There is nothing more boring than blank walls. Artwork sets the tone for each space and can reflect the personality of those that reside there. Once you find the artwork that you love, hanging it can be surprisingly difficult. Here are some simple guidelines for hanging your art properly.
If you are going to hang one piece of artwork, then 60 inches from the center of the frame to the floor seems to be the magic number. If you are placing a frame above furniture, then plan on 4-6 inches above the top of the furniture line. Another important dimension and proportion rule is that your artwork should stretch across 2/3 of the furniture that is fixed below. Always consider the scale of your space and don’t be afraid to use larger pieces and frames.
When hanging two or three pieces of art, treat them as if they are one. Use the 60-inch-from-the-floor-to-the-middle rule, and make sure they are only a few inches apart to keep from becoming disconnected.
Gallery walls can add character and can fill up a large space. For a nice flow, consider using artwork that has a similar theme and keep the spacing consistent. Large and medium pieces should be about 2-3 inches apart, but smaller ones can be hung closer together. It’s always a good idea to create templates of your chosen pieces. After tracing the frames and cutting the templates out, use painter’s tape to get just the right layout and spacing on the wall before making any holes.