Choosing abstract art for your home can feel surprisingly difficult. Unlike landscapes, portraits or still-life paintings, abstract art doesn't present a clear subject matter. Instead, it communicates through colour, form, texture and movement, creating an emotional response that is unique to each viewer.
Whether you're looking for a statement painting for a living room, a calming artwork for a bedroom, an original abstract painting or a distinctive mid-century artwork to complete an interior scheme, the best approach is to focus on how the piece makes you feel and how it interacts with your space.
Before browsing galleries, art fairs or online collections, think about the atmosphere you want the room to have.
Abstract art can dramatically influence the mood of a space without relying on recognisable imagery.
For a calm and relaxing environment, look for soft colour palettes, organic forms and flowing compositions.
For energy and creativity, consider bold contrasts, expressive brushwork and vibrant colours.
For a refined and minimalist interior, geometric abstraction, monochromatic works and subtle textures often work particularly well.
Spend time in the room where the artwork will hang. Observe the natural light throughout the day, the colours already present and the overall feeling of the space. Then decide whether you want the artwork to reinforce that atmosphere or introduce something new.
One of the most common mistakes when buying artwork is choosing something that is too small for the wall.
Abstract art often works best at a generous scale because it creates atmosphere and presence rather than acting as a decorative accent.
A useful guideline is that artwork placed above a sofa, bed or sideboard should occupy around two-thirds of the furniture's width.
In hallways and stairwells, vertical compositions can make excellent use of narrow spaces and draw the eye upwards.
If you're creating a gallery wall, abstract works can sit comfortably alongside photography, prints and figurative art. The key is maintaining a unifying element, such as a shared colour palette, consistent framing or balanced spacing.
Before purchasing, try taping sheets of paper matching the artwork's dimensions to the wall. This simple step can help you visualise the scale more accurately than measurements alone.
When choosing abstract art, colour often becomes the deciding factor.
There are two equally effective approaches.
Select artwork that echoes colours already present in the room. A painting that picks up tones from a rug, cushions or upholstery can create a cohesive and carefully considered interior.
Even subtle colour connections can make a space feel balanced.
Alternatively, use abstract art as the room's visual centrepiece.
A vibrant painting in a neutral interior can add character, depth and energy without overwhelming the space. In this approach, the artwork leads the design and the surrounding furnishings support it.
Mid-century interiors often pair particularly well with abstract art, as both celebrate colour, form and simplicity. Geometric compositions and expressive abstract paintings can complement classic mid-century furniture beautifully.
What tends to be less successful is introducing competing colour schemes. If a room already contains several strong colours, an unrelated palette can create visual clutter rather than impact.
While high-quality prints can be an excellent option, original abstract paintings offer qualities that are difficult to replicate.
Texture, brushwork, layering and subtle surface details often become visible only when viewed in person. As natural light changes throughout the day, these details can reveal new aspects of the work.
Many collectors find that original artwork develops a stronger presence over time because it contains the physical marks and decisions made by the artist during its creation.
This is particularly true of original mid-century abstract paintings, where age, patina and historical context can add another layer of interest and character.
The connection is often less about ownership and more about living with something unique.
One of the most liberating aspects of abstract art is that there is no single correct interpretation.
You do not need to understand exactly what an artwork represents in order to appreciate it.
If a piece captures your attention, sparks curiosity or creates an emotional response, those reactions are often more important than any explanation accompanying the work.
Avoid choosing art solely because it matches your furniture or because someone else considers it fashionable. The most successful purchases are usually the works you genuinely enjoy returning to every day.
A few practical details can make a significant difference once the artwork is installed.
Lighting: Textured paintings and mixed-media works benefit from directional lighting that reveals depth and surface detail. Smoother works tend to be more forgiving in a wider range of lighting conditions.
Framing: Many contemporary abstract artworks look best unframed or presented in a simple float frame. Overly ornate frames can sometimes distract from the artwork itself.
Originals vs Prints: Original paintings offer texture and individuality, while high-quality giclée prints provide an affordable way to enjoy larger-scale artworks.
Test the Size: Before committing to a purchase, mark out the artwork's dimensions on the wall with masking tape or paper templates to ensure the scale feels right.
There are more ways than ever to discover original artwork.
Local galleries and art fairs allow you to see paintings in person and often meet the artists behind the work.
Independent galleries and artist websites can provide access to unique pieces along with valuable advice on framing, placement and collecting.
Online platforms offer extensive selections that can be filtered by size, colour, style and budget.
Antique shops and vintage dealers can be excellent sources for mid-century abstract art. Original paintings from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s often offer strong design appeal and can represent excellent value compared to contemporary gallery prices.
The best abstract art is rarely the piece that simply matches a room. It is the piece that continues to engage you long after it has been hung on the wall.
Take time to consider scale, colour and placement, but trust your personal response above all else. Whether you're choosing a contemporary canvas or an original mid-century abstract painting, the right artwork should feel at home in your space and continue to reward your attention for years to come.
Explore our current collection of original abstract paintings to discover available works for sale, https://www.abstractartwork.co.uk/collections/mid-century-abstract-art
You can also browse our sold archive to view previously handled paintings and explore a wide range of mid-century and contemporary abstract art that has passed through our gallery over the years, https://www.abstractartwork.co.uk/collections/sold-archive
Written by Hamish Webster, founder of Abstract Artwork.
Specialising in original abstract paintings, mid-century art and contemporary works for collectors and interior designers throughout the UK and internationally.
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