FOLKS, I HAVE FOUND THE SOLUTION TO YOUR LARGE SCALE ART WOES. (Well, I guess that technically Bowser found the solution – thank you, Bowser – but I want to break it down for you, show you a few of my favorites, and explain why it works.) Now buckle up, because this may be a wild turn for all of you long-time readers, but hear me out: it’s the diptych. GASP!
I know. I know! Historically, I have been a little apprehensive when it comes to the diptych – they can be hard to get right – but that’s where the Fine Art Duo (aptly named, TBH) from Minted comes in to play. Guys, these pieces STUNNED me. They’re created by incredible artists – a few of whom I’ll introduce to you below – and the finished product just looks so luxe, expensive, and special.
![](https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/EmilyBowserEHD_Minted_Office_2021_10-3.jpg)
First, though, I want to talk about how my diptych-revelation came to be. We’re long-time lovers of Minted here – you’ve seen them in Arlyn’s home, in Jess’ home, and most recently, in my home – so when they reached out about highlighting their art in a new space, it was perfect timing.
We’d long been waiting to shoot Bowser’s guest room/office/gym, but it just needed the finishing touches (i.e. the art. A final zhuzh, if you will.) The spot over the bed had been a particular problem area – it needed something large, but we worried that a solid piece would be too overpowering or fussy.
Boswer, the brilliant stylist that she is, ended up selecting this Fine Art Duo (again, somehow feels more fitting than “diptych”) and it really was the finishing touch we needed so we could shoot and share with you. We gave Bowser a gift card, she bought the art to finish the space, and the rest is history. THANK YOU, MINTED. So let’s take a second to break down what changed my mind, why this style of art works in this space, and how it can work in yours, too – ok?
![](https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/EmilyBowserEHD_Minted_Office_2021_7-1.jpg)
So now, I present to you the tiny (but official) breakdown for why this art makes this space sing:
- It’s grounding and intentional: In Bowser’s multi-functional space, this diptych clearly defines that THIS area is the cozy, serene, relaxing space.
- It’s symmetrical: Well, yeah. Duh, I guess. But look at how the symmetry is echoed in the daybed’s styling below. Can you bring this into your own home?
- It’s well-scaled: Everything here has a bit of breathing room. It’s not a minimalist room by any stretch of the imagination, but it doesn’t feel cluttered, either. Making the art smaller would have felt dinky and making it larger would have felt cluttered.
- It doesn’t compete: Sure, the art is the star of the show, but things are really working together here. The diptych lets the paint shine – I love the way we still get the pop of deep green between the frames – and the paint lets the art pop.
Since I was so inspired by Bowser’s space, I obviously ended up poking around and pinning a few of my favorite works. Here are the Fine Art Duos that I’ll be hoping to use in a future project… (New year, new me, new diptychs.)
![](https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Emily-Henderson-Minted-Diptychs-1.jpg)
Rosy Tomorrow I | Rosy Tomorrow II
I mean, how could I NOT want these after seeing them styled so beautifully at Bowser’s? They’re calm and serene, especially with that natural wood frame.
![](https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Emily-Henderson-Minted-Diptychs-2.jpg)
At The Door I | At The Door II
A lot of folks ask about the vintage art that hangs in my dining room, but this has a really similar energy. It’s graphic and interesting but it’s also neutral, which can be hard VERY hard to find. I’d love to see these above a credenza with some sculptural wooden objects on top.
![](https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Emily-Henderson-Minted-Diptychs-3.jpg)
Step Up / Step Out I | Step Up / Step Out II
Playing around on the framing for this one is SO fun. The work looks totally different and new colors jump out depending on which frame you pair with it. (I am partial to the white, walnut, matte brass, or natural wood option for this one.)
![](https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Emily-Henderson-Minted-Diptychs-4.jpg)
Nature, You and Me N.4 I | Nature, You and Me N.4 II
This is a great compromise if your partner really wants to hang a Joy Division poster in the record area and you really don’t agree. This duo is bold and tension-filled and dynamic, but it’s also still really light and beautiful and easy to digest. ADD TO CART.
![](https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Emily-Henderson-Minted-Diptychs-5.jpg)
Birthday Bouquet I | Birthday Bouquet II
How sweet would this be in a (very cool, very stylish) kids’ bedroom? Or in the entryway of a mid-century home that’s filled with beautiful wood paneling? Or in a warm, cozy, rust-colored dining room? I just really like how it’s saturated, but not overpowering.
![](https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Emily-Henderson-Minted-Diptychs-6.jpg)
Oh my, I just really like Jennifer Daily’s work! Y’all know I love a collage (like in that Sotheby’s room a few years back, or like the few I have in the mountain house) but these are next level. Just so, so, so interesting to look at. Would be an incredible jumping-off point for those getting ready to start designing a new space!
![](https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Emily-Henderson-Minted-Diptychs-7.jpg)
Abstract Botanical Navy Shadows #2 | Abstract Botanical Navy Shadows #1
Oh, modern abstract and a new take on a timeless subject matter. I also just really like the color palette here – the soft baby blue, the deep rusty oranges, and the mossy brown leaves. Would love to see this fully styled out in a really vintage-inspired study or library.
![](https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Emily-Henderson-Minted-Diptychs-8.jpg)
Divergent Journey I | Divergent Journey II
GUYS. You can actually customize your colors on this one – the above is variant is called “day dream,” but they also offer this work in “rainforest,” “out to sea” (my personal favorite, I think, after a lot of flipping through all the options for a few days), and “sedona.” I’ve just really been enjoying a mountain/nature motif lately and the torn tissue paper is a really light, pretty take on the theme.
![](https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/EmilyBowserEHD_Minted_Office_2021_4-1.jpg)
And there you have it: my transformation from wary to totally-in-love with the diptych, including a brief on how to pull off the look in your home and all the pieces I pinned for future use. As a quick reminder, you can grab pieces from Minted:
- As a print OR as a canvas (we’ve done both for EHD projects and can vouch that they’re both awesome quality)
- With a frame or without a frame (but it’s incredibly affordable when compared to custom framing – only $99 for an 18″x24″ frame, which is a REALLY good deal)
- With custom borders or matting (hello, float mount)
- And with specialty UV-coated glass and archival materials (if you want!)
- Bonus: you can get free shipping and returns with the code SHIPFREE (huge savings!)
![](https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/EmilyBowserEHD_Minted_Office_2021_15-1.jpg)
Geometric Piece | Portrait Piece | Landscape Piece
That’s it from me, a newly changed woman, for today. A million thank yous to Bowser for letting us show off her space, to Minted for partnering with us as the art provider for this room (yes, those 3 pieces above the TV are also from Minted and are linked above!); and to you, our readers and friends, for reading and for supporting the brands that keep EHD running. Thank you. Now, what say you – have you also been sold on the diptych? Let’s chat. xx
Opener Image Credit: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | Design by Emily Bowser
I recently put up a triptych in a space instead of one huge pic. There’s so much about it that’s good, especially how the individual pieces are lighter weight. However making sure they all line up perfectly can be a chore.
Oooh, diptych! Thank you for giving me the word of the day to flaunt at the dinner table tonight 😀
Also, I must know: who is this gorgeous cat and will his/her humans do a Cat Parent Interview (see: https://www.junipurrstudio.com/cat-parent-academy/viviana-whiskers-tripod-tomcat)?!
That’s ME!
OMG Emily B!!! Would you be willing to do a Cat Parent Interview with Junipurr Studio? EHD has done wonderful posts in the past about some common design questions us cat parents have (e.g. where to put those litter boxes!), but I have so many more questions around catification. Also, not going to lie, it’s a NEED to learn more about your little beauty 🙂 Please email me if you are willing to chat! Of course, no pressure 🙂
can we talk about that gorgeous multi-posed model?!! In the second photo, she looks like she is looking at the art!
Bowser’s guest room/office/gym
any way we could see specifics from this beautiful room ie paint color, etc
Hey! Everything should be linked in the blog post from this morning if needed! The paint color is Laurel Woods by Sherwin Williams
thanks… for some reason I never got that link. is the model linked too?
I have a triptych over my couch in my living room. It was the perfect scale for my living room because I have cathedral ceilings. I’ve been feeling tired of the prints I bought, so I am definitely going to check out Minted’s selection!
OH. MY. GOOD. NESS. Thank you SO much for featuring my Divergent Journey I and II collage duo! I’m flattered, I’m floored, and most importantly, I’m incredibly thankful for the love.
oh my gosh THE ARTIST IS HERE FOLKS!!! not em, but hi carrie, i also love those pieces!!!
Thank you so so much, Caitlin!! So many blushing heart faces —that’s the official name of that emoji, right?
Yes! Two cheers for duos! Thanks for featuring my work, Emily. I’m a long time fan ever since Design Star 🙂
Jess, I don’t recall where I first saw your art… probably IG, but I love what you do and I’m currently trying to find a spot for one of your pieces in my LR. Such beautiful landscapes!
Can we get details on that beautiful shelf? Thank you!
All the details are in this post:
https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/office-guestroom-diy-reveal
I’m thinking of doing 3 big chinoiserie panels in my living room because I’m a little bored too of one large piece (and I love a collage wall, but want something a little more grown up).
The art’s good; the room’s even better, but what happened to the 15% pledge? If I wanted to buy art prints made by rich white ladies, I’d just go to Juniper Studio. Ooof, that was harsh, but EHD is my go-to for finding new and inspiring ideas and sources. Does Minted not have any BIPOC artists with diptychs?
Good question! I’ve been looking for some similar art and was on Minted over the weekend. Their landing page does have a spotlight on Black history month and a link directly to designs from Black artists. Didn’t necessarily see any mentioned in this blog post, but they are on the Minted site. https://www.minted.com/lp/minted-black-artists?feature=homepage+tiled+grid+-+general+tiles+4+html+:+tile-a&event=click&t_api=1
Indeed, Minted has been heavily promoting Black artists this month, and they’re currently working on recruiting more Black artists for their design challenges. Not diptychs, but I recently received some emails from them promoting some lovely art pairs by Black artists.
Also why the assumption that these artists are all rich? The beauty of Minted is that it makes it possible for people from all walks of life to get their art out into the world.
Sold!!!
I’m desperately waiting on that mythical 3rd stimulus so I can grab a few large scale pieces from LaurieAnne Gonzalez. She even designed gorgeous minimalist frames to fit her prints which are done on canvas and legit look like originals from a few feet away.
The featured art is ‘nice’. But why did she choose this? what speaks to her and made her choose that? Color? Composition? Content? why is it personal and meaningful?
More power to you if this is your jam. I don’t find diptych or triptych as a category more interesting than any other kind of art. (Well possibly it’s more interesting than gallery walls which I find cluttered and confusing.) It would have to be some kind of stunning image spread across multiple prints that made me think: wow look at the view outside those windows! (i.e. frames).
IIRC, there’s been posts on this blog about why diptych, triptych, and Nptych are hokey and design faux pas. What makes these different?
If I needed “big art” I would get something sculptural that spoke to me, or I would make something. e.g. large scale prints of my own photos, if I couldn’t find or afford something else.
One can get public domain images printed at large scale and hung from poster rails for less than $40.
Just my 2 cents.
Any excuse to look at this stunning room – with beautiful art – again! 😍😃
There are so many beautiful pieces on Minted! Love your picks.
I think that I found out new idea to reveal my bedroom. Thanks for pointing it out.