Artwork can be a great way to add color and personality to a room but when it comes to arranging it, a lot of people don't even know where to begin. Here a few tips from Linda Crisolo, the director of merchandising for Art.com in an interview with Better Homes and Gardens.
In the Living Room:
1.) Artwork is often the center of attention in a room. Make sure to place artwork at eye level. The only exception would be in the living room. The general rule of thumb for hanging artwork in the living room (where people are most likely sitting rather than standing), is to hang your art one hand width above your sofa or love seat.
2.) Make sure that artwork is in proportion with the furniture it is hanging over, whether it be a bed or sofa. According to Linda, "make sure artwork is at least two-thirds the size of the sofa or sideboard."
3.) Instead of going through the frustrations of hanging, rehanging, hanging, crying and then ending up with walls that look more like a pincushion than an actual wall try tracing out your artwork on paper and using painters tape to hang your templates. No damage to your walls or you ego with this method.
4.) Whenever hanging multiple pieces make sure to balance them visually. Linda says, in uneven arrangements to hang your heavy piece on the bottom left and with even arrangements to hang the heaviest piece on the bottom middle.
5.) Mixing and matching is also a fun way to create a "gallery look". Add vases, flowers, decorative plates or anything else that goes with the room's decor. Always make sure to put the most prominent item (usually your artwork) in the center and work outwards from that focal point.
6.) Linda also suggests "when hanging multiple pieces around the room, don't try to make the bottoms or tops of frames level. Level the middles." This comes in handy when trying to hang multiple pieces around rooms which, in the real world, have doorways, hallways and windows to maneuver around.
In the Bedroom:
1.) When hanging artwork in your bedroom and intimate spaces, choose artwork that is personal like family portraits. Also stick with just one theme like all color photos or all black and white photos.
2.) Odd numbers are always best when grouping. This creates a definite beginning, middle and end with your pieces.
In the Kitchen:
1.) Always make sure to hang artwork and photos away from where they could be damaged by heat, smoke, water or food splashes. Choose instead, behind a bar or over a dining table. Linda also suggests staying away from putting "kitchen art" in the kitchen. "I tend to shy away from pictures of asparagus in the kitchen," she says.
In Any Room:
1.) Consider how much wall space you have available to you when hanging your artwork. Use smaller pieces in smaller areas and larger pieces in larger areas offering viewers to be able to step back and enjoy the artwork that is there.
2.) Your artwork arrangements should reflect the style of the room they are in. Symmetrical arrangements are usually viewed at as more traditional where as skewed arrangements are often looked at more for modern rooms. Also make sure the artwork itself reflects your personal style. You wouldn't want an modern abstract piece hanging in your country style kitchen.
3.) You don't always have to hang artwork. Try experimenting with different places around your home to put your prized pieces. Try propping a picture up against a wall or even a piece of furniture.
Don't let hanging your artwork become a hassle. With everything decorating there is no wrong or right way to design and decorate your home. Always use art that you like and put it where it will be enjoyed by you and your guests. Show off great photography by highlighting them in your room. Play around with different size and color frames for you pieces. And most importantly, HAVE FUN!
In the Living Room:
1.) Artwork is often the center of attention in a room. Make sure to place artwork at eye level. The only exception would be in the living room. The general rule of thumb for hanging artwork in the living room (where people are most likely sitting rather than standing), is to hang your art one hand width above your sofa or love seat.
2.) Make sure that artwork is in proportion with the furniture it is hanging over, whether it be a bed or sofa. According to Linda, "make sure artwork is at least two-thirds the size of the sofa or sideboard."
3.) Instead of going through the frustrations of hanging, rehanging, hanging, crying and then ending up with walls that look more like a pincushion than an actual wall try tracing out your artwork on paper and using painters tape to hang your templates. No damage to your walls or you ego with this method.
4.) Whenever hanging multiple pieces make sure to balance them visually. Linda says, in uneven arrangements to hang your heavy piece on the bottom left and with even arrangements to hang the heaviest piece on the bottom middle.
5.) Mixing and matching is also a fun way to create a "gallery look". Add vases, flowers, decorative plates or anything else that goes with the room's decor. Always make sure to put the most prominent item (usually your artwork) in the center and work outwards from that focal point.
6.) Linda also suggests "when hanging multiple pieces around the room, don't try to make the bottoms or tops of frames level. Level the middles." This comes in handy when trying to hang multiple pieces around rooms which, in the real world, have doorways, hallways and windows to maneuver around.
In the Bedroom:
1.) When hanging artwork in your bedroom and intimate spaces, choose artwork that is personal like family portraits. Also stick with just one theme like all color photos or all black and white photos.
2.) Odd numbers are always best when grouping. This creates a definite beginning, middle and end with your pieces.
In the Kitchen:
1.) Always make sure to hang artwork and photos away from where they could be damaged by heat, smoke, water or food splashes. Choose instead, behind a bar or over a dining table. Linda also suggests staying away from putting "kitchen art" in the kitchen. "I tend to shy away from pictures of asparagus in the kitchen," she says.
In Any Room:
1.) Consider how much wall space you have available to you when hanging your artwork. Use smaller pieces in smaller areas and larger pieces in larger areas offering viewers to be able to step back and enjoy the artwork that is there.
2.) Your artwork arrangements should reflect the style of the room they are in. Symmetrical arrangements are usually viewed at as more traditional where as skewed arrangements are often looked at more for modern rooms. Also make sure the artwork itself reflects your personal style. You wouldn't want an modern abstract piece hanging in your country style kitchen.
3.) You don't always have to hang artwork. Try experimenting with different places around your home to put your prized pieces. Try propping a picture up against a wall or even a piece of furniture.
Don't let hanging your artwork become a hassle. With everything decorating there is no wrong or right way to design and decorate your home. Always use art that you like and put it where it will be enjoyed by you and your guests. Show off great photography by highlighting them in your room. Play around with different size and color frames for you pieces. And most importantly, HAVE FUN!
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