The Complete Guide to Selecting Stunning Kitchen Wall Artwork
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. It's a space where families gather together, meals are shared, and memories are made. An important part of kitchen design involves decorating the walls to reflect your personal style. Artwork is a wonderful way to add visual interest, color, and character to your kitchen walls.
From planning placement to choosing eye-catching themes, materials, finishes, and arrangement ideas, we'll cover everything you need to know.
Planning Your Kitchen Wall Art
Determine Placement Based on Kitchen Layout
When selecting kitchen wall art, first consider your overall space and layout. Look at the existing wall area and size to determine the best places to add artwork. Pay attention to any architectural details or features on the walls that could impact placement.
Also identify prime focal points where you may want to highlight art to draw the eye. For example, a large empty wall space above an eat-in dining area or behind a kitchen island makes an ideal art display spot.
Complement Your Style and Decor
Make sure any wall art coordinates well with your kitchen's existing decor and design aesthetic. Matching the color palette used in your space is key. Warm wood tones and bright pops of color tend to work well for most kitchen styles.
You'll also want artwork that fits with the overall theme or vibe of your kitchen. For modern contemporary spaces, abstract shapes and metallics are great options. In country kitchens, rustic farmhouse-style art looks cohesive.
Types of Wall Art for Kitchens
There are endless options when it comes to wall art mediums and formats that are suitable for kitchens:
- Canvas prints
- Acrylic/glass prints
- Metal prints
- Photography prints
- Tapestry art
- Framed prints/paintings
- Wall sculptures
- Mixed media collages
- Murals
- Shelving/wall hooks as functional art
Selecting Art Subjects and Themes
Food and Cooking Themes
For many, displaying food or cooking-related art in the kitchen feels like an obvious choice. From fruits and vegetables to utensils and restaurant scenes, food themes celebrate the heart of the space.
That being said, some may find food art too on-the-nose or limiting over time. To avoid this, look for unique perspectives on food subjects. Think custom illustrations rather than generic prints.
Non-Food Themes
Don't feel that your kitchen art needs to be food-focused, though. All sorts of subjects and themes can work beautifully:
- Floral/botanical: Vibrant flower arrangements or leafy plant prints add lively pops of color.
- Landscapes: Serene nature scenes bring the outdoors in.
- Architecture: Black and white architectural prints have graphic appeal.
- Portraits: Vintage cookbook pages with portraits make fun accent art.
- Abstract designs: Bold geometric shapes have modern flair.
Inspirational Quotes and Text Art
Typographic wall art can infuse uplifting messages into your kitchen's atmosphere. Choose quotes related to cooking, family, or positivity for wide appeal. Handwritten or custom fonts in decorative styles elevate simple phrases.
When selecting inspirational text art, opt for quotes that truly resonate with you vs. cliche sayings. Display your favorite food-related idioms or words of wisdom.
Artwork Materials and Finishes
Canvas vs. Acrylic/Glass
Two of the most popular kitchen wall art mediums are canvas and acrylic/glass. Canvas has a textured look and feel. Acrylic makes colors pop with a glossy finish.
For kitchens, acrylic/glass is very durable and easily cleaned, making it a smart choice. The sleek transparency also lends a light, airy look. Canvas can show dirt and stains over time.
Wood and Metal Options
If you want natural, rustic character, wood wall art introduces beautiful grain textures. Pieces like cutting boards or utensil holders double as functional decor.
For contemporary appeal, metal art adds industrial edge. Aluminum, steel, and tin pieces make an eye-catching statement. From 3D sculptures to laser-cut silhouettes, metal's sheen draws the eye.
Photographic Prints
Black and white or color photos printed directly on materials like acrylic, metal, and wood transform snapshots into stunning art statements. Oversized photos covering full walls make a bold impression.
Displaying and Arranging Kitchen Wall Art
Mixing Prints and Mediums
Don't be afraid to get creative mixing various print types and art mediums. Contrast a black and white acrylic print with a colorful canvas piece. Or blend metal, wood, photography, and calligraphy art.
Just be mindful of coordinating sizes between pieces. Cluster similarly sized items together.
Gallery Walls
To decorate a larger kitchen wall, a gallery wall with several pieces provides visual appeal. Sketch out an arrangement template so items are evenly dispersed. Balance larger and smaller pieces.
When hanging a gallery collection, start with the central focal point. Build outward from there, stepping back periodically to ensure even spacing.
Impact of Shape and Color
Strategically place brighter, bolder art to draw the eye. A vibrant abstract shape or colorful modern graphic makes a great focal feature. Complement with more neutral art.
likewise, vary shapes between pieces. Combine horizontal and vertical orientations, circular designs, symmetrical and asymmetrical layouts.
Lighting and Placement
Proper placement enhances your kitchen art. Typically, 57-60 inches above the floor is ideal. Illuminate it with pendant lights or track lighting to highlight.
Avoid hanging near cooking zones where steam or splatter could occur. Position artwork at a reasonably safe distance from your stove and sink.
Protecting and Maintaining Kitchen Artwork
Sealants and Protective Coatings
Shield canvas, acrylic, and metal art from kitchen threats like grease and moisture damage. Opt for pieces with protective sealants already applied, or apply a clear acrylic gloss coat yourself for extra durability.
Cleaning Different Mediums
Know the proper care guidelines for your art prints and mediums. Gently wipe acrylics and metals using microfiber cloths and mild cleaners. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives.
Use extreme caution around any art containing paper elements, as moisture can easily damage the piece. Never use steam or boiling water near kitchen wall art.
Evaluating Condition and Damage
Even with protective steps, kitchen art endures heavy use. Inspect pieces regularly for early signs of wear, such as color fading or loss of structural integrity. Address issues immediately before they worsen.
Rotate pieces between different walls periodically to evenly distribute environmental exposure and extend the lifespan.
With this complete guide, you have all the information needed to confidently choose stunning kitchen wall artwork. Thoughtfully selected art boosts visual flair and fosters a welcoming atmosphere.
Always tailor your selections to complement your existing decor. Seek out quality, durable pieces that reflect your personal style. Take care in displaying and caring for art so it enhances your kitchen for years to come.