How do you show your love? Psychology recognizes five kinds of so-called “love languages”: words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, gifts, and acts of service. They’re all pretty self-explanatory, but these languages refer to the way we prefer to give and receive love.

And because our approach to love — romantic and platonic — is such an integral part of ourselves, it manifests in the things we like and do. It also contributes to the way we express ourselves within and outside the context of love. This includes, of course, the kinds of art we collect and display.

So what kind of wall art would match your love language the best?

Words of Affirmation

Do you find reassurance in open encouragement? Is a simple text or call from a loved one enough to motivate you for the day? Then words of affirmation might be your love language. This is perhaps the most straightforward yet the most powerful of all: Words are so simple, and still, they hold so much weight.

If this is your love language, then you might want to display text or scripture art. Mantras, mottos, excerpts from literature — just about anything that inspires you. Sometimes, seeing your favorite quote on the wall can help you get on track for the rest of the day.

This art can be a complex typography piece — like Steffen Wagner’s “Let There Be Light” — or it could just be a simple painting with a short inscription. There are loads of artworks, contemporary and quaint, that incorporate the power of language. (Read: A Celebration of Words: Consecrea’s Scriptura Artists)

Wagner himself is driven by words and mottos — and hopes that his pieces shine through with them. “Usually [my inspiration comes from] certain philosophies I think about and live by, which most people can identify with,” he said. “My artworks often reflect my attitude to these different things.”

Check out our collection of scripture wall art here.

Physical Touch

If a simple hand squeeze or back rub makes you feel more emotionally connected with someone than, say, a long message or a bouquet of roses — then maybe your love language is physical touch.

If this sort of love speaks to you, then you might want to look for art that expresses some kind of intimacy. These aren’t limited to sensually charged pieces — unless, of course, that’s your preference — but if they exude a theme of “closeness,” then it would be a smart and beautiful way to show off the way you value contact and rapport.

One such piece would be “My Fortress” by Cult of the Self: A physically and emotionally driven artwork tinged with Renaissance and classic elements. It was inspired by Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130, which describes a mistress and lists down all her imperfections. But she remains beloved all the same: “And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare / As any she belied with false compare,” reads the sonnet’s last two lines.

Similarly, Cult of the Self wanted to express this kind of romantic intimacy. “It is a story of how deeply in love [a man] is, despite her flaws and shortcomings,” he said of his piece. “He embraces all of her with all his heart.” (And his arms, too.)

Quality Time

You could be hopping around the city with your loved one or you could be lounging on the couch and watching TV in the evening. No matter how novel or simple a day is, spending time with someone gives you a sense of reassurance. If this sounds like you, then chances are, your love language is quality time.

This language is all about warmth. If anything, it’s one that screams “the feeling of being home.” Look for art that exudes comfort and warmth. Artworks with too many elements would give off a more “busy,” eclectic vibe. On the other hand, pieces with more tranquil themes would make you more introspective — almost as if time is slowing down. 

Soft, nostalgic, and inspirational pieces — such as Niken Anindita’s “Reach” — would be perfect to give off that homely ambiance. You might also want to opt for personal decorations that remind you of a specific time of your life, such as photographs of a fond memory.

Giving and Receiving Gifts

On the way home as a kid, you spot a wildflower by the pavement. It reminds you of your grandmother; you pluck it out and give it to her just because. Today you might do the same thing still — you find a record of your best friend’s favorite artist at the store. Special occasion or not, you purchase it and send it to them.

As a love language, gift-giving is often misinterpreted — people would assume you search far and wide for grand and rare keepsakes. But that’s not true: For those whose love language is gifts, thoughtfulness is valued above all. Not extravagance, not novelty.

So consider displaying art created or given to you by someone special. This spans from just about any canvas someone made or commissioned for you, to something as simple as a postcard or your sibling’s school project. You’d be surprised at how art that holds more sentimental value — rather than mere aesthetic merit — would feel infinitely more meaningful. 

(But if you want to give someone a piece that embodies both sentimentality and beauty, check our collection of framed wall art here.)

Acts of Service

Your partner is going to work and you cook them their favorite meal for lunch. For you, it’s little efforts like these that hold the most significance. 

If your love language is acts of service, then you enjoy giving your time and energy to your loved ones to ensure that their day is a bit brighter. And of course — you’d be more than happy if they do the same things for you.

Consider displaying art that means something to your loved ones — especially if you live with them. Does your father have a favorite movie? Look for its poster and hang it up on your wall. Does your mother incline flora and fauna? Then hang up something like Claude Monet’s “Flowers in a Pot” (1878) or Fernanda Maya’s “Gaia” for a more contemporary option.

Some of the most important things to maintain in a healthy space are a good ambiance and a shared mood. Sometimes, art can contribute to that tremendously.

Pattern Your Home Based on How You Love

Regardless of our personal preferences in aesthetics, there’s something sweetly wholesome about being proud of the way we love. And of course, it starts with what we share with others: From the books we recommend to the art we display, all these reflect who we are and what connects with our soul.

(Related: How to Curate a Spiritual Gallery Wall at Home)

Express your love language in the walls of your home today. Find the perfect piece that calls to you — or to the ones you love.