- Contemporary living rooms can feature a diversity of pictures and wall art. A large-format oil painting with an abstract or stylized subject matter works well over the fireplace mantel or across from the couch. You can use bold photographs to add some biographical information to the room or create a gallery of interesting places you have vacationed. The contemporary notion of picture extends to found art as well, so feel free to incorporate cool packaging, a rusted tin sign or framed swatches of fabric or wallpaper in your living room decor.
- A contemporary living room can feature several types of layouts for pictures. You can group smaller thematic pieces in matching frames on a wall. Try hanging three pictures triptych style, grouped close together, or four in a square shape. The bohemian modern look favors very close groupings of eclectic pieces, both framed and unframed, that leave little to no margin of space between them. The industrial look may include paintings suspended by fishing wire from the ceiling or simply propped against the wall. If your living room has a narrow wall, take advantage of vertical space by stacking smaller pictures vertically. For a do-it-yourself look, string fishing wire clothesline-style between two eye hooks in your mantel. Use clothespins or paper clips to attach small works on paper to the clothesline.
- Contemporary living rooms often feature furnishings and finishes with sleek angles, clean lines and glossy finishes. You can extend this look to your picture frames. Try lacquered black frames for a gallery look, and light the pictures with miniature spotlights. For an industrial edge, use steel or chrome frames around pictures. The bohemian modern look favors mixing different finishes and styles of frames, while the do-it-yourself look includes using repurposed pieces such as window frames, small doors, drawers and embroidery hoops as frames.
