His style is defined by a clear, almost austere approach to composition. He avoided the cluttered rooms common in earlier genre painting, opting instead for sparse interiors and a muted palette. This restraint creates a sense of suspended time within his scenes. Ekels used light to define the geometry of a room, often placing a single figure in a moment of quiet concentration. His work bridges the gap between the domestic intimacy of the seventeenth century and the formal precision of Neoclassicism.

The appeal of Ekels for modern collectors lies in this minimalism. His paintings offer a sense of calm that fits well in contemporary living spaces. The focus on solitary, thoughtful activities like writing or reading provides a visual counterpoint to a busy world. These prints bring a sophisticated, understated atmosphere to a room. His use of grey and brown tones ensures the art remains versatile within various interior colour schemes.