Choosing art can be a difficult process. Not only are there millions of pieces out there for you to sift through, look at, dismiss and decide upon, you must also have a good understanding of what it is you are trying to accomplish when decorating with art. Below are five simple tips that can make selecting artwork easier and ultimately more enjoyable.

Connect with it: You have to find art you like! Of course, this might seem obvious, but it can often be left out of the equation when selecting art. Don’t be so willing to take other people’s opinion of what is “good” and neglect to understand your own. Art is many things to many people, but when choosing how to decorate with it, it needs to be yours and yours alone. Whether the piece inspires you, calms you, excites you or just generally makes you happy, that is where you need to start.

Blend it: Not only should the artwork affect you internally and emotionally, it must help create a space that surrounds you externally. Aside from within the walls of a museum, art is rarely viewed independently. Meaning, there are usually other elements that will affect your perception of the piece. Whether it is furnishings, accessories or the people who occupy the space, the art you choose should be a reflection of that and be able to pull it all together.

Hang it: What good is wall art if is not on the wall? Here are a few tips for hanging your artwork:

Bigger is often better by creating more of a statement. Go with small prints on narrow walls large works for large surface areas.

When hanging above a desk, try to get the frame about five to ten inches above the desktop. Also, when hanging wall art over furniture, it should, generally, not be longer than the piece of furniture.

Hang art so that the center point of the piece is at eye level for the average person. However, with high ceilings, it is often times good to go up a bit, if you are trying to emphasize the height. Bring the print lower if you want to create the feeling of a smaller space.

Mat it: A white or subtle cream mat is what you may often see in stock or default fine art prints because it brings the most amount of focus to the artwork itself. However, when actually decorating with art, you might choose something that gives the artwork a complete and whole look, emphasizing colors and surroundings. To create maximum impact with your prints, consider choosing a mat that contrasts your wall color: light mat with a dark wall and dark mat for wall painted with a light color.

Frame it: Usually, when selecting a frame, you want to avoid choosing a color that is too similar to the color of the mat you chose. Again, like mat and wall colors, it is a good idea to find a mat and frame option easily distinguished by the eye. A dark mat and a dark frame can leave the eye confused as to where one starts, and the other begins. Blending and selecting mat and frame colors that are evident within the painting itself, can provide a cohesive and complete look. Like a well-dressed suit, you can think of the mat and frame like a sharp shirt and tie combination.