Jennifer Sheahan: How to display paintings and prints

'Don’t be intimidated by whether it’s right or good — the only thing that really matters with art is that you like it'

Jennifer Sheahan at her home in Rathmines which won the 2021 RTE Home of the Year title. Picture: Moya Nolan

Art, prints, and wall hangings are an integral aspect of interior design, providing anything from a finishing accent to a central feature in a room. More than anything in your home, what you choose to display on your wall is an opportunity to express your personality. If you’re an avid art collector, you’ll likely style your home around your artwork, choosing paint colours and lighting conditions that accentuate your chosen pieces. 

However if you’re like the rest of us, you will probably do things the other way around and look for art and prints to go with your home. While there are lots of rules for the “right” way to style a space, as well as opinions on what constitutes “good” art, my personal stance is that if you see something you love — that makes you feel something — please forget everything else and just buy it.