection of abstract alcohol ink paintings is made for living rooms that want to feel something. Canvas prints from £32, fine art paper prints from £45, all made by hand and shipped worldwide from London.

Explore the full collection here. I cannot wait to see you there.