6 places where you can find minimalist wall art in the GTA

When you take a minimalist approach to decorating, you may encounter some difficulty in your attempts to enliven the space while still staying within the confines of the aesthetic. But without any embellishment or personalization, you will be left with a space that is boring, basic, and bare.

Finding balance with minimalism

Just because you opt for the minimalist look doesn’t mean that your space needs to be void of any personality. But at the same time, there is a thin line between dull and over-the-top.

This becomes frustrating because although it’s obvious that the space needs something, you never want to add too much, lest it look more like a hoarder’s den and less like a minimalist living space. In this case, wall space can be a convenient choice for both storage and style, especially when floor space is in limited supply.

Choosing wall space over floor space isn’t just a matter of aesthetics, it is also a more functional choice, as it optimizes your floor space to make the room appear larger. As we acquire more stuff, it may be difficult to maintain a minimalist space while still finding a place to store everything and infuse the space with your own personal style. In this case, wall space becomes a vital asset.

Another thing to consider is optics. A mirror hung can be used to make a room appear larger. Conversely, a large piece of art hanging horizontally in a narrow space can make a room look even smaller. Using optical illusions to your advantage, you can easily make your space appear larger, which can enhance the minimalist vibe of your living or work space.

Moderation is a vital factor to consider as well. Aspiring minimalists should be wary of overdoing it with wall art. Too much wall art can stifle your space, especially if the chosen pieces don’t fit the atmosphere. It is always a good idea to budget your space accordingly and still leave some blank spots on the wall to maintain an open atmosphere.

In smaller places, wall space can also be used for storage. Mounted storage units are ideal for minimalist spaces and are an efficient way to hide some of your excess supplies without taking up square footage. This way, you can have an accessible place to store your things while avoiding clutter.

A bare wall is an open canvas and when done tastefully, wall art can transform your space from lifeless to luxurious. Here are some of our favourite places to find affordable wall art around the GTA:

1) Chapters/Indigo

In addition to being the go-to place to find something to read, Chapters is also a great place to find trendy wall art. Their wide array of prints, frames and shadow boxes make them a reliable choice when you want to dress up your walls.

2) Magic Pony

Magic Pony is the perfect place to find contemporary prints from local and international artists. Magic Pony is conveniently located in Roncesvalles Village. You can also peruse their prints online.

3) Kid Icarus

Located in Kensington Market, Kid Icarus (interior shot, top image) is dedicated to showcasing high-grade local art. You can shop online if you can’t make it to their beautiful shop.

4) Scout

Monday to Sunday, you can find prints from local artists to spice up your space at Howard Park and Roncesvalles’ Scout.

5) Off the Wall

With over 25 years of experience, Off the Wall has an abundance of expertise in art and framing. Their services include art consultations to help buyers select the best pieces for their space. You can find them on Queen, between Bathurst and Spadina.

6) Ikea-storage

Ikea’s selection of wall art and storage embody the Swedish ideals of simplicity and minimalism, adding just enough to your minimalist space.