By Patricia L. Garcia
Happy National Comic Book Day (it’s today and not to be confused with Free Comic Book Day in May)!
To celebrate heroes (and some loveable sidekicks) on this day, we’re here to show you how to incorporate comic books into your home décor. Done wrong, you’ve got some bad manga on your hands. But, done the right way, comic book décor can have the right impact. Here’s how to get that heroic look without getting too cartoony:
SHAZAM! POW! PUNCH!
When incorporating comic books into your home décor, you want it to have just the right amount of impact. Too little and what’s the point? Too much and you risk having a room that looks tacky or juvenile (which isn’t so bad if you’re decorating a kid’s room, I suppose).
The key to creating the right effect is to add just a dash of comic book touches into a room. If the curtains and the couch and the wall paint are similar, your room will look too matchy-matchy and the heroic impact will be lost.
I Need a Hero … Or Maybe Just a Wall Mural
While most comic books tend to have a dark backdrop to them, that doesn’t mean you have to have an equally dark room to celebrate a comic book’s true spirit. A subtle Thor wall mural in an otherwise muted living room is so cool you’ll never be labeled a nerd for your fab style. A wall mural is a great way to add some artwork in your home sans big bulky frames.
Be Brave
I know, we warned you not to get too comic book crazy, but like all super heroes, sometimes you need to be brave. Don’t be afraid to go bold with a large wall mural or other focal piece such as a piece of furniture with comic book prints on them (or even a whole table that celebrates onomatopoeia!). A whole-wall mural placed in the right spot, say a bright, airy modern kitchen, or a chair with black-and-white comic strips can do wonders for any room, while not overpowering it. Look for that fine line between Bruce Banner and The Hulk here.
Less Is More
Is your style a little more muted? That’s OK. A few comic book-inspired pieces can still save the day. Look for a comic book light switch plate with your favorite character or a comic strip light shade that will subtly blend in with your other furniture and décor. Or find ways to sneak in comic books into functional pieces, like a Captain America-coated coat hanger.
Whatever your style, have fun bringing the world of comic books to your nest. Your passion and love for all things comic books should shine through in a way that’s both fearless and elegant. Check out the slideshow below for just a few examples of how to bring the power of comic books home:
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Patricia L. Garcia is content manager for NewHomeSource, where you can search for and get information on new homes and new construction communities. You can find her on Google+.