You’ve heard it said that the eyes are the windows to the soul, and the same can be said of paintings that grace our walls and bring warmth to our homes. These artworks don’t just enhance our homes aesthetically; they also provide us with an opportunity to express ourselves and make each room in our home uniquely personal. There are many ways to use paintings as home decor, so you should consider these methods before you head out to purchase your next piece of artwork.

Painting with a Purpose
If you’re thinking about adding more art to your home decor, why not get a painting with a purpose? Choose an artwork that has an emotional or sentimental tie to it and place it in your living room or dining room. This way, each time you see it, you’ll be reminded of all those good memories associated with that piece. We recommend picking up some tips at local art galleries before deciding on what you want for your home decor.

Frames, Frames, Frames
If you’re going to hang a painting on your wall, you might as well find one that actually fits in with your home decor. You can get frames made specifically for paintings from craft stores, or you can use matting to trim out and preserve any other art work. If you’re framing an existing piece, be sure to measure accurately so that it will hang straight on your wall.

Painting as Wall Art
Whether you’re looking to add a little pop to your home decor or trying to spruce up a feature wall, paintings are an excellent way to liven up a room. Simply put, art can be pricey, but it doesn’t have to be. MFPA has several options for affordable and eclectic pieces—and even if you choose to purchase pricier artwork from another retailer, there are plenty of ways to make it work in terms of theme and placement within your home. Bonus: Often times you can find clearance or end-of-season works that can save money without sacrificing style!

Painting As a Room Divider
Art doesn’t have to be confined to a wall; in fact, it can do double duty by creating a visual barrier between two spaces. Placing paintings between areas that serve different functions allows each area to serve its primary purpose while maintaining its integrity and identity. For example, keeping paintings in place of dividers between kitchen and dining room will keep them from serving as walls which obstruct natural sight lines and flow.

Painting Over Old Paintings
If you have an old painting that has seen better days, why not consider painting over it? No, we don’t mean re-painting it—we mean slapping on a second coat. It’s true: all that paint can help hide marks, scratches and even tears in your walls. Take down your paintings once a year and give them a fresh coat to freshen up their look for next season. And don’t forget that frames need love too!