Abstract wall art is one of the easiest ways to add personality to a room without having to completely rethink your interior. Whether you prefer bold shapes, expressive designs or something a little more understated, the right abstract print can bring a room together and give an otherwise plain wall a focal point.
The best part? You don't need to be an art expert to make abstract wall art work in your home.
From a single statement print above a sofa to a carefully arranged gallery wall, here are some simple ways to style abstract prints and create a space that feels considered, personal and effortlessly put together.
What is abstract wall art?
Abstract art doesn't necessarily depict a recognisable person, place or object. Instead, it can use colour, shape, texture, line and composition to create something that makes you stop and look.
That's part of the appeal of abstract wall art. Rather than having to match a particular subject or theme, you can choose a piece based on the colours, shapes and overall feeling that work with your room.
Whether you're looking for a statement piece or something to complement the artwork and furniture you already have, abstract prints can work across a wide range of interior styles.
1. Make one abstract print the focal point
Sometimes one piece is all you need.
A large abstract print can work particularly well above a sofa, sideboard, console table or bed. Rather than filling every available wall, choose one artwork that has enough presence to anchor the room.
As a general rule, artwork above furniture tends to look more balanced when it relates to the width of the furniture beneath it. A single large print can therefore be a great alternative to a gallery wall if you prefer a simpler look.
2. Use abstract prints to bring your colour palette together
One of the easiest ways to choose abstract wall art is to start with the colours already in your room.
Look at your furniture, cushions, curtains and accessories and pick out one or two colours that you'd like your artwork to complement. Your print doesn't need to match them exactly. Choosing related or contrasting shades can often create a much more interesting result.
For example, if your room already has plenty of colour, an abstract print can help echo those shades and bring the different elements of the room together. Alternatively, a more contrasting artwork can become a focal point against a simpler interior.
Think of your wall art as another layer of the room rather than something that needs to match everything perfectly.
3. Try a set of abstract prints
If one print doesn't feel quite enough, consider a set.
A set of two or three complementary abstract prints can create more impact while still keeping the overall look cohesive. This works especially well above larger pieces of furniture or across a wide wall.
The key is finding artwork that feels connected. This could be through a shared colour palette, similar shapes or a consistent artistic style.
Our Gallery Wall Sets collection includes coordinated sets designed to work together, making it easier to create a finished arrangement without having to find individual prints that complement one another.
4. Create a minimalist gallery wall
Gallery walls don't have to be busy.
If you love the idea of a gallery wall but prefer a cleaner interior, abstract artwork can be a great choice. Look for a small selection of prints with similar tones and plenty of visual space between the designs.
A trio of abstract prints can be particularly effective. Hang them in a simple horizontal row above a sofa, bed or sideboard for an easy, balanced arrangement.
You could also combine abstract prints with simple botanical, landscape or illustrated artwork. Keeping the colour palette consistent will help the different styles sit comfortably together.
5. Don't be afraid to make your artwork the focal point
While understated artwork has its place, abstract prints can also be a great opportunity to introduce something with more personality.
If your furniture and walls are relatively simple, a more expressive abstract print can become the focal point of the room. Look for artwork with interesting shapes, movement or a stronger colour palette and let it take centre stage.
You don't necessarily need lots of decorative accessories around it. Sometimes giving one striking piece plenty of space is what makes it work.
6. Choose the right frame for your interior
The frame can make a surprisingly big difference to the finished look of an abstract print.
A black frame can give artwork a sharper, more contemporary feel, while white frames can create a lighter and more understated look. Oak frames work particularly well alongside natural materials and warmer interiors.
There isn't necessarily one "correct" choice. Think about the other finishes already in your room and whether you want your artwork to blend in or stand out.
At Lofthouse Prints, our artwork is available as unframed prints, framed prints or premium canvas, so you can choose the finish that works best for your space.
7. Think about the size of your wall
Before ordering your artwork, take a moment to consider the available wall space.
A small print can disappear on a large empty wall, while an oversized piece can overwhelm a smaller space. If you're decorating above a sofa or bed, consider the furniture beneath it as well as the wall itself.
For larger areas, a set of prints can often work better than one small piece. For narrower walls, a single vertical abstract print may be all you need.
We offer a range of print sizes, from smaller A4 and A3 options through to larger A2 and A1 prints, as well as 40 × 50cm and 50 × 70cm sizes.
8. Mix abstract art with other styles
You don't have to create an entirely abstract gallery wall.
Abstract prints can work beautifully alongside botanical, landscape, travel and illustrated artwork. The trick is to find something that connects the pieces.
A shared colour palette is usually the easiest way to do this.
For example, you could pair an abstract print with a botanical design using similar tones, or combine a landscape print with abstract artwork that picks out colours from the scenery.
This creates a gallery wall that feels collected rather than overly matched.
9. Let your artwork do the talking
One of the biggest advantages of abstract wall art is that it can add interest without dictating the entire feel of a room.
If your furniture and accessories are already doing a lot, choose artwork that complements rather than competes with them.
Alternatively, if your room is quite simple, an abstract print can be the perfect opportunity to introduce more colour, texture or movement.
There are no strict rules. The best abstract wall art is ultimately the artwork that you enjoy looking at and that makes your space feel more like your own.
Find your perfect abstract wall art
At Lofthouse Prints, we create contemporary wall art designed to work beautifully in modern homes. From expressive abstract designs to complementary sets, our collection includes artwork to suit a range of interiors and personal styles.
Every print is professionally produced on premium 230gsm fine art paper using archival giclée inks, and our designs are available as unframed prints, framed prints or premium canvas.
Explore our Abstract Wall Art collection to find a piece for your home, or browse our Gallery Wall Sets if you're looking to create a collection of complementary artwork.
All prints are printed, packaged and shipped from our family-run studio in the UK.
Orders placed before 2pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same day.
A final tip
Don't overthink it.
Abstract art is subjective, which is exactly what makes it so much fun. Choose artwork you love, consider the proportions of your space and don't be afraid to experiment with different arrangements before settling on the final look.
Your walls don't have to follow a formula. They just need to feel like home.