Have you ever been in the process of decorating a room and felt overwhelmed and a bit frazzled?
I know I have.
You want the space to feel modern, yet you could also do with a giant dose of calm after all the chaos.
Maybe it’s your Zen bedroom, or the family room chill zone, but you want the art to reflect your obviously cool style, while also not being in-your-face loud and obnoxious.
That’s where contemporary, calming abstract art comes into play.
Modern abstract art is traditionally thought of as very bold and for a select few people. The thought is that you usually have to have a very minimalist and contemporary home to pull off abstract art.
Think that thought no longer.
There are a ton of calming abstract art pieces out there at all different price points that can help you achieve the perfect mix of two emotions.
And, I’m going to help you choose the very best ones for your space by keeping a few things in mind when you’re shopping.
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something though these links, we may earn a commission. Thanks!! Featured image source: Pool by NLS Design Abstracts on Etsy.
Shopping for Calming Abstract Art “Rules”
Soothing Colors
The colors of the art you choose are obviously the most important.
Artwork is usually one of the last things you put in a room when you are decorating because you use it to pull all of the colors in the room together. Kinda like the glue of the room. It makes everything look like it is supposed to go together.
When choosing calming abstract art, think the cool tones side of the color wheel since they have been associated with a peaceful mood. Blue, green, lavender and neutral earth tone hues also evoke nature, which has a soothing affect for many people.
Along with the hue of the color you choose, also consider the intensity. Since abstract art is usually associated with bright, bold colors, go the opposite and choose muted, soft colors to tone down the severity and energy of the piece.
Balanced Composition
Composition is all about how the elements in the piece of art are laid out.
When choosing calming abstract art, you want to look for a piece that is relatively ordered and balanced. The eye needs to feel that it can rest and not be zigzagging all over the piece. The more eye movement, the more energy it can feel like it has, which is not overly relaxing.
Artwork Size
One of the essential elements of choosing artwork is to make sure that it is the correct size for your space.
Too big, and it can overwhelm the space and furniture. Too small, and it can feel like you are in an Alice in Wonderland house.
As with composition, you want the scale and size of your art to be balanced for the space.
Generally, huge abstract art can feel threatening, while smaller groupings can feel cozier and calmer.
(If you have a large wall space to fill and you aren’t quite sure what to put there, check out my post How to Fill a Large Living Room Wall When You Have No Money.)
Movement
The artist’s brush strokes are why we buy art in the first place, right?
We want something unique and unequivocally handmade.
Since there really isn’t a subject with abstract art, the movement and energy that is evoked with the brushstrokes (or pencil, ink, etc…) is very important to consider.
Are there wild strokes that are jagged and harsh and look like they are shooting off the page? Or, are the strokes smooth and flowy? You get the idea.
Thick, layered plaster-look pieces also feel heavier and starker, versus a piece with a lighter airy touch.
Choosing Modern Yet Calming Abstract Art
In the end, you want your calming abstract art choice to be exactly that… yours.
Pick something that makes you feel something or that evokes a memory for you.
That’s the beautiful thing about abstract art, it isn’t really anything until you make it something by looking at it in your own way.
You’ll know by looking at a piece how it makes you feel.
You just have to see it to know that you want it.
See, that wasn’t so tricky after all.
And, most of it is pretty intuitive.
(Also see my article 5 Easy Ways to Decorate with an Abstract Landscape Painting if you are looking for a piece of art that will just work in any room in your home.)
