How to Choose the Perfect Custom Portrait for Your Home

Custom portraits have become one of the most popular ways to personalize your living space, transforming houses into homes filled with meaning and memories. But with so many styles, sizes, and options available, how do you choose the perfect custom portrait for your space?

Whether you're decorating your first apartment or refreshing your family home, this comprehensive guide will help you select a custom portrait that perfectly complements your style, space, and story.

1. Consider Your Interior Design Style

The first step in choosing the perfect custom portrait is understanding your home's aesthetic. Your portrait should enhance your existing décor, not clash with it.

Minimalist & Modern Homes

 

If your space features clean lines, neutral colors, and uncluttered surfaces, opt for minimalist line art portraits. These simple, elegant designs use continuous lines to capture subjects with sophistication. Black and white or monochromatic portraits work beautifully in modern spaces, creating visual interest without overwhelming the room.

Best for: Scandinavian design, contemporary apartments, minimalist aesthetics

 

Traditional & Classic Homes

For homes with traditional furniture, rich colors, and classic décor, consider full-color custom portraits with detailed rendering. These portraits can include backgrounds, textures, and vibrant colors that complement traditional interiors.

Best for: Classic homes, formal living rooms, traditional family spaces

Eclectic & Bohemian Spaces

If your home celebrates color, pattern, and personality, you have the freedom to experiment! Vibrant, artistic portraits with bold colors or unique artistic interpretations can become stunning focal points in eclectic spaces.

Best for: Boho interiors, creative spaces, colorful homes

 

2. Choose the Right Size for Your Space

 

Size matters when it comes to wall art. A portrait that's too small will get lost on a large wall, while an oversized piece can overwhelm a small space.

Small Spaces (Entryways, Bathrooms, Small Bedrooms)

Recommended size: 8x10" to 11x14"
Small portraits work perfectly in intimate spaces. They're ideal for gallery walls, shelves, or smaller wall areas. Consider grouping multiple small portraits for visual impact.

Medium Spaces (Bedrooms, Home Offices, Dining Rooms)

Recommended size: 16x20" to 18x24"
Medium-sized portraits are versatile and work well above furniture, on feature walls, or as standalone pieces. This is the most popular size for custom family and couple portraits.

Large Spaces (Living Rooms, Master Bedrooms, Open Concept Areas)

Recommended size: 24x36" and larger
Large portraits make bold statements and serve as room focal points. They work beautifully above sofas, beds, or on prominent walls in open spaces.

Pro Tip: The Two-Thirds Rule

When hanging a portrait above furniture, choose a size that's approximately two-thirds the width of the furniture piece. This creates visual balance and proportion.

 

3. Select the Perfect Color Palette

Color coordination can make or break your portrait's integration into your space.

Match Your Existing Colors

Look at your room's dominant colors—wall paint, furniture, textiles. Choose a portrait style that incorporates or complements these colors. For example, if your living room features navy and gold accents, a portrait with similar tones will feel cohesive.

Create Contrast

Alternatively, use your portrait to add a pop of contrasting color. A vibrant portrait can energize a neutral space, while a black and white portrait can provide sophisticated contrast in a colorful room.

Neutral is Always Safe

When in doubt, black and white or sepia-toned portraits work with virtually any color scheme. They're timeless, elegant, and never go out of style.

 

4. Decide on the Portrait Style

Different artistic styles create different moods and serve different purposes.

Line Art Portraits

Clean, continuous line drawings that capture subjects with minimal detail. Perfect for modern, minimalist spaces. These portraits feel contemporary and sophisticated.

Full-Color Portraits

Detailed, vibrant illustrations that closely resemble photographs but with artistic flair. Ideal for traditional homes and those who want rich, detailed artwork.

Vintage & Retro Styles

Inspired by mid-century design, these portraits feature muted colors, simplified forms, and nostalgic appeal. Great for eclectic or vintage-inspired interiors.

Watercolor & Artistic Interpretations

Soft, dreamy portraits with artistic freedom. These work beautifully in romantic, feminine, or creative spaces.

 

5. Think About Placement and Lighting

Where you hang your portrait affects how it looks and feels.

Eye Level is Ideal

Hang portraits at eye level (approximately 57-60 inches from the floor to the center of the artwork). This creates comfortable viewing and professional presentation.

Consider Natural Light

Avoid hanging portraits in direct sunlight, which can cause fading over time. If your space has lots of natural light, consider UV-protective glass or choose digital prints that can be easily replaced.

Create a Gallery Wall

Multiple smaller portraits can create stunning gallery walls. Mix family portraits, couple portraits, and individual portraits for a personalized display that tells your story.

 

6. Choose Meaningful Subjects

The best custom portraits feature subjects that matter to you.

Family Portraits

Capture your family at different life stages. These portraits become treasured heirlooms that document your family's growth and evolution.

Couple Portraits

Celebrate your relationship with romantic couple portraits. Perfect for bedrooms, these intimate pieces remind you daily of your love story.

Pet Portraits

Don't forget furry family members! Pet portraits are increasingly popular and add personality to any space.

Multi-Generational Portraits

Include grandparents, parents, and children in one portrait for a meaningful representation of your family legacy.

7. Consider the Frame

 

The right frame enhances your portrait and ties it to your décor.

Modern Spaces

Sleek black, white, or natural wood frames with clean lines

Traditional Spaces

Ornate frames in gold, silver, or dark wood finishes

Casual Spaces

Simple wood frames or even frameless canvas prints

Pro Tip

If you're ordering a digital portrait, you have the flexibility to print and frame it exactly how you want, allowing you to match your frame to your specific décor.

 

8. Plan for the Long Term

Choose portraits you'll love for years to come.

Timeless Over Trendy

While trendy styles are fun, classic portrait styles have staying power. Consider whether you'll still love your portrait's style in 5-10 years.

Quality Matters

Invest in high-quality digital files or prints. Professional-grade portraits maintain their beauty over time and can be reprinted if needed.

Update as Your Family Grows

Plan to update family portraits every few years as children grow and your family evolves. Create a tradition of capturing these moments.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Portrait?

Choosing the perfect custom portrait for your home is about balancing aesthetics, personal meaning, and practical considerations. When you select a portrait that reflects your style, fits your space, and celebrates what matters most to you, you create more than just wall art—you create a meaningful piece of your home's story.

At Boreal Studio, we specialize in creating custom portraits that perfectly match your vision and space. Our talented artists work with you to choose the right style, size, and composition for your home.

Browse our portrait collections and start creating your perfect custom portrait today. Transform your house into a home filled with art that tells your unique story.