I spend most of my working hours these days creating art, but for many years I designed homes for clients all over the world and shared advice online and in magazines for making a home more personal and beautiful.
Over the years, I’ve received a lot of questions from readers of different faiths, wondering how to incorporate religious art and objects into their home without it feeling cliche or over-the-top. I love this topic and have lots of thoughts, but I’ll start my list of “rules” with a big caveat: These are my own personal guidelines – what I choose to do in my own home. I have seen people make other choices in their spaces and I truly think it all looks beautiful, mostly because of the intention behind it. I support you in displaying what feels right for your home! Here’s what I like to do in mine, as a member of the LDS/Christian faith:
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Limit yourself to no more than one portrayal of Christ per area. More than that can be hard to pull off without looking a little intense and while staying reverent. This is a cue I’ve taken from LDS temples, Catholic cathedrals and other sacred spaces. Images of the Savior feel most appropriate to me when they are given room to breathe with lots of visual space as a buffer!
His Flock in 30x40 and Mount Nebo in 9x12
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Display reminders of your sacred spaces. I think the key to success here, as with most religious artworks, is to consider the medium and err on the side of subtlety. For example, I really love the Hagia Sofia, but a giant color photograph of the exterior would not feel super inspiring to me. Instead I might create and display a sketch of the pattern on the beautiful tiles inside! For images of architecture, I generally prefer a cropped composition and a healthy, sometimes even imaginative, dose of botanical/landscape elements.
For me, the Mesa LDS Temple is holy ground. It’s where I was married (and my parents and their parents, too!). I volunteer to work inside this temple every week and it is my absolute lifeline. I painted this image of the east doors, where I like to spend a few quiet minutes before I begin my worship each week. I sit on a bench, turn off my phone, pray and set my intentions for the day. Having this print in my home takes me right there and helps me feel centered at any time
Mesa Temple in 8x10
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Select pieces that are in harmony with your home’s existing style. While I don’t think your art needs to (or even should) match your furniture and rugs, a cohesive vibe is really important. I have more traditional/European style furniture and decor in my home, so a large, modern, black-and-white photo portrayal of the Savior would really feel discordant with the style of my spaces.
Finding the Lost Sheep in 16x20
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Story first. One of my favorite things about creating and looking at paintings is the fact that every square inch is full of intentional choices. Every brushstroke, every color was considered, and there are so many opportunities for connection, meaning and storytelling.
What gospel stories or themes have lingered with you as you’ve studied and worshipped? I believe that it’s important to make it a point to know the message, the symbols and the history of the art you display in your home so you can reengage with the story as you go about your day. I painted Oil in Her Lamp (using my daughter, Grace, as a model, wearing my scarf and a linen tablecloth!) after doing a deep-dive study of the Parable of the Ten Virgins and the ancient Hebrew wedding traditions earlier this year. Every part of the painting represents something I learned as part of that study!
Good Fruit in 25x30 and Oil in Her Lamp in 8x10
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Start small if you feel initially sheepish about incorporating religious themes into your decor. Easels can really elevate small pieces of artwork. My favorite easels that I use in my home are here, here, here and here.
His Flock in 8x10 with this easel in size small.
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Remember the power of purposeful symbolism! Pieces that aren’t figurative can be spiritually inspiring too, and are definitely a little more subtle. Our Allegorical, Botanical, and Landscape collections are full of this type of art. We also include devotionals on the back of every framed print so you can be reminded of the details and symbols in the art
Botanicals of the Bible series in 8x12
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Arrangements, yes. Gallery walls, not usually. I probably would not include a portrayal of Christ in a gallery wall arrangement because it would probably feel a little too casual to me, but I might hang the piece with another in a vertically stacked arrangement, or I might layer another piece of art in front on an easel. In general, I think religious art should be intentional and meaningful, and displayed in a way that encourages people to engage with the work. Gallery walls can sometimes feel like a way to just fill up a wall with “pretty” – which definitely has its place. I like to keep my religious pieces separate and then use images like candid family photos for my gallery walls in our more informal spaces!
Christ Preaches from a Boat in 8x12 and Arise in 12x18
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Skip the graphics and the text (in general). While I really enjoy a framed map or architectural drawing, I don’t usually like phrases or quotes on my artwork, other than occasionally in kids rooms or more casual spaces, like family rooms or home offices. I totally appreciate the sentiment of having a scripture verse displayed, but if I were to do that, it would be either handwritten in a small photo frame or even traditionally embroidered on a small cushion or an antique cross stitch sampler, rather than printed and framed.
The Journeys and Deeds of Jesus in 18x24
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Collect artwork and objects when traveling. These pieces make the BEST souvenirs and gifts! I like to check the gift shops in museums and religious sites as well as popping into local thrift stores and flea markets on our trips. I displayed a stack of some vintage boxes (recent Italian acquisitions) in front of a print of The Healing Angel, which we were able to see the original study of on our trip to Rome and Florence this past spring. I love the meaning behind the story in the print and the mementos of our adventures right next to each other!
The Healing Angel in 16x20
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Break the Rules! As I was writing this post, I realized that I have styled a section of the bookshelf in our living room with lots of little portraits of Christ. So I guess I don’t even keep my own rules (see #1)?! Ha!
At the end of the day, choosing and displaying sacred art for your home is a deeply personal, devotional act. If it feels right to you and for the space, and it brings you closer to the divine in your everyday life, I say go for it!
Prince of Peace in 3x3, Jesus Wept in 8x12 and Savior and Friend
