HOW TO CHOOSE WALL ART THAT ACTUALLY IMPROVES YOUR SPACE
The Designer's 7-Point Checklist for Creating a Room That Feels Right
📍 INTRODUCTION
Most people hang wall art that just... fills space.
But the right piece transforms a room — it anchors it, tells a story, and makes your space feel designed, not decorated.
This checklist is built for people who care about design. If your walls feel "off" or unfinished, you're not alone — and this guide will show you how to fix it with confidence.
✅ 1. START WITH EMOTION, NOT COLOR
"What do you want this room to feel like?"
Before size, palette, or price — ask: what story should this space tell?
Do you want calm? Energy? Memory? Identity?
Minimalist 3D maps of meaningful places (like your hometown, proposal spot, or favorite city) carry instant emotion without visual noise.
✅ 2. STICK TO A DOMINANT VISUAL LANGUAGE
Don't mix soft watercolors with geometric metal art. It muddies your aesthetic.
Choose your "language" and stay fluent:
- •Minimalist/Modern: clean lines, monochrome, balance
- •Rustic/Natural: topographic contours, texture, warmth
- •Industrial: grayscale, contrast, maps with architectural grid tones
Terravue's collections are built to match each type.
✅ 3. MEASURE YOUR WALL, THEN SUBTRACT 30%
Oversized is better than underwhelming — but too big overwhelms small rooms.
If your wall is 60" wide, aim for a piece around 42–45".
- •Single large prints = clean.
- •Grid layouts = great for gallery walls or narrow spaces.
Use our printable sizing guide to test layouts before buying.
✅ 4. CONSIDER LIGHTING AND SHADOW
Is this wall across from a window? Does it get warm light or cool?
3D map textures shift subtly depending on how the light hits.
Topographic and minimalist prints play well with natural light.
Avoid glossy frames if your space is high-glare.
✅ 5. BLACK & WHITE ALWAYS WINS (WHEN IN DOUBT)
Neutral tones don't compete — they anchor.
If you're unsure, go monochrome.
You can always layer color elsewhere (pillows, rugs, etc.)
A minimalist 3D map in black or sandstone adds depth without clutter.
✅ 6. TELL A STORY WITH LOCATION-BASED ART
Anyone can hang a poster. Only you can hang a map of the street where your life changed.
Maps of places you love make visitors ask questions.
That's the core of good design: it's personal and conversation-worthy.
Terravue lets you customize any location in seconds.
✅ 7. DON'T HANG IT UNTIL YOU LOVE IT
If it doesn't give you a gut yes, don't put it up.
Most people settle. But wall art should be permanent — like a tattoo for your room.
Order pieces that feel like you, not like a catalog.
🎁 BONUS: FREE VISUAL PLANNING TEMPLATES
We've created downloadable templates to help you:
- ✓Visualize your wall before committing
- ✓Test color + layout combinations
- ✓Try single vs. gallery spread sizing
(Contact us to receive your free planning templates)
🛒 WANT ART THAT CHECKS EVERY BOX?
Terravue's map collections are: