How to incorporate line art into your interior design

When decorating your home, line art is becoming an undeniably popular trend. We often think a vivid colour or an intricate pattern is how to add impact to our interior design. However, this is no longer the only option for putting a bit of personality into your decor. Minimalism shows that simplicity can sometimes be a statement in itself.

If you search ‘line art’ on Etsy, you will be overwhelmed by the 270,504 search results that come back. Ranging from line art wallpaper to cushions, abstract line art prints for your lounge, to nursery prints, the choice is a little overwhelming at first. And it’s not just Etsy makers that are leading the charge. Both high street stores and independent makers embrace this aesthetic, and it’s time you did too.

So, here is your guide to the minimalist trend taking over and how to use line art to boost your home aesthetics.

Get inspired with these wall decor ideas for the winter season!

What is line art?

It is a style of drawing that dates back almost 75,000 years. So, it has been around a lot longer than you probably thought. The first piece of art created by a human was found in South Africa and consisted of clay lines across a rock face.

Most famously, line art was exhibited by both Pablo Picasso and Leonardo Da Vinci, though usually as sketches that were a precursor to a painting. Henri Matisse also helped popularise this striking style, adding abstract colour to make a bolder statement. In the 1980s, Keith Haring took minimalist line art to the streets of New York, drawing with chalk in subways and public spaces.

The appreciation of simple line art for interiors has peaked recently as these abstract designs can have a bold impact while also complimenting any existing themes in your home. The beauty of a primarily monochromatic art form is that it will sit nicely with any colour schemes you already have in place.

What does line art look like?

It features black lines on a white background to provide a sharp contrast, and it can come in various colours. The minimalist wall art on offer will have a single colour wash applied in the background as a statement colour. Some are created by continuous line drawing. This type of one-light art means the artist does not lift the pen from the start of the design to the finish, adding a sketch-like feel to the piece. They work great with box black photo frames.

The key to identifying it is a distinct lack of shading and depth for sharper contrast and a bolder impact.

How can I add it to my interior design?

You can use it to make different statements depending on what you want your home space to say. You can use minimalist wall art prints to promote peace and calmness in your home with soft flower lines. Alternatively, you could make a strong feminist statement with delicate feminine line portraits.

Prints are only one direction you can go. Instead of a floral print, why not use a floral line art wallpaper for a feature wall? Your bathroom could take on a whole new look with a line portrait on your shower curtain.

See what other types of wall art you can use in your bathroom.

However, line art does not just belong to the minimalists. For those who like a more colourful, vibrant living space, check out the maximalist ceramicists. They use bold shades and clashing colours on their pottery wheels whilst still adhering to the same principles.