Curating a monochromatic art collection can be challenging. However, the intentionality and sophistication of these sets have, nonetheless, given them a lasting appeal. Black and white (B&W) print collections, in particular, are a solid ongoing trend, likely because of the resurgence in popularity of Scandinavian and Japanese minimalism from the 2010s through the present day. Finding the perfect piece to round out a collection of B&W contemporary art posters can be a huge rush, leaving you with a gallery that is as timeless as it is personal.
Though black and white art prints are the most popular for monochromatic collections, there are plenty of collectors out there who lean towards other colours as well. In any case, decorating your home with a tight palette can simplify the thought processes behind your decor and furniture selection, and leave you with a deceptively simple yet thoroughly sophisticated result. If you’re just venturing into monochromatic art collecting, here are some ideas that should leave you with a uniquely coherent living space:
Pick a Colour That Means Something to You
Rather than following any specific colour trends, you’re best off choosing a theme that resonates with you. For instance, if you love nature, you might like an art print collection that is composed of shades of green. Going with a tight palette based around one colour should help create a cohesive look that’s much easier to build on. When in doubt, just pick something you like and stick with it.
Think About How Far You Want to Go
Collections that are all strictly in one specific shade can be quite impressive. However, if a home collection is a bit too on-the-nose, it can leave your living space looking a bit artificial, as if it were an art gallery that you only happen to live in. Though some art lovers would love nothing more than that, many others would prefer to have a space that looks authentic to themselves.
For that reason, you should consider just how much leeway to give yourself when building a collection. Rather than having a collection that is purely B&W, for instance, you can also include some pieces with neutrals or pastels in place of whites, as well as a few splashes of other colours. While the result may be slightly less impressive, you’ll be left with a collection that is more organic and easier to add to.
Mix Different Mediums
You don’t have to just stick with art prints or posters. If you have a B&W graphic design prints collection, you can also include some black-and-white photographs, charcoal drawings, and ink sketches to break things up a bit. Including this bit of variation adds depth to your art collection and can make it more interesting.
Match Your Room’s Purpose
Choosing art prints that reflect the room’s function can further reinforce the impact inherently created by their monochromaticism. Curate a tight selection of serene prints for bedrooms or exciting pieces that suggest movement for living rooms and home offices. Making these choices helps your art collection become a more integral part of how you live rather than just something that’s tacked onto your walls.
Use Negative Space Wisely
Keeping some space intentionally empty can also serve to further deepen the impact of whatever pieces you choose to leave on. You’ll also avoid a cluttered look that can sometimes cheapen the overall effect of your collection.
Select Complementary Frames
Frames can have a huge effect on how your monochromatic collection appears. Going with B&W prints as an example, each of our frame choices at DROOL can subtly alter the mood of the collection. Black frames can heighten the sleek sophistication of B&W prints while white frames can give everything a more airy feel. Alternatively, wooden frames can add a touch of warmth, softening the stark contrasts of the monochromatic prints and blending seamlessly with more rustic décor.
As a general rule, matching frames for all the pieces in a collection is recommended. You may also want to consider the colour of the walls your collection will be displayed on before you make your selection. Sometimes, however, the best choice is to go without frames altogether.
Use Mats for Emphasis
Similar to frames, adding a mat around your framed art print can make the artwork stand out more and give make it fit better into your chosen colour scheme. As a bonus, mats can also be used to better match the proportions of different-sized artworks within a given collection.
Rotate Your Collections
Just because you have limited wall space, it doesn’t mean you should limit your art collection. Keep your monochromatic collection fresh by rotating your prints seasonally. This can be a fun way to give your space new looks throughout the year.
Start Your Monochromatic Explorations with DROOL
Building a monochromatic print collection is an inspiring way to learn about patience and attention to detail. Curating a monochromatic print set can be quite involved and frustrating at times, but it ultimately becomes rewarding when you begin to see your pieces cohesively interact with each other. Even better, as your collection grows, you’ll not only be left with a more impressive living space but also with a better connection to your unique artistic sensibilities. Start your monochromatic collection today with a few choice DROOL art prints in your favourite colour.
