An eclectic collection of artwork serves as the perfect finishing detail for any home. Whether your tastes lean minimalist and modern, or expressive and over the top, there's room in every space for a piece of art or two (and sometimes, a gallery wall of 20). But some types of art get a bit more love than others, and 'tiny art' is due for its turn in the spotlight.
Brooklyn-based interior designer Taylor Migliazzo Simon, the mind behind this year's takeoff 'Unexpected Red Theory' trend, recently took to TikTok to celebrate tiny art in all its glory. Showing off images of small-scale (but no less stunning) pieces of art across a wide range of design styles and spaces, Taylor says 'there's no such thing as art that is too small.' When it comes to decorating with art across the home, we can't help but agree that tiny art makes for a larger-than-life impact. Here's what we love about the look.
What's to love about tiny art?
@intayriors ♬ original sound - Taylor Migliazzo Simon
Where you display artwork, and how much you use, has an incredible impact on the overall space. And according to Taylor, less is often more. Instead of overcrowding a space with a sprawling gallery wall or big, imposing pieces, she's a fan of the tasteful use of 'tiny art' throughout the home.
Framing small pieces and placing them in otherwise empty spaces draws the eye to a precise location, and lets the rest of the design scheme breathe. Plus, the tiny pieces make a whimsical, unique design statement that's sure to start conversations. 'I love when people incorporate tiny art in places where normally a larger piece would fit,' says Taylor, starting off the video.
'This really comes in handy when you're putting something above your bed,' Taylor says, referencing an image of a wood-paneled bedroom with a small framed print hung above a black bed frame. 'Some people don't like to have a really large piece hanging above their bed as they sleep, which is totally understandable. I think this is a great use case for having a smaller tiny art above your bed.'
Although we're often tempted to pick out a statement bed frame that does design's heavy lifting or choose a large piece of art to hang centered above the pillows, Taylor's tiny art trick makes the bedroom a bit more interesting. In the video, she shows another bedroom with a 'super tiny' piece of art hung above a large bed, calling the look 'almost tongue-in-cheek' but still 'refined.'
Not into the tiny art look? Taylor says you might want to try a tiny mirror instead. Showing a bright, vibrant bedroom with a small, wavy mirror hung above the minimalistic bed frame, she says a tiny mirror 'adds such a fun little touch.'
Tiny art works best in spaces that 'you would otherwise leave bare,' she adds. Although small pieces can act as statements when left alone in large spaces, they have the most impact when placed in locations you'd normally overlook. Adding a bit more visual interest and personalized style to small or awkward wall space, tiny art is an easy (and amusing) addition to the corners of your home you're not sure what to do with.
Tiny art doesn't need to be left on its own to be a success, though. Adding small pieces into a larger gallery wall, and getting creative with the range of sizes found throughout the wall, can make for an eclectic and collected look that'll endure the test of time. In this living room, pictured above, large paintings, a mirror, and small-scale plates all contribute to a cohesive (and quite stylish) final look.
There's so much to love about tiny art, and introducing it into your home is a fast route to a characterful, visually interesting design scheme. Select a few spaces throughout your home that could use a little more love, and bring in a small-scale work of art – and remember, there's no such thing as too small.
