Find the perfect wall colour to highlight your art

Picking the right wall colour is a great way to highlight a special piece of art or a collection. But where do you start? If inspiration seems elusive, check out local galleries and museum exhibits to see how they’re showcasing everything from photography to sculpture and large scale abstracts. 

Serious collectors have traditionally stuck to shades of white or neutral tones. That’s one approach to take, though not always the right choice.  Sometimes what works beautifully in your friend’s home -- falls flat in yours. The light in every space is different. 

Design Chic

Give some thought to the mood you’re trying to create. Are you looking for a bright and airy feeling or something warmer and dramatic? The Art Gallery of Ontario has mounted shows of modern works on black walls and often the classic masters are displayed against rich old world colours.  Always test wall colours in your home and view them at different times of the day and in the evening. Making a final selection involves a good eye and a little trial and error.

Robert Brown Interior Design

A few years ago I wrote a piece in The Toronto Star about how to pick the perfect wall colour for your art. You can check it out here.