Facing a blank wall with a blank stare? Brighten your outlook by trying these time-tested art arrangements.

Rhythm—the movement from one object to the next—contributes to a room’s tone. Creating a certain rhythm depends on the size, shape, and spacing of objects. This combination of large and small circles evokes a wave rhythm—dynamic movement that’s not too jarring. If all these circles were the same size and equally spaced, the rhythm would be calm. If the larger circles were replaced by tall, vertical rectangles, the rhythm would set a strong tone.

Stamp your own artwork.

NEXT: Art Lesson 1: Symmetrical Display