A Guide to Arranging Art at Home
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PHOTO CREDIT: PAULA INTERIORS
Whether you’re designing your new home or looking to refresh your space, art is a beautiful way to add visual interest and make your space feel more personal. Enhancing a room can be as simple as displaying some paintings, photographs, and art objects that you have selected over the years. As one of the only Chicago interior design firms who specialize in artistic interior design, we’ve created this guide to explain how we place artwork.
Consider Size
The size and shape of your artwork are very important factors to consider when deciding where to place it. A good rule of thumb is to leave breathing space that is around 3/8 of the width of a work on either side. A work that is too large for a wall will end up looking cramped, while one that is too small will get lost on a large wall.
PHOTO CREDIT: PINTEREST
A general rule with the scale of artwork when it is placed over furniture is to choose works that are around ⅔ the size of the furniture, as we did in our recent design of a home in Logan Square. Sometimes even a small wall space can be the perfect spot for a work, adding a unique and unexpected accent. When in doubt, experiment by holding up different pieces on the wall to see how they look before you hang them. Remember that you can also lean small works of art on shelving and your mantel.
Coordinate Colors
PHOTO CREDIT: PAULA INTERIORS
Wanting to infuse your room with some color? Art is a fantastic way to add dynamism and beauty by adding a burst of color. We often use art as a way of bringing in the accent colors of a room, coordinating with accessories like draperies, pillows, or rugs. Of course, if you have a black and white photograph or minimalist work, it can add a point of contrast to your surroundings by bringing a modern feel.
Create a Grouping
If you have a large wall and many smaller works, you can create a statement grouping that will become a focal point of your room. The grouping should have a unifying element, whether color or theme. We recommend laying out your grouping on the floor first before trying to hang so that you can move the works around to see what looks best. Start by placing the largest works first and then arrange the smaller works, keeping symmetry and an equal amount of spacing in mind as you do. An asymmetrical grouping, like this one will come across as more modern, while a symmetrical arrangement is more traditional.
PHOTO CREDIT: PINTEREST
Hang Art at Eye Level
You should always aim to have the center of your artwork at eye level. Many people make the mistake of hanging artwork too high, which can make the works feel like they are floating. The only time a work should be above or below eye level is when it is hung above specific types of furniture. For example, if you are hanging a large work above a sofa, it should be hung just high enough to not touch the tops of people’s heads when they are sitting.
Measure Your Wall
Ready to start hanging? To make sure you drill your hole in exactly the right spot, it’s necessary to measure both your wall and the artwork. You can either mark the spot where you are going to drill with a pencil or cut out kraft paper in the size of your artwork and tape it to the wall using painter’s tape to make sure you have the right spot. This technique is especially beneficial if you are creating a grouping of works. Use a level to make sure that the top edge of your kraft paper is straight before you tape it up.
Arranging art on walls in your home can be a great way to add some personality, creativity and color to your space. The best part about hanging a picture is that there are no hard rules; go ahead and experiment with different arrangements to see what works for you. If you need any help, reach out to our Chicago interior designers for advice on hanging your home wall decor. Every work deserves a special spot where it can be appreciated !
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Talk to you soon,
Paula