Interior decorating isn’t complete until artwork is hung. Art and photos are the finishing touches, the bits of personality that represent your style and personality. It’s also the part of decorating that most people struggle with, but there are a few guidelines to consider before you put a hole in the wall.
Art should be hung at “eye level” (57” – 66” above the floor). 99% of people hang their paintings too high. If you’re ever in doubt, hang it lower than higher. You should be able to look at it comfortably.
If you are displaying art over furniture, allow 8”-12” above a sofa or table. A painting should have a “relationship” with the couch!
Gallery style is simply hanging a group of pictures together on a wall. There should be a common element to your grouping. The pictures could share the same theme (like this collection of old house photos) or be the same size or have identical frames or by the same artist, etc.
I arrange and rearrange the pictures on the floor until I get grouping I like. Only then do I put nail to the wall.
Take advantage of small spaces. This vertical arrangement of small house paintings fits in a little alcove. The top of the middle picture is 63”.
If you live in an apartment and or are hesitant about putting too many holes in the wall, here are a couple of options:
Lean or hang small pictures on bookshelves. I like the contrast between the dark book case, vintage, tattered books and flat, contemporary art.
Or install a picture rail or shelf. Layer pictures of different heights and sizes. The beauty is, you can change and rearrange your collections often without repairing holes in the wall!
Another revolving display idea is to clip art to the wire on an empty frame. This is perfect for kid’s artwork. Instead of using your refrigerator, find a fancy frame to really highlight 3rd grade art. Make your child feel really special.