When hanging artwork it’s good to keep in mind that old adage that tailors use – measure twice and cut once. Only in this case, it’s measure twice and bang a hole into your wall once! Hanging artwork is not very difficult at all, but it can take a little bit of time and planning to get it right. It also makes a difference if you are hanging one piece of art, a vertical or horizontal grouping, or a collage. Some general rules to consider include:
- When grouping pictures, draw your plan to scale on a piece of paper, or tape actual size “stand-ins” onto your wall before committing with a hammer and nails.
- When hanging artwork above furniture that is against a particularly high or low wall, try to leave twice as much space above the artwork as below it.
- Regardless of whether you are hanging one picture or a grouping, try to keep the centre of the picture, or grouping, at eye level with the average person.
- If you are having trouble managing the space you have, keep in mind that many publishers offer prints in custom sizes, so you can perfectly fill the space.
Going solo
A piece of art, large or small, displayed on its own can become the focal point for a room. Choose a place that is well lit, or provide a light source for the artwork. Ensure that the piece is properly centred on the wall, top-to-bottom and side-to-side, while keeping in mind the general rules above.
All together now
Artwork can be grouped in many different ways. You can create an overall collage or hang pictures in a vertical or horizontal grouping. When planning a collage, or grouping, there needs to be a reason, or theme, for the group. That may be the subject matter, the colour scheme, the framing, style of art, etc.
There’s no doubt that artwork, when displayed with care and some artistic flare, can take a plain room and give it a chic, custom-designed look. Just remember to plan out your wall so you can do it right the first time.
Visit the Kat’s Gallery website at www.katsgallery.com for more information.
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