Oversized Art – Bigger Is Often Better

Oversized artwork isn’t just for museums, cavernous office buildings or Michael Jordan’s $13 million estate in Chicago. These dramatic, ceiling-to-floor pieces work even in smaller rooms where they create a lot of excitement with their out-sized proportions. They are so unexpected, and that’s what I like best – you aren’t anticipating that big punch to the retinas. These pieces are so large they often just lean against a wall, bigger than life, and you won’t have to worry about adding wall sconces or making art groupings.  But they won’t muscle everything else out of the room, either.

Here are some tips for choosing and placing oversized art:

Keep other accessories and art in the room to a minimum or you’ll have the battle of the giant artwork!

I prefer abstract art for an oversize piece. It might be disconcerting to have a huge, Old Master’s portrait in the room, like someone staring at you wherever to go! Consider a tone-on-tone pattern.

For a room done in neutrals, how about a piece with a big burst of color? It will add energy and you can always swap it out later when you want to freshen your palette.

The bigger the piece, the simpler the frame needs to be.

And by the way, I hear that MJ’s mansion is going to auction on December 16th. At 56,000 square feet there is plenty of room for oversize art! Any bidders?

All Photos Courtesy of archdigest.com/ADDesignFile