Which wall decoration suits statement furniture?

A striking sofa, colourful cupboard or large designer chair does not have to make choosing wall decoration harder. What matters most is preventing the furniture and wall from competing for the same attention. Begin by deciding which element should lead the room.

Scenario 1: the furniture remains the focal point

When furniture already has a strong colour or unusual shape, wall decoration can play a supporting role. Choose, for example, a design that subtly repeats one colour from the furniture without repeating the same level of contrast.

Size helps too. A medium-sized picture with sufficient empty space around it can complete the area without competing visually with the furniture.

Scenario 2: furniture and wall make one statement together

You can also deliberately let two strong elements work together. For example, pair a colourful armchair with a large abstract picture containing a related colour. Coherence then matters more than calm. Ensure there is one clear connection, such as colour, shape or direction.

Example: a brightly coloured sofa

Suppose the sofa has a strong warm colour. One option is wall decoration in softer neutral shades, keeping the sofa in the lead. Another is a picture that includes the same warm colour as a small part of an otherwise quiet composition. A third is deliberate contrast, with a design clearly featuring an opposing colour. In that case, repeating the contrasting colour somewhere else in the room in a small way helps.

Consider shape as well as colour

Very angular furniture can make an interesting combination with a round picture. An organically shaped chair may gain more balance beside a clean rectangular work. This creates contrast without introducing additional colours.

Decide in this order

• Determine whether the furniture or wall decoration should lead.
• Choose a supporting role or deliberate contrast.
• Check that at least one colour or shape connects the two elements.
• Use enough empty space between furniture and image.
• Compare round and rectangular shapes if the room contains many strong lines.
• Check each product’s actual sizes and colours.