Choosing Artwork for Your Office Space

Office art might conjure up visions of bland waiting room abstracts or cliche motivational posters. And, while those options both still exist in ample quantities, there are plenty more options to choose from as well.

But office art has the potential to be so much more than generic décor. Some thoughtful planning and a bit of expert guidance can turn blank spaces into a powerful branding opportunity. All art tells a story and conveys a message, and whether we know it or not, each piece delivers subconscious cues that speak volumes about your business. 

You’ve probably spent a lot of time making your brand’s image and office design something memorable and appealing. The finishing touch to any office space is adding those decorative touches that make a space feel complete. Not only will it be evidence of your business’s attention to detail, but it will also leave a lasting impression on how people feel in the space, both clients and employees alike.

Art is often treated as an afterthought and that’s understandable. There’s a blank wall and with limited time or direction, someone chooses something that’s safe, but perhaps uninspiring. But with just a bit of strategy and creativity, this element can provide a major impact on the space’s overall design. 

When you think of it that way, it’s a cost-effective opportunity not to be missed. And when it’s done well, especially with the help of professionals like Extra Office Interiors, the result is more than attractive walls. It’s a workspace that works harder for you.

More Than Decoration: What Art Communicates in the Workplace

Your business sends a message, even before anyone speaks. From the moment someone walks through the door, visual cues begin shaping their perception of your business. Artwork sends signals about your company values and professionalism to clients and it inspires feelings in your staff. What those thoughts and feelings are is up to you based on the choices you make.  

Establishing a strong visual theme creates cohesion, but that doesn’t mean it has to be expected. A design-forward creative agency might display more than splashy pop art. Instead it could explore themes of disruption, process, or even imperfection through textured mixed media or experimental sculpture. A financial firm doesn’t have to rely solely on tight geometric prints to evoke trust. It might instead use historical blueprints, archival photographs, or tactile materials to tell a deeper story of legacy and stability. While we might expect a healthcare company to feature comforting abstracts, they could instead express how they challenge the status quo with bold, empowering sculptures that highlight the human spirit in a visceral way. 

While it’s important to be creative, getting too trendy can result in a prematurely dated aesthetic. Being intentional and focusing on pieces that will remain relevant is a better approach to art selection. Working with a design expert can help you push past the default designs to uncover surprising ways to express your brand through art.

At Extra Office Interiors, we like to dig deeper into the company’s personality. You can do this by, as a group, asking some probing questions, such as:

What does our company believe in beyond the bottom line?

If our brand were a person, what kind of art would they hang on their wall?

Are there specific ideas, like innovation, inclusivity, heritage, sustainability, we want to reinforce visually?

Do we want to challenge perceptions, or create comfort?

How do we want people to feel when they walk into each room?

Could we feature work from local artists, photographers, or even employees?

Answering these questions helps you go beyond “nice artwork,” to curating a space that feels intentional and compelling.

Remember, art doesn’t need to be literal. You can subtly reinforce your company’s mission through visual storytelling. With the help of a design pro, you can carry a theme across lobbies, conference rooms, and workstations without becoming repetitive. The result is a space that flows with intention and leaves visitors with a consistent sense of who you are.

Mood, Color, and Psychology in Office Art

Art doesn’t just decorate a space—it influences how people think, feel, and behave within it. Shapes, subjects, and colors all carry psychological weight, and the right combinations can create subtle but powerful effects throughout your office.

Think about how different compositions make you feel: a serene landscape calms the nervous system, while an angular, high-contrast abstract piece might energize a room. Natural forms—curved lines, organic shapes, layered textures—tend to invite calm and openness. Structured, symmetrical designs convey order and control. Spirals or gradient movement suggest growth and forward momentum. Every artistic choice contributes to the emotional atmosphere.

Color, of course, is one of the most impactful tools. Studies show that up to 60% of a person’s emotional response to a space is driven by color alone. When chosen thoughtfully, color doesn’t just look good—it supports cognitive function, mood regulation, and even memory.

Here are a few useful associations to consider:

• Blue – Encourages calm, clarity, and focus (great for workstations and conference rooms)

• Green – Balances the nervous system and reduces stress (ideal for break areas or quiet zones)

• Yellow – Lifts mood and promotes memory retention (especially useful in training or creative spaces)

• Orange – Inspires confidence and collaboration

• Red – Increases energy and urgency—but use it carefully, as it can also spark anxiety in overstimulated environments

• Turquoise – Eases communication, especially helpful in client-facing spaces

The key isn’t to follow a color chart blindly—it’s to think about what people need to feel in each part of your space, and let your art and color choices support that. A collaborative space might benefit from bright, energizing colors and dynamic shapes. A focus zone might lean into cool tones and softer visual edges.

When in doubt, working with a design professional ensures that mood and function are in sync—so the art on your walls supports the work being done in front of them. And while it’s helpful to consider your brand’s color palette, you don’t need to stay confined within it. Art offers a chance to expand your visual identity in a way that complements your brand without feeling repetitive or overly staged.

Where Art Belongs: Placement and Presentation Tips

Choosing the right art is just one part of the equation. It’s also important where and how you display it. Thoughtful placement helps anchor each space and guide how people move and feel within your office space. Let’s take a look at some of the classic office rooms and how to position art in each locale. 

Lobby & Reception: First Impressions Count

This is where your brand makes its introduction.

• Choose an impactful, attention-grabbing piece that sets the tone.

• Incorporate your logo or mission visually through custom artwork or subtle branding cues.

• A sculpture or striking centerpiece adds depth and professionalism.

• Consider sound: a calming water feature or soft ambient music can elevate the atmosphere.

Workstations Demand Function and Focus

Art in shared spaces should support productivity and not distract from it.

• Choose pieces with broad appeal, nothing too polarizing or overly detailed.

• 
  Abstract forms, soft landscapes, or monochromatic works are ideal for visual “rest” without disengagement.
  

• One study from The Human Spaces found that employees surrounded by natural or biophilic elements reported a boost in both productivity and creativity. 

Break Rooms & Lounges for Unwinding

These areas are for decompressing and connecting.

• Use warm colors, familiar imagery, or playful pieces that invite conversation.

• Art can also reflect employee culture, so consider showcasing local artists or rotating staff-created pieces.

Conference & Meeting Rooms: Encourage Big Thinking

These rooms need to balance focus with inspiration.

• Choose artwork that is calming but intellectually engaging. Abstract landscapes, line drawings, or curated photography are all good options here.

• Install pieces with depth or layers to foster creative thought and stimulate problem-solving.

Hallways & Transitions: Don’t Ignore the In-Between

Corridors and restrooms are all part of the design experience.

• Keep the theme consistent. Think of them as the subtitles to the main headers in the lobby. These are great spaces to extend your visual story.

• Smaller pieces, vertical prints, or a gallery wall approach works well in narrow spaces.

Presentation Tips for Great Art Design

Avoid the most common display mistakes with these simple rules:

• Height matters: Center artwork around eye level. This is typically 54 to 58 inches from the floor for standing areas, or 46 to 50 inches where people are seated.

• Proportions are key: Above a sofa or large piece of furniture, art should span at least two-thirds the width.

• Group with purpose: Cluster smaller pieces with consistent spacing (2–4 inches apart), or create visual balance with a large central piece.

• Keep it cohesive: Use similar frames, finishes, or spacing to avoid visual clutter.

Art, Furniture, and Flow: Designing the Whole Picture

Art doesn’t exist in a vacuum and this is especially true in the workplace. The most effective offices are thoughtfully composed from floor to ceiling, where every element supports the function and feeling of the space. That includes not just artwork, but the furniture it surrounds, the materials on the walls, and even the lighting that highlights it.

Furniture and artwork should speak the same language. Clean-lined desks paired with bold contemporary prints send a very different message than vintage-inspired seating beside minimalist black-and-white photography. That doesn’t necessarily mean everything needs to align precisely. In fact, sometimes the unexpected material or texture can bring that “factor” to the atmosphere. 

That’s why working with a design professional makes such a difference. At Extra Office Interiors, we go beyond simply supplying high-quality furniture. We help our clients think through how each visual and functional element plays a role in shaping the experience of the space. 

Whether you’re outfitting a new office or reimagining an existing one, we’ll help you make choices that feel modern, intentional, and completely aligned with your brand. From modular cubicle systems to curated art recommendations, we specialize in environments that inspire people to do their best work, while making a lasting impression.

Ready to Make Your Workspace Into a Work of Art?

If you’re struggling to find the right balance between design and function, don’t stress. That’s what professionals are for! With the right strategy, your space can tell an unforgettable story and spark creativity, while supporting your team’s success. At Extra Office Interiors, we bring together function, beauty, and brand alignment to help you create a workplace that makes a memorable statement and sets your business apart. Ready to collaborate and take the guesswork out of office space design? Contact us today to get started. We’ll handle all of the details so you can focus on what you do best.