Contemporary abstract art: how to choose the right piece for your home
Choosing a piece of contemporary abstract art for your home is about much more than decorating a wall.
It’s about giving a space a soul, creating a quiet presence, and opening a dialogue between you, the place… and the artwork.
But with so many abstract paintings available online and in galleries, one question comes up again and again:
“How do I know if this artwork is right for my interior?”
I am an abstract painter, and I sell my original artworks online.
In this article, I’d like to share a simple, intuitive way to choose an abstract artwork for your home – even if you don’t see yourself as an “art expert”.
1. Forget the rules, start with what you feel
One of the great strengths of abstract art is that it doesn’t necessarily represent something figurative.
There is no obvious narrative at first glance – which means there is space for your own interpretation.
Before thinking about dimensions or matching your sofa, take a moment to look at the artwork and ask yourself:
“What do I feel when I look at this abstract painting?”
Does it calm you?
Does it energise you?
Does it move you for reasons you can’t quite explain?
An abstract artwork for your home should first speak to you on an emotional level.
The rational part can come later.
💡 Tip: if you keep thinking about a painting hours or days after seeing it, that’s usually a good sign. Your eye wants to return to it. The link is already there.
2. Decide what atmosphere you want to create
Every room has its function – and its atmosphere.
Contemporary abstract art is a powerful way to shape or support that atmosphere.
Ask yourself:
What do you want to feel in this room?
In a living room: warmth, energy, conviviality?
In a bedroom: softness, quiet, intimacy?
In a home office: focus, inspiration, clarity?
A soft, light abstract painting might be perfect for a bedroom or a space of retreat.
Stronger contrasts, intense pigments or denser compositions may work beautifully in an entrance, a living room, a dining room or a workspace.
There is no strict rule here.
The key is to notice whether the emotion of the artwork and the function of the room move in the same direction – or whether you want to play with contrast.
3. Choose the right size: think in terms of breathing space
Size is one of the most important aspects when choosing art for your interior.
A simple guideline:
above a sofa, sideboard or large piece of furniture:
→ consider a medium to large painting, or a diptych / series of smaller works that speak to each other.in a hallway, a small wall, or a niche:
→ a small or medium piece can have a very strong impact.
When you look at the wall, ask yourself:
“How much space does this artwork need to breathe?”
A painting that is too large on a narrow wall can feel overwhelming.
A tiny piece on a huge empty wall may feel lost.
📏 Practical tip:
measure the wall,
note the available width,
compare it with the dimensions of the artwork (in cm or inches),
use masking tape to outline the approximate size on the wall and see how it feels.
On my website, I always indicate the exact dimensions of each abstract painting, and when possible I show the work “in situation” to help you visualise the scale in a real interior.
4. Colour: harmony or contrast with your interior?
When we talk about interior design and abstract art, colour quickly becomes a central question.
You can take two main approaches:
a) Gentle harmony
You choose an abstract artwork whose palette echoes the colours already present in your interior: walls, furniture, textiles, wood, flooring…
For example:
a warm, neutral interior (beige, linen, light wood)
→ can be complemented by sandy, ochre, blush or soft blue tones.a cool, minimalist interior (white, grey, metal)
→ can be warmed up with earthy pigments, textured surfaces, deep tones.
The advantage: the artwork integrates naturally, as if it had always belonged there.
b) Bold contrast
You choose a contemporary abstract painting that stands out from your existing palette, creating a strong focal point.
For example:
a light wall with a deep, intense, almost nocturnal composition;
a very pure, minimal space with a more vibrant, textured abstract piece.
The advantage: the artwork becomes the visual anchor of the room.
Again, there is no right or wrong.
Ask yourself whether you want your art to blend in or stand out.
5. Buying contemporary abstract art online: how to feel confident
Buying contemporary abstract art online can feel intimidating at first, especially if you cannot see the work in person.
On my website – as on most professional art platforms – several elements can help you feel more confident:
in-situ photos that show the artwork in a room setting;
close-up images to reveal pigments, textures, brushstrokes, material;
a detailed description (techniques used, support, year, size);
precise dimensions, in cm and inches for international collectors;
the possibility to contact the artist directly.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re attracted to a piece but unsure.
As an artist, I often help people choose between several works or imagine where a painting could live in their home.
6. Trust yourself: choosing abstract art is choosing a relationship
People often ask me:
“How can I be sure I’m making the right choice?”
My honest answer is:
There is no “wrong” choice if you select an artwork that truly speaks to you.
Choosing an abstract painting for your home is entering a relationship.
You will see it every day. Sometimes you will look at it closely; sometimes it will simply be there, like a quiet presence.
Over time, it will collect pieces of your story, your moments, your seasons.
If you feel something shift – even slightly – when you look at an artwork, that may already be the beginning of that relationship.
7. How I can help you find the right piece
I’m Julia A. Etedi, an abstract artist.
I create contemporary abstract paintings, murals and unique pieces that I offer directly through my online gallery.
My work often explores:
pigments and material,
sewn cotton canvas,
the idea of memory in fragments,
and the links between artworks, spaces, and the people who live with them.
If you’re thinking of bringing abstract art into your home but you’re unsure where to start, I can help you:
choose a piece among the available works,
reflect on where to place it,
or even consider a custom commission created for your space.
You can explore the available artworks on my website,
and contact me anytime at: julia@juliaetedi.com
👉 In short:
To choose contemporary abstract art for your home, start with how the piece makes you feel, consider the space and size, play with harmony or contrast, and most importantly — trust your eye and your intuition.
An artwork chosen with the heart will always find its place.