Art can do wonders for your workspace. It can add personality, boost morale, and even spark creativity among your team. Decorating your office space with art is a thoughtful way to express your brand’s personality. It also creates a more welcoming environment for visitors, clients, and employees alike.
Many people assume office art means bland motivational posters or random prints. But there’s room for something much more personal and vibrant. If chosen well, artwork can reflect your company’s values, the work you do, and even the city you call home.
These tips will help you find the right pieces and place them with intention.
Know What Kind of Mood You Want to Set
Art has an emotional pull. What you hang on your walls sets a tone. A bold abstract piece might energize the space. Soft watercolors may calm things down. Before buying anything, ask yourself what kind of mood you want to establish in the office.
If your work requires deep thinking and focus, go for pieces that aren’t too busy or loud. If your business thrives on movement and creativity, you might prefer dynamic colors or experimental forms.
The goal is to create a setting where your team feels connected and clients get a sense of who you are.
Choose Art That Fits the Vibes of Your City or Neighborhood
Your office doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s part of a larger community, and your art choices can reflect that. Try to match your selections to the energy of your surroundings. If your office is in a historic district, you might want something more classic or locally inspired.
If you're located in a trendy, fast-paced area, go for pieces that feel contemporary and edgy. Take New York City as an example. If you have opted for a New York City office lease, you’re likely surrounded by a lot of urban chaos but also local culture.
As The Farm Soho points out, NYC offers both premium office spaces and budget-friendly leases. But, irrespective of your office size and type, a bit of locally-influenced art can add a lot of character to the space.
Offices in Manhattan, for instance, might benefit from sleek, urban photography or abstract art with bold lines. If you're leasing office space in Brooklyn, you might want to showcase local artists or murals with a more relaxed, artistic feel.
Commercial spaces come with their own personality, and the right art can highlight that instead of fighting it.
Support Local and Emerging Artists
There’s no need to spend a fortune on art. Some of the most striking pieces come from local artists just starting out. Visit local galleries or art schools and see what’s available.
Not only can you find unique work, but you also get to support the creative community around you. Right now, in the US, this is especially important for the art community. That’s because local artists, especially the new ones, are hardly able to earn from their work.
You might also consider rotating local art every few months. It gives your office a fresh feel and gives artists exposure.
Think About Scale and Placement
Art should never look like an afterthought. A massive canvas crammed into a narrow hallway will look awkward, no matter how beautiful it is. Think in terms of space, distance, and the way people move through the office.
In common areas, large statement pieces can create a focal point and spark conversation. In private offices or workspaces, smaller works or grouped collections might work better.
Use Art to Tell a Story About Your Brand
Your office art doesn’t just decorate; it communicates. If your business is centered around innovation, hang pieces that suggest progress or future-thinking. If your brand focuses on community, choose artwork that reflects shared experience or connection.
Think of the walls as silent storytellers. Clients walking into your office should immediately feel what your company stands for. Maybe it’s a curated series of photographs from your founding city. Maybe it’s a large canvas representing the evolution of your industry.
If you have an internal motto or mission, consider commissioning an artist to bring that idea to life.
Mix Different Media for Texture and Interest
Don’t limit yourself to just paintings or prints. Adding sculptures, textiles, or even digital installations can give your office dimension. A mix of materials creates visual layers that engage both visitors and employees. It turns a flat environment into one that feels lived-in and thoughtful.
A textile wall hanging might soften a conference room with sharp corners. A digital art screen in the lobby could cycle through curated visuals. Even framed handwritten notes, maps, or vintage ads can become statement pieces if presented with care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do offices hang artworks on their walls at times?
Artworks in offices enhance aesthetics, reduce stress, and stimulate creativity among employees. Art also reflects company culture and values, making the workspace feel more human and emotionally engaging than bare or overly clinical environments.
Why have artworks on office walls over motivational quotes or word clouds?
Art offers open-ended interpretation and emotional depth, whereas motivational quotes can feel repetitive or superficial over time. Unlike word clouds, art engages the senses and can inspire fresh thinking. It subtly boosts mood and creativity without dictating how employees should feel or think.
What kind of art pieces should a tech company have at its office?
A tech company might choose abstract pieces, digital art, or interactive installations that echo innovation and forward-thinking. Art featuring geometry, data-inspired visuals, or minimalist designs complements modern workspaces. Showcasing work by local or digital artists can also reflect the company's commitment to creativity and progress.
Art isn’t just about decoration. It’s about making people feel something the moment they step into your office. Whether you're leasing a space in a buzzing city or setting up a quiet home office, what you hang on the walls speaks volumes.
Choose with care, and let your environment inspire those who walk through your doors. Done well, your art can become just as integral to your workspace as your desk or your computer.