Choosing the right art for an office environment can be tricky. As an office manager or business owner, you want paintings and prints that are visually appealing yet professional. The art you select should complement your company’s brand and culture. It’s also important to consider factors like wall space, lighting, and privacy when determining which pieces to display.
In this article, we’ll explore how to select office art, from subjects and styles to placement and arrangement. We’ll also provide specific painting recommendations to help you decorate your workplace walls. With some thoughtfulness and planning, you can pick pieces that will delight employees and visitors alike.
Consider the Office Environment
Before choosing any paintings or prints for your office, take into account the overall environment. Look at the color scheme, layout, lighting, and furnishings. You want art that enhances the existing decor rather than clashing with it. Also, think about the atmosphere and culture of your workplace. Is it formal or more casual? Corporate offices tend to lean conservative, while creative agencies often opt for bold, modern art.
Additionally, look at the wall space available and take measurements. Large, open expanses can accommodate bigger pieces of art. Smaller or divided areas may be better suited for groupings of smaller prints. You want each piece to feel balanced within the space and not appear dwarfed or overwhelming.
Select Appropriate Subject Matter
The subject matter of the art you choose should align with your company’s industry and identity. Abstract art is an easy option since it does not depict anything too specific. Flowers, landscapes, or simple graphical prints also tend to work well. Avoid art with people as the main focus, as some staff may find it distracting. The exception would be for a creative agency who wants modern photography prints.
Also consider motivational or inspirational messages and imagery. For example, a print featuring a quote about perseverance or teamwork. Just steer clear of clichés. Whatever you select should tie into your company mission and values. The art should spark curiosity and contemplation, not confusion.
Consider Framing and Medium
Framing and art medium impact the overall look, feel, and durability of the pieces. Heavy, ornate frames may clash with a minimalist or modern office. Simple black or silver frames often work well in professional settings. Unframed canvas prints can also look clean and contemporary. Mirror frames add depth and the illusion of more space.
For medium, photography and canvas prints have an approachable vibe, while paintings on paper appear more refined. Metal or wood wall art pieces complement industrial and rustic offices. Murals can make a major impact but also require more logistical planning. Just ensure the medium fits the subject matter and office aesthetic.
Recommended Office Painting Themes and Styles
If you’re unsure where to start in your art selection, consider some of these popular painting themes and styles for offices:
- Abstract art – Focus on geometric shapes, patterns, or colors rather than specific imagery. Calming and open to interpretation.
- Architecture/Cityscapes – Black and white photographic prints of famous buildings and skylines convey a well-traveled vibe.
- Nature – Botanical prints, landscape paintings, and wildlife photography connect us to the natural world.
- Minimalism – Clean, simple designs and solid blocks of color create a relaxing and orderly feel.
- Vintage Advertisements – Reprints of old ads and signage with catchy slogans and retro graphics.
Avoid fine art prints that may appear stuffy or overly opulent. Keep styles fresh and thoughtful without being distracting. Wall art should enhance productivity and positivity.
Arrange Cohesive Groupings
Curate your office art wall carefully by creating cohesive arrangements. Group pieces with similar color schemes, frames, or subjects. Variety adds visual interest, but too many competing elements can feel disjointed. Frames should complement each other based on finish, proportion, and style.
Hang artwork at eye level for optimum visibility and impact. Spacing depends on the size of the pieces, but make sure groupings feel balanced. You can arrange identical prints in geometric formations or cluster different sized frames in an asymmetrical composition. Just avoid cramming too many pieces close together.
Artwork Placement Tips
Where you place office art impacts how visitors and employees interact with it. Here are some placement tips:
- Entryway – Make a strong first impression with bold, vibrant pieces.
- Hallways – Add interest to boring spaces with artwork people see as they walk through the office.
- Open concept areas – Oversized wall art defines zones in a large, open floor plan.
- Conference rooms – Inspire creativity and focus with serene landscapes or motivational quotes.
- Breakroom – Uplifting botanical and food-related prints encourage rejuvenation.
- Private offices – Personalize executive spaces with stylish prints that spark joy.
Avoid placing art directly behind desks where long periods of staring could cause strain. Also be mindful of glare that may make pieces difficult to enjoy. Position art so it can be appreciated from multiple vantage points.
Recommended Paintings for Office Settings
Here are some specific picks to spark office art ideas:
| Painting | Description |
|---|---|
| Cafe Terrace at Night by Vincent Van Gogh | This iconic Impressionist scene of a Parisian cafe exudes gentle vibrance. The dark blue hues are peaceful. |
| Water Lilies by Claude Monet | Monet’s dreamy water lilies are a perfect office choice. The soft colors and wispy brush strokes radiate serenity. |
| The Great Wave Off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai | The striking blue wave contrasts brilliantly with Mount Fuji and Edo period Japan in one of the world’s most famous woodblock prints. |
| Mosaic abstract print | Multi-colored mosaic patterns encapsulate geometric abstract art. The repetitive shapes have a soothing, mesmerizing quality. |
| At the Office by Fernand Léger | This fun, vivid cubist painting depicts office life in a playful, energizing manner. |
Modern abstract prints, Impressionist landscapes, and geometric designs tend to suit most workplaces. Avoid fine art nudes and select uplifting subjects over melancholy scenes.
Consider Local Artists
Supporting local and regional artists is an impactful way to decorate your office walls. Visit local art fairs, open studio events, and galleries to discover emerging talent and connect with creators. You may find paintings, photos, mixed media pieces, or prints that capture your hometown’s vibe.
Commissioning a local artist to create custom artwork is also an option. Work with them to reflect your company’s story through customized prints, murals, wall sculptures, and more. Employees will appreciate seeing familiar scenes from around town displayed in the office.
Change Displays Quarterly
While some signature pieces warrant permanent placement, plan to swap out other prints and paintings seasonally. This keeps the office decor feeling fresh. You can match artwork to the seasons or current themes. For example, nautical prints for summer or poinsettia botanicals in December.
Ask staff to suggest new artists or galleries to source from. Get their input on style preferences too. Changing the art every quarter makes employees feel more connected to the evolving aesthetic.
Add Art to Meeting Rooms
Often meeting rooms feel sterile and lack personality. Liven up these spaces with vibrant prints and paintings. Opt for conversation starters, like an abstract piece open to interpretation. Add art behind meeting chairs rather than just by doors for better visibility.
Inspiring quotes and nature photography also work well. If the meeting room has a name, find artwork that fits it. For example, hanging beach prints in the “Coastal” room. Make sure pieces are distinctive enough to differentiate rooms.
Use Wall Decals in Offices
In offices and workstations, wall decals allow employees to customize their space. Provide a variety of decal sizes, colors, and motifs. Geometric shapes, botanical prints, city skylines, and motivational words are great options. Keep choices tasteful yet playful.
Decals stick to walls without damaging paint, making it easy to refresh space. They also come in matte finishes to reduce glare. Allow employees to swap decals seasonally if desired. Wall decals bring personality and a sense of ownership.
Select Multi-Piece Sets
For a coordinated look, choose artwork that comes in sets with matching frames and matting. Sets allow you to decorate a whole wall, connecting separate pieces into one stylish arrangement.
Sets feature complementary themes like botanicals, geometric shapes, or landscape vistas. Mixing these throughout the office ties spaces together. Sets also simplify the curation process. Just choose one matching collection rather than piecing many parts together.
Add Unique Wall Sculptures
Dimensional art offers a tactile accent to walls. Wall sculptures feel luxe and modern. Opt for organic materials like wood, clay, or resin formed into abstract shapes. Pieces with protruding boards or geometric shelves are also on trend. Lean into organic edges and imperfections.
Wall sculptures anchor a space and create opportunities for displaying smaller objects. For example, a wood or acrylic wall shelf houses succulents in the breakroom. Functional and fluid, sculptures provide an artistic alternative to traditional wall hangings.
Use Murals for Bold Impact
Murals generate major visual impact, transforming blank office walls into works of art. They establish a sense of place and often become talking points. Opt for muted, neutral palettes to avoid overwhelming. Abstract shapes work well to complement most decors.
Greenery and botanical themes connect us to nature indoors. You can also commission a mural featuring your company history or employees at work. Murals tie closely to company culture. Place them strategically where the most people will appreciate them.
Add Warming Accents
Warm up sleek, modern offices with earthy touches like:
- Black and white photography – Conveys a timeless documentary feel.
- Vintage maps – Show nostalgic landscapes and typography.
- Faded ledger pages – Insert old world character.
- Plant drawings – Bring life through office greenery art.
Accent walls with reclaimed wood or unfinished panels to add organic texture. Layer in touches of the old with contemporary art for visual interest.
Use White Space Thoughtfully
While filler art has a place, don’t overcrowd walls. Thoughtful use of white space creates a clean, galleries aesthetic. Group multiple pieces over a console or credenza, but leave equal-sized gaps between groupings.
White space allows viewers to fully appreciate each work instead of competing elements. It keeps the overall art arrangement from feeling cluttered. Embrace minimalism and give each piece room to breathe.
Add Pops of Color
Inject bright hues to liven neutrally decorated offices. Empower employees to select vibrant artwork they connect with. Choose chromatic themes like sunset tones, jewel tones, or primary colors.
Navy and emerald green inject rich dimension. Opt for energizing patterns like stripes over distracting florals. Brilliant accents enliven while keeping the overall aesthetic refined. Just take care not to oversaturate space.
Use Mirrors to Expand Rooms
Mirrors effectively double visual space, making offices feel more open and airy. Pair mirrors with lighter colored frames rather than heavy, dark wood. Avoid ornate antique styles in favor of clean lines.
Place mirror frames flush together to create the illusion of a larger piece. Hang them across from windows so the reflection carries views outdoors indoors. Keep mirrors proportional to the wall space so they don’t seem dwarfed or overwhelming.
Creative Mirror Display Ideas
- Salvaged window frames – Upcycle old windows into mirrors for added dimension.
- Acrylic speech bubbles – Whimsical blank speech bubbles make playful mirrors.
- Circle frames – Circular mirrors balance hard lines and add curves.
Curate Employee Artwork
Showcase employee talent by curating a workspace art gallery. Ask staff to submit paintings, drawings, photos, mixed media collages, or other original creations. Change the exhibit quarterly to highlight new pieces.
Not only does this allow budding artists to shine, but it also brings out employees’ passions beyond work. Display exhibit info like title and creator next to each piece. An employee art gallery boosts camaraderie, unity, and culture.
Rotate Artwork Routinely
While some standout pieces warrant permanent placement, rotate the majority of your office art regularly. Changing displays seasonally prevents the same prints from fading into the background. It also accommodates new purchases and donations.
Number pieces on the back and create a floor plan indicating artwork locations. Snap photos before taking pieces down. Follow numbers and photos when rehanging to achieve the desired formation. Freshening office art displays boosts energy and creativity.
Prioritize Art Viewing Experience
Consider sight lines, lighting, and seating arrangements when hanging office art. Locate pieces where employees and visitors will see them during the work day, like hallways or the cafeteria. Avoid spotlighting that causes glare or shadows.
Place benches or seats opposite impactful art displays to create a viewing area. Art should be accessible and enjoyable, sparking reactions and connections. Engaging with art relieves stress and reenergizes focus.
Conclusion
With careful selection and thoughtful placement, office art creates visual interest while reflecting company values. Seek memorable pieces that appeal to employees and visitors without feeling distracting or cluttered. Group cohesive arrangements for maximum impact and allow for seasonal rotation.
Focus on medium, color scheme, framing, and subject matter. Be consistent with your office’s existing aesthetic. Place artwork strategically in high visibility spots where people will appreciate it. Art uplifts work environments, so take the time to curate office walls intentionally.
