When taking on a room re-do, many people begin filling out the space in their homes by hanging photos and art on the walls. You might already have some art you like or brought with you from an earlier place and time. And additionally, it can be an inexpensive way to dramatically change a room. Warning: While it may seem one of the easier décor jobs to tackle, many still get it wrong. Pictures are often hung too high, are mis-matched, or seem to fight with existing décor. Today, designer Lauren Oviatt gives us her tips on perfect picture placement.
1. Use the right tools:
Before you begin a hanging project, consider what you’ll be hanging and the required tools to make sure your frame is secure and level. Here are some basic hanging tools to keep on hand:
Level, hammer, ruler/measuring tape, nails, picture hangers, d-rings and picture wire, drywall anchors (for architectural fragments), toggle bolts & expanding bolts (for heavier pieces).
When in doubt about the weight of your art piece or the security of your nail, find a stud. Studs are typically framed at 16” widths, but an inexpensive stud finder will eliminate guesswork.
2. Consider alternatives:
Instead of hanging all your photographs/art on nails covering bare walls – consider alternatives. Group eclectic frames and photos by using frame rails, available at home stores or through catalogs. Try to mix small and large frames on each rail to create visual balance. If your home has decorative wainscoting or other architectural details featuring a shelf top, simply set pictures along the trim – it creates a gallery effect and is easily changed without damage to walls. Ribbon treatments are suitable for many areas and can be a custom feature in children’s rooms and more decorative spaces.
3. Maintain One Unifying Element:
When planning a grouping of art or photographs, keep consistency among at least one element of your design. If you have various sized photographs, make sure they have similar mats and frames. Conversely, if your ‘material’ is all very similar in subject, think outside the box with varying frame styles and sizes. Just about everything benefits from being hung in multiples – if you are wary of messing up, lay pictures out on the floor to get an idea of the arrangement you’ll like.
4. Frame for the piece, not the space:
A tip I learned from a framer years ago is this – always frame for the piece, not the space where the piece will be hung. This is a no-fail universal rule. The photo or art will always be showcased if it is framed according to the subject… this rule ensures that your investment on proper framing will last a lifetime.
5. Tips from the Pros:
Back to common mistakes – pictures are often hung too high, much too high in fact! Art galleries employ the rule of hanging pieces so their center is at eye level – or between 58 and 60 inches from the floor. This is a great place to start. Also, many rooms have well-thought out groupings, but they seem to float high above furniture pieces, creating a visual disconnect instead of harmonious focal point. Try pieces 6-8 inches above existing furniture groupings and notice how the vignette seems to come together. Last but not least, consider the size of the frame when hanging groupings. The width of the frame (and sometimes the mat as well) will give you a hint as to the spacing of the pieces. Separating pieces too far apart defeats the purpose of a ‘grouping’.
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After making a few concessions for the Historic committee, construction began.
