A great artwork will add color, beauty, and personality to a room – As long as you do it the right way, stated by an interior designer James Treble.
Whether it is a very large mirror, a collection of print outs or that ‘Picasso’ you bought for a bargain, artworks is an integral part of any interior design and can either make or break a space. Being able to Hang artworks and pictures the correct way, however, is a totally different ball game, and when done wrongly can do a lot more disorganization than organization.
Firstly, there’s the need to get the correct style and size of work for the right wall. Then, there are the design aspects to take into consideration, such as getting the height and positioning right. Finally, there’s the step where you actually have to hang the artwork on the wall…and get it level…and make sure it stays there.
Here are three things to consider to make sure you hang your artwork correctly.
1. PICK THE RIGHT LOCATION
The first thing to do is work out where you want to hang the art. For example, a large mirror with an ornate frame near an entry can make a big impact.
For the lounge room, a collection of artworks may be the solution. In the hallway, small works in a row are a great way to show family photos, and for the dining room an oversized statement piece is sure to be a conversation starter.
HOOKS: DRILLING VS STICK-ON
You need to consider the weight of the picture and then select the right hook for hanging the art. You’ll need to drill for a large piece, however, stick-on hooks are great for smaller, lighter works. They won’t damage the wall, making them perfect for renters or people who like to switch up their interiors regularly.
Weigh the artwork before you choose the suitable size of stick-on hook, and always allow for a little extra weight.
2. HANG ART IN GROUPS
Artworks grouped in four, six or more can really make a statement, and create the same ‘wow’ factor of a much larger artwork for a fraction of the cost.
To get the look just right, try drawing up a grid on graph paper to confirm the perfect distance between each piece of art before you start hanging. Or, you may also like to lay them out on the floor to get the right arrangement and then measure between them before you hang them on the wall.
TIPS FOR HANGING ART LIKE A PRO
- Artworks should be hung with the centre point at eye level. Generally this is about 1.5m off the floor.
- When hanging multiple artworks together, consider them as one large work and centre them with appropriate spacing between.
- If you have a dark hallway, a glass-fronted artwork can help bounce light around.
- The frame colour and type can be just as important as the artwork itself, so think about what works best in your room.
- A grid of smaller works can be a cost-effective way to fill a wall instead of one large piece.
3. KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF SCALE
When hanging art over a sideboard or console, the picture should not be larger than the piece of furniture. About 3/4 the width of the furniture is a good guide.
For large walls, go for one big artwork or a grid of smaller ones – a single small artwork can look a bit stingy by itself on a large wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do professionals hang artwork?
The artwork’s center should be 57 inches from the ground to match average eye level. People shouldn’t strain themselves to view the artwork. By placing the center of the artwork at eye level, it ensures the art can be admired comfortably.
How can I hang my art at home?
Artworks should be hung with the centre point at eye level. Generally, this is about 1.5m off the floor. When hanging multiple artworks together, consider them as one large work and centre them with appropriate spacing between. If you have a dark hallway, a glass-fronted artwork can help bounce light around.
What is the formula for hanging a picture?
Use this formula: Divide the height of the frame by two; from that number, subtract the distance from the top of the frame to the hanging hardware; add this number to 57, 58, 59, or 60. The final sum is the height (measured from the floor), and where the hangers should be put into the wall.
What sticks to wall without damaging paint?
Putty and double-sided tape are great for light, unframed items. Cut some double-sided tape into small, fingernail-sized pieces or tear off some pieces of poster putty. Stick a piece of tape or putty in each corner of the item you want to put up and press it firmly against the wall to hang it.
How do you hang heavy art without drilling?
Start by taking a pack of VELCRO® Brand HANGables® Picture Hanging Strips (Large). Designed for hanging heavy pictures and mirrors, these large picture hanging strips can hold up to 16lbs per pack. Attach one half of each set to your picture frame, and the other half to the wall and press down firmly.
How do galleries hang art?
“The correct method of hanging is to use D-rings,” said Marilyn Murdoch, the owner of Katayama Framing, a Portland, Ore., installation company that serves West Coast museums and galleries. A D-ring is just what it sounds like: a metal ring shaped like the letter D that screws into the side rails on the back of a frame.
What is the rule for hanging pictures on a wall?
The golden rule of hanging a picture is to have the center of the photo be at 57 inches. This reflects the standard eye-height of the average person, and is used as a standard in most art galleries and museums.
How do you hang expensive art?
Check the hardware to make sure it’s firmly secured with screws to the back of the frame/artwork. If the artwork is heavy, use two D-ring hangers – one on each side of the painting to hang the art. When hanging a frame from a wire, use two hooks in the wall for added stability.
Where not to hang pictures?
Avoid hanging art in direct sunlight to prevent damage to the artwork. Artwork should be properly lit, but avoid using Earth’s most abundant light source—sunlight. Direct sunlight can lead to irreparable damage. The ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause artwork to fade, crack, or warp.
How do you hang large art?
Rather than the commonly used screw eye hook, a D-ring is preferable for larger pieces since it attaches directly to the back of the frame and creates a stronger foundation for hanging. Depending on how large your art is, heavy-duty hanging wire and hooks might also be needed.
Should all pictures be hung at the same height?
Should all pictures be hung at the same height? While there are general guidelines as to how and where to hang pictures, each piece of art or frame is unique, meaning that you do not necessarily have to hang pictures at the same height as one another if you do not want to or do not like the look.
How far up should a picture be hung?
To ensure your artwork looks amazing regardless of who’s gawking at it, the standard height for hanging artwork at eye level is 57” from the center of your photograph to the floor. And If this seems low to you, know that you can get away with hanging your art or photographs a little higher at 60”.
Is there a paint that sticks to anything?
Rust-Oleum Universal Spray Paint is the perfect choice for any surface—from wood and metal to plastic and vinyl. It resists corrosion and rust and is available in a wide range of colors, sheens, and finishes—including hammered and metallic.
Can command strips hold picture frames?
Large Command picture-hanging strips support up to 16 pounds if you use four pairs of them; however, 3M says the frame cannot exceed 24 by 36 inches, and the wall cannot be brick, covered with wallpaper or fabric, or textured.
Do command strips damage walls?
Command strips can be beneficial during wall decoration as they enable you to hang pictures and other objects without harming your wall. However, if not removed carefully, the can result in peeled paint, sticky patches with leftover residue and in some cases, cracks in the wall.
How big should art be on a wall?
1) Wall art should take up 60%- 75% of the available wall space, i.e wall space that isn’t covered by furniture or moldings. Start by measuring the width and height of your wall and then multiply them by both 0.60 and 0.75. This will give you the range of canvas print sizes that will suit the space.
Leave a Reply