Displaying Art, Part 3: Hanging Art

 

Displaying art in a pleasing manner that accompanies the space it is in, can be tricky. The process of properly hanging and placing the works is just as much of an art form as the pieces themselves! This blog is the third in our series of how to properly display art in your home, office, or anywhere else you’d like to place your collection. Below we share three of our favorite art hanging tips, which will help highlight your pieces and make proper use of the space.

Prep Work:

Before you begin hanging artwork, you should already have in mind where you’ll be placing them. We suggest tracing the frames of the pieces onto a piece of paper and holding it against the wall, and marking the edges of the frames. You can also use tape to create a layout on the wall where the pieces will go and draw where you'll put the holes for any nails or hanging strips. 

Tip 1:

Hanging more than one artwork should be handled as if you were placing just a single piece of art. Therefore, when it comes to hanging multiple pieces, it’s best to treat them all as one. Like any other piece, they need to be hung with the center of the works at eye-level. Place them a few inches apart, so they don’t run into one other but close enough so that they appear as one commodity. 

Tip 2:

The size of the pieces determines the width apart in which you should place them on the wall. Larger and medium-sized pieces should hang between 2 or 3 inches apart while smaller pieces need to only be 1.5 to 2.5 inches away from each other. If you are hanging pieces of a variety of different sizes, it’s best to keep them evenly spread apart. We suggest sticking with the 2 to 3-inch range. Hanging artwork too close together can seem cramped, while art that hangs far apart leaves too much open space and appears awkward.

Tip 3:

If you plan to hang artwork above furniture, there are a few do’s and don’ts that will ensure it’s viewable in the most appealing way. Artwork should be about two-thirds the furniture's width, so if you’re planning to place art above a couch or other large pieces, you may need to hang two or more art pieces. Hang the piece or pieces a few inches above furniture so that it isn’t blocked, and the space doesn’t appear overcrowded. 

As you can tell, displaying art is an artform in itself! Determining the placement, marking out the layout, and hanging up the art pieces is a process that requires planning. Don’t let this discourage you from acquiring art and showing it off in your home. Like anything else, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. If you’re interested in more tips or would like further help on displaying artwork, reach out to us! We’d be happy to help make sure your pieces are presented to your satisfaction. After all, you’re the one who will be admiring them every day. Visit our website, stop by the gallery, or give us a call at (228) 215-1343.

https://myhappyplacegallery.com/contact-info.php