Show Home Secrets: Selecting Artwork for Different Rooms

A great show home doesn’t just display a property — it sells a lifestyle. Every detail is chosen to spark the imagination of potential buyers, helping them picture themselves living there. While furniture and finishes set the scene, artwork is what gives each room its unique personality and emotional pull.

The right art choice for each room can subtly guide how people feel as they move through the home, making the overall experience more memorable and desirable.

The Living Room: Warm Welcome, Strong Impression

The living room is often the first major space visitors see, so it’s worth making a statement here.

• Best choice: Large, impactful pieces that set the tone for the home.
• Style tips: Abstracts for a modern edge, landscapes for warmth, or oversized photography for drama.
• Placement: Above the sofa or on the main feature wall, hung at eye level.

The Kitchen: Bright and Inviting

Kitchens are social spaces, so art here should feel approachable and energising.

• Best choice: Food-themed prints, cheerful colour palettes, or modern botanical art.
• Style tips: Smaller works that don’t overwhelm — you want them to enhance the space, not compete with it.
• Placement: Avoid direct heat and moisture; opt for walls near dining areas or breakfast nooks.

The Dining Room: Conversation Starter

Dining rooms benefit from art that adds atmosphere and inspires discussion.

• Best choice: Bold, statement-making pieces that reflect the home’s overall style.
• Style tips: Choose colours that complement tableware or accent decor.
• Placement: Centred on the main wall, ideally visible from the table without distraction.

The Bedroom: Calm and Comfort

Bedrooms should feel restful and personal.

• Best choice: Soft abstracts, nature photography, or minimal line drawings.
• Style tips: Keep colours muted or tonal for a soothing effect.
• Placement: Above the bed’s headboard or on a side wall where it can be enjoyed without dominating.

The Bathroom: Small Scale, Big Style

Bathrooms are perfect for adding small pops of personality.

• Best choice: Coastal photography, botanical prints, or fun, quirky illustrations.
• Style tips: Use moisture-resistant framing and materials.
• Placement: Opposite mirrors, above towel rails, or on small feature walls.

The Hallway: The Journey Between Spaces

Hallways are often overlooked, but they connect the home’s story.

• Best choice: Series of smaller works or a set of themed prints.
• Style tips: Use consistent framing for cohesion.
• Placement: At eye level, spaced evenly to guide the eye along the hall.

The Home Office: Inspiration and Focus

Workspaces need art that sparks creativity without being distracting.

• Best choice: Motivational typography, geometric designs, or calming landscapes.
• Style tips: Avoid overly busy patterns if you spend long hours here.
• Placement: Behind the desk for a strong backdrop on video calls, or on adjacent walls for personal inspiration.

Bringing It All Together

Art in a show home isn’t just decoration — it’s part of a carefully orchestrated experience. Each room should tell a slightly different chapter of the same story, moving buyers from intrigue to connection to desire.

When chosen with intention, artwork helps buyers see not just a house, but the life they could live in it. That’s the real secret to a successful show home.