The Difference Between Decorative Art and Calming Art
Decorating the walls of our homes with art is an opportunity to create spaces that support how we feel. We can add energy to a room, tell stories, or simply provide a quiet sense of calm. However, not all art fulfills the same function.
One way to identify which art form is best suited to support how you wish to experience your space is through understanding the differences between decorative art and calming art.
While both styles of art are valuable and can be aesthetically pleasing; however, they impact us differently.
Understanding these differences will allow you to select artwork that provides a positive visual experience while supporting how you wish to experience your space.
What Does Decorative Art Offer?
Decorative art is based upon creating a visual impression.
Decorative art typically adds interest, color, personality or dramatic flair to a room. Typically decorative art is bold, detailed or trendy. It is common for decorative art to include strong contrast, multiple patterns, bright colors, or eye-catching images.
Decorative art is ideal for spaces that require energy and stimulation. Examples of spaces that typically benefit from decorative art include hallways, social areas, creative studios and statement walls as they stimulate conversation and draw the viewer's eye.
However, decorative art demands attention. Your eyes scan over the image quickly as your eyes follow detail after detail. While this is exciting, it can lead to visual fatigue if used in a space intended for relaxation or contemplation.
What Creates a Calming Piece of Art?
Unlike decorative art, calming art has a different objective.
Calming arts purpose is to contribute to a feeling of emotional comfort, mental clarity and a general sense of peace. Calming art does not compete with the surrounding environment-it enhances it.
Typically, calming art includes nature-based elements (i.e., botanicals, landscapes, etc.). Soft color palettes and minimal tones are used in calming art along with carefully selected contrast. The design of calming art typically leaves "space" for the viewer's eye to land and settle rather than moving around the image.
Calming art gives you permission to stop. Rather than engaging your mind, calming art gives your nervous system permission to relax.
How Your Body Responds to Both Types of Art
The distinction between decorative and calming art is not merely aesthetic-physiological responses occur.
Decorative art generally activates the brain, leading to heightened awareness and involvement. For this reason, it creates feelings of excitement or energy. Calming art generally slows the breathing rate and narrows the focal point, providing an atmosphere of calm and stillness.
There is no right or wrong response. The essential issue is to match the art to the purpose of the space. A bedroom filled with highly visually stimulating art may look impressive but feel restless. Conversely, a living space filled exclusively with calming art may feel serene but lack personality.
Balance is important.
Picking the Right Artwork for Each Room
When choosing artwork for your home, consider asking yourself one simple question: How do I want to feel in this room?
If the answer is relaxed, grounded or peaceful, then calming art is probably the better option. Bedrooms, reading nooks, bathrooms and quiet living spaces tend to work best with calming art that is soft and expansive.
If the answer is inspired, energized or expressive, then decorative art may be just what the space needs. A thoughtfully placed piece of decorative art can bring life and personality to a space.
You don't need to pick one style for your whole house. As long as each piece serves a specific purpose, many spaces will benefit from a thoughtful blend of both styles.
Art That Supports Your Daily Life
Art is not merely something to glance at and pass by. It is something to live with.
Decorative art is loud and boisterous. Calming art is soft and steady. Understanding the difference allows you to pick art that matches your daily life, your energy levels and your need for rest.
When art supports how you want to feel, your home becomes more than just a collection of rooms. It becomes a place that really holds you.