How do you add wall art in a small space? It’s all about scale and color. But let’s break it down further with some tips and advice from the pros!

Just because you're working with limited square footage doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. In fact, small spaces are perfect for adding charm and personality with the right piece of wall art. The key? Choosing pieces and placements that enhance your space without overwhelming it.

Whether you live in a cozy apartment, a tiny house, or just have a nook that needs some love, this guide will show you 5 easy and effective ways to style wall art in small spaces—without cluttering things up.

Why Wall Art is Perfect for Small Spaces

Small spaces often lack room for large furniture or bold design elements—but that's where wall art comes in. It allows you to:

• Express your personal style
• Draw the eye upward (making your space feel taller)
• Add texture, colour, or visual interest
• Tell a story—even when square footage is tight

The right piece can transform a small room from "meh" to magazine-worthy. And yes, even a narrow hallway or the corner above your coat rack can become a mini gallery. Just look at these hallway décor ideas from House Beautiful, for example!

Make Every Inch Count with These Creative Wall Art Tips

There are tons of ways to style a wall in a small space, but here are 5 ideas for wall art that you can try today!

Go Vertical to Maximize Wall Height

When floor space is limited, think tall instead of wide. Hanging wall art vertically draws the eye upward and gives the illusion of more height—making your room feel bigger and more open.

Try This:

• Stack two or three smaller prints vertically
• Use long, narrow art like our Moose in the Mist or something from our Lighthouse Series
• Add a vertical gallery wall to a tight hallway or reading corner

Pro Tip: Framed or canvas-wrapped prints in vertical format work beautifully behind doors, between windows, or on narrow walls.

Choose the Right Size (Less Isn't Always More)

It's a common mistake to assume that small space = small art. In reality, a piece that's too tiny can get lost and make your room feel disjointed.

Instead, go for medium-sized pieces or a pair of small ones that make an impact together. Think of it as one bold statement rather than scattered bits.

Try This:

• A feature piece from the Northern Lights Collection as your focal point
• A pair of Puffins in Toques prints hung side by side
• One 18" x24" piece above a narrow entryway table or dresser

Keep at least 6 inches of breathing room around your art to avoid a cramped look.

Make Use of Awkward Corners & Unused Spaces

Have a weird bit of wall beside your bathroom door? A sliver of space in your kitchen nook? That's prime real estate for wall art.

Don't be afraid to get creative with placements. Small spaces thrive on design that's unexpected, clever, and intentional.

Try This:

• Add a framed Highland Heroes piece above a towel rack or coat hook
• Brighten a shelf or plant corner with a leaning framed print
• Place art above the headboard in a small bedroom or above your desk

Bonus: Wall art in unexpected places adds a touch of whimsy and surprise to small spaces.

Pick Art That Has Emotional Impact

In small spaces, every design choice needs to count—and wall art is no exception. Choose pieces that spark emotion or tell a personal story.

Whether it's a memory of your Nan's kitchen or a scene that reminds you of home in Newfoundland, meaningful art turns even the tiniest space into something special.

Try This:

• Use pieces from the Hands of Time collection for cozy, nostalgic corners
• Add a puffin print to your entryway as a warm Newfoundland welcome
• Place a serene scene from our Scenery Collection in your bedroom for a calming effect

Smaller rooms are intimate—make your art intimate, too.

Pair Your Art with Mirrors or Light to Expand the Space

One of the easiest ways to make a small room feel bigger is by reflecting light—and mirrors paired with wall art can do wonders.

Try This:

• Hang a piece of art next to a mirror to create the illusion of depth
• Use soft lighting or fairy lights to illuminate art in a dark corner
• Try acrylic prints from our shop for a glassy, light-reflective surface

Light bounces off glossy surfaces, helping your art (and your space) shine.

Get Wall Art for Your Small Space!

When styled thoughtfully, wall art has the power to completely transform even the smallest of spaces. Whether you're decorating a cozy apartment, a cabin, or just want to breathe life into a little hallway, these easy tricks will help you make the most of your walls—without making things feel cluttered.

And if you're looking for art that's inspired by Newfoundland's culture, landscapes, and charm, check out our collections at Driftwood Creations NL. From puffins and lighthouses to the Northern Lights and nostalgic heritage prints, there's something for every home—and every wall. Join our newsletter and get 10% off your order!