For when you’re feeling overwhelmed with too many decorating choices and rules for your living room wall decor.
Feeling stuck trying to decorate your living room walls? I totally get it—sometimes, even after following all the traditional art “rules,” your space can still feel a little flat or uninspired. If that sounds like you, then it’s time to shake things up. Breaking a few of those so-called “rules” can actually help create a more unique, personal, and beautiful living room wall decor.
In this post, we’re going to dive into three common art rules that you should break immediately for a fresh, stylish look. I’ll be sharing bold, unconventional art pieces and a few affordable decor finds from some of my favorite places to help you elevate your walls without sticking to the old guidelines.
Ready to give your living room wall decor a refresh? I know you are.
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something though these links, I may earn a commission. Thanks!! Featured image source: (starting upper left, clockwise) Beach Grass, Atrani Amalfi Coast, Breeze, Abstract Beach, Nice France, Freeing – All from NLS Design.
Rule #1: Living Room Wall Decor Must Always Be Symmetrical
Symmetry might feel safe, but it can also feel predictable and, let’s be honest, a little boring. While perfectly aligned frames and evenly spaced prints can look polished, they can also end up feeling a bit too rigid. If your living room wall decor is starting to feel like it came straight from a catalog, it’s time to step outside the lines—literally.
One of the easiest ways to make your space feel more dynamic is by playing with asymmetry. Instead of arranging your art in a perfectly balanced grid, try something a little more unexpected. Maybe you have one large statement piece that you’re tempted to center on the wall—but what if you shifted it slightly off-center? Or added a smaller piece next to it to create an interesting, unbalanced layout?
Asymmetrical Gallery Walls
Asymmetrical gallery walls are another great way to break the symmetry rule. Mix and match different sizes and orientations of frames to create a more organic, curated look. This kind of arrangement can make your living room wall decor feel personal and layered, as if it’s been collected over time rather than bought all at once.
If you’re into a more modern, eclectic look, try mixing up the sizes, shapes, and styles of your art. For instance, pair a large landscape print with smaller abstract pieces (there are lots of NLS Design ones to choose from ;) or even personal photos in varying frame sizes. This adds depth and dimension to your wall, making it a true reflection of your personality. The key is not to overthink it—let the pieces flow naturally instead of worrying about everything lining up perfectly.
For those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic but still want to break the rules, try grouping two or three oversized prints together in a less-than-perfect arrangement. You’ll be surprised how freeing it feels to not have everything exactly aligned, and how much more interesting your living room wall decor becomes.
For those that want an easy way to create a gallery wall and don’t want to have to think about anything, check out my post The Lazy Way To Create A Gallery Art Wall.
Get the Look
My Website (for prints) and Etsy Shops (travel/nature) and (abstracts). (Sorry, you are on my blog ;)
I also like to point people to places like Society6, and Fy! for interesting art pieces that you might not have thought of.
Get your personal pictures printed for gallery walls online at Shutterfly or Snapfish, or even places like Costco or Target photo.
For frames, I like big box stores like Walmart or Amazon, or hidden places most don’t think about like craft stores such as Michaels or discount stores like TJMaxx.
By embracing asymmetry, you’ll not only add visual interest to your living room wall decor but also bring more personality into your space. It’s about balancing the unexpected and creating something that feels truly yours. Plus, the beauty of this approach is that there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to do it—you can keep tweaking your layout until it feels just right for your room.
Rule #2: Stick to One Style of Art
Gone are the days when everything had to match perfectly. We’ve moved beyond the “one style fits all” mentality, and thank goodness for that.
One of the quickest ways to make your living room wall decor more interesting is by mixing different styles of art. The key is to think outside the box—don’t feel like you have to choose between modern abstracts or vintage landscapes. Why not combine both? Play with the contrast of minimalist line drawings alongside bold, colorful pieces. The beauty of mixing styles is that it adds depth and dimension to your space, making your decor feel more curated and personal.
By blending different types of artwork, you’re creating a more dynamic look that feels intentional rather than overly polished. Think of it like layering textures in fashion—mixing a sleek leather jacket with a soft knit scarf brings balance and interest, and the same principle applies to your walls. The contrast of styles will make each piece stand out more, and your living room will feel like you.
Get the Look
Check out my blog post Printable Art Salad: How to Mix and Match Art in Your Home Like A Pro for more info on style mixing.
Look at places like Great Big Canvas or Redbubble for different options for wall décor and styles.
Shelving and other art object can be found at places like Home Depot and Cost Plus World Market.
By adding in different art styles you’ll instantly elevate your living room wall decor, making it feel more personal, thoughtful, and visually engaging. It’s all about creating that perfect balance between different aesthetics to give your space character and life.
Rule #3: Living Room Wall Decor Should Be Hung at Eye Level
While hanging art at eye level is the standard advice, breaking this rule can add so much more depth and personality to your living room wall decor. Think about it—when everything is perfectly aligned at the same height, it can feel a little flat. By playing with the placement and scale of your pieces, you bring in layers of visual interest that make your space feel more dynamic and curated.
Try hanging a piece higher than usual or, for a more relaxed, lived-in look, lean a larger piece of art on a shelf or mantel. This creates a casual vibe that still feels intentional, adding depth and movement to your walls. It also gives you the freedom to swap pieces in and out easily, perfect for anyone who loves changing up their decor regularly.
A large piece of art leaning on a shelf, with smaller pieces or even framed photos scattered around it, can create a layered, gallery-like vibe without feeling too formal. Mixing framed and unframed art, or combining different sizes, makes the arrangement feel less rigid and more thoughtfully collected.
Get the Look
Check out my post How To Hang Artwork Without Nails or Damaging Walls for more info on hanging options
Check out Home Depot, Cost Plus World Market or Amazon for creative wall shelving options.
By breaking the “eye-level” rule, you open up a world of possibilities to add more personality and dimension to your living room wall decor. It’s an easy way to make your space feel custom, layered, and uniquely yours—no hammer and nails required.
Bonus Tips: Take Your Living Room Wall Decor to the Next Level
If you want to go beyond traditional wall art and really make a statement, consider incorporating some 3D elements into your living room wall decor. Adding texture and dimension with pieces like hanging plants, sculptural art, or even woven wall hangings can create a unique, layered look that adds depth and personality to your space. It’s an easy way to take your decor to the next level without overhauling the entire room.
Textured Art
Textured art is a great way to add visual interest—think pieces with raised patterns, mixed media, or even fabric elements. It makes the space feel more dynamic and tactile. For those of you looking for something truly unique, sculptural pieces or ceramic wall art can be a real game changer. They instantly make the room feel more artistic and thoughtfully curated.
Hanging Plants
Hanging plants are another fun way to add depth to your living room wall decor. Whether it’s a trailing pothos or a leafy monstera, plants add texture and life to the room. Bonus points for choosing stylish planters that can double as decor pieces.
Get the Look
I’ve recently partnered with Fine Art America to offer prints on my website, but you can also order everything from metal, wood and acrylic prints to full blow wall size tapestries in any art you choose. Shop on my website, or Fine Art America.
I like Anthropologie and Cost Plus World Market for 3D wall art, woven hangings and other textured pieces.
You can find hanging planters on Amazon and most home improvement stores like Home Depot.
By mixing in these 3D elements, you’re not just decorating a wall—you’re creating an experience. These pieces will draw attention, add movement, and make your living room feel even more like home.
3 Rules to Break for Unique Living Room Wall Decor
There’s no need to stick to the old “rules” when it comes to living room wall decor. By embracing asymmetry, mixing different art styles, and playing with art placement, you can create a space that feels dynamic, personal, and anything but boring. These simple changes will help you elevate your home decor and make your living room feel more thoughtfully curated and unique – no overwhelm needed.
