How to hang
your art...
(Click here for illustrated tips)
You’ve selected a beautiful piece of art to complement your interior.
Now it's time to hang it. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
• It is suggested that artworks hung alone,
away from any furniture or other artworks, be hung at eye level, or centered
slightly below eye level on very large works.
• If your intention is to have several pieces
of art viewed separately allow generous space inbetween.
• Avoid hanging one small picture on a huge
expanse of wall - art looks better when it seems to extend the lines of furniture,
windows or doorways.
• Decide where to hang the artwork, keeping
in mind the type of feel you'd like your room to have. The way in which you
hang art can make a big difference. Smaller pieces hung together will overwhelm
a small room. However, grouping multiple pieces in a larger room adds interest.
• Creation of wall groups can be a fun and
interesting way to decorate a home. This can be done with pieces of all sizes
and subjects. You might want to try arranging the positioning of the artworks
on the floor before actually putting hooks in the wall. This allows you unlimited
freedom and ease in trying out different arrangements. Feel free to mix styles.
There are no rules!
• Large pictures look best centered over
sofas etc. They are meant to be the focal point of the room and work well within
a large expanse of wall space.
• Once you’ve decided where you’d
like to hang your art, measure to find the center of the piece. Allow for the
drop of wire, and make a mark on the wall where you will put the hanger.
• Use more than just nails. Choose an appropriate
hook. You might want a two-piece nail-and-hook, or a one-piece hook with a disk
that keeps the straight part from going completely through the wall. Heavier
art should be hung with a hollow-wall anchor. A picture hook will protect your
walls and bear the weight of the picture. If this sounds confusing, the easiest
thing to do is purchase a picture hanging kit at your local hardware store.
It contains everything you need to hang your art.
• You can prevent the plaster or drywall
from cracking by placing a piece of Scotch tape on the wall where you will insert
the hook.
• Use rubber bumpers on the back of your
pictures. Not only will it help protect your wall but you won't have to straighten
the picture again.
Lighting for your art...
How you light your artwork can dramatically influence its effect on your room.
Here are a few tips you might want to consider when lighting art:
• Avoid long periods of direct exposure to
sunlight, as the image may fade over time. A bright room is fine but try not
to hang the artwork where the sun will fall directly on the piece.
• Illuminate your art at the lowest light
level possible for enjoyment.
• Choose subdued lighting effects that will
not reflect into glass.
• Add a sense of atmosphere by using wall
lights or sconces on either side of your framed piece.
• Set an inexpensive uplight on the floor
and aim its beam at the artwork.
• Install a cylinder-shaped picture light
(these are often made of brass) on the wall above the painting.
Care for your art...
Here are a few tips to keep in mind that will help conserve your fine artwork
and maintain the integrity of its original state.
• Be careful not to let direct sunlight shine
on your art, it will fade it.
• Hang your art in neutral climates, away
from excessive humidity or dryness. Too much moisture can cause mats and prints
to buckle or mold over time. Extreme dryness can also unfavorably affect the
artwork.
• Framing your artwork adds to the life of
your art.
• Do not spray cleaner of any kind directly
onto the framed piece. Rather, spray cleaner onto a cloth and then apply it.
• If you are a homeowner, be assured that
your artwork is included in your Homeowner’s Insurance.
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Illustrated tips
classic
Large pictures look best centered over a sofa etc. They are meant to be the
focal point of the room and work well within a large wall space. In general,
when looking to create a traditional setting the art should not be any longer
than the piece of furniture it is placed over.
modern
You have more flexibility when creating a contemporary setting. Generally an
odd number of smaller images works best. Try grouping them in straight lines
with even spacing inbetween.
grouping
Groupings are a great way to showcase a collection or to add a real focal
point to a wall.
• The hardest part is figuring out what to
put where. Start by making the right choices from the beginning.
• If you want an eclectic look, choose a
variety of styles and frames.
• If you want to keep things more traditional,
stick to a similar style and framing. It will help create a more sophisticated
look.
• Try sketching out your design before hand
- you'll save time later by not having to repair your walls!
creating height
If you have a room with low ceilings then try hanging prints with strong vertical
lines. Another solution is focusing on art that is framed in a portrait format.
This will add to the sense of height.
off set
Create a casual feel by hanging matching artwork off set - one picture slightly
higher than the other. By creating a diagonal line the room will seem more relaxed.
large areas
A group of pictures framed similarly and hung in a grouping can fill a large
space with maximum impact. Try groupings based on a theme you like! You're other
option is to use 2 large prints hung off set as a pair.
narrow areas
In narrow settings smaller pictures work well to add some interest to the space.
You could also choose two large narrow pieces for a different feel. Try this
in a hall or between two doorways.
off the wall
You don't just have to hang art on a wall. There are other interesting ways
to display art in a room.
• Lean a large piece on the floor or on top
of a large piece of furniture.
• Nestle smaller pieces of art on a book
shelf or work space.
• Hang a decorative shelf and then add various
sizes of art and accessories.
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