Wall Art and Decor Ideas for Home Interior Design In Dubai
Empty walls make homes look boring. Wall art and decor bring life to your space! But choosing right art is confusing. What should you hang? Where? How big? Here are simple ideas to decorate your Dubai home walls beautifully.
Why Wall Art is Important
Wall art changes everything:
Makes Home Beautiful: Art adds color, interest, and personality. Transforms plain walls into focal points.
Shows Your Style: Your art choices tell who you are. Modern person? Traditional? Creative? Art expresses you.
Creates Atmosphere: Right art makes rooms feel calm, energetic, elegant, or cozy. Changes the mood completely.
Fills Empty Space: Large walls look bare without art. Art makes them interesting and complete.
Starts Conversations: Guests notice art. Beautiful pieces give you something to talk about.
Adds Value: Well-decorated homes feel more expensive. Good presentation matters.
In Dubai, wall art is especially important. New apartments often have plain white walls. You need to add personality!
Types of Wall Art and Decor
Many options available. Here are popular choices:
Paintings: Traditional art on canvas. Oil paintings, acrylic paintings, watercolors.
Good for:
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Dining rooms
- Classic or elegant style
Prints and Posters: Printed images on paper or canvas. Affordable and easy to change.
Good for:
- Any room
- Rented apartments
- Budget-friendly decorating
- Trying different styles
Photographs: Personal photos or professional photography prints.
Good for:
- Family photos in hallways
- Black and white photos in modern spaces
- Nature photos in bedrooms
- Travel photos anywhere
Metal Wall Art: Decorative pieces made from metal. Modern and unique.
Good for:
- Modern homes
- Contemporary style
- Living rooms
- Making statements
Mirrors: Functional and decorative! Reflect light and make rooms bigger.
Good for:
- Small spaces
- Dark rooms
- Hallways
- Above furniture
Wall Sculptures: 3D art that projects from wall. Very eye-catching.
Good for:
- Feature walls
- Modern spaces
- Making dramatic statements
Wall Decals and Stickers: Removable designs that stick to walls. Perfect for renters!
Good for:
- Rented apartments
- Children’s rooms
- Temporary decoration
- Quick changes
Tapestries and Fabric Art: Cloth hung on walls. Soft and warm feeling.
Good for:
- Bohemian style
- Adding texture
- Sound absorption
- Cozy bedrooms
Shelves with Displays: Floating shelves with decorative items. Practical and pretty.
Good for:
- Any room
- Displaying collections
- Books and plants
- Flexible decoration
Arabic Calligraphy: Beautiful Islamic art and Arabic writing. Very popular in Dubai!
Good for:
- Traditional homes
- Showing cultural pride
- Elegant decoration
- Main living areas
Choosing Right Art for Different Rooms
Each room needs different art:
Living Room:
Living room is main space. Art here should be impressive!
Best choices:
- Large statement piece above sofa
- Gallery wall with multiple pieces
- Matching pair of paintings
- Beautiful mirror
- Arabic calligraphy
Size: Large! Don’t be shy. Big art looks better in living rooms.
Style: Match your furniture style. Modern furniture = modern art.
Bedroom:
Bedroom is private space. Choose calming art.
Best choices:
- Peaceful landscape
- Soft abstract art
- Romantic images
- Personal photos
- Calming colors
Size: Medium to large. Usually one piece above bed.
Style: Relaxing and personal. What makes YOU feel peaceful?
Kitchen:
Kitchen needs cheerful, fresh art.
Best choices:
- Food-themed prints
- Bright colors
- Small pieces
- Herb or vegetable prints
- Coffee or tea art
Size: Small to medium. Kitchen has limited wall space.
Style: Fun and fresh. Not too serious.
Dining Room:
Dining room art should encourage appetite and conversation.
Best choices:
- Food and wine themes
- Warm colors
- Elegant pieces
- Statement chandelier counts as art too!
Size: Medium to large depending on wall.
Style: Sophisticated but warm.
Bathroom:
Often forgotten but bathrooms need art too!
Best choices:
- Water themes
- Beach scenes
- Spa-like images
- Small framed prints
Size: Small to medium.
Style: Relaxing and clean feeling.
Hallways:
Perfect for photo galleries!
Best choices:
- Family photos in matching frames
- Series of small pieces
- Long horizontal pieces
- Mirrors
Size: Multiple small pieces work better than one large piece.
Style: Personal and welcoming.
Children’s Rooms:
Fun and colorful!
Best choices:
- Cartoon characters
- Alphabet art
- Animal prints
- Colorful abstracts
- Educational posters
Size: Medium. Not too large for small rooms.
Style: Playful and age-appropriate.
Home Office:
Inspiring and motivating art.
Best choices:
- Motivational quotes
- Success themes
- Nature scenes for calm
- Abstract art for creativity
Size: Medium. Don’t distract from work.
Style: Professional but personal.
Popular Art Styles in Dubai
Modern Contemporary: Clean lines, abstract designs, bold colors. Very popular in new Dubai apartments.
Examples:
- Abstract paintings
- Geometric designs
- Minimalist prints
- Metal sculptures
Traditional Arabic: Islamic art, calligraphy, geometric patterns. Shows cultural heritage.
Examples:
- Quranic verses in beautiful writing
- Traditional patterns
- Mashrabiya designs
- Desert scenes
Luxury Elegant: Expensive-looking, sophisticated, classic.
Examples:
- Gold-framed paintings
- Marble-look art
- Crystal decorations
- Elegant portraits
Natural Organic: Nature themes, earthy colors, calming.
Examples:
- Desert landscapes
- Palm tree prints
- Ocean scenes
- Botanical prints
Minimalist Simple: Less is more. Clean and uncluttered.
Examples:
- Single line drawings
- Black and white photos
- Simple shapes
- Lots of white space
Size and Placement Rules
Getting size and height right is important!
Size Guidelines:
Above Sofa: Art should be 2/3 to 3/4 width of sofa. Not tiny! Not wider than sofa.
Example:
- 2-meter sofa needs art about 1.3-1.5 meters wide
- Can be one large piece or group of pieces
Above Bed: Similar rule. 2/3 to 3/4 width of bed headboard.
Above Console or Sideboard: Art should be slightly narrower than furniture below.
In Dining Room: Center art over table. Should relate to table size.
Height Guidelines:
Main Rule: Center of art should be at eye level. About 145-150 cm from floor.
Exception: If hanging above furniture, leave 15-20 cm gap between furniture and art bottom.
Gallery Wall: Treat whole gallery as one piece. Center point should be at eye level.
High Ceilings: In villas with very high ceilings, you can hang art slightly higher.
Creating Gallery Walls
Gallery walls are very popular! Multiple pieces arranged together.
Planning Your Gallery:
Step 1: Choose Your Pieces Collect art you want to display. Mix sizes okay! Should work together in style or color.
Step 2: Plan Layout Cut paper to size of each piece. Tape paper on wall. Move around until you like arrangement.
Step 3: Take Photo Photo your paper layout. Reference when hanging real pieces.
Step 4: Mark and Hang Mark nail positions. Hang from center piece outward.
Gallery Wall Styles:
Grid Gallery: Pieces same size in neat rows. Very organized and modern.
Salon Style: Different sizes arranged closely. More traditional and cozy.
Horizontal Line: Pieces in straight line. Good for above sofa or hallway.
Vertical Line: Pieces stacked vertically. Good for narrow walls.
Scattered: Pieces at different heights. More casual and creative.
Tips for Success:
- Keep consistent frame style or color
- Maintain consistent spacing (about 5-8 cm between pieces)
- Include variety of sizes
- Balance colors across wall
- Include mix of photos, prints, maybe small objects
Color Coordination
Art colors should work with room:
Option 1: Match Room Colors Choose art with same colors as your furniture and decor. Creates harmony.
Option 2: Complement Colors Use colors that go well together. Blue art with beige room. Green art with brown furniture.
Option 3: Contrast for Drama Bold colored art on neutral wall. Creates exciting focal point!
Option 4: Neutral Art Black and white or sepia art. Works with any room colors. Safe choice.
Best for Dubai:
Dubai homes often have neutral colors – white, beige, grey. This gives you freedom!
You can add:
- Pops of color through art
- Keep it all neutral for elegant look
- Mix both approaches
Framing Your Art
Frame is as important as art itself!
Frame Styles:
Modern Frames: Simple, thin, often black or white. Let art be focus.
Good for:
- Contemporary spaces
- Minimalist style
- Photographs
Traditional Frames: Ornate, decorative, often gold or dark wood.
Good for:
- Classic paintings
- Elegant spaces
- Traditional style
Floating Frames: Art appears to float inside frame. Very modern!
Good for:
- Canvas prints
- Modern art
- Contemporary spaces
No Frame: Canvas gallery wrap. Image continues around edges.
Good for:
- Modern spaces
- Large pieces
- Casual feeling
Frame Colors:
Black: Most versatile. Works with almost everything. Makes art pop.
White: Clean and modern. Good with light-colored walls.
Wood: Natural and warm. Works with many styles.
Gold: Elegant and traditional. Be careful not to overdo.
Matching Frames: If using multiple pieces, matching frames create cohesion.
Alternative Wall Decor Ideas
Not just art! Other ways to decorate walls:
Mirrors:
Functional and beautiful!
Ideas:
- Large mirror as focal point
- Group of small mirrors
- Decorative framed mirror
- Sunburst mirror design
Benefits:
- Make rooms feel bigger
- Reflect light
- Functional
- Add elegance
Wall Shelves:
Display and storage together.
What to display:
- Books arranged by color
- Small plants
- Decorative objects
- Family photos
- Collections
Looks: Personal and interesting. Changes easily.
Plants:
Green walls are trendy!
Options:
- Hanging planters
- Wall-mounted pots
- Vertical garden system
- Macrame plant hangers
Benefits:
- Fresh and natural
- Clean air
- Living decoration
- Brings outdoors in
Clocks:
Functional decoration!
Choose:
- Large statement clock
- Vintage clock
- Modern minimalist clock
- Multiple clocks showing different time zones
Plates and Ceramics:
Traditional but beautiful.
Ideas:
- Decorative plates on wall
- Ceramic art pieces
- Traditional pottery
- Arranged in patterns
Textiles:
Soft and warm.
Options:
- Woven wall hangings
- Tapestries
- Fabric art
- Macrame designs
3D Objects:
Add depth and interest.
Ideas:
- Metal wall sculptures
- Wooden geometric designs
- Paper art
- Layered pieces
Where to Buy Wall Art in Dubai
Many places to find art:
Art Galleries:
- Alserkal Avenue – contemporary art
- Various galleries in DIFC
- JLT galleries
- Local artist galleries
Home Decor Stores:
- Home Centre
- Pottery Barn
- West Elm
- Bloomingdale’s Home
- The One
Affordable Options:
- IKEA – good for frames and simple art
- Home Box
- Danube Home
- Dragon Mart – very affordable
Online Shopping:
- Noon.com
- Amazon.ae
- Local artists on Instagram
- International sites ship to Dubai
Custom Options:
- Print your own photos at photo shops
- Commission local artists
- Custom canvas prints online
- Personalized designs
Markets:
- Souk Madinat for traditional art
- Local art markets and fairs
- Weekend markets
DIY Wall Art Ideas
Make your own art! Save money and be creative:
Idea 1: Canvas and Paint Buy blank canvas. Paint abstract design. Even simple looks good!
Idea 2: Framed Fabric Buy beautiful fabric. Stretch over canvas or frame. Instant art!
Idea 3: Photo Prints Print your own photos large. Frame them. Personal and meaningful.
Idea 4: Pressed Botanicals Press leaves or flowers. Frame them. Natural and elegant.
Idea 5: Quote Prints Design favorite quote on computer. Print and frame. Motivational!
Idea 6: Children’s Art Frame your children’s artwork. Colorful and personal.
Idea 7: Map Art Frame maps of places meaningful to you. Nostalgic and decorative.
Idea 8: Washi Tape Designs Create geometric designs on wall with decorative tape. Temporary and fun!
Common Wall Art Mistakes
Mistake 1: Too Small Tiny art on big wall looks lost. Go bigger than you think!
Mistake 2: Too High Hanging art too high. Remember eye level rule.
Mistake 3: No Planning Randomly hanging things. Creates chaos. Plan first!
Mistake 4: All Same Size Boring. Mix sizes for interest.
Mistake 5: Wrong Style Modern art in traditional room. Doesn’t match. Keep style consistent.
Mistake 6: Afraid of Color All neutral art. Sometimes needs pop of color!
Mistake 7: Cluttered Walls Too much art. Too many things. Leave some empty space.
Mistake 8: Poor Quality Very cheap-looking art brings down whole room. Invest in decent pieces.
Tips for Renters
Renting in Dubai? You can still decorate!
Use Command Strips: Hang art without nails. Damage-free. Easy removal.
Lean Don’t Hang: Lean art on shelves or floor against wall. No holes needed!
Removable Options: Wall decals, temporary wallpaper, washi tape designs. All removable!
Lightweight Pieces: Choose light art that needs small nails only. Easier to fix holes when leaving.
Ask Landlord: Some landlords allow nails. Ask first. Keep holes minimal.
Getting Professional Help
Not sure what art to choose? How to arrange it?
Liger Interiors can help:
They Will:
- Understand your style
- Suggest appropriate art
- Plan gallery walls
- Choose right sizes
- Coordinate colors
- Source art for you
- Hang everything perfectly
- Create cohesive look
Their Experience:
- Decorated many Dubai homes
- Know local art sources
- Understand different styles
- Work with any budget
- Create stunning results
Why It Helps:
- Avoid expensive mistakes
- Save time shopping
- Professional eye for design
- Perfect placement
- Beautiful finished result
Your Action Plan
Ready to decorate your walls?
Step 1: Walk Through Home Which walls are empty? Which need improvement?
Step 2: Measure Walls Know wall sizes. Helps choose right art sizes.
Step 3: Define Your Style What do you like? Save pictures of art you love.
Step 4: Set Budget How much can you spend? Plan accordingly.
Step 5: Start Shopping Visit stores or browse online. Take your time.
Step 6: Plan Before Hanging Lay art on floor first. See how pieces work together.
Step 7: Hang and Adjust Put art up. Step back. Does it look right? Adjust if needed.
Final Thoughts
Wall art transforms your Dubai home. Takes blank walls and makes them beautiful. Shows your personality. Creates the atmosphere you want.
Remember main points:
- Choose art you love
- Get size right – bigger usually better
- Hang at proper height
- Plan before hanging
- Mix sizes and types for interest
- Match room style
- Don’t be afraid to try
Start with one room. See how much difference art makes. Then do more rooms!
Need help choosing and arranging wall art? Contact Liger Interiors today. They are experts in home decoration in Dubai. They will help you create beautiful walls that make you smile every day.
Your beautifully decorated home is waiting!
Need wall art and decor help? Contact Best Interior Design Firm In Dubai now! Expert decoration services! Free consultation for Dubai homes!