Do’s and don’ts for Displaying Artwork
Art is so fascinating. Behind every piece of artwork is an expression, an emotion, and a story that is completely up to each individual to interpret. Art is uniquely personal to each human being. What does art mean to you?
To me, taking a blank canvas (or a blank and existing interior space) and transforming it into a work of art is so satisfying and rewarding. I truly enjoy it, especially after all the hard work, effort, and energy that goes into creating a masterpiece. Do you have art that you created, unique pieces collected from your travels, or because you just simply appreciate art? If you do and aren’t sure how to display the art you have in your home or office, not to worry. There is an "art" to exhibiting art in your space. Check out Do’s and Don’ts below for displaying artwork that transforms it from uninteresting to inspiring.
Miss Alice Designs
DON’T: Hang art too high. Many people make this mistake which is a common mistake.
DO: Hang art 57-60” from the center to the floor. This also includes the entire arrangement of a gallery wall. For art that is too tall to hang at eye level, place them around 15” off of the floor.
DON’T: Think that a gallery wall only applies to one specific type of media such as a group of paintings or a group of photos.
DO: Mix photography, paintings, prints, and other forms of media together on a gallery wall or within the same display.
Miss Alice Designs
DON’T: Try and match the color palette of your art to the color scheme of a room.
DO: Display art against an accent wall of contrasting color or material—so that the art remains the focus of the line of sight.
DON’T: Overlook other rooms in your home as venues for displaying art.
DO: Make use of hallways, kitchens, mudrooms, powder rooms, niches, and specific antique furniture for displaying art. Focus on significant, larger art at the end of hallways.
DON’T: Hang a tiny piece of artwork on a large wall.
DO: Hang artwork between 2/3 to 3/4 of the size of a piece of furniture that it’s being hung above (ex: the width of a sofa or a bed). If you are hanging art on a wall that doesn’t have furniture against it you should make sure that the art takes up a little over half of the wall.
DON’T: Think you have to go with the norm of hanging artwork on a wall.
DO: Try different ways of displaying artwork that isn’t considered standard, such as placing them on the floor and leaning it against the wall. You can lean artwork on the floor next to your fireplace, in your bedroom, or in your home office. Create a layered effect by leaning several pieces of artwork against each other in various sizes and shapes or you can place them side by side. Mix and match frame styles and finishes to create visual dimension.
DON’T: Think that each frame has to match unless you are going for a modern look. In that case, a uniform minimal look (all black frames with black and white photography for example) works perfectly in a modern space.
DO: Mix and Match Frames in various finishes, styles, and sizes.
DON’T: Think that everything has to be symmetrical or balanced.
DO: Hang various pieces at slightly different heights to create visual interest and give it a more dynamic feel.
Art is all around us and it's a beautiful part of the world we live in. It isn't only found in galleries or museums. Whether you just appreciate art, read about it, create it yourself, or visit galleries, art is a part of everyone's life on a small scale or a grand scale. Including art in your home or office, especially one or a few pieces that you really love completely transforms a room. If you want a designer's touch on displaying art in your home or office and are ready to jump in with your design project, please contact me for a 30-minute discovery call. To schedule your consultation, click here.