When you invite people into your home, you’re not just offering them a seat with something to drink - you’re welcoming them into your world. The colours on your walls, the textures, the small details in each room all quietly tell a story about who you are. And nothing does that quite as powerfully as original art.
This season, if you’re getting your home ready for guests, dinners, or cosy evenings with friends, consider going beyond mass-produced decor. Investing in original paintings is one of the most impactful ways to elevate your space, spark conversation, and create a home that feels truly yours.
Below, we’ll be explaining why originals are so special, how they transform your hosting experience, and where to place them for maximum impact — from large abstract pieces above the sofa to smaller framed works in your hallway. (Your “Top 50” shortlist will flow naturally from these ideas.) What's more, our collection of original paintings is by renowned British artist Omar Obaid. With Omar's signature style, his expressive paintings are guaranteed to transform any space in an instant.
Original Paintings Vs. Prints - What Makes Original Art So Special
There’s nothing wrong with fine art prints — if they are purchased from a UK art studio and traditionally handcrafted and well-made, they’re a great way to bring imagery into your home on a budget. But when you live with original paintings, you immediately feel the difference.
Art: The Epiphany | 170x100 cm abstract painting by London artist Omar Obaid
1. One-of-a-kind energy
An original painting is truly one of a kind. The brushstrokes, texture, and tiny imperfections all belong to that single piece. No one else in the world has the exact same work hanging in their home. That uniqueness adds a quiet sense of luxury and intention to your space — your art isn’t just bought, it’s chosen.
2. Handcrafted presence
Original art is handmade. You can often see where the artist paused, layered, or changed direction. The thickness of the paint, the way colours blend at the edges, the marks of a palette knife — these details give a painting physical presence. It doesn’t just sit on the wall; it interacts with light and shadow throughout the day.
3. Depth and texture that expresses a story
Even the best print can’t quite capture the depth of paint on canvas or board. With originals, you get real texture: raised areas, subtle glazes, matte and gloss contrasts. As you move around the room, the painting shifts slightly with you, catching the light in different ways. That sense of dimensionality makes a space feel richer and more inviting.
Original Art as a Conversation Starter
When you’re hosting — whether it’s a family get-together or an intimate dinner with friends — there’s always that moment where everyone is arriving, taking off coats, pouring a first drink. Original art helps fill those early minutes with genuine conversation.
Art: Muted Time | 180 x 140 cm. Acrylic painting by artist Omar Obaid
“Where did you find this?”
Guests are naturally drawn to unique pieces. A large painting above your sofa or a characterful piece in the hallway practically invites questions. Where did you get it? What drew you to it? Is there a story behind it? Suddenly you’re not making small talk about the weather; you’re talking about creativity, travel, colour, and mood.
Shared taste, shared memories
Original art lets you express your taste in a way that feels personal. A bold abstract might say you’re adventurous and love energy. A calm, minimal piece might suggest you value serenity and space. As guests respond to your art — “I love this colour palette”, “This reminds me of the sea” — you discover overlaps in taste and experience that help deepen your connection.
Creating atmosphere for cosy evenings
Just as music sets the tone for the evening, so does your art. Warm, earthy paintings can make a dining area feel intimate and grounded. Bright, expressive works can give a living room a lively, creative buzz. When the lighting is low and candles are on, the colours in your original paintings soften and glow, helping to create that “cosy dinner” atmosphere everyone remembers.
Go Big: Large Abstract Paintings Above Sofas, Dining Tables & Staircases
If you really want to transform a space before guests arrive, focus on one or two large original abstract paintings. These oversized pieces act as visual anchors in a room.
Art: Epiphany IV | 170 x 100 cm oil painting on canvas by artist Omar Obaid
Above the sofa
The wall over your sofa is prime real estate. A large abstract painting here can pull together your entire living room. Choose a piece that echoes your existing colours (cushions, rug, throws) or introduces one bold accent shade. The painting becomes the focal point, making the space feel curated rather than cluttered.
Above the dining table
In a dining area, a single large painting can define the mood of every gathering. Think of it as a backdrop to every conversation and shared meal. Soft, layered abstracts can bring calm and elegance, while more dynamic, gestural pieces keep the energy high and sociable. Either way, a statement painting instantly elevates a simple table setting.
Along a staircase or double-height space
If you’re lucky enough to have high ceilings or a staircase wall, this is your opportunity for drama. A tall or vertically oriented abstract painting here draws the eye upward, emphasising the architecture of your home. It makes the space feel considered and gallery-like, even if the rest of your decor is quite simple.
Art: Time Flies | 150 x 120 cm, oil and acrylic on canvas panting by artist Omar Obaid
Tips for choosing large abstract originals:
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Measure first: Aim for a piece that’s roughly two-thirds the width of your sofa or table, so it feels proportionate.
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Consider viewing distance: In larger rooms or open-plan spaces, bolder shapes and colours read better from afar.
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Trust your gut: Abstract art is about feeling. If a piece keeps pulling you back, that’s usually your sign.
Layer in Personality: Smaller Framed Originals in Hallways & Living Spaces
Once you have your big “statement” paintings in place, smaller framed originals are how you add personality and storytelling to your home.
Entrance hallways: your first impression
Your hallway is the first thing guests see — and often the most overlooked. A series of small original paintings here can act like a visual welcome. Think of a mini gallery wall: three to five pieces in a consistent frame style, hung at eye level. As guests walk in, they’re immediately greeted by colour, texture, and a sense that this home is loved and lived in.
Above sideboards and consoles
In living and dining spaces, sideboards and consoles can easily become dumping grounds. Adding a carefully chosen original painting above them instantly elevates the area. Layer it with a lamp, a stack of books, maybe a vase of seasonal flowers, and you’ve created a vignette that feels both styled and effortless.
Mixing sizes for character
Don’t be afraid to mix a small, detailed piece with a mid-sized abstract, or to combine landscapes with more contemporary styles — as long as there’s some connection in colour or mood. This kind of curated mix gives a space a collected, evolved feel, like you’ve slowly gathered pieces over time rather than buying everything in one go.
Getting Your Home “Host-Ready” With Original Art
If your goal this season is to make your home feel welcoming, stylish, and ready for guests, original paintings are a smart place to start:
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Choose one or two large abstract originals to anchor your main social spaces: above the sofa, the dining table, or in a stairwell.
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Add smaller framed originals in hallways, above sideboards, or in cosy corners to bring personality and warmth.
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Look for art that feels like you — pieces that make you pause, smile, or feel something, even if you can’t quite explain why.
Art: Chasing A Dream | 80 x 105 cm framed size, acrylic painting by artist Omar Obaid
Your home shouldn't feel like a show home. Instead, it needs to feel intentional, lived-in, and reflective of your taste. Original paintings help you do exactly that: they turn blank walls into stories, everyday rooms into experiences, and simple get-togethers into something a little more memorable.
As you explore our Top 50 Original Paintings To Buy Now, imagine where each piece could live in your home — what it might say about you, and how it could transform the atmosphere when friends and family walk through the door. That’s the quiet magic of original art: it doesn’t just decorate your home, it helps you share a piece of who you are.
