"I want to incorporate monochrome art! But how do I get started?" For those of you who are wondering, we'll introduce some monochrome art interior design techniques that even beginners can easily incorporate. With simple black and white art, your room will be transformed into a stylish space that will make you look completely different.
table of contents
What is monochrome art? Basic knowledge
Recommended ways to get started for beginners
・Things you can do at 100 yen shops
・Easy art using photos
・How to choose a poster
Tips for decorating without making mistakes
Recommended items by budget
Common mistakes and how to fix them
summary
What is monochrome art? Basic knowledge
Monochrome art refers to artwork that is expressed only in black and white. Unlike colorful artwork, the limited use of black and white creates a simple and sophisticated atmosphere.
Examples include monochrome photography, black and white illustrations, simple line drawings, etc. By eliminating color, the contrast between shapes and shadows stands out, giving the work a unique expressive power.
Monochrome art has become a popular interior design trend in recent years. The basic color scheme of black and white harmonizes well with various interior styles, and is particularly compatible with Scandinavian and modern spaces.
The essential appeal of monochrome art lies in its simplicity. The limited use of color stimulates the viewer's imagination and allows for diverse interpretations. It also functions as a high-quality accent piece without compromising the atmosphere of a room.
Monochrome art is easy for beginners to get into. There are many ways to get started, such as converting digital photos to black and white, making simple drawings, or using pre-made art posters. Depending on your budget and personal preferences, you can choose the right approach.
As we'll explore below, black and white art doesn't require any special expertise. In fact, it's an accessible art form that's perfect for interior design beginners.
Recommended ways to get started for beginners
What you can do at the 100 yen shop
Let's create some beautiful monochrome art using items from the 100 yen shop! We'll show you how to do it easily, even if you're a beginner.
1. First, gather the necessary tools
・Black and white drawing paper
・A simple picture frame (A4 size recommended)
・Black masking tape
・Scissors and a ruler
2. Examples of easy art
・Create geometric patterns with masking tape → Even if you just stick it on in a straight line, you can create a stylish piece!
・Cut out black circles and squares on white construction paper → Even simple shapes can be used to create beautiful art
・Put the monochrome wrapping paper in a frame → This will create a beautiful piece of art.
point:
- Keep the design simple (don't make it too complicated)
・Make use of white space (don't pack too much)
Work slowly and carefully to achieve a beautiful finish
As you can see, you can create beautiful monochrome art using only materials from a 100 yen shop. We recommend starting with small pieces and gradually working your way up.
Easy photo art
You can easily create monochrome art using photos taken with your smartphone. Using a photo editing app, it's easy to convert color photos into black and white. Converting your favorite landscape photos or plant photos into black and white can lead to unexpected discoveries.
Here are the specific steps:
- Convert to black and white using your smartphone's editing function or app
- Adjust the contrast and brightness to create a suitable atmosphere
- Print it out and frame it, or use an online printing service
The trick to choosing a photo is to choose one with a simple composition. Photos with prominent shapes are effective, such as a silhouette of a person's profile, the lines of a building for a landscape, or the shape of a leaf for a natural object.
How to choose a poster
When choosing a black and white poster, consider the following points:
Taste of artwork
Abstract design: geometric patterns and free-form line art
Photography: monochrome photographs of landscapes and architecture
Typography: the art of arranging letters in a stylish way
Botanical: Works with a plant motif
Choosing the right size
Small wall (up to 1m): up to A3 size
Medium wall surface (1-2m): B2 to A1 size
Large wall surfaces (2m and above): B1 size or larger *It is important to consider the balance with furniture.
Print texture
Matte finish: Calm atmosphere, less reflection, easy to see
Gloss finish: vivid impression, creates a modern atmosphere
Textured paper: Creates a luxurious feel like an artwork
Purchase notes:
・Select a reliable seller
Online shop of a famous art gallery
Authorized retailer authorized by the artist
Highly rated art print store
・Price range guide
Entry level: 3,000 to 5,000 yen
Intermediate: 5,000 yen to 15,000 yen
High-end: 15,000 yen or more *Frame fee required separately
You can also enhance the atmosphere of your room by choosing artwork such as:
- Works by famous photographers (such as Ansel Adams)
- Black and white photos of historical buildings and landscapes
-Minimal and modern design poster
・Reproduction of abstract artwork
If you are buying posters for the first time, we recommend starting with affordable pieces and gradually expanding your collection. It is also a good idea to own multiple pieces so that you can change them out depending on the season or your mood.
Tips for decorating without making mistakes
We will introduce the basic rules for beautifully displaying monochrome art. We will explain them with specific numerical values so that even beginners can easily put them into practice.
How to determine the basic height
・Generally, the most comfortable viewing height is about 150-160cm from the floor. This is the eye level for most people.
If you are displaying it on a sofa or bed, place it 20-30cm above the furniture to ensure it is visible when you are sitting down.
If you are displaying it above a dining table, place it at a slightly lower position, taking into consideration eye level when seated.
How to choose the right size
If you are displaying it on a piece of furniture, choose a piece that is about half to two-thirds the width of the piece of furniture.
- Artwork that is too small will have little presence and make the room look unsettled.
- Works that are too large can create a feeling of oppression and disrupt the balance of the space.
Tips for displaying multiple pieces
- By leaving 7-10cm of space between each piece, you can create a cohesive impression while still allowing each piece to stand out.
・An odd number of pieces, such as three or five, is said to be the most stable and visually balanced.
- When combining pieces of different sizes, aligning the center lines of the pieces will create a sense of unity.
・It is also effective to place a large piece in the center and place smaller pieces on either side.
The overall balance of the wall
・Ideally, the artwork should occupy about 40-60% of the total wall space.
・Leaving a moderate amount of white space will highlight the appeal of the work itself and create a sense of calm in the space.
・Consider the flow of people in the room and choose a location that will not obstruct pedestrian traffic.
Recommended items by budget
We'll show you how to choose monochrome art that fits your budget. We'll cover a wide range of options, from affordable prices that beginners can easily get started with to more professional art pieces. We'll take a closer look at the interior design possibilities that can be achieved within each budget range.
If you start for less than 3,000 yen
Even at an affordable price, you can enjoy beautiful monochrome art with a little ingenuity.
Utilizing 100-yen shop items
A simple A4 size photo frame (2-3 photos for a unified look on the wall)
Print out black and white photos (can be done at convenience stores)
Monochrome postcards (multiple postcards in a collage style)
The possibilities of handmade art
Collage of black and white newspaper and magazine photos
Art using monochrome wallpaper samples
Framed black and white wrapping paper
Budget: 3,000 to 10,000 yen
At this price point, you can get more authentic artwork.
Utilizing online art shops
Reproduction prints of famous photographers (up to A3 size)
Modern design poster (framed)
Limited edition art prints
Recommended places to buy
Art gallery online shop
Designer poster specialty site
Artist-run web store
For serious buyers over 10,000 yen
At a more luxurious budget, you can choose authentic artwork that will last a long time.
Premium selection of works
Limited Edition Art Print (with Certificate of Authenticity)
Signed works by famous artists
Museum-approved reproduction
Focus on framing
High-quality wooden frame
Special glass with UV protection
Selecting the right mat for your project
Specific advice for beginners:
How to start a collection
Start with a smaller piece and gradually increase the size
Build a collection by collecting works with similar themes and atmospheres
We recommend owning multiple pieces so you can change them out depending on the season or your mood.
Points to check when purchasing
Check whether the work has a warranty or aftercare
Check the return and exchange policy in advance
Check that the frame size and weight are suitable for the wall.
Regardless of your budget, the most important thing is to choose a piece that suits your taste. You can use your favorite piece for a long time, so take your time to choose. Also, consider the atmosphere of the room and the balance with other furniture to create a more harmonious interior.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
We will introduce some common mistakes when incorporating monochrome art and how to avoid them. By keeping these points in mind, you can create a more sophisticated space.
Deployment failure
Installing artwork too high
The positional relationship with lighting is not taken into consideration.
The spacing between pieces is uneven
Poor size selection
Choosing a piece that is too small for the wall
Not considering balance with furniture
Poor frame selection
Choose a frame that doesn't match the atmosphere of the piece
Cheap frames make you look bad
To avoid these mistakes, it is important to measure the dimensions of the room in advance, check the lighting conditions at the location, and ensure you have an appropriate budget for the frame. It is also effective to seek advice from a specialist store.
summary
Monochrome art is a wonderful interior item that creates a simple yet sophisticated space. Even beginners can easily start with items from the 100 yen shop, which is its appeal. By gradually upgrading according to your budget and preferences, you can create a more attractive space.
If you know the tips for placement and selection, you can minimize mistakes. Please use this article as a reference and start living with monochrome art that is unique to you.
FROM ARTIST has approximately 600 artists from all over Japan registered, and you can view many of their works on its website. They also sell paintings, so you can enjoy them in your home as if they were in a museum.
If you would like to know more, please feel free to contact us.
Please also add us as a friend on the official FROM ARTIST LINE.
If you would like to purchase, please click here ▶︎ https://line.me/ti/p/%40517rkxah
For artists, click here ▶︎ https://line.me/ti/p/%40433xxkes
About the author
Author: Shiori
FROM ARTIST management staff. They write feature articles and columns, and provide operational support from an artist's perspective.
Supervisor: Shoma Toida
CEO of BUSCA LLC. Head of FROM ARTIST. Started his career as a marketer, he worked for a business company and an advertising agency before going independent. He completed marketing-related programs at several graduate schools and business schools, including the University of California, Berkeley and London Business School. He also completed the MBA core curriculum at Macquarie University and studied the importance of art in education at the University of British Columbia.
#artmuseum #artmuseumtour #artmuseumdate #connectwithartmuseumlovers #connectwithartlovers #arttour #paintingappreciation #artappreciation #museum #exhibition #exhibitiontour #soloartmuseum #museum #museumtour #artevent #art #artstudent #soloexhibition #livingwithpaintings #livingwithart #artposter #connectwithartlovers #artgallery #livingwithpaintings #artcollector #collector