2019 Myth-Busting Tips for Maximalist Decor

"Do I have too much art on my walls?"

This thought may occur while looking over the collections of wall art you've purchased over the years, or contemplating a new framed art purchase online. Well – good news for you, that question is a thing of the past with an up-and-coming buzzword you may have been hearing in the decor world: Maximalism.

Multiple Pieces from the Maxed Out Brights Collection of Wall Art by Great Big Canvas

What is Maximalism Decor?

Maximalism decor has been around for a while, with roots in the explosions of color in 70s & 80s decor. Its trick to lasting relevance has been that it's not tied to a single art trend or style, rather it’s all about filling your home (and your walls) with what you love. From classic, vintage portraits to splashy, modern pop art, a maximalist art gallery wall can encompass it all. With Maximalist decor, you have an opportunity to show off your personal style and quirks in every room.

But the idea of hanging so many pieces of wall art can be daunting. You may be thinking: how many pieces of art should I put in a room? What if my photo prints don't match? How do I create an attractive wall arrangement without looking like chaos? Don't worry! With this easy guide, you're on your way to creating the maximalist wall art display of your dreams.

Sweet Nothings III Wall Art by Melissa Wang from Great Big Canvas

Find What You Love.

There's no "correct" theme in maximalism so instead of focusing on any specific size, shape, or color scheme, select a theme you love and curate your wall art collection around it. Don't worry about whether your Dutch Masters landscape perfectly matches your Pike Place Market vintage photo prints. This step is all about finding out what art you love and building a collection of canvas, prints, framed art and more which inspire you.

Mix It Up

While you can use uniform sizes or frames for your gallery wall, don't be afraid to vary your art styles – gallery wrapped canvas can be hung side-by-side with ornate framed art or sleek framed art photo prints. You can also include sculptural 3D wall art, unique clocks, and fiber arts into your arrangement to add in visual commentary. For small spaces, including a mirror or two will keep a gallery wall layout from feeling too large and add more light and space into the room.

Featured Art: Perhaps Wall Art by Loui Jover available from Great Big Canvas

Tip: There are no hard and fast rules with maximalism. If you love a uniform 20" x 20" size or a muted monochromatic look, go for it. Great Big Canvas makes it especially easy to go monochrome with black and white or sepia color options for nearly every image in our catalog.

Plan Ahead

Maximalism is all about lavish layering. Since your wall art functions as the largest and most prominent background layer, it's best to plan out the collection's composition and placement in advance. Measure your art prints and try different layouts in masking tape on your wall. You can use your art to tell a story - moving from yellow to orange as the eye travels right to left, or organizing portraits by year created.

Hang It All Out.

It's time to put all your hard work on display. Whether you're going for an overstuffed gallery wall look, an impactful cluster grouping, or a simple triptych, your new gallery wall or art display is sure to cause a buzz with family and guests. With Maximalist decor, every wall becomes a conversation starter without saying a word. Check out our collection of popular maximalist wall art to get started.