How to position art on a wall…
You’ve selected a beautiful piece of limited edition art to complement your interior and your wondering just how to position art on a wall. Firstly, we believe you should always show your art as you think best suits your like and dislikes but to help, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. We suggest that artworks hung alone, away from any furniture or other artworks, be hung at eye level, or centred slightly below eye level on very large works.
2. If your intention is to have several pieces of art viewed separately, allow generous space in-between.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. Large pictures look best centred over sofas etc. They are meant to be the focal point of the room and work well within a large expanse of wall space.
7. Once you’ve decided where you’d like to hang your art, measure to find the centre of the piece. Allow for the drop of wire, and make a mark on the wall where you will put the hanger.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 mould over time. Extreme dryness can also unfavourably 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, check that your artwork is included in your Homeowner’s Insurance.
The look…
Classic
Large pictures look best centred 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 in-between.
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! Your 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 bookshelf or work space.
• Hang a decorative shelf and then add various sizes of art and accessories.
