Add drama and sophistication to your home! Years ago I attended a party that took place in a Deco style stucco house that I will never forget. It represented the height of sophistication from that period of decorating style. As I entered the front door, I was struck with the low lit interior and the boldly striped wall paper. The living room was all beige with white accents. The dining room walls were terracotta and a classic Greek keystone pattern ran around the bottom of glossy black crown molding. Throughout the house were at least a dozen black and white photos of architectural buildings and etchings. Obviously I was impressed. Any moment Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall could have walked through the door!

"The look of black and white art on a wall can make a highly sophisticated statement. You can select highly distinctive pieces with bold lines and large mass shapes. The size of the image will determine the level of intrigue."

You might not be ready for something quite this dramatic. However, the look of black and white art on a wall can make a highly sophisticated statement. When you are shopping for black and white images, keep in mind the main elements that viewers notice are line and mass. You can select highly distinctive pieces with bold lines and large mass shapes. Many images will have grey tones throughout and these will help soften the overall look.

The size of the image will determine the level of intrigue that the viewer experiences. For example, a series of small images will invite closer inspection and a single large image will increase the power of the subject.

Types of black and white images include lithography, pencil sketches, etchings and of course, photography. Images are available through resources as diverse as thrift shops for old pieces, frame shops and online galleries. When shopping online be sure to read about the quality of paper that is being used. Cheap paper means that the images may begin to fade quickly.

How you finish and display black and white artwork will contribute more interest to the pieces. Here are a few suggestions for doing just that.

Suggestions:

• Look for mats in subtle shades other than classic white, such as reds to light grey.
• Try double mats with a narrow liner of a bright color such as scarlet or blue.
• Try mats with a colored edge; they are less expensive than double mats.
• A gloss finish or gold frame may overpower the image. Try matt black.
• A white frame can create an unusual look that will enhance the whole piece.

Black and white art can be displayed in bedrooms and baths. Nudes are a great touch to add sensuality to these intimate places. Many classic photographers have featured the human body in tasteful poses. Architectural details, whole buildings and city scenes are often shown in black and white to enhance the visual interest of what would otherwise blend into the landscape. Consider the lighting available for this type of artwork. Small gallery lights can create a feeling of excitement, reminiscent of black and white movies.

Remember that you are about to invite drama into your home - If you see Bogie or Bacall don’t be surprised.

Sara Denning - The author, Sara Denning is the President of ArtOnYourWall.Com. This resource provides open and limited edition prints by internationally known photographer, Waring Abbott, to designers and homeowners. Member ASID, American Society for Interior Designers.   Website: Art On Your Wall To review the Reprint Rights for this article, please go to the authors page by clicking the button below.