How to Match Prints For The Wall with Your Interior Color Scheme

Colour can completely change the feel of a room, and when you’re choosing prints for the wall, matching them with your interior colour scheme is one of the best ways to create a balanced, inviting space.

I’ve found that picking prints that either complement or contrast your walls adds personality without overwhelming the room. But it’s also dangerous to rush this step because clashing shades can make your space feel chaotic. I’m here to help you choose prints that enhance your décor and bring your room to life with style and harmony.  

Index

1. Understanding Your Interior Colour Scheme
2. Types of Prints and Their Effects
3. Coordinating Styles: From Abstract to Realistic
4. Tips for Successful Colour Matching
5. Arranging Prints for Maximum Impact
6. Personal Touch: Adding Unique Features

Key Takeaways

• Consider the dominant colours of your interior: Choose prints for the wall that either complement or contrast your main colour scheme to create balance and harmony in the space.
• Use neutral or muted artwork to anchor bold colour palettes: If your room features bright or vibrant walls, opt for more subtle designs to avoid overwhelming the space.
•  Incorporate accent colours found in your decor: Pieces that feature one or two accent tones used in cushions, rugs, or furniture help tie the room together effortlessly.
• Mix patterns thoughtfully: When coordinating wall art, combine varying scales and styles carefully to add interest without clashing or cluttering the design.
• Match the mood and style of your interior: Select pieces that reflect the vibe of your space, whether calm and serene or lively and eclectic, to enhance the overall atmosphere.

1. Understanding Your Interior Colour Scheme

Your interior colour scheme sets the tone for your entire space and plays a big part in deciding which prints for the wall will look best. When you understand the colours that already dominate your room, it becomes easier to choose artwork that either complements or contrasts beautifully with your existing decor. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, getting a clear picture of your colour palette can help create a calming, inspiring atmosphere that really reflects your personal style.

Since many of us at About Wall Art value creativity and aesthetics, pairing decorative prints with your room's colours can lift the mood and bring harmony to your space. If you know the balance between your main colours and accent hues, you’ll find it much simpler to select pieces that enhance your surroundings, rather than clash or fade into the background. This thoughtful approach also supports mindfulness by making your home feel more peaceful and visually inviting.

Identifying Your Primary Colour

Assuming you’re looking at your room right now, your primary colour is usually the one that covers the largest area—often the walls, floors, or major pieces of furniture. It’s really the base shade that sets the overall mood, whether it’s a soothing pale grey, a warm beige, or a bold navy blue. I find that knowing this main colour is the first step when picking wall decor, as these pieces should either bring balance to this shade or offer a fresh point of interest.

When I chose artwork for my living room, I made sure to keep the primary colour in mind, avoiding anything that would overwhelm the space. Instead, I picked pieces with tones that either picked up subtle hints from the walls or introduced a gentle contrast—something just enough to catch the eye without taking over the room. This way, the room felt relaxed, reflective of my style, and seamless in flow.

Recognising Accent Colours

While your primary colour forms the foundation, accent colours add personality and life to your interior. These are the shades you see in smaller decorations like cushions, rugs, or lamps, and sometimes even in architectural details like mouldings or door frames. The key with accent colours is how they interact with both your main colour and any new wall hangings you want to introduce.

From my experience, accent colours offer a chance to bring in a bit of vibrancy or calmness, depending on what kind of atmosphere you want. Bright oranges or deep greens, for example, can energise a neutral room, while softer blushes or muted blues help create a more serene feeling. By recognising these accents, you can choose wall art that either echoes these pops of colour or introduces something new to complement them.

For instance, if your room features navy as a primary shade and mustard yellow as an accent, a piece that contains both colours can tie everything together beautifully. Alternatively, you might go for artwork that picks up just the accent, creating a subtle connection between your decor and the visual elements on the wall. This approach makes your space feel curated and cohesive, which is exactly what I aim for when selecting art pieces that resonate with personal taste and the wider style of the room.

Choosing the Right Prints For The Wall

Assuming you're ready to bring new life to your walls, selecting the right artwork is an exciting step that can really transform your living space. The right pieces don't just fill empty space; they complement your interior colour scheme, enhance the mood of your room, and express your personal style. Whether you prefer soft neutrals or bold, vibrant hues, choosing wall prints that align with your existing palette helps create harmony throughout your home.

It's easy to get overwhelmed with so many options available, but I find it helps to start by looking closely at the colours and tones already present in your space. Think about the wall colour itself, your furniture, and even smaller details like cushions or rugs. Choosing designs that either pick up subtle shades or add a contrasting accent can make your space feel connected and cohesive.

SHOP HERE

2. Types of Prints For The Wall and Their Effects

Art prints come in many forms, and each type brings its own energy and vibe to your room. I always suggest thinking about what atmosphere you want to create when choosing artwork. For example, botanical illustrations can bring a soothing, nature-inspired feel, while geometric designs add a modern, structured touch. The colours and shapes in the print will affect how the room feels, so you want to pick ones that invite the mood you’re aiming for.

Here’s a quick overview of common wall prints and their general effects:

• Floral prints – bring freshness and calm

SHOP HERE

• Abstract prints – stimulate creativity and add drama

SHOP HERE

• Landscape prints – evoke peace and connection with nature

SHOP HERE

• Architectural prints – lend structure and sophistication

SHOP HERE

• Minimalist prints – create a clean, uncluttered vibe

SHOP HERE

Assume that understanding these different effects will help you choose prints that truly enhance your home’s mood.

Coordinating Styles: From Abstract to Realistic

Prints can range from wildly abstract to incredibly realistic, and each style has a place depending on your room’s vibe. Pieces that lean towards abstract shapes often inject energy and a sense of movement, which can be great for creative spaces or living rooms where you want to spark conversation. On the other hand, realistic art – like detailed landscapes or portraits – invites a mood of calm and familiarity. I’ve found that matching your print’s style to the feel of your interior helps everything work together, rather than compete.

Art that is too dramatic or clashing in style can sometimes disrupt a room’s flow. For example, pairing very bold abstract art with a traditionally styled room may feel off balance, unless you’re intentionally going for an eclectic look. But when you combine similar styles or allow one dominant piece to set the tone while others support it, your walls tell a story that feels thoughtful and well put together.

3. Tips for Successful Colour Matching

Keep in mind that coordinating your prints with your interior colour scheme is all about balance and making your space feel inviting. One of the first things I pay attention to is the overall mood I want to create—whether it’s calming, energising, or somewhere in between. Choosing artwork that echoes key colours from your walls, furniture, or accessories helps build a sense of connection without overwhelming the room. To simplify the process, I often start by picking a single colour from the piece and using that as a guide to enhance my existing palette.

• Here are some helpful tips I like to follow when selecting wall art to match my colour scheme:
  Use shades that complement your main wall colour rather than clashing with them.
• Mix prints that share at least one matching colour for a cohesive look.
• Incorporate neutral tones within artwork to soften brighter colours.
• Think about lighting—natural light can bring out different hues than artificial lighting.
• Try layering art pieces in varying sizes to add depth without causing chaos.

Colour Wheel Basics

Any successful approach to styling your walls starts with understanding the colour wheel. It’s a handy tool showing how colours relate and clash, helping you decide which hues will work well together. For example, colours opposite each other, called complementary colours, can make artwork really pop. Meanwhile, colours next to each other, or analogous colours, create a soft, harmonious effect that’s easy on the eyes.

Once I get familiar with basic colour combinations from the wheel, I find it easier to spot prints that will fit beautifully with my interiors. Using this guide lets you mix bold and subtle tones with confidence, helping avoid the frustration of clashing patterns or over-busy walls.

Creating Harmony with Contrast

Harmony is all about balance, and when it comes to decorating with prints, the right contrast can make a big difference. Combining light and dark shades or warm and cool tones in your artwork can create a dynamic yet inviting atmosphere. For instance, pairing a deep navy print with soft cream walls creates interest without overwhelming the space.

When I work with contrasting colours, I also pay attention to texture and scale—sometimes a small, intricate print can tone down a bold colour, while a large piece can bring energy to more muted schemes. This approach lets your prints stand out beautifully while still feeling connected to your room’s overall colour story.

A well-planned contrast not only adds excitement to your decor but also guides the eye through the room, helping create a sense of flow and unity across different areas. By playing with contrast thoughtfully, you can make even simple interiors feel refreshing and engaging.

4. Factors to Consider When Matching Prints For The Wall

Not all prints will complement your interior colour scheme, so it’s worth taking a few key factors into account before making your choice. These include not just colour, but also the style of the print, the existing decor, and how the artwork interacts with other elements in the room. When you think about these details, you can create a balanced, harmonious space where art truly shines and adds to your home's feel.
Some of the main points I always consider are:

• How well the colours within the print tie in with your wall paint and furnishings
• The mood you want the space to evoke – calming, energising, or inspiring
• The size of your room and available wall space
• How much natural and artificial light does the room get
• The style and scale of the print compared to other decor pieces

The right combination of these factors will help you find art that feels perfectly integrated and enhances your home’s atmosphere.

Room Size and Print Scale

Size really does matter when choosing artwork, especially because it affects how the piece interacts with the room. In a smaller room, large, bold prints can overwhelm the space, making it feel cramped or chaotic. On the other hand, if your room is large and open, smaller pieces might get lost and fail to capture attention. I always suggest matching the scale of your prints to the size of your room and the wall where they’ll hang.
For example, a grouping of smaller pieces can work beautifully in a cosy nook, while a single large one might be just right for a spacious living room. This helps the art create a focal point without competing with other items around it. Balancing room size and scale keeps your space feeling both inviting and well put together.

Lighting and Its Impact on Colours

There’s no denying that lighting can change the way colours appear on artwork. Natural light tends to bring out the truest colours and can make prints look vibrant and fresh. However, rooms with low light or artificial lighting might dull or alter certain shades, sometimes making them warmer or cooler than expected. Being aware of your room’s light source will help you choose art that still looks great throughout the day.
Considering the direction your windows face and the type of bulbs you use can make a surprising difference. I often recommend testing your selected prints in different lighting conditions before hanging them permanently, to make sure the colours remain flattering any time you look at them.

Displaying Your Prints

Unlike other decorative elements in your home, artwork has the unique ability to completely transform a room’s vibe without taking up any floor space. How you choose to display them can either highlight their charm or let their potential slip away unnoticed. When I arrange prints, I always think about the room’s existing colours and how each piece will interact with the surroundings. It’s not just about hanging pictures randomly; it’s about creating harmony between the artwork and your interior colour scheme so the whole space feels calm, inviting, and balanced.
One of the most enjoyable parts of displaying prints is watching how they bring personality to your walls and reflect your style. Mixing different sizes and orientations can add excitement, but keeping a cohesive colour theme across your prints ties everything together beautifully. Whether you have a bold feature wall or a soft neutral backdrop, placing your artwork thoughtfully helps the room feel more inspiring and peaceful—something I know we all value in our homes.

Frame Choices that Enhance Your Art

You might be surprised by how much the right frame can lift your prints. A well-chosen frame doesn’t just hold the picture; it complements the artwork and your room’s palette. For example, I often pick sleek black or white frames for minimalist spaces to add definition without competing with the print’s colours. In rooms with warmer tones, wooden frames with natural finishes can bring a cosy, grounded feel that makes the prints feel part of the room rather than separate from it.

5. Arranging Prints for Maximum Impact

One way I use to maximise the impact is by creating gallery-style arrangements. Instead of one large piece, grouping smaller prints in balanced clusters can make a strong visual statement. I play around with spacing and alignment until it feels just right, trying to keep a consistent colour thread or theme to avoid visual clutter. Using a mix of horizontal and vertical frames adds interest, but the key is to maintain some uniformity so the eye moves smoothly across the display.

Another arrangement tactic I enjoy is the “anchor print” method, where a bold, standout print acts as the focal point surrounded by more subtle pieces. This helps draw attention while keeping the overall display cohesive, which is perfect if your interior has a busy colour scheme or lots of textures.

Impactful arrangements can completely redefine a room’s atmosphere. For instance, in my own living room, repositioning prints into a carefully layered display turned a dull wall into an engaging feature. The prints, paired with matching frame tones, echoed the room’s calming blues and soft neutrals. This simple change made the space feel more inspiring and restful. I encourage you to experiment with different setups to see how your walls come alive, making sure each print contributes positively to your home’s mood.

6. Personal Touch: Adding Unique Features

To truly bring your space to life, adding a personal touch through unique features can make all the difference. When choosing art prints, I always like to think about elements that tell a story or have special meaning. These personal details not only tie the room together but also create a calming and inspiring atmosphere that reflects your personality. By blending your favourite colours, styles, and themes, you can transform your walls into a gallery of memories and interests that feel both cohesive and welcoming.

Bringing in uniquely personal prints also helps avoid that generic look that many spaces end up with. Whether you have a love of travel, nature, or architecture, including prints that reflect these passions adds depth and character to your decor. It’s a way of expressing your individuality while complementing your interior colour scheme, ensuring that your space feels both stylish and genuinely yours.

SHOP HERE

Incorporating Personal Collections

With personal collections, my advice is to embrace the stories behind your prints for the wall. For example, if you have collected artwork from past trips or received pieces from friends and family, displaying these can add a meaningful layer to your design. By grouping these prints thoughtfully, you create a focal point that invites conversation and nostalgia. Pairing these personal pieces with colours already in your room ensures they enhance rather than clash.

It’s also helpful to mix different sizes and frames when incorporating personal collections. I find this variation adds charm and keeps the display interesting without overwhelming the existing colour palette. You don’t need to follow strict rules here; letting your unique collections shine brings warmth and personality that professional galleries often miss.

Seasonal Changes and Updating Your Prints

An easy way to refresh your space is by updating your prints for the wall to reflect the seasons. Changing your wall art along with the time of year can bring a fresh vibe without a full redesign. For instance, warmer hues and nature-inspired prints work beautifully in spring and summer, while deeper, richer colours and cosy themes suit autumn and winter. This simple switch helps maintain balance with your interior colour scheme and keeps your home feeling lively and connected to its environment.

When I swap out prints seasonally, I also like to consider how natural light affects the room during different months. Lighter prints brighten rooms in darker seasons, while more vivid imagery can add warmth when days are longer. By aligning your wall art with seasonal changes, your space stays inviting and dynamic all year round.

For instance, rotating your prints can be as easy as creating a dedicated wall or shelf space where you keep a selection ready to swap in. This approach lets you experiment with different themes and colours without committing long-term. Plus, it encourages you to reconnect with art you love but might not often see. In my experience, these small seasonal updates not only refresh the room but also lift your mood, making your home feel like a place you look forward to spending time in every day.

To wrap up

To wrap up, matching your prints with your interior colour scheme can truly transform the mood and feel of your space. I’ve found that when you take the time to consider how the colours in your artwork interact with your walls, furniture, and accessories, your room feels more balanced and inviting. Whether you prefer bold contrasts or subtle blends, finding that harmony helps your space reflect your personal style while offering a calming or energising atmosphere, depending on what you want to achieve. 

More about…

If you’re looking for more ideas or want to see how others have tackled similar projects, I highly recommend checking out this Bedroom Colour Scheme Help to Match Artwork discussion. It’s full of helpful tips and real-life examples from people just like you and me, figuring out how to make their wall art work perfectly within their rooms. Be mindful of, your wall art is a great way to add personality and warmth, so have fun experimenting and trust your eye as you bring your interiors together.