Modern Living Room Wall Decor

The modern living room art aesthetic owes a lot to the Modernist design movement that occurred at the turn of the 20th century. It was a new style that sought to align itself with the dramatic changes brought about by modern industrial life.

Neutral colors, clean lines, the use of glass and wood, and a stripped-back feel are some hallmarks of modernist design. Perhaps most significantly, the style dictates that each piece should combine form with function. In other words, nothing is purely ornamental; everything must serve a purpose.

While Modernism refers to a specific time and place, the style has been adapted and adjusted over the years. This evolution keeps the aesthetic feeling fresh and relevant.

Let's explore some of the elements of this style and look at what you should consider when you are finding modern wall art.

Modern living room art ideas

Light, neutral tones

One of the most notable elements of a modern living room is the use of light and neutral colors. Pastels are popular in this style, with lots of white space on the canvas, another characteristic element.

The right modern wall art should be about finding ways to compliment your stripped-back, lean decor. Each piece should fit within the color scheme and not draw too much attention away from the overall look. Larger canvases still work within this style, but neutral tones will allow them to stay in their lane and allow you to accentuate wood and windows.

Black and white

Black and white or monochrome pieces are typical of modern wall decor. The style is all about celebrating simplicity, and you should express that in your art choices. Etchings or simple line drawings that use lots of space are some of the best examples of modern living room wall art.

Abstract shapes

Before the middle and end of the 19th century, the art world was obsessed with reproducing reality in the most convincing way. However, abstract art emerged as a way of expressing feeling within a new type of visual language.

Modern living room art draws from these experiments in form, producing shapes, lines, and colors that exist unmoored from reality. Abstract art can look spectacular within a suitably muted modern living room decor. Irregular forms and neutral colors aren't so loud that they will become the focal point of the room, allowing you to maintain the typical balance of the style.

Embrace minimalism

Adhering to form and function as a guiding principle is far easier when you strip back your choices. Minimalism sprang out of high modernism, and the style is characterized by the mantra more is less.

Modern wall decor for the living room adheres to this principle. However, how you decide to interpret this guidance is ultimately a matter of taste or personal preference. A subtle and subdued living room aesthetic leaves room for more dramatic art choices. Similarly, a busier interpretation of the modern style requires art choices that are simpler and more stripped back.

While minimalism is a beautiful and clean style, it can veer toward coldness. Remember, the modern living room is about striking the right balance between form and function. Your living room should still be a pleasant place to occupy, even if it's stripped back of ornaments and accessories.

Subject matter

Modern living room wall art uses a wide variety of subject matter. Some of the best examples focus on landscapes of different types. Abstract renderings of coastlines or autumnal fields can lend your living room a sense of harmony. Similarly, watercolors or still-life drawings of flowers and plants can set the right tone.

Overall, the subject matter often comes secondary to the style. Art that investigates light and color and represents organic materials is perfect for modern decor. The good news is that there is plenty of room to choose themes and subjects that speak to your personality. Almost anything can work well when presented in a subtle modern style.

Rules are made to be broken

While there are strict definitions of what constitutes a modern style, contemporary design leaves room for experimentation and playfulness. Modern living room canvas art is flexible enough to mesh with different styles, with mid-century modern, organic modern, bohemian modern, and Scandinavian modern all popular interpretations of the style.

Modern living rooms use subdued colors, natural materials, and glass. These features are an excellent backdrop for modern living room canvas art because they won't try too hard to compete, which allows you some flexibility to choose pieces that stray from conventions.