Ready to transform your home into a work of art? Decorating your home with art pieces can be a fun and creative way to express your unique personality while sprinkling a dash of elegance to the space. But finding the right art for your taste is one thing—mastering art placement to make the pieces ‘pop’ is a whole ‘nother issue.
Whether you’re looking to add some character to a bland wall by accessorizing with new art pieces or there’s something that feels ‘off’ about the art in your home, this guide is for you. Read on to learn exactly how to turn your home into a masterpiece with precise art placement.
The Basics of Art Placement Around Your Home
Hanging artwork can be daunting, but with a little know-how and creativity, you can transform your space into a gallery-worthy display.
The trick to placing art for a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing display lies in knowing where and how to hang the pieces. Think about the size and scale of the artwork, the wall space available, and the room’s overall balance. Here are some basics to get you started.
Choosing the Right Size – Art in Scale
Ever selected artwork that’s too small or too large for your display area? We’ve all been there—and you must be aware of how a miscalculation can throw off the whole vibe of the room. The good news is that there are a few simple ‘hacks’ to get the sizing just right.
When you’re hanging artwork above furniture, aim for it to be at least two-thirds the size of the sofa or sideboard. So, if you’ve got a 6-foot-long sofa, shoot for a 4-foot-wide piece of art to hang above it. Easy peasy, right?
Well, what if you don’t have a reference point? What if you’re hanging art on a standalone wall? In this case, you may need to grab your measuring tape. Measure the length and width of your wall, then multiply each number by 0.571. This will give you the perfect dimensions for your artwork to take up four-sevenths of the wall.
Where to Hang Art – Tips for Optimal Placement
Got the right size artwork for your space? Great! Now it’s time to figure out exactly where to hang it.
While older conventions will argue that the best position to place art is at eye level, this rule can be arbitrary in modern interior design. Instead, most décor experts will recommend the 57-inch rule for hanging artwork.
According to the 57-inch rule, the center of the artwork should be placed at around 57 inches from the floor. Start by measuring the artwork’s height and dividing it by two to locate the center point. Then measure the distance from the picture wire or nail hook to the top of the frame and subtract that distance from half of the artwork’s height. Finally, add your result to 57, and you should have the distance up the wall where you should hammer your nail for optimal artwork placement.
While math can be a reliable guide on art placement around your home, perception is vital. Your goal is to create a balance between the artwork and the room’s design. So always step back and assess your placement. Remember, artwork placement is an art in itself – let your creativity soar! Think of the above calculations as more of a compass to point you in the right direction.
Other Tips for Visually Appealing Art Placement
The ‘basics’ aside, you can elevate your home decor game and transform any room into a stunning art gallery with the following easy-to-follow tips for creating a visually appealing display.
- Art Should Complement the Décor: When selecting and hanging artwork, it’s important to consider the existing colors, lighting, patterns, and vibe of the room. Case in point, your art can introduce an additional accent color, but it should fit into the overall color scheme.
- Hanging Multiple Pieces is About Balance: In a group arrangement, you can create a harmonious flow that’s easy on the eyes by keeping heavy pieces at the bottom and left. This promotes visual harmony because our eye movement tends to start on the left.
- Think Outside the Box: Don’t limit yourself to traditional hanging methods. Consider using unconventional techniques like leaning art against the wall or using shelves to showcase your artwork. These methods can create a unique and personalized touch to your space.
- Don’t Forget Negative Space: Negative space refers to the empty space around the art. It may not cross your mind, but the negative space on your wall affects the overall balance of the display. Aim for an equal amount of negative space between each piece.
- Use a Template to Avoid Unnecessary Holes in Your Walls: Before putting hammer to nail, save yourself the frustration (and your walls the trauma) of hanging and rehanging a grouping of art. Instead, trace each piece on kraft paper, label the tracing, and cut it out. Use painter’s tape to try out gallery wall placements and arrangements without covering your wall with holes.
Don’t Just Hang Your Art; Give it a Home.
A well-placed piece of art can be the finishing touch your home needs. But when it comes to hanging art in your home, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to take the time to consider your wall space, room arrangement, and use the standard guidelines as a starting point. Remember to step back and assess your placement from different angles, as this will help you determine if the artwork complements the room’s overall design. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful display that enhances your living space and showcases your artwork’s beauty.
Find the perfect place for your artwork and watch your walls come alive!
