A New Study Reveals the Most Common Art Styles Found In Homes

published Aug 21, 2021
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Whether it’s a magnificent gallery wall or a few prints dotted around here and there, artwork adds depth and character to the home, defining the personality of a homeowner and their space.

A recent study by building resource retailer, Buildworld, found the most common art styles found in homes around the U.S. and U.K., surveying over 1,000 homeowners about their art preferences and tastes. The study also revealed the value of art, taking into account how much is spent on artwork, and whether art increased the perceived value of a home.

The results showed that the average total amount spent on all artwork in the home is $1,155, with two in three respondents passing up a piece of art that they liked due to the price tag.

From photography to pop art, there are plenty of popular styles when it comes to art in the home. Here are the top types of art chosen for home decor.

Credit: Camilla Larsson

Photography

When homeowners were deciding what kind of art they wanted to hang on their walls, 62% opted for photography pieces. Simply put, photography refers to the process or practice of creating a photograph—an image produced by the action of light on a light-sensitive material. Whether it’s a professional shot or you want to try your hand at your own photos, this<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="art%20style%20is%20certainly%20the%20most%20personal%20of%20the%20bunch.<br><br><strong>Buy:%20<a%20href=" https:>Lexi Kaplowitz “Clearly Sea Art” Print, Society6, from $26.99

Credit: Shutterstock/kavram

Landscapes

Landscape photography typically captures the presence of nature, from vast spaces to intimate detailing. The best landscape photos demonstrate the photographer’s own connection to nature and capture the essence of the world around them. Landscapes were a popular choice among survey participants, with nearly half (49%) of respondents preferring to stare at natural scenery throughout their homes.

Buy: Nikki Reed “Follow Your Path” Print, BaYou With Love, from $132 $66

Credit: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock.com

Abstract

36% of respondents favored abstract art, an art craft that does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a visual reality but instead uses shapes, colors, forms, and gestural marks to achieve its striking effect. Famous abstract artists include Jackson Pollock and Agnes Martin.

Buy: Joumari “Modern Abstract Print Set of 3” Prints, Etsy, from $27.01

Credit: Joe Lingeman

Posters

Posters proved the third most popular art choice, with 28% of respondents sharing their love for the versatile style. Want to skip the hassle and added expense of framing your poster prints? There are plenty of easy and unique ways to hang your unframed posters.

Buy: The Nectar Collective “No Bad Days” Print, Urban Outfitters, from $19

Credit: Minette Hand

Portraits

24% of survey respondents love to let personality shine through with portraits. Take inspiration from comedian Jason Mantzoukas, who showed off his eccentric gallery wall during an appearance on “Late Night With Seth Meyers” back in February.

“I’ve been home alone for a year, so, like, these are the people I spend my time with,” Mantzoukas said of the portraits on display in his kitchen.

Whether you collect portraits that remind you of people you love, or you opt for a curated set of faces that become familiar to you over time, portraits will certainly add a lot of character to your space.

Buy: HeidiVintageArt “Woman Portrait Painting” Print, Etsy, $48


View the full report here.