Let's Hang It Up: The Art of Wall Decoration

Art gallery professionals advise using the "57-inch rule" when hanging framed pieces. The artwork should be displayed 57 inches from the floor to match the eye level of the average person. To do this, you will need to measure 57 inches down from where the hook sits on the back of the frame.

Another step would be to map out your arrangement. This is an ambitious project. You will need sturdy brown paper to trace the outline of each item to be hung. Cut out each item and then tape it on the wall until you find the arrangement that suits you best. You can also simplify the process by arranging the frames on the floor to get an idea of how they will look hanging on the wall. Once you decide how you will display the artwork, the frames are ready to be hung.

For a formal grouping, find a common theme — color, subject, frame style, etc. — that pulls the artwork together. For a more casual look, the artwork can have diversity as its only common denominator. Groupings of mismatched pieces, such as drawings, oil paintings and photos, can be pleasing if they are not displayed haphazardly, making them appear chaotic. The placement of small mirrors of different styles, shapes and sizes opposite a window is a good choice for a room where you are trying to increase natural light.

Natural themes: Love the great outdoors? Walls displaying botanical prints, pressed flowers, leaves, vertical gardens and woven baskets are an imaginative way to bring elements of the outdoors in.

Statement murals: If you have wall space, you can go as large as you like with wall murals. Printed wall murals are larger than life and usually cover an entire wall. The mural is one continuous scene that sticks to the wall with adhesive. The scene can even be customized to replicate a place that is important to you, such as a favorite vacation spot.

Functional decor: A wall-mounted desk can create a work area in a small space. The same wall can also be surrounded by a whiteboard, magnetic boards, corkboards and a bookshelf or two to organize the workspace.

Fabric: Dress up your walls with large swaths of fabric instead of paint for texture and warmth. Tapestries can be hung on a curtain rod, suspended from the ceiling or simply nailed to the wall. Heavy-duty adhesive hooks are the best way to handle your tapestries without the risk of damaging the wall. Velcro strips can be applied to hold lighter fabrics, such as cotton or silk. Batiks, tie-dyes and quilts also work very well as wall art.

Ready to turn a wall or two into your own an art gallery? Contact us and let us help you find a new place to curate your own art gallery.