This Just In: Oil Paintings are Making a Comeback
Gone are the days where oil portraits were reserved for stuffy mansions and fancy museums.
Today, a bevy of bloggers and designers have begun featuring unfamiliar faces in their homes—and we are loving it. Not only does an oil painting give your space a museum-like flair, but it’s also a wonderful conversation starter.
Want to give oil paintings a try? Check out these nine rooms that are giving us major interior envy, and then scroll down to browse some affordable options that you can add to your own space.
1. Smiles on the Stairway
Why, hello there, handsome stranger! Interior designer Michelle Gage lined her stairway with a collection of oil portraits that make a major statement when paired together. No two faces are alike, but they certainly complement each other.
2. Portraits and Paper
We love how Erin Wheeler of Sunny Circle Studio hung a collection of oil portraits atop gorgeous portrait-themed wallpaper in this bedroom. The result? An eclectic room that’s delightfully whimsical.
3. Flying Solo
Still building your collection? A single portrait can still make a major statement on its own, especially when it’s oversized. Michael Keck, who works for Emily Henderson Design, paired his with other decorative objects of a similar color scheme.
4. Something Old, Something New
Blogger Alisa Bovino of A Glass of Bovino also used just one oil portrait in her living room. We love how the elegant art fits seamlessly alongside more contemporary furniture, like the leopard chairs and the gold and marble coffee table.
5. A Group of Three
Blogger Kimberly Duran of Swoonworthy jazzed up an already stunning paneled wall with a few eye-catching portraits. These portraits add some personality to the space without competing with the rest of her colorful wares.
6. Prop It Up
Don’t be bashful about propping up a painting on top of a cute China cabinet, as Erin Francois of Francois et Moi did in her space. It adds a welcome pop of color and some spunk to this beautifully styled area.
7. Get Sassy
Oil portraits don’t have to be serious, promise. For a tongue-in-cheek approach to the traditional style, choose one with a bit of sass. Blogger Joanna Hawley of Jojotastic hung this lovely lady above her bed, which pops nicely against the whimsical wallpaper.
8. The Happiest Hour
Oil portraits make the perfect addition to an at-home bar, particularly when they’re a bit spunky. Katie Taylor of Spray Paint and Chardonnay chose to feature this sly lady, and the gold frame goes perfectly with her bar cart and accoutrements.
9. A Colorful Crew
This dining room in Atlanta, Georgia features an expertly styled arrangement of portraits in all colors of the rainbow. Even solo dinners will feel that much more exciting with this eclectic cast of characters present. We love how the height of the display draws eyes upward toward the gorgeous exposed beams.
Get the Look
While you can browse your local flea market or antique shop for a portrait that’s calling your name, there are plenty of well-appointed options online. (Psst…check out the two cool pieces we found on One Kings Lane.) Find a face that inspires you, add to your cart, and get styling!