Artwork is a great way to add interest to a room, but arranging art can be stressful.
The trick is to know where and how to hang art (and how many pieces to hang).
With our expert advice on arranging art, your home will feel like a gallery in no time.
Credit: Edmund Barr
“I tend to shy away from pictures of asparagus in the kitchen,” she says.
Match Art to Decor
Select artwork for your walls that complements the other colors in the space.
In living rooms, people are usually sitting, so artwork should be lower.
Credit: David Tsay
Having pieces that are too small or too large will make the whole arrangement look strange.
“double-check artwork is at least two-thirds the size of the sofa or sideboard,” Crisolo says.
“For example, a 9-foot-long sofa should have a 6-foot-wide expanse of art above it.”
Credit: Annie Schlecther
“In a group arrangement, keep heavy pieces to the bottom and left,” says Crisolo.
“It balances the weight of the items because the eye starts on the left.
If you have an even arrangement, put the heaviest piece in the middle.”
Credit: Adam Albright
“Use small pieces between windows and doors,” saysLinda Crisolo, director of merchandising for Art.com.
“If small items are in a space too large, the pieces look lost.
With larger pieces, allow room for people to step back and admire the work.”
Credit: John Bessler
Instead, trace each piece on kraft paper, label the tracing, and cut it out.
If you’re hanging portraits, draw arrows on the paper to indicate which way the subject is looking.
Use painters tape totry out gallery wall placementsand arrangements without covering your wall with holes.
Credit: David Patterson
How to Hang Artwork
Hanging artwork will add polish to your walls.
The right hardware and hanging techniques will help the process go smoothly.
Watch and learn how to hang artwork with ease.
Credit: Greg Schiedemann
Start by defining the dimensions of your display.
Position the most prominent piece at eye level in the center and work outward.
“Above a mantel or fireplace is the perfect place to layer pieces,” Crisolo says.
Credit: Edmund Barr
Prop artwork on shelves against a wall or atop a piece of furniture for a casual display.
This allows you the freedom to quickly change up the arrangement, without inflicting more damage on your walls.
Arrange Art in Odd Numbers
When creating a grouping, choose an odd number of items.
Credit: Dana Gallagher
This trick helps your art arrangement look balanced and complete.
Frames for Wall Art
A symmetrical arrangement creates a striking and simple focal point.
All-white frames and mats unify this grouping.
Credit: Anthony Masterson
“I like to use the same frames to create homogeny,” says Crisolo.
Level the middles," Crisolo says.
Arrange Art with Decor
Artwork collaborates with other accessories and decor to create a visual story.
Credit: Edmund Barr
verify images, moldings, and shelves all work together.
“Hang artwork in front of a bookcase, on the face of the shelf,” Crisolo says.
“The shelves and ledges become part of a decorating story.”
Credit: Paul Dyer
Art for Your Decorating Style
ensure your arrangement matches your decorating style.
“Symmetrical arrangements are more traditional or formal.
Asymmetrical is modern,” Crisolo says.
Credit: Dana Gallagher
“Also look at the image and style of the frame.
For cottage-style rooms, stick with vintage images or botanicals.
In modern rooms, choose large and abstract pieces.”
Credit: David Tsay
Credit: Robert Brinson
Credit: Kim Cornelison
