Small format ‘still life’ artworks are set to dominate our homes and interiors over the next 12 months, as Australian online art gallery Bluethumb, unveils the 2025 art trend of the year – “Small Pleasures”.
They’ve seen a rise in demand for small format, under 40cm artworks at more affordable price points and a resurgence in the popularity of ‘still life’ paintings as decorative objects.
The trend encapsulates a shift in consumer preference for ‘small luxuries’ at a time when cost of living pressures have meant splurging on holidays, luxury goods and home renovations are out of reach for many Australians.
Interior designer and director at Picchio, Anna Wood, shares the following ideas for displaying smaller artworks in your home:
In the bathroom: a small artwork on an untiled section of wall (e.g. next to the bathroom vanity or above the bathtub) can add so much soul and personality to the space. Especially for those people that are fearful that bold or colourful tile choices will date or are too busy.
In the bedroom: I love to see one or two small works hung asymmetrically above just one of the bedside tables.
On an otherwise blank wall they are all that is needed to add interest to the space (plus some beautiful soft furnishings of course!).
As part of a gallery wall in a formal living room: for really large walls where even a larger artwork might feel lost on its own, a gallery wall is an excellent way to add balance and proportion to a large room. Small works of different sizes fill the gaps as required and add beautiful contrast to the other pieces.
A small works still life looks fantastic on a styled shelf and this may even be the perfect option for offices or renters where art cannot be hung on the walls.
Anna adds: ““The subject matter of still life paintings is often very simple and I think that indirectly asks the viewer to stop and appreciate the joy and beauty in basic things, whether that be a vase of flowers on a table or a couple of lemons on a chopping board.
“Perhaps in the highly complicated world that we live, these artworks offer some respite. I joke with my clients that staring at one of these pieces is better than an hour of mindfulness!
“Similarly still life paintings often offer a glimpse into the past and can be quite nostalgic. They can transport the viewer into a period of time before the days that we were glued to our phones and on call 24/7. They induce a feeling of calmness.”
Bluethumb have seen sales of ‘small artworks’ increase more than any other size this year.
