How to Choose the Perfect Wall Art for Your Home’s Style

Your walls are more than just a place to hang your keys—they’re a blank canvas waiting to tell your story.

Whether you’re renovating a space, redesigning a room, or just itching for a little refresh, choosing the right wall art can completely transform the vibe of your home. From vintage finds to bold abstract canvases, framed classics to quirky DIY wall art, there’s a perfect piece for every style (and budget).

And the best part? You don’t need a gallery-level budget to bring your walls to life. Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is a treasure trove for all things home decor, especially when it comes to one-of-a-kind wall art that adds instant personality to any room.

Let’s dive in!

Step One: Know Your Style

Before you pick up a paintbrush or hang that oversized canvas, take a step back and think: What’s my home’s vibe?

Here are a few common interior styles and the types of wall art that pair perfectly with each:

• Modern/Minimalist: Clean lines, black-and-white photography, abstract art, or metal and wood-framed pieces. 
• Vintage/Retro: Think aged wood signs, classic framed prints, retro posters, or even old records and magazine covers turned art. 
• Boho Chic: Macramé hangings, layered frames, earthy tones, or nature-inspired canvas prints. 
• Farmhouse/Rustic: Wooden plaques, distressed frames, handwritten-style quotes, or canvas prints with natural elements. 
• Industrial: Bold typography, metal-framed art, black-and-white cityscapes, or architectural sketches. 

Not sure what your style is? That’s okay. The best part of shopping at Goodwill is that you can experiment. Try out a look, see how it feels, and switch it up later without the stress of overspending.

Step Two: Think About Size & Scale

The wrong-sized wall art can throw off the whole balance of a room. Too small, and it disappears. Too big, and it overwhelms your space.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Above furniture (sofas, beds, dressers): Your art should be around 2/3 the width of the furniture piece below it. 
• Gallery walls: Mix and match different sizes, but try to maintain balance by aligning edges or spacing pieces evenly. 
• Large statement walls: Oversized canvas prints or bold abstract pieces create instant drama. 
• Small nooks and hallways: Try vertically stacked framed art or a narrow wood sign to add height and visual interest. 

Pro tip: Lay out your frames or canvases on the floor first to test your arrangement before committing to nails or hooks!

Step Three: Room by Room Vibes

Different rooms have different energy, so let your wall art reflect the function and feeling of each space.

Bedroom Wall Art: This is your personal haven—go with calming colors, romantic themes, soft landscapes, or inspiring quotes. Framed prints, canvas sets, or soft-toned abstract art are great choices.

Living Room: This is your spotlight zone. Make a bold statement with a large canvas, mix textures (wood + metal + fabric), or create a gallery wall of framed family photos, thrifted art, and DIY pieces.

Kitchen/Dining: A perfect spot for vintage signs, quirky art, food-themed illustrations, or rustic wooden accents. Think fun, functional, and full of character.

Entryway: Set the tone with a standout piece—something that makes people say “wow” the moment they walk in. Consider mirrors, framed art, or even sculptural wall hangings.

Exterior Spaces: Outdoor wall art? Yes, please! Just choose durable materials like treated wood, weatherproof canvases, or metal. Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona often carries unique items perfect for patios, porches, or garden walls.

Step Four: Try a DIY Twist

Want to create art that’s uniquely yours? DIY wall art is where budget-friendly meets brag-worthy. All you need is a little imagination—and maybe a thrift store run.

Here are a few DIY ideas:

• Canvas Revamp: Grab a secondhand canvas and repaint it with your own abstract design or quote. 
• Fabric Frame: Wrap bold or vintage fabric around a wooden frame or embroidery hoop. 
• Framed Finds: Turn old sheet music, maps, or book pages into gallery-worthy framed pieces. 
• Mixed Media Collage: Combine fabric scraps, magazine cutouts, and paint for a layered piece of modern art. 
• Wall Art from Wood: Upcycle reclaimed wood into signs or panel art with paint, stencils, or vinyl lettering. 

Shopping for materials at Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona not only saves money, it gives existing items new life—win-win!

Step Five: Arranging It All

Here’s where things get fun. Arranging your wall art is like curating your own mini gallery. Whether you’re designing a grid-style display or a relaxed boho collage, a little planning goes a long way.

Tips for success:

• Lay it out first: Use painter’s tape or paper cutouts to plan spacing on the wall. 
• Mix and match: Combine canvas, framed prints, metal art, and 3D elements for visual interest. 
• Stick to a theme: Use a consistent color palette, style, or frame type to keep your collection cohesive. 
• Break the rules: Art doesn’t have to be centered or symmetrical—let your creativity lead the way.

Don’t Forget: Art Is Personal

The “perfect” wall art isn’t what’s trending—it’s what you love. It’s the print that makes you smile, the colors that make your home feel cozy, and the piece that reminds you of your favorite place or memory.

And sometimes, it’s the framed floral print you found for a few bucks at Goodwill that unexpectedly pulls the whole room together.

Curate with Confidence

No matter your style, budget, or space, wall art has the power to elevate your home’s entire vibe. Whether you’re creating a cozy corner in your bedroom, livening up your living room, or bringing character to your patio, don’t underestimate the power of a great piece (or several).

Ready to refresh your walls?

Explore your nearest Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona for an ever-changing selection of framed art, canvases, wood wall decor, mirrors, and DIY-worthy materials. You’ll save money, score one-of-a-kind finds, and support a mission that helps people in your community find meaningful employment.

Paint your world your way—one thrifted piece at a time.