The 5 Common Wall Art Mistakes & How to Fix Them

The 5 Common Wall Art Mistakes Making Your Home Feel "Off" (And the Designer’s Secret to Fixing Them).

We spend years curating a life we love. From the homes we’ve raised families in to the quiet corners where we now enjoy our morning coffee, our surroundings are a reflection of our journey. As an interior designer and the founder of Susan Newberry Designs, I’ve seen how a single piece of art can breathe soul into a room.

But I’ve also seen how a few small, easily fixed mistakes can make even the most beautiful home feel slightly "off."

Have you ever looked at a wall and felt it could use a little more life? You're definitely not alone! Whether you're considering a unique family word cloud or a timeless botanical print, I've noticed a few common pitfalls. Let's dive in and explore how we can transform your space together!

1. The "Floating Art" Syndrome (Hanging Art Too High)

This is the #1 mistake I see in homes. People often hang art at "standing height," which leaves it floating near the ceiling, disconnected from the rest of the room.

The Fix: Think of your art as a partner to your furniture, not a separate entity. In my previous post, "What Size Should My Artwork Be?", I mentioned the "Eye Level Rule." Aim for the center of the piece to be about 57 to 60 inches from the floor. If you’re hanging it above a sofa or a sideboard, it should sit just 6 to 10 inches above the furniture. You want the eye to flow naturally from the sofa to the art without a giant gap of "dead air."

2. Playing It Too Safe with Scale

Nothing shrinks a room faster than a tiny 8x10 print lost on a large, expansive wall. It creates a sense of emptiness that can make a space feel cold rather than cozy.

The Fix: Be bold! Your artwork should take up roughly two-thirds to three-quarters of the available wall space. If you have a large wall and a small piece of art you love, don't force it to stand alone. This is the perfect opportunity to create a Gallery Wall (something Alison and I love to help our clients design). Grouping smaller pieces together creates one large, impactful visual "anchor."

3. Choosing "Placeholder" Art Instead of Personal Stories

We’ve all been there—buying a mass-produced print just to "fill the space." But your home is too important for "filler." For my clients who have spent a lifetime building a legacy, the art on their walls should tell that story.

The Fix: Replace the generic with the personal. Instead of a random landscape, imagine a Custom Family Word Cloud that features the names of your grandchildren, your favorite travel destinations, and the dates that changed your life. When art has meaning, it never goes out of style.

4. Forgetting the "Third Dimension" (Texture & Mediums)

Many people think wall art is limited to flat paper in a frame. If every wall in your home is a flat frame, the rooms can start to feel a bit "one-note."

The Fix: Mix your mediums. In my article on Mixing Patterns and Textures, I talk about the importance of scale and variety. Try mixing a framed paper print with a Gallery Wrapped Canvas or even one of our Woven Cotton Throws used as a wall hanging. This adds a tactile warmth that makes a house feel like a curated home.

5. The "Wait and See" Procrastination

The biggest mistake? Waiting for the "perfect time" to finish a room. We often tell ourselves we’ll find the right piece "someday," while living with blank walls that drain the energy from our homes.

The Fix: Don’t let another season pass in an unfinished room. At Susan Newberry Designs, Alison and I pride ourselves on a 24-48 hour proof turnaround because we know that once you decide to elevate your space, you want to see that vision come to life immediately.

Ready to transform your walls?

Your home is the backdrop of your life’s best moments. Don't let common mistakes keep it from looking its best. Whether it’s a milestone anniversary, a new grandchild, or simply a desire to finally "finish" that living room, now is the time to create something that will be cherished for generations.

Check out our latest designs and let’s get started on your masterpiece today. Remember, a well-designed home isn't just about furniture—it's about the stories you hang on the walls.

Thanks for stopping by,

Until next time…

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