Five Things to Consider When Selecting Art for a Home Office

We've covered the argument for why art is so crucial in workspaces. So, what's next? If you've found yourself working from home in the last several years, you might have a converted room in your house that's now your home office. Maybe it never was fully completed to your liking. Or maybe you're just tired of the current vibe and want a fresh start. Or, you've just moved and need to start from scratch! So you've got your computer and a desk, but what about the walls? To get the wheels turning, read our five considerations for how to incorporate art into your home office, making it a fun and comfortable place to work that will keep you feeling ready to seize the (work) day. 

1. Go for what makes you happy. 

While the initial instinct might be to piece together a perfectly designed workspace that screams "productivity," it may be better to lead with the heart. Whether you work full or part-time from your home office, it's a room where you spend a good deal of time, so you want it to really feel like you. And not only that, but the art in your office should be art that makes you happy, carrying you through the ups and downs of your work day. Look for pieces that spark joy, so your space feels authentic - setting a positive tone Monday through Friday. 

2. Mix up your media. 

Oftentimes, offices have a decent amount of surface area for different business-related needs. Whether it's book cases, shelving, console tables, or desks, there's ample room to add some creative flair and dimension that extends past the walls. Of course, we love a good statement piece on a large wall or a tiled gallery wall with small drawings, prints, and paintings, but a modestly-sized sculpture on a desk or shelf can provide a lot of visual value, too. Don't be afraid to experiment with displaying weavings, metal sculpture, or pottery in your home office for extra pizzazz. 

3. Take your time.

It may require a little patience to find those joy-inducing pieces that are unequivocally you. But sometimes, there's nothing better than slowly building a gallery wall over time, or holding out for that perfect statement piece to go behind your desk (a necessity during the age of Zoom, right?)... Waiting for that "just right" artwork that you've found during travels, visits to small galleries, or art fairs is a great way to build a vibrant art collection.

4. Consider your eye line. 

When you're figuring out placement for your artwork, think about your vantage point. Try to place pieces around the room so that you can actually enjoy them from your usual spot at your desk. And if you frequently host clients or other colleagues in your home office space, think about how they'll experience the room from their seats, too. 

5. Less is (sometimes) more. 

While you don't want blank walls in your office (that's downright spooky by our standards), you don't want to overwhelm the space, either. A lot of art covering the walls or shelves combined with other decor and knick knacks can sometimes become distracting to a point that it hinders your ability to focus. Aim for balance - select artwork that you love, and don't be afraid to have fun with it. Just keep in mind the purpose of the room in question! A clean, organized space with artwork that is intentional will be your best bet for staying attentive and motivated throughout the day. 

While these are just a few pointers for how to get started with selecting artwork for your home office, Sorelle offers Art Advisory services for a more customized approach! Learn more about these services on our Art Advisory page, and contact us to get started.